We have suffered two deaths in our family between Christmas Day and New Years. How my heart aches for my friends, their families and my co-workers in ministry here at CBC! Two very different circumstances and two same realities of the permanence of death in our lives. I’ve lost two friends, both much older than I, but a very real part of my life just the same. One: a partner in aches, pains and speaking of hope; the other: a commonality of knowing trucks, warehouses, physical labor and the satisfaction of working with one’s hands.

The first, Glenna Shuter, was the mother of one of our deacons. She had a simple faith but a deep faith. Every Sunday we spoke, we spoke about the real aches and pains of this life…and we always ended our conversations with a reference to the hope that we have – that we will not be stuck in these bodies forever. My last conversation with Glenna was last Sunday morning: Christmas Day. We spoke of how God was helping us through some physical bumps in the road, and then before we wished the other a “Merry Christmas” we briefly reminded one another of our Blessed Hope. I didn’t know that Christmas Day would be the last I would see her. The second, Carl Sattison, was my type of guy. He knew “blue collar” work. He hadn’t been raised on easy street and he worked for everything he had. He drove trucks full of “swinging meat” from Ohio to New York regularly. We spoke about driving and warehouse employees (I was that stereotypical receiver back in the day) and just about the satisfaction realized in a full day’s work. His family describes him as “simple” but that isn’t derogatory. He was a man with whom you knew where he stood, and how he saw things.

Glenna passed quickly and fairly unexpectedly. Carl waged a battle over the past two years that wore his body down and began to deteriorate his mind. They both left holes in my life, and the lives of our church family. They were both “good people”.

Today, before I went to Owens Family Funeral Home in North Webster to begin to sit in on some of the arrangements for Carl’s memorial service, I read Psalm 139. Its funny how we run back to the familiarity of certain passages when we are hurting, isn’t it? Let me give you seven quick observations from Psalm 139 that should encourage us during this time of grieving and loss:

• Psalm 139:1-4- Our God has intimate knowledge of every aspect of our life
  • God knows us in our personality & individuality
  • God knows us in our mundane activities of life
  • God knows our thoughts, desires and mindset
  • God knows our activity and inactivity
  • God knows what we would say, even before we utter it
• Psalm 139:5- Our God completely encompasses us by his presence
  • God goes before us, surrounds us, and has his hand on us
• Psalm 139:6- Knowing this, I am completely overwhelmed
  • Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it
• Psalm 139:7-10- Our God will not abandon us, or let us escape his care
  • I cannot flee from God’s Spirit or presence
  • I can attain the greatest heights, and God is there
  • I can burrow to the lowest lows, and God is there
  • I can rise in the earliest morning, and God is there
  • I can isolate myself on the most remote part of the sea, and God is there
  • I cannot separate myself from God’s care for me
• Psalm 139:11-12- Our God is not phased by what frightens me
  • In the darkest times of my life, God is my Light
  • In what I perceive as overwhelming, God remains in charge
• Psalm 139:13-16- Our God is sovereignly a part of our life from before conception, through pregnancy, into birth and through the entirety of our lives
  • God made me exactly as he desired – I am no mistake
  • God made a masterpiece when he made me – I am fearfully and wonderfully made
  • God made several comments in a book he has about my life – he ordained every day of my life before I ever drew a breath
• Psalm 139:17-18- Knowing this, I am completely overwhelmed
  • How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, i am still with You.

While not a “traditional” passage about death or the hope we have in the midst of our grieving, this Psalm should provide comfort. Not only does God have intimate knowledge of me, but he has intimate knowledge of my loved ones. He makes no mistakes. He was not surprised this past week in the home-going of Glenna and Carl. He wasn’t surprised in the suffering or the suddenness. He wrote the book of their lives – laid out before eternity their paths, physical make up and intertwining in our own lives. I can trust a God that big. I cannot handle this life on my own, but knowing that he knows what happens next is a great encouragement to me.

Knowing the intimacy of God in our lives, even in seasons of grief, should spur us on to praising him for his being absolutely in control of our lives, and our loved one’s lives. Take time this week amid the visitations, the memorial services and the ministering to the Shuter and Sattison families to give God praise – for the good things he has done!

Ministry Interests:

Mark: What excites you the most about becoming the new Senior Pastor at CBC?

Kirk: Several things are exciting to me:  1)  I look forward to renewing old acquaintances; 2)  I look forward to getting to know those whom we do not know very well after being gone from Calvary for the last 10+ years; 3)  I look forward the opportunity to share with the CBC family what God has been teaching me through life and His Word via preaching and teaching; 4)  I look forward to working with two great guys—Greg and Mark—and one incredible secretary—Karen!  5)  I look forward to seeing CBC continue to grow more like Christ both as a body and individually as we affect Kosciusko County for Christ;  6)  Finally, just the opportunity to serve at home—CBC is, and has always been, our home!

Mark: How have you seen CBC grow and change since you first attended it?

Kirk: There are several ways I have seen CBC grow and change.  One of the ways would be that CBC has become a church that reaches out more—i.e. with food needs, clothes needs, monetarily, through individuals helping others in the church, the willingness displayed.  As I have watched these past 7 months while home on furlough, I have noticed a marked resemblance of people living like followers of Christ!  That’s exciting for me as the new pastor!  Another way CBC has grown is in the amount of people serving, helping, and assisting in the many ministries at CBC.  Now, just because I say that doesn’t mean “we’re good.”  There is always room to improve.  But it is very encouraging for me to see people using their gifts!

Mark: Currently, what are some things that you would like the members of CBC to pray for?

Kirk: Specifically, pray for these things:  1) The move; 2)  The house God has for us which we can buy when we return; 3)  Preparation time for studying during the move; 4)  A smooth transition both when our “stuff” arrives and at CBC when we get back; 5)  Patience for all as we learn to work together!  See ya when we get back!!

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Chance to Interact: How are you praying for your pastor?

Bible Interests:

Mark: What is your favorite book of the Bible?

Kirk: Wow, tough one!  I would have to say Ephesians but James would be a close second.

Mark: If you only had one book of the Bible to teach through, what would it be?  Why?

Kirk: Again, I would say Ephesians.  The reason I choose Ephesians is because it is “chock-full” of wisdom about who God is, becoming a believer, and how to become transformed and live the Christian life until the end!  That’s a helpful book!

Mark: Someone new to the Christian faith asks you what book of the Bible to study first, what would it be?  Why?

Kirk: I would point them to 1 John.  1 John explains many aspects of the Christian life that we “older believers” tend to forget after being saved for a while—things like not loving the world or the things in the world, loving others as Christ loved us, forgiveness, etc.  These truths are special for a new believer who is going to have to be constantly battling the desires of his flesh from his former life.

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Tomorrow will be the final set of questions for Pastor Kirk.  They will revolve around his Ministry Interests.

Chance to Interact: What would your answers to be to these interview questions?  What is your favorite book of the Bible?  What book of the Bible would you point a new believer to?  Why?

Counseling Interests:

Mark: What training have you had in biblical counseling, and how do you see it benefiting you in your ministry?

Kirk: From 1998 until 2002, I received my training and certification from the National Association of Nouthetic Counseling in Lafayette at Faith Baptist Church.  In other words, I am a Biblical Counselor i.e. I use the Bible as my only source of counsel for helping others.  Since my certification, I have 100s of hours of counseling experience.  This counseling has covered many different areas of study Marital Problems, Eating Disorders, OCD, Depression, Life-Dominating Habits, etc.  I am very thankful for the training I received as a NANC counselor.  I see my training as not only being beneficial in my ministry (in counseling, teaching, preaching, leading, etc.), but also in my daily life (communicating, handling problems, making decisions, dealing with sin, pointing others to Jesus, etc.).  I believe every pastor, teacher, deacon well, I guess just about anyone would benefit from Biblical counseling training!

Mark: What drives you in your passion for biblical counseling?

Kirk: I truly believe in the sufficiency of the Scriptures, in other words, I believe God’s Word is capable of giving us the instruction one needs to handle all of life’s problems (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:3-4).  And I have observed time after time lives being changed when a person humbled himself and was obedient to the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Nothing is more encouraging, and fires me up, than to see people growing in Christ, handling problems Biblically, as they live Godly and victorious daily lives when obedient to the Scriptures.

Mark: What advice do you have for those that desire to grow in biblical counseling?

Kirk: I believe the most effective counselor is one who is continually applying the principles of Scriptures to his/her life.  And in order to apply God’s Word, one must know it, i.e. studying Scripture, memorizing Scripture, and meditating upon Scripture.  In doing so, a person is equipping himself with the Word to be able to, first, handle his own life Biblically.  Then, he will find it a lot easier to share with others how to handle their problems according to God’s Word.  If one is really serious about learning how to counsel biblically, he/she must get more active in learning how to use God’s Word more effectively to counsel counseling training (which I hope to get started soon at CBC)!

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Chance to interact: What life situations do you think the average church member struggles with the most?  If addressed, what topics would they benefit from the greatest?

Personal Interests:

Mark: What hobbies do you have apart from ministry-related interests?

Kirk: I actually have several hobbies.  First, I love sports.  One of my favorites is playing softball.  I also like to play tennis and golf.  Another hobby which I enjoy is bow hunting for deer.  Nothing beats sitting out in the beauty of God’s creation in the crisp autumn just soaking up the morning.  And last but certainly not least, I love to shop – is that really a hobby?  Anyway, my favorite trip was to the Mall of America, 4 floors of stores for an entire day!  Now THAT’S how you shop ’til you drop!

Mark: Do any of your hobbies include your family, or are they strictly hobbies only you enjoy?

Kirk: Typically I try to include my family in my hobbies Annette and I like to play tennis together.  Sometimes the kids play tennis too.  Landon and I both play softball on the church team and Annette likes to watch.  In the past, I have been deer hunting alone, but now that Landon is old enough, I took him out with me last year (along with Ryan who was the only one to get a deer).  As for shopping, Annette and I do that together!

Mark: If you could do anything at all – go any where – what would you do and where would you go?

Kirk: I would love to go to Israel, Turkey, and Greece, the Biblical areas, together with Annette.  I have always dreamed of seeing the Bible lands and to be able to both see and understand what was taking place in the Scriptures in those particular areas.

Mark: Who is your favorite author to read?

Kirk: This is a tough one!  I like to read many different authors.  John Piper, Jay Adams, John MacAthur, Kent Hughes, John Owens, Craig Groeschel, and Francis Chan.  But I would have to say one of my favorite authors would be D.A. Carson.  I like how clearly he writes especially for the depth of subjects he tackles.

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We will post the rest of the interview over the next three days, Lord willing.

Your chance to interact: What question would you ask Kirk if given the chance?

Some brief history: Last September I had spinal fusion of L4/L5 due to spondylolisthesis and fracture of the L5.  This initially helped tremendously with the pain I was experiencing down my legs and in my lower back due to the disc being compressed and bulging on the nerves.  At about the 6 month point, following surgery, I began to experience greater pain, very similar to what I had before surgery.  After pursuing some treatments/exercises, etc and following some various methods of diagnosis, it was determined about 2/3 weeks ago that the disc between L4/L3 was bulging and pressing on the nerves.  The obvious question is, “Why didn’t you have that taken care of with your previous spinal fusion”?  Well, good question.  The answer to that is that we didn’t think that it would be a problem so quickly after surgery.

Current status: Last Wednesday I received an epidural steroid injection (link will show a video of the procedure) whose purpose was to move “medicine” to the inflammation and provide some relief.  The results were to be seen in 3-7 days.  I am happy to report that the pain is lessening in my lower back.  The pain/tingling/burning in my legs is lessening somewhat but still irritating.  I now have pain in my mid to upper back, but that feels like I am out of adjustment – and I will be contacting my chiropractor to see about having that corrected.  The good news is that I am “feeling different” and prayerfully, headed in a direction of ridding my back of pain.  I know that this does not solve the problem of the bulged disc, but I may be pursuing different methods of dealing with that – other than surgery.

I have been over and above pleased with the care I have received at Ft.Wayne Neurological Center.  Dr.Canavati and Dr.Lutz have demonstrated amazing interest and compassion for my condition.  They have aggressively moved in directions to find relief from my pain.

I want to just let everyone know that I really am appreciative of your prayers and inquiries into my health.  I am willing also to listen to tips, ideas and suggestions on back care.  I may not take your advice – but I am finding that one must be willing to pursue a vast array of information to be a better patient.  Feel free to ask any clarifying questions – I’ll be happy to answer if I can.

Question: When you experience general back pain, what provides you with immediate relief?

“Be Still, My Soul”
by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Question: What are some of your favorite hymns/songs to listen to when going through a rough time?

Sometimes I just want to say that I didn’t sign on for all this difficulty!  Pastors keep telling me to be joyful…how do I do that in the middle of my pain?  Peter deals with all these emotions and responses and he keeps guiding us back to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We’ll make the connection (between joy, salvation & suffering) Sunday night.  I hope that you come and are encouraged!

A friend of mine, Dr. Bob Kellemen, finished a book review of James MacDonald’s book, When Life is Hard.  I invite you to read the review and obtain a copy of this book for your own reading.  Dr. K has also produced a great resource for dealing with hardships in life, “God’s Healing for Life’s Losses“.  This can be picked up locally at the Tree of Life cafe’ on Grace College campus or ordered through his website.  If you cannot afford a copy, I have one in my office for you to borrow.

1 Peter 4:19 (esv) Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Here are some basic thoughts I’ve started with, and would encourage your response to:

• “those who suffer” – understandably in the context of persecution here.  What are the other hardships that we also might consider “suffering”?  Relationship struggles, provision struggles, physical disabilities and struggles, financial burdens, etc?  Can you identify with “suffering”?  Most can, and if not right now, either have in the past or will in the future.
• “those who suffer according to God’s will” – think about this: God is orchestrating, allowing, permitting, bringing about the very hardship that you are enduring.  What does this say about our God?  Is he cruel and sadistic?  What is his purpose in bringing us into hardship?  He is sovereign.  He could have sovereignly kept us out of the hardship as well – so, the hardship must be for a purpose, his purpose: His glory, our good.
• “entrust their souls” – those in the midst of suffering under the sovereign control of God himself should…trust.  They should give their very person, their entirety, for safekeeping.  Many times in the midst of suffering we pull ourselves in and erect walls of self-protection.  Peter is explaining that we need to entrust ourselves to something, Someone, else for safekeeping.
• “to a faithful Creator” – Who can you trust?  You can trust your very existence to a faithful God.  God has always fulfilled his promises to his children.  He is ever present, ever faithful, ever loving.  The faithfulness of God is one of his most comforting characteristics.  This is the One whom you can trust in the midst of hardship!  Why did Peter go on to describe God as “Creator” in this passage on trust during suffering?  Creator implies intimate knowledge.  God knew us before we were conceived, created our physical being in the womb and knows every detail of our lives.  What impact does this have on my being able to trust him during my suffering?  The One who intimately knows who I am, my make-up and limitations, knows how much I can “handle” in the suffering; he knows my strengths and weaknesses; he is never going to allow more than I can handle!  Praise Him…Trust Him!
• “while doing good” – What an odd way to end this thought.  I would have ended the verse at trusting God, the Creator.  Peter goes on and says, “Keep on doing what is right even in the midst of your hardship”.  There is no time to sit on the sidelines!  The temptation, naturally, is to focus on self during suffering.  Peter says that we should rather, trust God with our being, in the midst of suffering, acknowledging that he is in control, faithful and ever-aware of our situation, and…keep doing good at the same time.  Keep the focus outward.  Focus on God, focus on others – (I am not suggesting that caring for one’s self during hardship is forbidden, let the reader understand) – do not yield to the temptation to be self-seeking during your suffering.

What a goldmine this verse is!  There is so much to be unpacked and discovered.  Continued meditation on it yields even more personal application for me.  How about you?  As you think through this passage, what nuggets of truth are you finding that would apply to your situation?  Encourage one another as we interact through this wonderful epistle!

I was reading Joshua 1 this morning in my personal study and some thoughts came to mind about our transition.  Joshua 1 is a transitional passage, as it deals with leadership change, new direction for the nation of Israel and God’s requirements for success in these new endeavors.  Below are verses 1-9 (very familiar, but please read them):

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant,  2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.  3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.  4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.  5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.  6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.  7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.  8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Here are some quick points to keep in mind over the next several months of this year of transition:

• When leaders transition, things just change. (v.1-2)
  • In the book of Joshua leadership changed due to Moses’ death.  In our church it is a mutual transition of Pastor Rick going to new ministry and current leadership (pastors, board, etc) determining direction.
  • While Pastor Rick has built, through God’s grace, a wonderful foundation over the past 25+ years, it is most probable that things will begin to slowly look different due to new focuses, intensities and direction.
  • This is not a bad thing.  Godly change should be embraced and passionately pursued.  By doing this, we do not discount those who have led before us, but gratefully “stand on their shoulders” as we focus on what God has for us.
    
• Just because things change doesn’t mean that God is any less in control. (v.3-5)
  • It is easy for us to get caught up in the unknown and in anxiety and worry, fret about the future.
  • I think this may be why God referenced His presence with Moses to Joshua: Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will never leave you or forsake you.
    
  • It helps to have a healthy (godly) view of God’s Sovereignty.  This transition didn’t take God by surprise.  In fact, He orchestrated it!!  Praise Him!  He has, in His wisdom, seen fit to move current leadership around, for His glory, and allow our church to experience this transition.  He is in control!  He has not left us, nor will He forsake us!
• It is imperative for new leadership to lead by example. (v.6)
  • I know there is a lot of questions about the future leadership.  These questions are just beginning to be assessed and addressed.  I can assure you, our congregation, that you will be asked for input and we will be communicating the process to you on a regular basis.  We have made this a paramount priority.
  • “New” leadership must be willing to not only proclaim Truth, but they must demonstrate Truth in daily living.  They will face uncertainty, just like the rest of our local body.  They must proclaim trust in God’s direction, and then live confidently in that trust.
  • The integrity of leadership does affect the congregation.  God commands Joshua to be strong and very courageous…why?  Not so that he could demonstrate great leadership skills, but for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers. If leadership fails to live in the integrity of the Truth, the congregation will suffer.
    
• Obedience to the Word, both in leadership & our congregation, will ensure that we “Grow God’s Way“. (v.7)
  • God demands careful obedience – He always has.  He is not interested in haphazard “christian” living.
  • Only “careful” obedience – obedience that does not deviate from Truth (do not turn from it) will result in growing God’s way (that you may have good success where you go).
    
  • Half-hearted pursuit of Truth is not what we as a local church need right now.  We need passionate and full adherence to God’s Word in every area of life!  Please, with me, examine our hearts and repent of wrong-doing and renew our commitment to living a life of righteousness!
    
• We can only obey fully what we know intimately. (v.8)
  • Careful obedience requires that I know what God’s Word says.  All these “rants” seem to come down to the same thing, don’t they?  Spiritual Disciplines – how are you doing in your personal study of the Word, prayer, church involvement, discipleship of self and others, etc?
  • If we do not let Truth depart from our mouths and meditate on it day & night then we will see God work in our lives, and in our church, in amazing ways!
    
• Transition should be met boldly, with full confidence in the Lord we serve. (v.9)
  • So, Calvary Baptist Church, Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
    
  • Those are comforting words aren’t they?  The knowledge that the Sovereign and All-powerful Lord is with us in this transition allows us the confidence to boldly move forward and seek His will.

As God allows, I will be posting regularly on transitional thoughts for Calvary.  I would appreciate any input that you have concerning these posts.  God bless!

Psalm 105 is a “long” Psalm: 45 verses in it’s entirety.  I am asking that you read the Psalm before continuing in your reading of this post.

There are four characteristics of God in this Psalm that we can take comfort in:

• God is sovereign.  Simply put, God is in charge and does as He wills & purposes with His creation.  This is a resounding emphasis in Psalm 105.  Over 80% of the verses are either directly relating His sovereign work or use the name of our Sovereign Lord.
  • What does this mean for Calvary?  This should bring tremendous peace, even in a difficult transition, because God is moving (very obviously) in our midst.  We should spend time looking for His direction in our lives, recognize it and praise Him for it!  Just as God remembered “His sworn promise” with Israel, so too, He will remember His promises to His church.  The gates of Hell will not prevail against it.
• God is active.  The Psalmist begins with stirring his readers to recall the “wondrous works, His deeds, miracles & judgments” of the Lord.  As the Psalmist recounts Israel’s history, he cannot help but speak to the active God Whom we also serve.
  • What does this mean for Calvary?  Just as God moved actively among His chosen ones in the nation of Israel, so too, He moves among His people today.  It is becoming evident that God is actively taking our congregation in a different direction than we had been going previously.  Now, this does not necessitate that our previous direction was wrong.  With new leadership comes new direction.  What do I mean by “direction”?  I am certainly not inferring doctrinal stance, fundamental beliefs, etc.  I praise God for the solid foundation that has been laid in our church by the selfless sacrifice of Pastor Rick!  It is now, on this foundation, that we can move forward for God’s kingdom & His glory as we step out into new endeavors and focuses.  God will be active among us; directing His church as He wills.
• God is protective. The Psalmist tells of the protection for His chosen ones while they were “few in number” and “wandering from “nation to nation” before they ever reached Egypt.  He speaks to the protection of Israel as they are in Egypt and coming out of Egypt.  He finishes with the introduction of Israel into the Promised Land where they enjoyed God’s protection.
  • What does this mean for Calvary?  Simply this: God will not let His Church be destroyed.  Did Israel experience hardships during these times?  Yes – we’ll look at those in a moment.  God brought His people to a land which He promised, just as He promised – protecting them all along the way.  For us (Calvary) this means that as we submit to God, His Spirit & Word, as we move in faith, we can confidently keep ministering to one another, sharing the Gospel within our body, our community and world, knowing that God will keep His Church from destruction.  Let us boldly step forward for our Savior!
• God is a provider. As the Psalmist begins with Abraham, he proceeds to walk the reader through the history of Israel until they reach the Promised Land.  As he does this, he pens repeatedly about how God provided, generally & specifically, for His people.
  • What does this mean for Calvary?  We can rest assured that God will provide exactly what we need, at exactly the right moment for this local body.  Not only have we seen God provide for us on an individual basis, a family basis, but we have seen God’s abundant provision for our church over these last 50+ years.  God will provide the man to lead this local body, as He wills.  I am confident and excited about that!

I am not speaking new truth to our congregation.  We are confident in God’s sovereignty, His actions, protection and provision.  However, I fear that as we believe these things – we only hold them high when “things are going well”.  Let me remind myself, and you as well, that God is in control through difficulties, actually orchestrating and allowing the hardships to come so that He will receive glory in the end.  These are difficult thoughts and we would do well to turn to Scripture to see this illustrated.

It is illustrated beautifully in Psalm 105.  When the nation was but a family, the Psalmist indicates that God “summoned a famine on the land and broke all the supply of bread”.  He then purposes that Joseph be sold into slavery and be transported to Egypt, “ahead of them”.  What Joseph experienced was horror beyond what any of us have suffered…and this at the hand of God!  Verse 18 says, “…his feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron”.  These are physical discomforts at the very least, severe mistreatment at the most!  What is interesting is the phrase in verse 19 that says, “the word of the LORD tested him”.  God was in control the whole time, and was bringing about His glory through the testing of Joseph.  The end result?  (verse 24)  “….and the LORD made His people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes…”.

What does this mean for Calvary?  Perhaps simply, yet deeply, we do not know what lies ahead.  God does.  We do not.  There are a lot of questions.  There are a lot of concerns.  There very well may be “bumps in the road” during this transition that are totally unanticipated.  It is okay.  Trust God.  Even when the fetters hurt your feet, the collar of iron chafes your neck and you do not see a way for God to achieve glory.  Rest confidently that He is sovereign, active, protecting and providing just as He wills.

I hope, Lord willing, to continue to post from time to time the thoughts I am working through as we move forward through this transition together.

I end with a simple prayer that I always pray before I stand to preach to our congregation: “For Your glory Father“.  That is all.  Simple.  Trusting.  Enough.

Those who exercise any authority at any level in the kingdom in which Jesus is king must serve the same way – not with implicit demands of self-promotion, confidence in their right to rule, or a desire to sit at Jesus’ right hand or his left hand, but with a passion to serve.

It is imperative for pastors, lay leaders, parents, etc to lead in servant leadership as demonstrated by our Savior.  How strong the battle is to promote self in each and every one of these areas.  I, want to be the “lead pastor”; I, want to be the “leader in charge”; I, want to be the parent / “the boss” of my children, etc.

As I think of our church in this time of leadership transition, I beg God that He would allow us the grace to be servant leaders!  We should not have any confidence in and of ourselves!  We are but frail, sinful, dare I say EVIL, people – through the grace of God we are allowed the privilege to serve one another.  My prayer for CBC is that we desire to please God (2 Cor 5:9), give Him the glory due His Name (Isa 43:7) and prefer one another over self (Rom.12:10).  Let us be passionate servant leaders!

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor

How many people do you see in a day?  How many people do you interact with in a day?  Why are we excited about seeing some people…but not others?  James 2:1-4 helps us with answering these questions.

• My Brethern – Getting our attention
  • Why might James be using the phrase “my brothers” to get our attention?  Perhaps we’re wandering in our mind – fading out already.
  • James uses “my brothers” 15 times in this epistle.
  • Maybe he is demonstrating who we are in Christ!
  • Maybe because we tend to love ourselves more than anyone else – we want to be comfortable more than anyone else.
• Simply a preference or playing favorites?
  • What is partiality?  When our preferences get in the way of that which is acceptable to God
  • The problem isn’t necessarily with preferences (we all have them), but rather, when we ungraciously defend our own preferences…when we decide we are better than the next person.
  • This usually happens when we interact with our “fallen” feelings rather than authoritative Truth
• My faith
  
  • What part of your life is not connected to your faith?
  • We cannot “set aside” our faith in any circumstance – we can ignore it, suppress it, but always it is there.
• Who is our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?
  • Jesus didn’t just exist on earth, He came also as an Example for us. (meditate on His sayings about dealing with others)
  • Meditate on the Person of Christ.  James did not just say “Christ”…He said glorious. Lord. Jesus. Christ.
• The example: a Rich man and a Poor Man
  • This examples helps us to understand two practical applications:
    • Our Task – we need to obey always even if we don’t understand; we need to get out of our comfort zones
    • Our Heart Attitudes – We need to understand that our emotions are deceived; we sometimes need to go against our feelings in obedience to Christ.

In what way were you challenged by Pastor Greg’s message?  ME?  Well, I realize that as a pastor myself – I tend to gravitate toward my own comfort zone in dealing with people.  I realized that I need to be more pro-active in seeing people in need in our congregation and move toward them to minister to them.  I’m working on action steps to see this through currently.

The Children of U.S. Foster Care: A Call to Prayer – part 1

In recent weeks, the world has watched as the stories of Haitian orphans have been broadcast to billions.  The faces are etched on all of our minds as we see them on TV, in print, on the internet…it seems like everywhere we turn, we are faced with the plight of Haiti’s neediest children.  Through it all, God is awakening more and more of His people to the needs of orphans, not just in Haiti, but around the world…including those in our own backyard.

There are currently more than half a million children in the United States Foster Care System.  Of those, more than 120,000 are currently waiting for adoptive families.  Each year, about 20,000 will age out of foster care and onto the streets…18 years old…with few if any life skills, and no family to call their own.  Their lives after foster care will all too often be marked by homelessness, addiction, crime, imprisonment, teen pregnancies, and worse…

Many in the church have taken on the cause of foster care, and God is using His people to bring real transformation to many children’s lives as a result.  Still, far more must be done if we will see the number of waiting children and emancipating youth reduced to 0.

Where do we start?  We start where we should always start – on our knees before our God, pleading on behalf of our nation’s most vulnerable and at-risk children.

You may read the rest of the article here at the Hope for Orphans blog. Please also check out the Hope for Orphans website – (one of the websites I suggested as an adoption resource to our congregation).

Please.  Do not let this conversation fade into oblivion.

Additional Resources:

• Adopting for Life Conference – February 26 & 27, 2010

Today on radio’s The Albert Mohler Program: Dr.Russell Moore will be discussing Haitian Adoption: the whys and why nots.  This should be a timely and interesting program.

You can listen live here, or find the details to download the program so that listen at your own convenience.

For our CBC family, this might be a great way to begin to prepare for our study of James 1:27 (a continuation of our study of James) on February 7 as I will be speaking on Orphans: God’s Character & Our Conduct towards the fatherless.

Additional Resources:

Adopting for Life Conference – February 26 & 27

Last night Angie & I were in Walmart picking up a couple small items. As we headed to the front of the store (by the way, why is everything we need in the back of the store?) we walked by the Men’s department.  The Walmart on SR15 has some winter coats on sale from $9 to $19.99.  Some are heavier coats, some are not for “bitter cold” weather, but will do in normal conditions.  Some are wool, some fleece, etc.  Some of the $19.99 coats are the style of the “Old Navy” coats seen here:

They also have some Men’s sweater / sweatshirts, fleece lined for $5.00.  Yeah, like $5.00.  I’m wearing one now and will have it on for our Wednesday night meetings.  I just want to make you aware of these deals – no doubt there are others – we didn’t spend a lot of time there.  There is still a great selection, colors, etc.

Just thought you would like to know!

~Pastor Mark, just one of your “frugal” pastors.

You can listen live here, or find the details to download the program so that listen at your own convenience.

For our CBC family, this might be a great way to begin to prepare for our study of James 1:27 (a continuation of our study of James) on February 7 as I will be speaking on Orphans: God’s Character & Our Conduct towards the fatherless.

Additional Resources:

• Adopting for Life Conference – February 26 & 27

• We are all created equally, but we are not all gifted equally.
  • God is doing different things in different people’s lives: how does this look in the body of Christ as a whole?
• (Jas.1:9): Do you find yourself “low” financially?  Give resounding praise for your position in Christ!
• (Jas.1:10): Do you find yourself “high” financially?  Give resounding praise that your “stuff” does not equate to your position in Christ!
• When we persevere in and through trials, we are blessed.  This reflects the character of God at work in our lives.
• How will we attain to the glory promised in James 1?  Through adversity.  When you find yourself in adversity, endure.
• The crown of life is promised to those who love God.  How do you increase your love for God?
  • Sit long at the foot of the cross.  Spend much time in John 19.

A couple of thoughts from my note-taking:

• The evidences of God’s grace in the 1/2 brother of Christ, James.  A former scorner and unbeliever, now a leader in the Christian community and author of a New Testament epistle.
• James, a bond-servant (doulos) – a slave to this resurrected Lord, a slave to the One whom he originally thought was crazy, a slave given over to please the Master.
• Joy defined: a deep, abiding, settled happiness from God, despite the circumstances of life.
• “Consider” – to think forward, to plan.  Trials will come.  Most times of life will be accompanied by difficulties of some sort.  On what am I focused?  Am I focused on this present age and the difficulties that surround me, or am I focus on the age to come and the blessed victory found only in Jesus Christ?
• James includes himself as he encourages his readers, “my brethren”.  There is a sense of community here.  There is a need for transparency from leadership to laity when involved in trials.  Use trials as opportunities to teach.
• “Endurance” – staying under the pressure; not collapsing; not using the escape mechanisms of the world
• “Wisdom” – Godly means to Godly ends.  In times of trials I need to be filling myself up with His Word, focused on God and humbly being led by His Spirit.
• How offensive it must be to God when we doubt His power and goodness.

Questions:

1. What are the evidences of God’s grace in the people around you?  (Where do you see God working in their life?  Instead of focusing on their shortcomings or negative qualities, encourage them by telling them of how you see God working in their life)
2. Are you finding your joy in the circumstances of life, or in the character of God?  (It’s easy to tell)
   
3. Plan for trials.  What scripture do you find helpful in times of trials and difficulties?  What aspect of God’s purpose and plan for the future encourages you the most?
4. Where can you find areas to be more transparent to your Christian brothers and sisters, as you are in the midst of trials, so that lessons learned can be had by all?
5. What escape mechanisms of the world do you find tempting to use when trials come?  Drugs?  Food?  TV/Internet/Social networking?  Reading books?  What others might there be?

Additional Resources:

• Humility – C J Mahaney
• The Letter of James – Pillar New Testament Commentary by Douglas Moo – my favorite commentary, so far, on James
• Addictions: Banquet in the Grave by Ed Welch (<- video on addictions)