Unwrap the Best Gift Ever!

You made it through all the last month.  You have been preparing and planning, working, decorating, sending out cards, preparing meals and wrapping presents.  Now the big weekend is almost upon us and we will all be able to take a big sigh of relief and relax. 

What is the big deal about Christmas?  Why is it that the world stands still one day a year in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ?  Why is it that a baby born 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem on the other side of the world can stop traffic today in the Twin Cities?  And can jam up the shopping malls and parking lots in unbelievable ways.  And can drive you crazy with all the people and packages too? 

The answer is this: Christmas is the best news you’re ever going to hear.  In fact, it is the greatest news, it’s the best news, it’s the Good News.  Since the Christmas season began, one word has fallen from our lips more than any other.  Maybe you haven’t stopped to think about which word that was.  I don’t think it’s the word “joy” or “carol” or “tree” or “food.”  I think it’s the word “gift.”  If you listen in on conversations in shopping malls and on parking lots, you will hear the word mentioned several times in one conversation.  Let’s face it, we have lists of gifts we hope to buy.  Some of us have lists of gifts we hope to receive too. 

This weekend we celebrate God’s gift of His Son born in a manger.  And here’s what is so shocking: Not only did God send His Son to be born here in a manger, but God also sent His Son knowing that He would go from the manager to a cross.  You see, gifts that really matter cost deeply. 

So this weekend, as we gather with family and friends and celebrate God sending His Son into the world, let us unwrap the gift Jesus brings.  His gift will never, never disappoint you.  It’s personal, it’s practical, it’s useful, it won’t break, it never goes out of style, it fits like a glove and it will change your life.  It is a gift that will last forever!

Ever met a child who, when offered a chance to open a Christmas gift, said “no"?  The whole reason Christmas exists, the whole purpose is so you can have a relationship with God. 

Unwrap the gift of Jesus this Christmas!

Here’s a wonderful song from The Story called “Be Born in Me.”  Listen to Mary’s story as she ponders the Holy Child she is carrying. 

May the blessings of the Christ Child fill your heart this Christmas.

To His Glory!

Pastor Carol

Sneak a Peek

Advent is a season of preparation as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus – Immanuel – God with us!  In the church, the month of December is a month full of activities that help us to prepare: the Expressions Choir concert, Advent Festival, Women’s Christmas Dessert, special Wednesday Night Live activities, and "Lessons and Carols" Sunday with the Traditions Choir.  Not to mention all of the preparations that you and your family are doing at home as well. 

For many of you, you are busy decorating the house, shopping and mailing gifts, making delectable treats to share with family and friends, and writing out Christmas cards.  Some of you might even be putting up Christmas lights at the last minute since we do not have any snow and you can still easily get those ladders out. 

The Christmas season can become a blur of activity sometimes.  Last Sunday I hurried home after the last morning service at Calvary, ate lunch fast and came back to church for the delightful Advent Festival.  When I got home later that night, I realized I had actually put the ketchup bottle in the freezer!  Yikes!  I guess my mind just had too many things to “prepare” for that day.  Can any of you relate? 

As we journey ever closer to Bethlehem and the birth of our Lord, amidst the frantic chaos of family, work and church obligations, I pray that you will all be able to come before the manger and take time to see and experience the miracle -- to really see Jesus.

As I mentioned at the Women’s Christmas Dessert on Monday night, if you look at the Baby Jesus in the manger in the Sanctuary, you will see that His arms are outstretched.  He is reaching out to YOU!  It’s always fun to watch the children come up to Jesus in the manger.  With eager anticipation and excitement, they try to boost themselves up to “peer in” and “sneak a peek” at Jesus.  As adults, sometimes we just look at Jesus from afar.  We notice the beautiful Italian Fontanini statues of the Nativity in the Sanctuary, but we miss really seeing Jesus.  We miss the miracle of Christmas -- a miracle that changed the world and our lives forever.

This Advent, why not come before the manger with the heart of a child, full of anticipation and wonderment.  Go ahead, “sneak a peek” at the Baby Jesus.  He’s waiting! 

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, 'God with us.'"   Matthew 1:22-23

Listen to Chris Tomlin’s song, “Emmanuel,” and let the miracle of Jesus’ birth touch you today. 

To His Glory!

Pastor Carol

Give Me a Clean Heart!

Over the past week, I’ve been noodling Pastor Steve’s sermon. One of the main takeaways for me was that, despite all of our bad choices, God can forgive us and God can still use us to accomplish mighty things for Him in this world.  Can I have an Amen!!!??  Whew!

As we read about all the mistakes and cover-ups that King David resorted to, you would think that there was no way that God could possibly forgive him or use him in a mighty way.  Yet, David had a contrite heart and he sought God’s forgiveness and today we remember King David for all that he accomplished through God’s mercy and grace.   I absolutely love Psalm 51:3-12 where David wrote one of the best confessions ever. 

  For I know my transgressions,

   and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

   and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict

   and justified when you judge.

 Surely I was sinful at birth,

   sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;

   you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

   wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;

   let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins

   and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

   or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

May this prayer of confession and forgiveness be our prayer this week as we journey closer to Bethlehem.  May we, like King David, come before God this week with a humble heart and ask God’s mercy and His forgiveness for all the bad choices we have each made--and then ask God to use us in “unexpectant ways” to His glory this week. 

Listen to this acapella song using Psalm 51.  It is an amazing and touching version of this Psalm that will touch your heart.  
 

To His Glory!

Pastor Carol

Make My Heart Look Like Your Heart

Everyone needs a Jonathan in their life! 

In The Story this week, we learned about David being anointed King of Israel.  We also learned that King Saul’s son Jonathan, the next in line to the throne, was the only one, aside from God, who recognized the fact that David was indeed the one who would be king.  Jonathan not only recognized it, but also signified it by giving to David his royal robe, his tunic, his bow and his belt. 

We all need at least one Jonathan, one person, in our lives who sees God’s good plan in us even when we don’t and who also believes in us.  I know I have had a long list of Jonathans in my lifetime; some were teachers, some coaches, some pastors, some Sunday school teachers, and some mentors, but they all had one thing in common: they saw potential in me and they nurtured it.  They believed in me and saw beyond the surface to my heart.  Do you remember a teacher, coach or mentor who encouraged you and believed in you?  Maybe they looked beyond your situation and saw the person God created you to be.  They saw beyond the externals and saw your heart!  And that made all the difference! 

In the sermon this week, I mentioned that the story of David is a story that challenges each of us to look beyond our outward appearances and look at our character and our heart because God sees something in each of us that no one else sees.  What’s your heart like this week?  Do you have a pure heart for God, like David? 

I would encourage each of us not only to look at our own hearts, but also to have eyes to see the heart of others in our lives.  Perhaps we could each be a Jonathan this week to someone who needs some extra encouragement.  I’m going to throw out a “Jonathan Challenge” to each of us. 

Over the next week, find at least one person to whom you can speak words of encouragement.   Find one person who you can look beyond the surface and really see their heart and God’s good plan in them.  Ask God about it; pray about that person and ask God to reveal to you the gifts that this person has.  Then be a Jonathan – speak words of hope and encouragement to them.  Share your Jonathan stories on this blog.  Every one of us needs a Jonathan, but every one of us can also BE a Jonathan to someone else as well. 

Here’s the beautiful song Craig Anderson sang at worship this week called “Your Heart.”  It’s a song about David and his heart for God.  The song challenges each of us to look at our hearts and to be men and women after God’s own heart, just like David.

In His Grip!

Pastor Carol

Thanksgiving Hallelujah!

On this Thanksgiving Day and weekend, I invite each of us to find time between the turkey, the pumpkin pie, the shopping and the endless football games to thank our Heavenly Father for His extravagant love and grace that He has so richly showered on each of us.  

And I’d invite us all to offer thanksgiving to God today, not only for the blessings we have received this past year, but also for the blessings that are to come this next year.  You know, regardless of life’s challenges that we each face, we have much to be thankful for.  And we have a choice.  I know we have all heard the phrase “have an attitude of gratitude,” but what would happen if we truly lived out that attitude?  You and I can choose to be thankful for what we have or, instead, we can look at the things we lack in our lives.   We can choose to face the challenges in our lives with bold assurance that God will be there walking beside us even in the valleys and on those darkest of days.

There is a wonderful song by Bethany Dillion called “Hallelujah.”  It’s a song that has touched my heart over the past month.  Cheri Almquist, Calvary’s women's ministry director, shared the words of this song at the Women’s Fall Breakfast as part of her opening welcome.  It’s a powerful song about choosing to sing hallelujah through all the situations we face in life.  Here are the words from the chorus:

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

Help me to sing hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

I'll choose to sing hallelujah

I can see why so many people have taken this song to be their “life song.”  What a wonderful reminder these words are for us on this Thanksgiving Day.  May we always choose to sing hallelujah! 

May God’s richest blessings surround you and your family on this Thanksgiving Day and always.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Pastor Carol

My BFFs

Have you thought about the friends you’ve had in your life over the years?  There are friends you played with as a young child. The best friend you would tell all your hopes and dreams to when you were growing up. The friends you hung out with in college. The friends on the various sports teams you played on in school. The friends at church and at civic clubs you belong to.  We all have friends!  Some people have oodles and oodles of friends. 

When I think, however, about those friends who have actually been there “doing life” with me over the years, those friends who have stood by me in the good, the bad and the tough times of life, my list goes down to a much smaller number. Who in your life is a faithful friend to you?  Can you think of one or two?  Perhaps this person has been in your life for a long time or maybe this person is a friend that God placed in your life to walk beside you for a season. 

I know I’m blessed to have a core group of friends who have been part of my life for many years, as well as some fairly “new” friends who, although we have only been friends for a short time, have come into my life in very unexpected ways.  I’m forever amazed at how God brings people into my life.  I’m even more amazed by the way that He surrounds me with faithful friends who not only accept me for who I am, but also love me anyway! 

This week we looked at the story of Ruth.  I’m always surprised with this story of friendship.  Ruth and Naomi do not seem to be the ones destined for a life-long friendship.  They worshipped different Gods, they came from different peoples, and they were separated in age by a generation.  Yet, this unlikely pair became friends--BFFs if you will.  Ruth’s dedication to Naomi is a testament to the power of faithful friendship--friends who support you no matter what the situation, no matter the time or the place, and no matter if it interrupts their lives. 

One of my favorite songs of all time is Michael W. Smith’s song, “Friends.”  Remember, that faithful friends are gifts from God.  We need to treasure them and thank God for them every day.

In His Grip!

Pastor Carol

Call Me Faithful!

Faithful.  Pastor Steve this past week asked each of us to come up with one word to describe our legacy of the time we spent in this world--an epitaph of sorts.  What one word will people use to describe you when you are gone?  He suggested that the one that he wanted on his tombstone was FAITHFUL. 

When I think about that one word, many different thoughts flood my mind.  We often use it as an adjective to describe a noun:  faithful spouse, faithful parent, faithful friend, faithful daughter, faithful church member, faithful dog.  What do we really mean when we call someone "faithful"?  Sure there is the obvious meaning, which is to be steady, strict or thorough in the performance of duty; to be steady in allegiance, affection, loyal and constant; to be reliable and trusted.  What does being faithful really mean if we were to go beyond the mere surface meaning?  I think it goes much deeper and it pervades our lives in ways we may not even have words to express.

A question that I’ve been pondering this week, which ties into the word faithful, has been:  Are you really walking the walk, Carol?  Are you faithful in all your actions, thoughts, and resources?  Would people call you faithful?  Yikes!  I wish I could say loudly – YES.  Sadly, I came up a bit short when I examined my actions, thoughts and the use of my resources over the past week.  Perhaps faithfulness is a journey--one that ebbs and flows, one that spillsover and invades us at different times and touches us in varied places throughout our lives.  Being faithful is a calling, of sorts--perhaps even an action more than a description of someone. 

As a church, are we faithful?  As disciples of Christ, are we each faithful to that calling?  Over the past week during one of my hospital calls, I visited a Calvary member that has been in and out of the hospital over the past few months.  This person told me about the wonderful opportunity God gave to him to witness to a nurse the other night in the hospital.  He talked about the fact that even in the hospital the Lord was using him.  To me, that is someone who is being faithful!  No matter the circumstances, no matter the place, no matter the pain he was in, this faithful disciple of Christ looked beyond his own suffering and was able to share his faith with a nurse who needed some encouragement in her faith. 

Here’s a great song called “I Call You Faithful.”  God is always faithful to His promise to us.  No matter what our tombstones may say, God is always faithful to those who believe in Him.  Praise be to God!

In His Grip!

Pastor Carol

Bullies, Dollies and Giants!

Just like the Israelites faced the Canaanites, we all have faced giants in our own lives.  I remember in Kindergarten there was a girl who used to torment me.  She was about 12 inches taller than me and she always took the dolly I was playing with during playtime.  She was a bully.  My mom’s ridiculous advice to me was to just pick another doll to play with and let her play with the one she wanted.  Basically, my mom told me to turn the other cheek.  Ignore the bully!  Sound advice unless you are the one that has to confront the “giant” every day! 

Well, one day, I had about enough, and so I grabbed her by the neck, wrestled her and got “the doll!”  I felt like I was queen of the world for about 30 seconds.  Then the teacher got a hold of me and I got punished for “hurting” that poor defenseless girl!  My mom had a long talk with me when I got home, especially after the teacher called my mom to discuss “Carol’s bad behavior.”  While I have been a “little angel” my whole life, my halo has always been a bit askew!  Actually, after that little incident, the “giant” girl and I became friends!  Go figure!  God restores relationships in interesting ways sometimes. 

In the sermon this week, I mentioned that in the lower story, the world we live in, the giants in our lives are always bigger than we are and they always seem to win; but in God’s story, the upper story, God is always bigger than the giants.  Over the past week I had an opportunity to chat with several of you who are facing some pretty big giants in your lives.  Some of you are dealing with health issues, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s; others of you mentioned that the giant in your life is financial; and one person mentioned to me that the giant in your life was unforgiveness toward someone.  All of those are indeed big giants! 

Learning to turn to God with our “giants” is sometimes hard for those of us who are Type-A personalities and like to be in control of things.  However, when we finally go to our Father in prayer and give our burdens to Him, the giants we are facing do not go away necessarily overnight, but they can become a whole lot smaller.  No matter the giants you are facing today, know that your Father in Heaven not only loves you, but He is ready and able to handle your burdens and “neutralize” the giants.  We just need to be willing to trust Him, obey Him, and give up our burdens to Him. 

A few years ago, there was a movie called “Facing the Giants.”  It was a wonderful story with a great lesson about the giants we face.  In the movie, Coach Taylor convinces his determined team of underdogs that there's nothing they can't accomplish with a little faith -- including the miracle of a winning season when all hope seems lost.  Here’s a song from the movie by Josh Bates called “You Never Give Up on Me.”  God never gives up on any of us, so why not let Him carry your “giants” today?

In His Grip,

Pastor Carol

Tougher If There Wasn't Any!

Remember when you were a kid and you would whine and complain about something?  Well, my mom didn’t like whining and her normal response was, “If you don’t stop that whining I’ll give you something to REALLY whine about!”  One night at dinner we were having some kind of meat concoction that I didn’t like, so I spit the meat out on the plate and with a whiny, sarcastic tone I very emphatically told my mom that “this meat is too TOUGH!”  My mom’s response shocked me.  She stood up, turned to me and took away my dinner plate.  As she was doing that, she said to me, “Well, Carol Ann, tougher if there wasn’t any!  You are excused from the table!  Go to your room…now!”  My mom didn’t tolerate whining or acting up at the dinner table.  Rather than being grateful for the meal that my mother had made, I decided to complain and whine.  I was  like the Israelites who complained to God about the manna they received. 

Pastor Steve’s sermon this week reminded me of that childhood experience I had many years ago.  The Israelites were a lot like us – complainers and whiners.  Remember what they said this week in The Story: “We want meat!!”  They complained and expressed their discontent at the manna they had been given.  Just like they forgot all that God had done for them in the past, we forget all that our Heavenly Father has done for us too.  We focus on US.  We set our own priorities and when things don’t work out we get mad at God.  We complain and even blame Him sometimes.  Funny thing is, most of the time we have never even consulted Him before we made the decision in the first place.  We usually move ahead and then ask God to bless our decision. 

I’m glad that our Heavenly Father, never gives up on us.  I’m also glad that despite my whiny attitude some days, God continues to shower me with His grace, love and mercy even when I deserve to have my dinner plate taken away. 

Listen to Celine Dion’s song “Come to Me.”  It’s a song about the relationship between parents and children.  When you hear the words to this song, remember that your Father in Heaven also invites you to come to Him whenever you need Him.  He is a loving parent whose heart is always open and waiting to hear from you.

Pax,

Pastor Carol

Lost in the Cookie Aisle

Have you ever been lost?  I remember when I was only 4 years old and I got lost at the grocery store.  You see, I didn’t keep up with my mom, I stayed in the cookie aisle upset that my mom wouldn’t buy my favorite cookies, which at that time were Aunt Sally cookies.  I know, an odd choice for a 4 year old, but I was a kid with rather distinctive likes and dislikes.  While I was protesting the fact that my mom wouldn’t buy the cookies I wanted, I didn’t notice that my mom had turned the corner and left the cookie aisle.  Well, when I realized that my mom was missing, I ran to the next aisle.  She wasn’t there either.  Then I started to cry.  A woman who was stocking the shelves asked me what was wrong and I said, “I’m lost.  I can’t find my mommy!”  Well, my mom heard my loud bellowing cries from 3 aisles over, as did the entire store, and my mom soon recovered her LOST child.

In his sermon this past week, Pastor Matt mentioned that we need to understand what it feels like to be lost.  Those of us who were “born” into a family of faith never really knew what it was like to be lost; to not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  We live in a reality that never saw the “before.”  When I was the Alpha Director here at Calvary, we would have many unchurched, and dechurched people taking the course.  One of the biggest thrills for me was when I would see a person who was “lost” come to a realization of God in their life for the first time.  Their whole continence changed.  They were transformed!  They were changed forever. 

I still remember one man who came up for Communion on the Alpha Retreat several years ago and got on his knees on the floor in front of me.  With tears rolling down his face he lifted his hand and said – “I want Jesus!  I need Jesus!  Give me Jesus!”  You see, he had never know Jesus before the Alpha Course and on that retreat that day he gave his life to the God who lost His.  He was lost, but now he had been found and claimed by the Living Lord.

Listen to Jeremy Camp’s song, “Give me Jesus.”  I know every time I hear this song I remember that young man who knelt before me and declared his hunger and need for Jesus.  He was lost, but now he was found.

In His Grip,
Pastor Carol

The Pharaohs in Our Lives

This past weekend, after Pastor Skip’s sermon, I found myself ruminating on the word “pharaoh.”  At the end of his sermon, Pastor Skip posed the question – “What or who are the pharaohs in your life?”  For each of us, I suspect we could come up with a few things that are like pharaohs to us and a few people who have acted like pharaohs toward us.  I know I sure did!  In fact, as I was beginning to think about the pharaohs that have been in my life, I found myself no longer angry at their “hard hearts,” but rather overcome with a combination of both sadness and thankfulness; a rather odd combination of emotions. 

I was sad because so many of the pharaohs in my life have been people who seem to have it all together on the surface, but underneath they carry deep hurt, pain, anger, and resentments that they have not dealt with or healed from.  The root of their suffering has spread throughout their whole being and no matter how hard they try to put a mask on it, their suppressed pain comes oozing out in hurtful ways toward others.  I’ve learned that often times hurting people, hurt people. 

On the other hand, I was also thankful.  Thankful that God had put them into my life.  Yes, I did say thankful!  Some of you probably think I’m nuts for saying that, but you see sometimes God puts those pharaohs in our lives in order for us to more fully trust in Him and to not loose heart.  Look at Moses!  He went back and back again to pharaoh.  I also think that God puts pharaohs in our lives so that we can be part of the healing process God has in store for them.  It has been my experience that when I encourage the pharaohs in my life to remove the “everything is OK” mask and allow them the space to put a voice to their pain and name it, the pharaoh in them melts in a bath of tears, sorrow, pain and regret. 

None of us know the hurts and pains that many people are carrying with them.  Maybe the pharaohs in our lives are really hurting people just crying out for God to heal their pain.  As Pastor Skip said on Sunday, if you find a pharaoh or two in your life do not lose heart because God keeps his Word and His message is a message of hope.  God’s promise for Moses is the same for us.  Can I have an AMEN?!

Here’s the song “Deliver Us” from the movie “Prince of Egypt.”  May God deliver you from the pharaohs you are facing in your life.

Pax,
Pastor Carol

It's Planting Time!

Several of us from Calvary attended the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) annual conference this past week in Des Moines.  The conference theme this year was “Growing in Christ.”  The word that struck me the most over the week was “mission.”  It seemed to radiate out of every speaker we listened to.

The mission of the church has not changed, but somehow we often get diverted from that mission in our day-to-day church activities and our lives.  We find ourselves spending more time dealing with budgets, staff meetings, and the “doings and programs” of the church.  We find ourselves dealing with our busy family schedules, the demands of our jobs, and we forget the real mission we are called to in this world.  The mission of the church is about changed lives through Jesus Christ, not all the “stuff” that we have made it to be.  A number of speakers over the week made the point that it’s time to go back to our roots: the Word of God.  In fact, one of the speakers, made the comment, “We don’t need to think outside the box for new innovative church discipleship ideas, but rather we need to look inside The Book.” 

Well, let’s look in The Book.  Look at Luke 4:18-19.  This verse seemed to be on my heart over the past week and has been ruminating in my mind. 

The Spirit of the Lord is on me.  He has anointed me to proclaim the good news to poor people.  He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners.  He has sent me so that the blind will see again.  He wants me to free those who are beaten down. And he has sent me to announce the year when he will set his people free.

Friends, that is our mission and the mission of the church.  The church should be the life-center of the community; a place for healing, hope, help and recovery; a place that makes a difference.  We are all “anointed.”  We need to start owning our status as sons and daughters of the Living Lord and stand up with boldness!  We are called to “proclaim” to others; we are to “announce” and “free.”  Those are verbs and are a call to action.  I asked myself a tough question this week that you might ask yourself as well:  Are you REALLY living out God’s mission as a disciple in this world every day?  Are we planting seeds?

I’m asking God this week to give me “nudges” and “moments,” despite my schedule, to “live out” His mission each day, even those days that are full of busyness and activities.  We need to keep the word “mission” in front of us all the time, especially on those extremely busy days.  After all, we are called to “plant” the seed and “water” the ground, and God does the rest.  I think I can plant and water even on those busy days.  How about you?  Let’s plant some seeds and watch God work! 

Here’s a song from Kristy Lee Cook called “Plant the Seed.”  It reminds us how important it is to plant seeds.   



Pax,
Pastor Carol

When Did I Become Middle Aged?

A couple of months ago, I finally came to the realization that I was now becoming middle-aged.  I’ve tried my best to deny it, but the truth has finally started to set in!  One day, I found I couldn’t thread a needle any longer without the help of reading glasses!  Yikes!  When did this happen?  That same week, my hairstylist told me that my hair was thinning out, which she assured me was part of the normal aging process!  Double yikes!  Nothing like having these “middle-aged” issues surface in the same week.  I even got my first pair of bifocal glasses with graduated bifocal lenses a few weeks ago.  That’s an interesting experience!  The floor and the walls move now when I try to walk. 

So, this week, when Pastor Steve talked about Abraham and the fact that his call to ministry happened when he was 75 years old, I felt a sense of hope come upon me!  Gosh, if God can use Abraham at 75, he can sure use me even at my advanced age!

How often have we all found ourselves saying things like, “I’m too old to________.”  You fill in the blank.  We find excuses or we just don’t believe that God can really use us. And if He did ask us to do something, we may not be too open to saying, “Here I am Lord, send me!”  Right?  So what does Abraham do – he listens to God and he GOES.  He trusts God.  He believes God.  He really, truly believes the promises that God told him.  Talk about radical faith! 

Has God ever asked you to GO?  What was your response?  Did you jump up and down and right away and say, “Alright, just what I want to do, God!”  I would suspect, if you are as human as I am, your first response was probably a little more hesitant.  Maybe your response was more like, “You want me to do what, God?  Are You kidding me?”

This week I would challenge all of us to be more like Abraham and have radical faith in the God we serve, to really believe God’s Word and to trust Him with our lives and our families' lives like never before.  Let’s step out in faith knowing that whether we are five years old or 75 years old, God does and will use all of us for His glory.  We just need to say, “Yes, Lord, I will go!”

Here’s one of my favorite songs that was sung at my ordination this past July.  It’s by Steve Green and it’s called “I Will Go.”  

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Carol

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I’ve never visited Italy and have never seen firsthand the Sistine Chapel that Michelangelo painted.  I know that many of you have been there and have seen this masterpiece and I must confess I am little jealous!  Even though I’ve never been there and have not seen it “live and in-person,” I do feel like I’m familiar with it – I’ve seen countless videos, TV specials and photos of it in books and online.  And even without seeing it, I am left in awe and wonderment.  First of all, to have the vision to paint this seamless work of art that transcends history and shows the story of God intrigues me.  Then to have the artistic ability to make this work of art come to life makes me realize that Michelangelo did far more than merely paint a masterpiece – he used his gifts and talents that were God-given to glorify God and to share God’s story to a world.  Wow! 

When I think about the story of creation, I’m also left with a sense of “shock and awe,” along with wonderment.  It’s hard for me to look at the universe and realize that just as God created the heavens and earth, He also created us and He cares about us.  The story of Genesis is the story of God’s love for us.  He created you and me so He could be with us.  Have you ever thought about that?  God looked at the sunrise, the sunset, the mountains and all of the beauty of nature and He said it was good, but when God created us, He said it was "very good."  God looks at you and me and sees a masterpiece of His own design! 

I know some days I sure do not feel like a masterpiece!  I think we have all asked God at one time in our lives, “Why did You create me?  What is my purpose?”  Despite our many failings and shortcomings, God loves us and sees us as His masterpieces and we are part of God’s story – His never-ending story of redemption, grace and love.  That makes my heart leap with joy! 

So, today, if you are not feeling that you are a “masterpiece” designed by God, just look out your window at God’s creation in nature and remember that God said in Genesis that “it was good.” Then look in the mirror and realize that God created YOU and God said it was “very good!”  God created you and God loves you! 

Here’s a great video and song that reminds us of God our Creator and His love for us.  

Pax,

Pastor Carol

Pivot Points

Just as God’s story is full of defining moments as God’s interaction with His people unfolds, our lives – our stories -- are full of defining moments as well.  Those moments can be negative or positive; big or small; life-altering or no big deal; difficult or easy.  When I think of those various defining moments in my life, I like to think of them more as “pivot points” in my journey.  Those pivot points led me to the place that I am today and they are reflected in the person that I have become. 

In any story we read or movie we see, the plot usually has three stages.  There is the beginning or opening of the narrative; then there is a climax, a crisis that leads to action or a decision on the part of the character(s); and then there is the ending, where we learn how their choice(s) affected the outcome.  I guess, in many ways, that’s the story of our lives as well.

What are some “defining moments” in your life that changed the course of your story or your family’s story?  Share your insights and stories on the blog. 

As we begin The Story this week and read chapter 1, I would encourage you to look for the defining moments for Adam and Eve, Cain, Abel, and Noah; then look at yourself and your family.  I’m reminded today of Psalm 133:

It is truly wonderful when relatives live together in peace. It is as beautiful as olive oil poured on Aaron's head and running down his beard and the collar of his robe.  It is like the dew from Mount Hermon, falling on Zion's mountains, where the LORD has promised to bless his people with life forevermore. 

(Contemporary English Version)

Here’s a song by Hillsong called “Everyday” that reminds us that God guides every step we take and God gets us through those defining moments in our lives.

Pax,

Pastor Carol

Sleeping With Lights On!

Do you remember the show Dark Shadows?  It was a show from the late 1960s that was on in the afternoons as re-runs when I was growing up.  My mother never let me watch that show because it dealt with vampires, coffins and other “scary” and weird things that a seven-year-old child should not watch. 

One summer afternoon I was playing with the neighbor girl and we snuck into her house and watched Dark Shadows.  I remember the thrill of being able to watch a “forbidden” show.  It was exhilarating at first!  Then, that night, I found myself afraid of the dark and I had to sleep with the lights on.  I was convinced that Barnabas Collins, the vampire, was going to come in through the window and bite me on the neck that night. 

The realization that my mother was indeed right, that I should not have watched that show, became evident to me that night as I huddled underneath the covers clinging to my stuffed dog Rufus for protection that night.  I never watched that show again until many years later.  There was a reason that my mom didn’t want me to watch that television show, but I watched it anyway.  My mind could not remove the impact that my eyes experienced while watching Dark Shadows.

This past weekend, Pastor John talked about training our eyes to see what is good and the dangers when we stray from that.  What we look at does affect us.  God wants us to look at things that bring “light” into our lives, not things that lead your heart to darkness, despair and fear.  In this media-saturated culture that we live in, how can we guard what we see?  How can we focus our eyes in directions that bring light to ourselves, our families and to the world? 

Over the next week, especially as we remember 9-11 this week, I would challenge each of us to take notice of all the negative and dark images we face each day in our world and find ways to replace and refocus our thoughts and our eyes on things that bring “light” to us and the world. 

Here’s a great song by Selah called “One Thing I Know.”   Jesus changes lives and he opens eyes to see.  May our eyes be opened to things that bring light to our souls this week!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Carol

The Great Bubble Bath

Sin, sin sin!  I was starting to have “flashbacks” to Saturday Night Live and Dana Carvey’s “Church Lady” character after this weekend’s sermon.  Pastor Steve focused on a subject that we do not like to talk about much – our sinful nature.  So often we see our sin as a mistake rather than as sin.  Sometimes we think that our sin is not nearly as bad as other people’s sins!  Reality is, my sin and your sin both smell.  We stink!  God doesn’t like sin, period.  To God, sin is sin.  There is no ranking of sin or distinction in God’s eyes.  We are all helpless sinners!

Something that I’ve found helpful over the years to help explain sin is what I call the “sin continuum.”  Who would you say is a person who is almost “next” to God, someone who you think doesn’t sin much?  I know I think of Mother Teresa or Billy Graham.  Who would you say is a person or kind of person that sins a lot?  Most would say something like mass murderers, thieves, child molesters and abusers.  I’m sure some specific names might come to your mind.  Now, where would you put yourself?  If Mother Teresa is a “10” on the sin continuum and mass murderers are “ones,” where do you fall?  I think most of us would put ourselves as a five or six – right?  I didn’t kill anyone, but I'm not a saint like Mother Teresa either.  I’m not really a bad person, I just make some mistakes from time to time.  I’m not a really big sinner like my neighbor down the street is. 

The truth is we are all ONES on the great sin continuum!  Sin is sin – there is no way around it!  While we can’t ever stop sinning, since it’s part of our fallen human nature, we can come to a realization that only through Jesus can we find forgiveness and be washed clean.  And, I know I need to be continually “cleaned up” every moment of every day. 

When I was little, I loved bubble baths.  I would play in the tub for an hour or more!  My mom would finally have to tell me that I was clean enough and it was time for bed.  I loved those bubble bath nights!  And, when I think about my prayer life with God, I think about those bubble baths I use to take as a small child.  In all honesty I need to be in a perpetual “bubble bath” with God.  My bubble bath is now called confession and prayer.  I have found that continual prayer is the best bubble bath around!  It does a lot more than merely making my body clean – it cleans me from the inside out. 

Why not take a bubble bath today?  Try to pray without ceasing today and ask God for His forgiveness and see how He will transform you from the inside out and free you from your sins.  Get washed clean through the blood of the Lamb. 

Here’s an old hymn called “Are You Washed in the Blood,” sung by Alan Jackson live on the Grand Old Opry.  

Pax,

Pastor Carol

No Need for a "Do-over"

Last weekend, Pastor Steve talked about the “oughts” and “ought nots” of religion.  He read off eight commands that most religions share.  They included not harming others with our words or deeds; honoring our parents; being kind to our siblings and the elderly; being honest in all of our dealings; not lying; not having sex with another person’s spouse; caring for those who are weaker; and putting others first.  Pastor Steve then asked us to raise our hands if we had broken some of them over the past week.  Most of us raised our hands!  Yikes!

                                                                             

The bottom line for all of this is that we knew the rules.  We broke them.  Now that we broke the rules, we are at odds with God.  Now what do we do?  We feel guilty and ashamed, right?  I try not to hurt people, but I did?  I try not to drink too much, but I did?  I didn’t mean to cheat on my test at school, but I did?  Now what do I do? 

Do you ever feel like God could never forgive you?  Have you ever wondered if what you have done is just too bad?  The cool thing is, it’s never about what we have to “do;” it’s about what God has “done” for us.  God has chosen to forgive us because of who He is.  God has chosen to do the very thing we can’t.  We are given a “do-over” every day! 

I’m not a very good golfer, but I like to golf.  Often times my friends give me a “do-over” when I miss the ball – which is often!  Thank goodness I play golf with “grace-filled” people who allow me to have a “do-over” from time to time.  Better still, God gives you and me a “do-over” all the time!  When we realize that our hope is not in religion or in keeping the rules or in living a good life, but that our only hope is in Jesus Christ, then we realize what God has DONE for us.  Because of that, we can have joy and peace in our lives rather than living in a never-ending abyss of guilt, disgrace, shame and distance from God.  He wants us to be close to Him! 

Today I would challenge each of us to look at our relationship with Jesus Christ and find ways to deepen that relationship.  Christianity is not about religion. It's about a person -- the person of Jesus the Christ.  And with Christ, you never have to ask for a “do-over” -- it's given freely to you!

Here’s a song by Hillsong that reminds us that Jesus is the Lord of our lives.  

In His Grip!

Pastor Carol

Forever Changed

This past weekend, I suggested that many of us focus more of our time on religious practices, traditions and relics, rather than seeing who God is and what God has done for us.  The trappings of man-made religion become our focus rather than Jesus Christ.  And for many people, especially in our culture today, they have doubts about who God really is and if He really exists at all.  Maybe you have doubts?

I suggested that if we stripped all the “stuff” that gets loaded up with Christianity and let go of all the churchy things that get in the way of having a relationship with Jesus that our doubts about religion would remain, but that perhaps our doubts about God and His love for us may begin to change.  What are the things that get in your way of having a relationship with Jesus?  (Share your thoughts on the blog – it’s simple to do.  The directions are on the right.)

The question that was asked at the end of the sermon this week was this: “How close will you let God get to you?”  God wants to have a close relationship with you and He longs for you and me to know Him.  However, God will only get as close to us as we are willing to let Him get.  Are there things in your life that are keeping Jesus at a distance from you?  What things about church would you like to “toss” in the box marked “Losing My Religion?”  What seems to be keeping Him at a distance from you? 

Here’s a great song by Toby Mac called “Changed Forever.”  It talks about living at a distance from God with all the things that money would buy and how you can be changed forever once you see God’s face.   

Pax,

Pastor Carol

Consider It All Garbage!

Pastor Matt kicked off a new sermon series this week called “Losing My Religion.”  Over the next few weeks, we'll look at how many of us can get caught up in the trappings of man-made religion, and we confuse that with real faith.  It’s easier to focus on our religious practices, traditions and relics than on what God has done for us.  Pastor Matt talked about the box marked “Losing My Religion,” where there were various religious relics, such as candle holders, offering plates, pastor stoles, crosses, eternal flame candle, hymn books and clerical collars.  Pastor Matt challenged us to lay down those things that get in the way of having a deep, true, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Did you look at your heart condition this week?  What did you find?  What is your faith based on?  Did you, like Paul in Philippians 3, discard all the trappings of religion and keep your focus solely on Jesus Christ this week or did you find that to be difficult?  Share your thoughts on the blog – see the instructions on the right. 

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.  For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.   

(Philippians 3:7-9, NLT)

Sometimes the best thing we can do is lose our religion and get rid of the trappings of religion – the garbage, as Paul puts it – in order to gain a deeper relationship with God.  

Pax,

Pastor Carol

Just Say Yes!

Over the weekend, Pastor John wrapped up our sermon series called “What if?”  John shared many examples about how God “nudges” us.  Many times we either don’t recognize those “God nudges” or we simply choose to not respond to them.  Share your God nudge stories on the blog – it would be great to hear from a few of you.  Use the simple instructions on the right to chime in. 

Can you recall a time when God nudged you to get involved in a ministry or to do something and you said, “Yes, Lord?”  How did that work for you?  The “O” word comes to my mind here.  No, not Oprah, but obedience.  Being obedient to God’s nudges and callings in our lives can be a real struggle.  We like to be comfortable and sometimes God calls us out of our complacent, comfort zone to reach out to a world that desperately needs to hear and experience His radical love.

There is a saying that goes like this, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.”  This week I hope that you begin to sense God’s nudges in your own life and respond to them.  Yes, you might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but once you say “yes,” I guarantee you that your journey and life will be all the richer for it!  Saying “yes” to God, no matter what He is calling you to or be, will change you forever.  So, just say “yes” to Him when He nudges you today and see what interesting paths God will lead you down. 

Here’s a song by Dan Schutte called “Here I Am, Lord.”  It’s a familiar song that many of us have sung at Via de Cristo weekends, camp and retreats.  May these words nudge you to stand and say, Yes, Lord – send me, Lord.” 

Pax,

Pastor Carol