Prayer and The Transfiguration

"And as he was praying the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white...

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"                                 (Luke 9:29 and 9:35 italics mine)

Listen to him!  This is the only command in this section of Scripture.  Lots of description, but only one command.

A miraculous transfiguration.  

Two Old Testament saints who had not walked the earth for over 1,000 years appear.  

A cloud comes and overshadows them.

These are all amazing events loaded with meaning, but at the end of the day we hear the Voice saying, 

"This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"

I have a feeling Peter and James and John never forgot this experience.  It left an indelible mark on their hearts and changed the trajectory of their lives.  Years later Peter writes these words shortly before he prepares for his own "departure":

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.  And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.                                                           2 Peter 1:16-19

In other words, Peter is saying, "we didn't make this up.  We saw Jesus transfigured before our eyes in all of His glory.  We heard the Voice from Heaven.  We believe."  Do you believe?

There are a lot of voices competing for our attention today.  There is a lot of noise.  There is only one Truth - Jesus Christ.  The more we look to Him and listen to Him the more "we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."  2 Corinthians 3:18

Look to Him and live!

Listen to Him and be transformed!

Hope in Him and never be put to shame!

Steven

Prayer before Peter's Confession

Who do you say I am?

Recently, my family and I have started a book club based on the book, “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear. On the cover it promises ‘tiny changes, remarkable results’. We are finding that from age 21-73, it  applies to all 5 of us.

The chapter this week in our family book club is all about identity. How your habits shape your identity and vice versa.

Some quotes to ponder:

“The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity. It’s one thing to say I’m the type of person who wants this. It’s something very different to say I’m the type of person who is this.”

“True behavior change is identity change. You might start a habit because of motivation, but the only reason you’ll stick with one is that it becomes part of your identity.”

“Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits. It’s a two-way street.”

Ok, so how does this apply to the scripture passage for this week? In Luke 9, Matthew 16 and Mark 8, three different places where this conversation is recorded, the question arises from Jesus, “who do you say I am?”. First, they have a conversation about what the crowds are saying...John the Baptist, Elijah, a prophet, etc. Then, Jesus puts the question to the disciples…“who do you say I am?”. Peter declares “You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.

I found myself wondering why Jesus asks the question. I could see myself asking this question to those closest to me...but out of insecurity and wanting to people please. Jesus isn’t insecure. I think more likely, He is trying to make sure they are "getting it". In so many of the stories recorded in the gospels, it’s questionable, if they are or not. The disciples often seem confused, lacking faith and utterly disappointing to Jesus in their responses and understanding. But in this direct question, He must have blessed relief to see they are getting it after all.

Ironically enough, the very next passage He is telling Peter to “get behind him” because once again Peter is showing He doesn’t understand the way God works, but at least in the scripture passage for today, there is a glimmer of hope.

The disciples understanding Jesus’ identity is crucial. They have been around his habits and behaviors for awhile now and hopefully Jesus’ identity has come through crystal clear. That’s how it works. If we examine our habits...we get a pretty clear picture of who we are and what we really believe.

The most beautiful part of this scripture to me is in Matthew. I’m not sure why it’s only recorded there, but I love it when Jesus turns around after Peter says “You are the Christ,” and  gives Simon who becomes Peter a new identity and tells him he is ‘the rock’ on which He will build His church.” Wow!

Do you think that new identity changed everything for Peter? I think it did.

If Jesus came to me today and asked “who do you say I am?” What would be my response? I think it would be a measure of how aware of Him I really am. Do I really know Jesus and understand what matters to Him, and live in a steady awareness of His presence? The only way I could truly understand His identity is if I am aware of His ways.

And I wonder...who would Jesus say that I am? What is my God given identity? Each one of us has a unique God shaped and created identity to live out.

What you believe about who Jesus is and who He says you are changes everything about your day to day life. Every thought...every action...every decision...every habit...everything.

Ruth Spencer

Prayer before selecting disciples

Naming Apostles & Ministering to a Multitude

Twenty years ago, I was ordained into pastoral ministry.  The first book my dad gave me for that occasion was called, Power through Prayer.  It’s an insightful look at prayer in the lives of Biblical characters.  For me, the gift itself showed me the high priority of prayer in my dad’s life and ministry and how much I should value it in my path forward.  

In the passage for this week, Luke recounts Jesus praying on the side of a mountain and says it was a common practice of His for that time.   Luke points out that Jesus spends the whole night praying in that place.  What was so important to Jesus that He would spend the whole night praying?  Could it be that Jesus found ultimate rest in communing with His Father?  Could it be that Jesus was praying for His spiritual children – His disciples that He was about to send off on their own among the multitudes to minister in His name?  Could it be that Jesus was demonstrating to His disciples the high priority of prayer in order for them to experience the power of God in their lives?  Luke then reports that the next day Jesus chose 12 apostles from among his many disciples.  Apostle means “sent one.”  Jesus has always been preparing His followers for the sending.  Jesus wants these men to make Him known by bearing witness to all that they’ve seen and heard of Him.  On that same day when they come down from the mountain with Jesus, those apostles witness the power of God revealed through Jesus to heal and bless the gathering multitudes through signs and wonders.

My youngest just turned 16 on Sunday and I got to pray for him before we ate supper that night.  I don’t know if I’ve ever been more earnest in my prayer to thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to know my son for the last 16 years and walk alongside him.  I prayed earnestly that God would be glorified by his life going forward, that my son would be filled with the Holy Spirit and bear much fruit to honor Jesus and His Kingdom.  Psalm 127:4 came to mind. I thank God that my son has seen me pray earnestly and often in Jesus name.  This young man is on his way in life and I’ve given my all to disciple him well and prepare him for the send-off by continually pointing him to Jesus as the ULTIMATE.  

I am amazed at the way Jesus works.  Jesus still sends us to bear witness of Him to the multitudes that need to hear from Him and be healed.  But He does not send anyone out without first inviting them into fellowship with Him.  The beautiful thing about earnest prayer is that it is communing with God and knowing His heart.  Gospel ministry and prayer are cyclical.  The more we go out on mission for Jesus, the more we need to pray and experience His power.  

I thank God for the example of a praying pastor and dad in my life.  I thank God that Jesus still invites me to pray. I thank God for a praying church family and the signs and wonders we have witnessed from God in prayer.  May we continue to be a praying church that finds our greatest refreshment in the powerful presence and indelible grace of Jesus.  

Grateful and hopeful in Christ,

Jon

Prayer at Jesus' Baptism

"Fold your hands, bow your heads, close your eyes and let us pray."

I can't remember when I first heard those words, but I remember hearing them often in my childhood.  Maybe you do too?  Even as a small boy I instinctively knew there was something special, something sacred about prayer.  Prayer continues to be mysterious, but each time I pray...really pray (not going through the motions, not merely speaking words) I receive peace and strength and I am assured that I am loved by God.

What are your earliest memories of prayer?  

Can you recall a time you prayed and it brought you peace and strength and hope?

Jesus is found praying in the Gospels often and each time He prays we get a glimpse of the Kingdom.

The past few months many have wrestled with anxiety and fear.  We are heartbroken and outraged and shocked about injustice.  We are more clearly aware of the fact that the world is not as it should be, but God has not left us on our own.  He has given us a great gift called prayer.  Many may see prayer as a duty, but what if we saw it as a gift?  Many see prayer as a command, but what if we saw it as an invitation to a party or a coffee date or a walk with a good friend?  Jesus loved and still loves to pray and He loves to hear us pray and speak to us through prayer.  As we enter into this next sermon series it is my prayer that we all may receive the gift of prayer and accept the invitation to pray.  Through prayer we come to know the heart of the Father and His heart is GOOD and PURE and KIND.  

At His baptism

Jesus prays and the heavens are opened!

Jesus prays and the Holy Spirit descends on him in bodily form like a dove.

Jesus prays and a voice from Heaven says,

You are my beloved Son;

with you I am well pleased

What if when we pray heaven is opened?

What if when we pray the Holy Spirit touches us?

What if when we pray we hear our Father tell us...we are loved and He is pleased?

All of a sudden...I want to pray.  May God awaken us to pray with joy and hope and expectation this summer!

Thanking God for all of you,

Steven

Jesus and a Grieving Sister

The conversation with Jesus this coming week is from John 11. I’ll be honest, it’s a story that feels gut wrenching to me on a variety of levels.

• The timing of Jesus.

• Mary and Martha send word to Jesus, “Master, the one you love so very much is sick.”

  1. Jesus gets the message and says, “This sickness is not fatal…” and “oddly” (it actually says this in The Message translation) chooses to stay where He is for two more days. 

  2. Jesus “finally” (yes, this is actually the word that is used), gets there and finds that Lazarus has been dead for 4 days.

• Martha’s grief.

  • “Master, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you.”

  • Jesus says: “Your brother will be raised up.”

  • Martha replies: “I know he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time.

  • Jesus says: “You don’t have to wait for the End. I am the Resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. Do you believe this?

  • Martha says: Yes, Master. All along I have believed that you are the Messiah, the Son of God who comes into the world.”  

  • It’s as if they are not talking about the same things...Jesus knows that He is going to raise Lazarus from the dead... TODAY. Martha has no idea what He is talking about but confirms her belief that He is the Messiah. Hmmm…

• Mary’s grief.

  • “Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

  • Jesus wants to know where did you put Lazarus? The sobbing of Mary and the Jews is highlighted, and a deep anger wells up within Jesus.

  • Time out...Jesus is angry? And then He weeps...

OK, at this point, I must tell you, it is really hard for me to get my mind and heart around what all has taken place here. I know the feeling of experiencing this kind of loss, where I had the faith that if Jesus just said the word all would be well. I know the feeling of that word not being spoken. I know the trite sayings that tend to come from well-meaning but shallow thinking Christians during these types of times. It’s painful. I’m trying to read this story without inserting my own life story or every other person’s life story who has experienced the pain of disappointment when things don’t work out the way you hope, but it’s difficult.

Jesus is clearly in control the whole time. He knew from the first moment what He was going to do and calmly states it several times throughout the whole exchange, but I can clearly see the sisters don’t understand. They are just grieving and broken-hearted.

Ultimately...Lazarus is raised and lives to see another day. But...all of us know this is the exception not the rule in these types of scenarios in real life. So... what do we do with that?

A couple of observations stand out to me.

God’s timing is past, present, and future, overarching everything. I fit into God’s timing and not the other way around. There are moments when God’s timing does fall into place with mine and the ‘stars align’, the job comes through, the opportunity opens up, the pregnancy happens, the sickness goes away...but much of life is spent the other way around, where God’s timing and mine probably are not in sync the way I would like them to be. It’s very easy to become disillusioned and disappointed in these moments. As humans we are far more self-absorbed than we realize and would like the world and even God to revolve around us and our needs. It doesn’t.

When we are grieving and broken hearted, Jesus doesn’t make light of it. He doesn’t condemn us or shame us or tell us not to feel the pain. He doesn’t say trite things or give bumper sticker slogans. He acknowledges our pain. He knows we are human. He was human himself. What He does instead is - He gives us a better glimpse or reminds us of who He is. If you look through the Bible and even in your own life story you will notice that every time you experience the pain of loss, struggle and grief, there is an opportunity to experience parts of Jesus that you might not have been aware of before. I see this in Hagar’s story when she realizes in her desperate time that “He is the God who sees”. I see it in Abraham and Isaac’s story when He sees that God is the “God who provides,” before almost sacrificing his son. I see it in Moses’ story at the burning bush when he sees that God is the great “I am”.  And on and on...God reveals himself to us when we are at our greatest points of need.

For me...in 2007, when my husband passed away. I can tell you God became My Redeemer in a personal way and the Lover of my Soul. I knew Him as my Friend and Father, but when my husband died...I felt Him as My beloved and husband too. Need...calls our attention to who Jesus is. But we must tune in and listen.

Finally, Jesus wept. Shortest verse in the bible and one that I now think is often misunderstood. Jesus can’t be weeping just for Martha and Mary...why would He do that when He knows what’s about to happen? He’s about to give them the biggest gift ever...He’s not going to waste time sitting and crying. No, there is anger in these tears. Sorrow mixed with anger. This event of raising Lazarus from the dead is the pivotal moment when Jesus is walking very deliberately into His own death and resurrection. This miracle is far greater than just healing a sick person, the people take notice and the Pharisees begin to plot to kill Jesus immediately. This is the moment when everything changes.

I’ve come to see Jesus weeping in this story as being about more than just the two or three people in this chapter, but instead as part of a much bigger story. This is not the way things were supposed to be. Sin...death is the result of sin and Jesus weeping here lets us know that He was human and broken-hearted for all of us who live and die here, because He knows that all of us have or will suffer because of what Satan has done all the way back in the garden of Eden. This is the sorrow and anger...righteous anger that knows this is not the way things were supposed to be, and not what God intended for us when He created us.

This story shows us that Jesus has power even over death.

But it also shows us that Jesus knows what it feels like to live in a broken world and to care about people in a broken world. For everyone who has experienced loss and not the miracle here on this earth...Jesus doesn’t make light of it. He makes it clear that he ‘gets’ it. There are no bumper sticker awkward comments here...just a Savior who sits and feels the whole gamut of emotion over what was lost for all of us when sin entered the world. This...makes all the difference when you’re grieving. We all need to know Jesus ‘gets’ our pain, doesn’t make light of it and grieves with us over the stuff that happens that should’ve never happened.

You can probably tell...this story and this picture of Jesus speaks to me deeply...I have a feeling you might connect with it too.

Ruth Spencer

Jesus and a Rich Man

Treasure in Heaven 

Every once in awhile, I’ll hear reports of some lost treasure that has been recovered.  Each time that happens, I hearken back to my childhood and many attempts to find such a bounty in the areas around the town where I grew up.  So much searching and occasionally maybe a small discovery of a bead, rusty tool or mineral rock, but never did I come upon that one big cache of wealth that would change my life forever.   As a child, I did discover a treasure that would change my life forever. Little did I know as a young adolescent boy just how much greater that treasure would be for my life and world.  The treasure I came upon is a personal relationship with Jesus that continues to usher me into the family of God and equip me for every good work.  While I have been blessed in both the turmoil and triumph of following Jesus, there are still yet greater returns that I could not possibly comprehend right now. One thing is sure, I am convinced that Jesus is greater than anything this world has to offer and I would encourage you to turn your eyes upon Him as your greatest security today!

In Mark 10:17-31, we see a man comes up to Jesus hoping to find eternal life.  Jesus tells the man how to find eternal life and treasure in Heaven but in the end we see the man walk away disheartened.  What happened?  How could this be?  The man was seeking eternal life and just when he gets his answer – he walks away from Jesus.  Put yourself in that man’s shoes for a moment.  If Jesus asked you to walk away from all your earthly security, would you do it?  Not so easy, if you really think about it! Over the years, I’ve accumulated a bunch of stuff and I have trouble simply trying to de-clutter let alone give up everything all at once.  What Jesus asked of the man was a lot for him to give up.  I’m inclined to think the man believed there might just be another way to find eternal life without such a drastic cost to his lifestyle. In that moment, Jesus’ demand was too much for the man.  I’m hoping he eventually came around in time to know Jesus as the treasure that outweighed any cost to his life.  

Now put yourself in Jesus’ shoes for a moment.  He looked at this man and loved him, yet the man walked away. We often consider our cost in following Jesus.  But how often do we consider the cost to Jesus in loving us?   How disheartening it must’ve been to feel the man’s rejection of Jesus’ invitation.  We should remember that Jesus does sympathize with the man’s struggle with sin as He was also tempted in every way.  Jesus didn’t stop loving the man when he walked away. Instead Jesus foretells His death again after this encounter.  Jesus is literally dead set on recovering the lost treasure of this man and the world whose hearts have been torn from His fellowship by sin.  He will provide the rescue they need because in them He sees a treasure that He wants to recover.  

Jesus still calls us to total sacrifice and surrender in order to follow Him. The reality is that it is impossible for any person to inherit eternal life on their own but by the power of God it has been made possible through His Son.  Today, we have the most convincing proof of eternal life that the world has ever been given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Look no further – Jesus is the treasure of Heaven for which your soul longs most.  You were created for fellowship with Him and He has made a way for that to happen now and forever.  Wow! If that doesn’t light your wick right now than you’ve probably got some idols of your own to let loose.  As His people, let us throw off anything that hinders us from following Jesus.  May we look upon Him and find our ultimate treasure in Him.  Let’s take heart in the eternal life God gives to us through Jesus, the champion of our souls!

Grateful and hopeful in Christ,

Jon 

Jesus and a Samaritan Woman

He Knows Me

In the fourth chapter of John, we see a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, at a well, in the hot noon hour. 

Jesus is tired and thirsty. He is human. His disciples go to town to try and get some food for him. He is alone.

The Samaritan woman comes to the well at an unusual hour. It’s not logical to come to get water in the middle of the day, when it is at its hottest, unless you are trying to avoid being with others.

Jesus asks the woman for a drink. In that simple request he breaks through so many societal borders. Jews and Samaritans had nothing to do with one another, and a man talking to a woman...alone, not acceptable. Husbands didn’t even talk with wives and daughters in public at this time. Everything about this exchange is radical.

I find it interesting that Jesus doesn’t perform any miracles, doesn’t heal anyone, doesn’t tell anyone their sins are forgiven or to take up their mat and walk. He doesn’t calm a storm or bring anyone back from the dead...there are no signs and wonders in this exchange between Jesus and the woman. 

Instead...he offers her living water...unending, fresh, eternal living water. Of course she wants that! Who wouldn’t? But first He draws her attention to her need of grace...He lets her know that He is aware of who she is and the things that she would probably prefer others didn’t know about her (five husbands and the fact that she’s not married to the one she’s with right now). He doesn’t hold any of it back or try to make light of it. He’s truthful without being cruel.

She immediately recognizes that He is something special...a prophet. She doesn’t say it, but I can imagine that she also recognizes, she is a sinner, in need of grace.

They talk about worship, and how simple, honest, true living before God is what is best.

The disciples return and without saying a word they convey to the woman their lack of love and understanding, which stands in stark contrast to the way Jesus has been interacting with her. She felt safe with Jesus, even knowing that He knew everything about her. She felt love with Jesus, even without Him saying I love you. I try to imagine what that must have felt like...love that requires no words, it just covers everything in an undeniable way.

She goes back to town in such a hurry that she leaves her water pot behind. The task is forgotten, the message is more important. She’s running back to tell the people who have probably judged her harshly for many years about Jesus and all she can say is “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” 

Her testimony is obviously compelling because many of the town people come and speak to Jesus for themselves, and believe that yes, He is the Messiah. And then, Jesus, in a move even more radical, decides to spend two more days there to talk further with the people! 

When we read this I’m not sure we can really understand how baffling this whole exchange and visit must have been, Jesus blew away every societal norm. 

What captures me though, is how Jesus “knowing” the woman inside and out, was what compelled her to believe that He was the Messiah. 

In today’s world, I think we underestimate the power of love and knowing one another across race, gender, socioeconomic levels, education, etc. I can’t help but wonder how many people walk by me every day...just wanting someone to care enough to know them, to really care. I recognize this because I feel the same way. 

Jesus help us all to love the way you do,

Ruth Spencer

Jesus and a Pharisee

A few years back we acquired a toy snake. I don’t know how or why. I surely didn’t buy it because I hate snakes. I see them and shiver. The only “good” thing about a toy snake is that you can hide it around the house and scare your unsuspecting teenagers, and even that is only fun until they decide to pay you back. 

I assumed that was what had happened when one day, I came home from the store and upon approaching the front door, noticed something lying across the threshold. Initially I thought it was the toy snake, but this was a different color, and much larger, and was moving! A living, slithering snake was lying wait at my door!

Way, way back when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness they also had a run in with some snakes. Numbers 21 tells us that the Lord sent fiery serpents as a punishment for Israel’s lack of faith in God, the promise maker and keeper. 

Sometimes it takes a snake bite to bring you back to God. 

The people came to Moses, confession on their lips, seeking a remedy. Moses interceded on their behalf, and the Lord-who specializes in remedies for sin- told him to construct a fiery serpent (copper red to remind them of atonement), and to set it on a pole. Israel, bitten by a snake, needed only to look up at the serpent on the pole, and live. 

Fourteen hundred years later, Nicodemus comes under cover of night and wants to know if this man Jesus is truly sent from God. Jesus tells him of a second birth, a birth of the Spirit that would make him new. Nicodemus believed himself to be safe from judgement through his own adherence to the law: a righteousness he strived to earn on his own. But the law itself could not save him and only reminded him of the curse all of creation groans under. Israel had looked at the serpent on the rod and was saved. Did Nicodemus understand this wisdom from heaven? Would he look to Jesus, high and lifted up, and believe by faith that Jesus could redeem him from the curse by becoming cursed in his stead?

Like Israel and Nicodemus, we suffer under a curse brought about by a snake and our own prideful hearts. Condemned, we hide under cover of night and love the darkness more than the light. Our works are evil and we fear being exposed. 

But God. 

He so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Christ’s blood was spilled because sin always costs and without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sins. 

But God, He gave it all! 

Christ’s blood was shed for our sins. 

The Son of Man has been lifted up. 

The curse is broken. 

The serpent; his end is near. 

We don’t have to perish. 

Look to Jesus, and live!

-Natalie Runyon

Jesus and a Mother

“Jesus. I want my kids to sit next to you in your kingdom, one at your right and one at your left”. All her dreams for them come to pass, as she envisions them seated with honor next to the long-awaited Messiah. 

What does a Mom say when she approaches Jesus on behalf of her children? Does she turn the words over and over in her mind, as she braids her hair, carefully choosing the proper ones? Is her heart racing in anticipation as she puts on her best clothing? Does she think about the future and how proud she will feel of her boys? How others will look at her with envy? “There is Salome”, they will whisper as she passes by, “her sons are the ones who rule alongside the Messiah”!

The moment arrives, and Salome approaches Jesus. Kneeling before him, she is ready to make her request. The words tumble out. “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” The secret hope of this mother, now spoken aloud. 

Yet, Salome didn’t know what she was asking. She had no idea that the path to greatness in the upside down kingdom of Jesus meant a cup of suffering. She wanted only the best for her boys, not realizing that when Jesus placed a call on their lives, He beckoned them to lay down any ambitions for greatness and to carry a cross. 

The Son of Man, He came not to be served as other kings were. He was altogether different. The King of kings came to serve.

He would give up His life as a ransom, buying God’s people back from the clutches of death. And when He did, He would drink the fullness of the cup of God’s wrath. 

The sons of Zebedee could not drink the cup that was His alone to drink, but they would share in His sufferings. When she made her request, Salome didn’t know Jesus was bound for Golgotha- a King with a crown of thorns. A few short years later, her son James would die by the sword, at the hand of Herod. And John? He would live out his later years in exile. The cup of suffering Jesus extended to the brothers, they partook of, but oh, that was not what her mother’s heart ever imagined. 

Two thousand years later and a mother’s heart is still the same. As we celebrate a Mother’s Day unlike any other, we come to Jesus with our dreams for our own children clenched in tight fists. We have given up soccer and now baseball, proms and graduations; Birthdays have been spent in isolation. Vacations cancelled. Bank accounts drained. We are afraid. Afraid of death, and pain, and misfortune. We are angry. Angry at all that has been lost, and what is still to come. Our kids are hurting. 

“Jesus. I don’t want my kids to suffer. Why are you taking so much?”

“Jesus. How will we provide for our family if we have no work?”

“Jesus. My daughter’s health is already poor. How long can I protect her from this virus?”

We have spent years teaching our children how to prosper, how to be a success, but have we prepared them for suffering? 

This Mother’s Day, when everything feels so insecure and out of our control, may we gently and lovingly point our children to the Suffering Servant who gave up His life for their sake. He has come to ransom them and to be their portion forever, and He uses everything for their good and His glory. They will suffer this side of eternity, that much is certain, but in the midst of their suffering, Jesus is there. Above all, may the dream of our heart be for them to know and trust Christ fully. 

-Natalie Runyon

Facing Jesus

Our family has done our best to abide by current guidelines and have not visited with many outside of digital meetings.  Last Sunday evening as I sat on my deck, a few familiar faces appeared in my driveway.  It was my older sister and her family.  They carried a gift with them to honor Kim’s birthday this week.  We invited them up for a visit as we kept our social distance.  It was such a blessing to have company in that moment.  It took me back to memories of my sister and I being excited in our childhood when company would come to visit.  Time spent with others is a gift that reminds us of our value to the visitors and their value to us.  Made me look forward to more time with loved ones and friends when conditions allow again!           

In this week’s passage, Jesus tells a chief tax collector named Zacchaeus that He is coming today to Zacchaeus’ house to stay.  We’re told that he receives Him joyfully.  And in that visit with Jesus, Zacchaeus experiences the gracious love and salvation of the LORD.  This was no chance encounter; Jesus had sought out Zacchaeus in the midst of a great crowd.  

In the previous chapter 18, we see Jesus encountered by a rich young ruler that wants to find salvation.  Jesus extends an invitation similar to the one he’d given to the disciples around Him that were now considered close friends.  That rich young ruler was too attached to his worldly security and it inhibited him from following Jesus.  Instead of walking with Jesus, he walks away from Jesus.  Yet in chapter 19 of Luke’s Gospel, we see Zacchaeus, also a rich man, when he looks squarely in the face of Jesus and is willing to let go of his worldly security for Jesus’ sake.  I believe Zacchaeus found the treasure of heaven that his heart desired in Jesus as his Friend and Chief.

Today, all of us face the choice of where to look for our greatest security and hope of salvation.  While the temptation to trust in worldly security is alluring, the rock solid security and hope for Christians is in Christ Jesus alone!  As a church, we have made it our mission to make much of Jesus for this reason because it is very easy to misplace our trust in something less.  Today, let us joyfully welcome Jesus as our great Friend and Chief.  May we seek His face as Zacchaeus did.  May we find joy in the knowledge that Jesus seeks us even more intently.  May we revel in His visitation.  And may we find our salvation, security, and leading in the indelible grace and unshakeable friendship of Jesus.   And while I miss you all and look forward to gathering again with our church family, I rest in the reality that nothing can separate us from the love of God that we have in Christ Jesus.

Grateful and hopeful in Christ,

Jon

Jesus and a Paralyzed Man

Helpless

Hopeless

Alone

No home

No friends

Paralyzed

38 years

1,976 weeks

13,832 days

19,918,080 seconds

That's a long time!  Let that sink in.

And then in one moment his situation changes.

One man - Jesus

One question - "Do you want to be healed?"

Eight words - "Get up, take up your bed, and walk."

Most of us are not paralyzed physically, but we are all in need of help and hope.

There is a lot more to this miracle and this conversation continues, but for now let's think about hopelessness.  How have you lost hope?  When we lose hope we are tempted to give up.  We begin to believe that nothing will ever change.  The paralyzed man felt that way.  When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed he never said, "yes."  He gave an excuse.  Thankfully this man's despair was no deterrent for Jesus.  This man's excuse was no obstacle for Jesus.

The Bible is clear from beginning to end - we cannot save ourselves, we cannot heal ourselves.  We depend fully on Another.  So..."God demonstrated His love for us in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

My prayer is that we would ask Jesus to heal us of our hopelessness.  No matter how long we have struggled Jesus still knows, cares and heals today.

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

In Christ, 

Steven

Conversations with Jesus

We are experiencing a Kairos moment as a world.  Kairos (καιρός) is an Ancient Greek word meaning the right, critical, or opportune moment.  Kairos moments are life changing and life altering.

The “pause” button has been pushed.  The old “normal” may never return and we do not know what the new “normal” will look like.  Jon Davis mentioned the Hebrew word “Selah” last Sunday.  Selah invites us to pause and consider what God may be saying even when we don't fully understand.

As we continue to walk through this Selah and Kairos moment we are going to move to a different sermon series.  The title of the series is Conversations with Jesus.  I don’t know about you, but even though we can have conversations over the phone and FaceTime and Skype and Zoom...NOTHING is a substitute for in person conversations.  Eye contact, facial expressions and touch are lost in translation or non-existent.  But as Christians we worship the God who came near - Immanuel - God with us.  Jesus doesn't do "social distancing."   So for the next seven weeks we will take a close look at conversations Jesus had with individuals.  Some of these conversations go well for the individual involved and others do not, but each conversation is a kairos moment.  

May we be those who selah long enough to hear the conversations Jesus continues to have with us through His Word and His Spirit and may they be kairos moments resulting in healing, help and hope for us and glory, praise and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Here is a look at where we will go during this series:

4/26 - Jesus and a Paralyzed Man (John 5:1-16)

5/3 - Jesus and a Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10)

5/10 - Jesus and a Mother (Matthew 20:20-28)

5/17 - Jesus and a Pharisee (John 3:1-21)

5/24 - Jesus and a Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42)

5/31 - Jesus and a Rich Man (Mark 10:17-31)

6/7 - Jesus and a Grieving Sister (John 11:17-44)

In Christ, 

Steven

The Staying Power of Grace

In 1 Samuel 12, we see people who have 'made their bed and now must lie in it.’ They’ve chosen to be like other nations wanting a human king, rejecting God as their true King. Samuel presents his case before them, reminding them of all that God has done for them in the past and how quickly they’ve turned away, forgotten and outright rejected God.

We all know what it’s like to ‘make our bed and then have to lie in it’. We know what it is to want our own way and to make decisions that lead to negative consequences. It’s part of the human condition.

Samuel doesn’t leave them there and neither does God.

It would be such a futile, hopeless scenario if there was no hope or redemption available...but there is!

Verse 20-22:

Samuel said to them, “Don’t be fearful. It’s true that you have done something very wrong. All the same, don’t turn your back on God. Worship and serve him heart and soul! Don't chase after ghost-gods. There’s nothing to them. They can’t help you. They’re nothing but ghost gods! God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people.” (The Message translation)

For all of us, this should give us great hope...no matter what choices you’ve made, no matter how much you’ve made your own “bed”, God will not walk off and leave. When we think we have to soldier on, in the consequences of our sin and selfishness, without help from God in our time of need, we make things worse. The hope of the gospel lies in the fact that even then...God is ready to act, love, give grace and restore. Thanks be to God!

Verse 23-25:

“And neither will I walk off and leave you. That would be a sin against God! I’m staying right here at my post praying for you and teaching you the good and right way to live. But I beg of you, fear God and worship him honestly and heartily. You’ve seen how greatly he has worked among you! Be warned: If you live badly, both you and your king will be thrown out.” (The Message translation)

Samuel’s posture of ‘staying at his post, praying, teaching, begging, and reminding’, is a good reminder for me, as to what my role is when I see others making choices that I know aren’t good. It’s easy to give up on people, or to rebuke them and get angry. It’s easy to get hurt and make others feel that they have to dig themselves out of their own hole. That’s not what Samuel does. He makes it clear...the people have sinned, there is no doubt about that. He also makes it clear, that even now, there is still hope as long as the people will turn to God in reverence with their whole heart and mind. He’s trying to hold out a stick to the person going down in quicksand. He doesn’t do this because he feels like it, or it’s easy. No, he does this because he knows it’s the right thing to do and he wants his own conscious clear before God.

Who in your life and mine...needs us to ‘stay at the post, pray, teach, beg and remind’? Where are we giving up on people...choosing instead to gossip, get angry, or hurt? How aware are we of our own need for help when we find ourselves in quicksand, or our own need of grace?

God doesn’t walk away from His people and neither can we.

Ultimately...God redeems this whole king thing. Jesus the King of Kings comes from this line of kings...the family of David. God is not bound or thrown off by our sinful choices...what a blessed relief!

Staying at the post,

Ruth Spencer

Watch and Pray

Today is Maundy Thursday and today I've had trouble focusing.

I want to remember - Jesus' body was broken for me.  Jesus' blood was shed for me.

My life came from His death.

Jesus washed the disciples feet - He served them.  Jesus serves me.  He comforts me.  He helps me.  He is patient with me.  

I want to believe - Jesus in the Garden.

Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God.  Believe also in me.

Jesus asks His disciples to pray.  I want to pray.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Watch and pray - but in the midst of distraction...I realize I am as weak as the disciples were.

Where is the hope in this?  

The hope is that when I fumble and fail to pray to Jesus...Jesus still prays for me.

He prayed for Peter.

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith will not fail.  And when you turn back, strengthen your brothers.  (Luke 22:31-32)

What would it look like if you inserted your own name into the verse?

Steven, Steven, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Steven that your faith will not fail.  And when you turn back, strengthen your brothers.

In the midst of this pandemic it may feel like your faith might fail.  But Jesus still prays for us that our faith will not fail.

Jesus knew what would happen to Simon Peter on Good Friday.  The denials, the broken promises, the shame, the failure.

Jesus knew how you and I would fail too.  The denials, the broken promises, the shame, the failure.

And HE still prays for you and me!  He lives to intercede for [us]. (Hebrews 7:25b)

So on this Maundy Thursday even though I am distracted my Savior is not!

So on this Maundy Thursday even though I forget my Savior remembers!

So on this Maundy Thursday even though I am prayer-less my Savior is prayerful!

He is faithful!  

In Christ, 

Steven Helfrich

I Have Seen the Lord!

“I have seen the Lord!” cried Mary Magdalene that first Resurrection Sunday. She had known him in life, witnessed his death and arrived to find his tomb empty. 

But God the Father had promised he would not abandon his Son to the realm of the dead, or let his faithful one see decay. The tomb was empty because the Savior of the world had defeated death. 

Putting pen to paper this Holy Week,

I am keenly aware that not everyone reading these words will live to see the next Holy Week. We are living with a sentence of death. All of us. We are powerless to escape the grave, unable to save ourselves. It is, after all, appointed to mankind to die. 

And so, how do we live these remaining years, months, weeks or even days that the Lord has seen fit to give us? How do we bear the knowledge that in the upcoming year we will lose parents, and friends, children and spouses?

Mary stood outside of the tomb, crying because she didn’t know where the body of her Lord had gone. She turned around, and saw the risen Jesus, but did not know it was him. After all, who would expect to see someone who had been brutally crucified now standing? 

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said her name. He said her name and she knew. 

The temple about which Jesus had said, “destroy it, and in three days I will raise it up”, was no earthly temple. It was his very body. And now he stands before her, risen. Jesus in whom all the fullness of God dwells, body destroyed, now raised again. It was her Lord. And Mary knew. 

When I read in the scriptures Jesus calling her name, my heart feels it. I can feel her deep sadness erased at the joy of seeing him face to face. He’s alive! 

A few months ago, I stood over my Grandpa’s casket. What I would have given for one more hug, one more chance to sit near him and talk. I didn’t expect him to sit up and say my name. We don’t expect the dead to rise. 

But friends, this is the hope of Easter!

If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is futile. If we only have hope in Christ for this life we are now living, then we should be pitied above all people. But Christ HAS risen! And in his resurrection, he has secured ours. Death has lost its sting for those Christ died to save!

Mary saw him, and she knew. 

Peter saw him. 

The rest of the disciples saw him. 

He appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at once. 

Then to James, his brother. 

And to Paul. 

So sure were they, of his resurrection, that they were willing to die for their testimony. 

The promise of Easter, in the midst of a pandemic, is the same promise of every Easter past, and of those still to come: Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures. He was buried, and raised on the third day, according to the scriptures. His promises are true. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

For forty days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared many times and many places, teaching about the kingdom of God. Then, before the disciple’s very eyes, he ascended into heaven. They were assured, that this Jesus, who was taken up from them into heaven, will return in the same way they saw him go. 

Friends, he is coming back. Those who have died, trusting in Him, will rise. Our greatest enemy, eternal death from sin, has been defeated. The holy Lamb of God, who knew no sin, became sin for us. He bore our punishment in his body, and by faith, we can be healed. This Easter we live in hopeful anticipation that everything sad will one day come undone. 

My heart is stirred within me because I know him. I’ve heard his voice. Do you hear him? Jesus is alive and he’s calling your name.

-Natalie Runyon

Behold your King

“Behold, your king is coming to you.”

Are you afraid? - Behold, your king is coming to you. 

Are you anxious? - Behold, your king is coming to you.

Are you sick? - Behold, your king is coming to you.

Are you unemployed? - Behold, your king is coming to you.

Are you lost? - Behold, your king is coming to you.

The Bible from beginning to end declares one key message. Behold, your king is coming to you. When we are far away. When we are rebellious. When we are complacent. When we are afraid. When we are confused. When we are angry. When we are in need. When we are sick. When we are heart-broken. When we are overwhelmed. While we were still sinners - Christ the king who is coming to us died FOR US.

And oh how we need to hear and trust in this truth today.  

As deaths from COVID-19 increase, as jobs are lost, as healthcare workers are short supplies, as the world is changing before our very eyes - Behold, your king is coming to you.

Church - this is our hope. This is our firm foundation. Behold, your king is coming to you.  And when He comes again - every wrong will be made right, every sickness will be healed, every broken heart will be made whole. He will be our God and we will be His people and He will dwell in our midst. And until that Day comes - our king is coming to us.  

He comes in the here and now to quiet us with His love and to rejoice over us with singing. He is mighty to save (Zeph. 3:17). He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

May God give us eyes to see - behold, our King! He is coming!

Looking for the King,

Steven

From Fear to Function

Hey all! I miss gathering with our church family and seeing each of you in person.  I’m sure we all look forward to when that day returns!  I know it’s a scary time right now as sickness and death lurk in the news, as livelihoods and lifestyles have been thrown into question.  We will be tempted to hide and look only to selfish interests, but God is calling His church to hope in Him and serve His interests.  I admit that I’ve been afraid at times as days have gone by and things have progressed with this deadly virus.  But thanks be to God that He does not leave me in my fear! As He reminds me of His presence and promises, I’m compelled to trust Him more and make the welfare of others a high priority. How does God work to renew and activate my faith in a time like this?  By the blessing of His Holy and Enduring Word through Scripture, by His Holy Spirit guiding me in prayer and action, by spiritual brothers and sisters that witness Jesus and spur me on to the same, and by overwhelming circumstances that reveal and refine what I really believe and trust about Jesus.  May none of these things be wasted in our lives today for He is faithful forever! 

Last week’s passage showed us Saul in hiding when he should’ve been standing tall.  This week we see king Saul lead God’s people to an unexpected victory over a territorial enemy.  Our God and King, Yahweh is mighty to save and redeem His people.  Between those two moments, the LORD works out so many details for Saul that bolster his confidence and faith.  He takes a man afraid and makes him a man of valor and victory.  What a word for us today!  If the LORD can do that for Saul then how much more does He do that now for His adopted children and royal priesthood!  We are no longer bound to be slaves to fear!  We are no longer under the curse and condemnation of sin!  Death has lost its sting because of the promise we have in Jesus and His resurrection!  The enemy is overcome by the testimony of the saints! While others walk afraid for what can be lost in the moment, we are called to live in light of eternity, sharing the hope that we have in Jesus as God’s Son and setting our mind on things above while not settling for anything less than satisfaction in Christ alone!

There is so much we can glean from God’s Word, and it’s crucial at all times, but especially when we are doubting and vulnerable to the schemes of our spiritual enemy.  Satan masquerades as an angel of light and seeks to shut us down from sharing a witness about our Gracious Heavenly Father and Almighty King.  We must remember - Jesus is the light of the world and in His presence the darkness flees!  Now is not the time to be silent but to share and live as followers of the Way – Jesus’ Way.  Fear paralyzes, but faith in Jesus sets us free to function as God has destined for His church.  Fear haunts, but we can find respite in the promises of God fulfilled through Christ. Fear comes when we feel alone, but Jesus promised His presence and makes His followers a part of a spiritual family that will prevail in His name.  Let us draw close to God through His Word and ask His Spirit to rush upon us as it did for Saul in those moments that led him and the people to salvation from the Ammonites.  Let us also find ways to rejoice together in what we’ve seen the LORD doing.

Today, especially, we need His Word and Spirit to save us from our own sin and the despair that comes from it. We need to pray with and hear from spiritual family so that our hopes and passions can be continually renewed and refreshed in the ministry of the gospel.  It looks different in how we deal but it’s the same in how the LORD helps and reigns supreme. The Enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we could have life that is abundant in the hope and blessing of His covenant with us through Christ Jesus.  May we as a church body look to Jesus as our KING in this time and may we follow along with Him and obey His promptings to love people as He has loved us. I pray for you.  Please pray for me that the world will know the love of Jesus by what they witness from Christ-followers at this moment.

Grateful and hopeful in Christ,

Jon

Hide and Seek

Our family has a fun New Year's Eve tradition - Hide and Seek in the dark.  Our home is pretty small so finding new places to hide is challenging, but the point of hide and seek isn't really hiding, is it?  It's knowing someone is looking for you and the anticipation of being found.  Can you imagine how devastating it would be to tell a child "go hide" and to leave the child in hiding without any intention of looking for him?

In 1 Samuel 10:17-27 Samuel calls the people of Israel together and reminds them that Yahweh delivered them from all the kingdoms that were oppressing them, but instead of seeking Yahweh they reject Him.  They go searching for a different king, but Yahweh is still present directing them to the king they want by casting lots.  The lot falls on Saul, but Saul can't be found because he is hiding.  I love God's sense of humor.  The people need the King they reject to tell them where the king is they want.  And God always knows where everyone is hiding.  He tells the Israelites Saul is hiding "among the baggage."

That's pretty normal, isn't it?  Our "baggage" causes us to hide, too.  

We've been wounded and we wound others.  

We've been sinned against and we sin against others.  

We've got "issues" and our baggage speaks to us.

Our "baggage" says, "You're worthless."

                                    "You're a failure."

                                    "You will never change."

Our "baggage" keeps us in hiding.

The True King frees us from our baggage.

The King says:

"You are fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)

"You are more than conquerors through him who loves you." (Romans 8:37) 

"You are being transformed into the image of the LORD from one degree of glory to another." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

What king are you seeking?  What "baggage" has you hiding?

Lift your heads...lift your eyes.  Your King comes to you.  He has sought you out.  He is freeing you from your "baggage."  He is seeking us.  Will we seek Him?

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

READY OR NOT...HERE I COME!

Join me in searching for the True King, Church.  All of our hope is in Him.

Love in Christ,

Steven

Being the Church

Dear Church Family,

My normal Saturday evening is filled with excitement (and a few nerves) as I pray about what God will do when we worship on Sunday. This Saturday evening feels different for obvious reasons.  Sports have shut down. Schools have closed. Flights are canceled. And our elders made the difficult decision to cancel our large Sunday morning gatherings through the end of the month.

Sunday mornings are that special time of the week when we encourage each other, worship our Savior, hear and respond to the Word.  And for the next three Sundays that won’t happen...at least that won’t happen in the way it usually does.

We may “miss” some “church services” but we never cease from “being the church.”  During this present pandemic, what does it look like for the church to be the church?

People are afraid.  That’s normal.  

Check on your family, your friends, your neighbors.  Consider sharing some of that toilet paper you may or may not have stockpiled.  

Pray.  Not just prayer before meals, but set aside time to ask God for promptings.  

God...what do you want to teach me or show me during this time?

God...who might you want me to reach out to and encourage?

God...help doctors and nurses and first responders during this time.

God...heal the sick, comfort the hurting, give strength and grace to us all.

Bond with your family.  If you have school-aged children and grandchildren - what an opportunity to hear their hearts and make memories without the hustle and bustle of school and extracurricular activities.

Even though we are not gathering in large groups for the remainder of the month, here are some ways you can still connect with your church family during the next few weeks:

1. We will still maintain office hours Monday-Thursday from 10 AM - 2 PM and we are available at other times via appointment.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

2. You will be receiving information regarding Community Groups from your Community Group Leaders in the near future.

3. All Youth Group gatherings are canceled for the month of March.

4. We plan on sending video teachings/mini sermons to you this coming week.

5. We plan on sharing sermons from other gifted Bible teachers.

My prayer for all of us is that God would open our ears to be able to hear His Words to us:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

When you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

And the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the LORD your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”   

                                                           Isaiah 43:1b-3a

I love you all,

Steven

Lost Donkeys Bring on Israel's First King

The scripture portion for this week is 1 Samuel 9 - 1 Samuel 10:16. It reads as one of those stories where truth is stranger than fiction. The people want a king. God wants them to see Him as their King, but they are crying out for a person they can see and touch, like the other nations have. I can’t help but get the feeling that God is giving in to the people’s cries, all the while knowing they will live to regret it. Sometimes that’s what we do with our children. We know they have to experience some of life’s greatest lessons for themselves even if it is less than ideal.

The chapter starts out with a handsome guy named Saul, who happens to be out looking for his lost donkeys. OK, that’s a strange way to introduce us to Israel’s first king, but that is literally what he is doing. He is struggling so hard to find the lost donkeys, that he actually seeks out Samuel, the man of God, to help him know where they are.

In the meantime, God has told Samuel exactly what to be on the lookout for when Saul comes. So, we shift rather quickly from looking for donkeys to suddenly being at a prepared meal with guests where Saul becomes the honored guest with the choice cut of meat and ends up being anointed king of Israel!

Can you even imagine what is going through Saul’s head?! To say this whole thing came out of left field is quite an understatement! Samuel goes on and tells him detail by detail what is going to happen in the next 24 hours, and it all goes exactly as Samuel says. Saul returns home, the donkeys have been found, and Saul is a changed man.

Saul didn’t ask to be king. He wasn’t looking for it, expecting it, or even wanting it. It just happened while he was out looking for his father’s donkeys. This story is written totally by God and Samuel...Saul just happens to be the guy chosen in this moment of history.

It’s easy to remember Saul as the bad guy in the whole David story that is to come, but in this chapter, we see a guy who we can all relate to, a guy who is likable, a guy we would even want to root for. But this Saul is different, he is humble and open to following directions. Sadly, that will change.

Can you imagine what this whole experience must have felt like to Saul? I encourage you to put yourself in his shoes and try to feel and think what he must have felt and thought.

How important is humility and the willingness to follow God’s directions? 

What might I miss out on when I would rather stay focused on looking for the lost donkeys in my life than seeking God and His plans?

Worth pondering…

Ruth Spencer