There are many accounts in the Bible of God’s people ‘rising to the occasion’, so to speak. Noah and his family rose to the occasion to build an ark to preserve life on earth. (Genesis 6-9) Joseph rose to the occasion and brought the salvation of his people. (Genesis 37, 39-50) Moses, Esther, Daniel, Gideon, Samson, the other judges, and on and on we could name those in the Old Testament who rose to the occasion to meet the needs of their people.
The New Testament also has many examples. John the baptist and the apostles of course come to mind. Most of those I have mentioned are the ones we consider the “Bible heroes.” But there were those who were not ‘heroes’ who also rose to the occasion. Time after time when there were needs among the early Christian, they helped one another by sending aid to them. Consider the account written by Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.” And again from 2 Corinthians 9:1-3, he writes, “For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.”
Then there is another group who has risen to the occasion time and time again. YOU! Numerous
situations have arisen in the five years I have been here and I know that it shows the history of this church that you have generous hearts. You’ve given toward food for the needy, meals for the shut-ins and sick, mission trips, youth activities. You’ve given not only money but have volunteered your time to help in all sorts of circumstances.
I thank you for such a positive attitude and cheerful atmosphere you make possible. Our visitors
notice that. Thank you for ’rising to the occasion’ so many times. Keep it up.
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9, 10)
“But as for you, brethren do not grow weary of doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thankfulness From The Heart
The 107th Psalm begins with the words, “O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.” It continues speaking about the great things God has done for His people.
An interesting thing about this Psalm is that, as the recounting of God’s goodness continues, the writer repeats a statement four times (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31.) He says, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!”
When we consider, as the Psalmist did, the many great and wonderful things God has done for us, then our thankfulness will be spontaneous. This is reflected in Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Let me share with you a poem that sums up the attitude of how we should be giving thanks - from the heart. It is by Helen Steiner Rice
Of course, long ago, God’s book of poetry, Psalms gives much emphasis on the giving of thanks.
An anonymous person wrote, “A thankful heart speaks more eloquently than the most persuasive tongue.” However, that thankful heart should prompt us to give God thanks with the fruit of our lips as described in Revelation 7:12, “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
An interesting thing about this Psalm is that, as the recounting of God’s goodness continues, the writer repeats a statement four times (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31.) He says, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!”
When we consider, as the Psalmist did, the many great and wonderful things God has done for us, then our thankfulness will be spontaneous. This is reflected in Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Let me share with you a poem that sums up the attitude of how we should be giving thanks - from the heart. It is by Helen Steiner Rice
Heartfelt Thanks
Take nothing for granted.
For whenever you do
The joy of enjoying
Is lessened for you—
For we rob our own lives
Much more than we know
When we fail to respond
Or in any way show
Our thanks for the blessings
That easily are ours…
The warmth of the sun,
The fragrance of flowers,
The beauty of twilight,
The freshness of dawn,
The coolness of dew
On a green velvet lawn.
The kind little deeds
So thoughtfully done,
The favors of friends
And the love that someone
Unselfishly gives us
In a myriad of ways,
Expecting no payment
And no words of praise—
Oh, great is our loss
When we no longer find
A thankful response
To things of this kind,
For the joy of enjoying
And the fullness of living
Are found in the heart
That is filled with thanksgiving.
Take nothing for granted.
For whenever you do
The joy of enjoying
Is lessened for you—
For we rob our own lives
Much more than we know
When we fail to respond
Or in any way show
Our thanks for the blessings
That easily are ours…
The warmth of the sun,
The fragrance of flowers,
The beauty of twilight,
The freshness of dawn,
The coolness of dew
On a green velvet lawn.
The kind little deeds
So thoughtfully done,
The favors of friends
And the love that someone
Unselfishly gives us
In a myriad of ways,
Expecting no payment
And no words of praise—
Oh, great is our loss
When we no longer find
A thankful response
To things of this kind,
For the joy of enjoying
And the fullness of living
Are found in the heart
That is filled with thanksgiving.
Of course, long ago, God’s book of poetry, Psalms gives much emphasis on the giving of thanks.
An anonymous person wrote, “A thankful heart speaks more eloquently than the most persuasive tongue.” However, that thankful heart should prompt us to give God thanks with the fruit of our lips as described in Revelation 7:12, “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A Poem for Autumn
Each season has its own unique characteristics. Spring brings green to winter’s barrenness and summer – well, it’s the season to be carefree for some or for others to complain about the heat.
And then there’s autumn. It tempers summer and prepares us for winter. This is the season in which we find ourselves now. Have you looked at it? Its weather changes irrationally and it, too, has its own characteristics that provoke thought in the mind of the poet.
If you have watched the hills undergo their annual changes into beautiful colors, then perhaps you, too, appreciate autumn.
I thought I would share a few lines of poetry with you as I look at autumn. It’s not a ‘religious’ poem but it describes the beauty of the earth God has made.
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
And then there’s autumn. It tempers summer and prepares us for winter. This is the season in which we find ourselves now. Have you looked at it? Its weather changes irrationally and it, too, has its own characteristics that provoke thought in the mind of the poet.
If you have watched the hills undergo their annual changes into beautiful colors, then perhaps you, too, appreciate autumn.
I thought I would share a few lines of poetry with you as I look at autumn. It’s not a ‘religious’ poem but it describes the beauty of the earth God has made.
Autumn
The Earth Sleeps
The Earth Sleeps
The hills are turning rusty;
The sky is looking dusty.
The earth is shedding summer’s care.
And now there’s autumn in the air.
The leaves of multicolored hues
Bring to earth the welcome news.
“Rest from burdens you’ve had to bear.”
For now there’s autumn in the air.
The earth gives forth a yawn so lusty,
And seems to stretch; youth so husky.
Of needed sleep, she’s earned her share;
And one sees autumn everywhere.
Take some time to see this world.
Summer, in earth’s bosom curled,
Is gone again until next year.
For autumn now is truly here.
-- tl
The sky is looking dusty.
The earth is shedding summer’s care.
And now there’s autumn in the air.
The leaves of multicolored hues
Bring to earth the welcome news.
“Rest from burdens you’ve had to bear.”
For now there’s autumn in the air.
The earth gives forth a yawn so lusty,
And seems to stretch; youth so husky.
Of needed sleep, she’s earned her share;
And one sees autumn everywhere.
Take some time to see this world.
Summer, in earth’s bosom curled,
Is gone again until next year.
For autumn now is truly here.
-- tl
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Worship or Convenience?
Why do we give money during our worship on Sunday? Yes, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:1 that we are to “lay aside on the first day of the week.” And this was done as a matter of convenience so there would be no need to seek out contributions.
But our contribution on Sunday is much more than just a matter of convenience. Giving is worship.
It is imperative that we teach our children this concept of worship as much as we do concerning prayer, singing, the Lord’s supper, and preaching from God’s word. However, there is the frequent misconception that giving is just a matter of convenience.
In 2 Samuel 24 we find an account of David sinning against God by conducting an unauthorized census of the people. He was told to build an altar and offer a sacrifice to God “at the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite.” When Araunah saw the king and learned of his purpose to buy his threshing floor, he willingly offered to give it to David, plus his oxen to sacrifice and the threshing implements for firewood. This was very noble and generous of Araunah.
David, however, knew that you don’t worship God with a cheap sacrifice. He said, “I will not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which costs me nothing.” (v. 24) He knew there was no price you can put on God’s forgiveness, but he also knew what some seem to forget today; worship is personal. And what we give to God is our personal worship. It is not just paying God back for His blessings. No one has enough money to do that!
A gift must be an expression of love or affection from within to be truly meaningful. That is what worship is and giving is a part of the privilege we have in worshipping God, our Father.
Paul told the Corinthians, “But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us - see that you abound in this grace also.” (2 Corinthians 8:7) He was talking about giving.
This “grace” is not a matter of convenience but of worship. Worship is not a matter of convenience but it is the manifestation of our love for God. Worship is sacrifice to our God who sacrificed His Son for us.
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
But our contribution on Sunday is much more than just a matter of convenience. Giving is worship.
It is imperative that we teach our children this concept of worship as much as we do concerning prayer, singing, the Lord’s supper, and preaching from God’s word. However, there is the frequent misconception that giving is just a matter of convenience.
In 2 Samuel 24 we find an account of David sinning against God by conducting an unauthorized census of the people. He was told to build an altar and offer a sacrifice to God “at the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite.” When Araunah saw the king and learned of his purpose to buy his threshing floor, he willingly offered to give it to David, plus his oxen to sacrifice and the threshing implements for firewood. This was very noble and generous of Araunah.
David, however, knew that you don’t worship God with a cheap sacrifice. He said, “I will not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which costs me nothing.” (v. 24) He knew there was no price you can put on God’s forgiveness, but he also knew what some seem to forget today; worship is personal. And what we give to God is our personal worship. It is not just paying God back for His blessings. No one has enough money to do that!
A gift must be an expression of love or affection from within to be truly meaningful. That is what worship is and giving is a part of the privilege we have in worshipping God, our Father.
Paul told the Corinthians, “But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us - see that you abound in this grace also.” (2 Corinthians 8:7) He was talking about giving.
This “grace” is not a matter of convenience but of worship. Worship is not a matter of convenience but it is the manifestation of our love for God. Worship is sacrifice to our God who sacrificed His Son for us.
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Who Moved?
One of my favorite ‘old-married-folks-stories’ is about the elderly couple who were driving along and the wife looked over from her side of the car and said, with a twinkle in her eye, “I remember when we were newlyweds we used to sit close together with your arm around
me while we were driving.”
Her husband looked over at her and, with his hands on the steering wheel, said, “I haven’t moved.”
One of my least favorite stories is about people who tell me they feel there is a distance between them and their Father. And sometimes we can’t figure out why. I can see God looking at us and saying, “I haven’t moved.”
Do you remember the feeling of closeness when you first became a Christian? Remember the security?
What causes the gap that comes in relationships? Here are a few:
Apathy - We begin to see one day just like every other. We become satisfied with ‘the way things are.’ We look at each other and fail to see the ‘newness’ each day. We begin to take each other for granted. Marriages and friendships suffer because of this and so does our relationship with God.
Lukewarmness - Married couples tend to forget the early love they had for one another. And Christians can do the same. We get into the habit of just doing what is necessary.
Anger - Something happens that makes us upset with each other. We let anger color our relationship. We hold grudges. And this not only happens between two people but between us and our Father. Life doesn't go the way we want it to or a crisis happens in our life and we blame God.
Temptations - A husband or wife becomes involved with another person or activity that destroys a relationship. So also can a Christian become unfaithful to God because of the world pulling us in all directions.
Just think about these things. And think on the words of David as he describes God in Psalm 62:2, “He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken (or, moved).”
Who moved? God didn’t. He is still there and always will be.
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
me while we were driving.”
Her husband looked over at her and, with his hands on the steering wheel, said, “I haven’t moved.”
One of my least favorite stories is about people who tell me they feel there is a distance between them and their Father. And sometimes we can’t figure out why. I can see God looking at us and saying, “I haven’t moved.”
Do you remember the feeling of closeness when you first became a Christian? Remember the security?
What causes the gap that comes in relationships? Here are a few:
Apathy - We begin to see one day just like every other. We become satisfied with ‘the way things are.’ We look at each other and fail to see the ‘newness’ each day. We begin to take each other for granted. Marriages and friendships suffer because of this and so does our relationship with God.
Lukewarmness - Married couples tend to forget the early love they had for one another. And Christians can do the same. We get into the habit of just doing what is necessary.
Anger - Something happens that makes us upset with each other. We let anger color our relationship. We hold grudges. And this not only happens between two people but between us and our Father. Life doesn't go the way we want it to or a crisis happens in our life and we blame God.
Temptations - A husband or wife becomes involved with another person or activity that destroys a relationship. So also can a Christian become unfaithful to God because of the world pulling us in all directions.
Just think about these things. And think on the words of David as he describes God in Psalm 62:2, “He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken (or, moved).”
Who moved? God didn’t. He is still there and always will be.
See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.
Love, Tony
