Category: God's Presence

The Gift

12/15/2024

Isaiah 9:3-7
Gift giving is on our minds at this time of year. At times we all struggle to determine what to give that certain someone. If you ask others for advice on what to give, you may hear a wide range of answers including something to eat, something to wear, something to do, or even time with you. Helpful as that list of suggestions may be, we are still left scratching our heads, puzzled by what to give. Perhaps we need to simplify the process. Rather than thinking about what to give the other person, it might be better to think like the other person. Once we begin to think of a great gift from the receivers perspective we will see what they need and value most, then give accordingly. That is exactly what God has done for us. In Isaiah 9 we see that God clearly understands us as people and gives us exactly what we need. Isaiah, under God’s direction, records God’s promise that a child will be born and a son will be given (6). God is making a grand announcement proclaiming what He will do for us. This simple verse describes the human side of a child being born and also the divine side of God giving His son. What is this? This is God, through Isaiah, building in the people the belief that God will come and live with man as God with us, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). The rest of Isaiah 9:6 goes on to describe how this gift from God is exactly what lost and sinful humanity needs. At Christmas our gift giving is a very small imitation of the gift of Jesus himself, that has been given to us. God knew exactly what we needed and gave His Son to forgive us, restore us and give us new life (John 3:16). In Jesus, God has given the perfect gift of salvation that we have deeply desired.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

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The Disciple's Characteristic: Commission

3/5/2023

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Deuteronomy 31:1-8
One of the greatest paintings of all time is the work of Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel located in Rome. This enormous piece of art literally pictures much of the Old Testament from Genesis to the kings and even several prophets. The central part of the ceiling illustrates scenes from creation to the flood, with the central pieces showing God creating Adam and Eve, followed by their fall into sin. The main character is God, and Michelangelo depicts the human response to God. This is best illustrated by God reaching out to create Adam. This enormous project was commissioned in 1508 and finished in 1512. The contract, in today’s money, paid him approximately $600,000 in gold coins. Today when we think of a commission, we think of a sales person who earns a commission from selling a car; or an artist, like Michelangelo, who is commissioned to paint a picture. However, a commission is more than that. When used in the Bible the giving of a commission involves authority, communication, action, and completion. In Deuteronomy 31 Moses challenges the people (1-6), and commissions Joshua (7-8). Moses wants the people to experience God’s promised land, and Joshua is commissioned to lead the people into the land under God’s authority. A commission is where someone is given the authority by someone greater to complete a task. Joshua is reminded by Moses, that God will go before him and be with him (8). That is God on a mission with His servant. God’s commission for our lives begins with His authority over our lives. We must listen to His Word and respond obediently by seeking to complete His desires. Are we on our own mission? Are we under God’s commission? Are we living a life of omission, refusing to follow? A disciple responds to God’s commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

For more see DEUTERONOMY or DISCIPLESHIP

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Vision From God's Word

10/30/2022

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Proverbs 29:18
Normal vision goes by a measurement of 20/20. As we age and have genetic or other health issues our eyesight will become weaker. We begin to notice this by not being able to see clearly up close or have difficulty seeing far away. We may be able to tolerate this for a bit, but eventually we will need to see an eye doctor who will measure what it will take for our eyes to be corrected back to normal 20/20 vision. The eye doctor will give a prescription, and when we walk out of the doctor’s office with new glasses everything looks brighter because we can see clearly. Proverbs 29:18 talks about vision, but often it is misunderstood and misapplied. Often this verse is used to teach organizational leadership and the development of personal goals and dreams. However, vision in this verse has to do with the communication of God’s message. The prophets would receive a message from God and then they would communicate that to the people. Without God’s word to direct their lives they would lack divine direction. The writer of Proverbs leaves a challenge to his audience that includes us today. We need to practice or keep God’s word in order to experience His blessing. We need to spend time with God in His word enjoying His presence and greatness. As God speaks to us through His word we need to respond and allow His truths to transform our life. By continually placing God’s word to use in our daily life we will experience true joy in walking with Him. God has a vision for our life and our world. His desire is to communicate that to us, transform us by His grace and use us to carry that message of grace, and hope found only through Jesus to our world so they too can see clearly.

For more see PROVERBS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

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Be Still

10/23/2022

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Psalm 46
Where I grew up there was a simple saying… “Two men working together can do the work of three or four men working alone.” You would think that it is not possible, but it is. The sheer efficiency and ability to team up on a project, plus the boost of morale helps the team of two accomplish much more together than multiple people alone. I have seen that truth play out in physical life and also in spiritual life. For those of us who know Christ as Savior, we have a partner and strong refuge that we can always rely on. Psalm 46 reminds us as people that God is as a strong defender. This Psalm is written as a song reminding the hearer that God’s power is sufficient for victory over the disasters experienced in nature and the conflicts brought on by nations. Psalm 46 describes God’s strength (1-3), and presence (4-7) that are essential for us to function in a world that is falling apart. We can respond in confidence to the chaos of our world as we worship God who is not only present but powerful to protect (8-11). When we stop our own striving and effort (10), we then have the space to be still and observe who God is and what He does. This Psalm reminds us to praise God for the victory He brings because of His strength and presence. The problem is the difference between knowing that truth and practicing that truth. When I am still and stop my striving, I realize that God is at work in my world for His honor and His praise. He can only be lifted up or exalted as I cease trying to solve my battles my way. When I pause and rest in God, others will take notice and see God’s strength. Have you teamed up with God or are you trying to work out your life alone and on your own?

For more see PSALMS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

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Responding to a World that Lacks Love

2/13/2022

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Psalm 94
At one time in life we lived in a warmer climate where there were an abundance of gecko lizards. At night these little guys would crawl across the outside of our windows seeking to snatch a tasty bug as a midnight snack. In the process of moving south we brought with us the two family cats. These two were hunters, and previously they kept our home and the area around the house free from mice. Now the cats had a new prey, gecko lizards. However, God has designed these lizards so it is possible for them to detach their tail in order to escape a predator. Well, like all cats, our two would often play with the critters they caught. On several occasions I watched as the cat wrestled with the new found catch only to realize that the lizard deployed a defense mechanism and they had nothing but a wiggly tail. The cat had a quizzical look on its face as it looked for the lizard without success. Like the cat we can chase after the things that we think are real only to find that they will never satisfy. Psalm 94 records a message highlighting the importance of where we turn for our security and love in the midst of a selfish, violent world that does not show love. What do we do when we are not loved? The Psalmist challenges us to pray (1-7) and seek God’s righteous solution. We can be assured that God knows our situation (8-11). He will never leave us (14) and He will protect us (17). Our response to the troubling influence of evil in our world is to be completely persuaded that God alone is always faithful (18). We should continually speak of God’s truth, greatness and love. Like the cat we must not pursue other lesser things that distract us from God.

For more see PSALMS

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Objection to God's Call

8/15/2021

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Exodus 4:1-17
Suppose someone offered you a twenty dollar bill. I am sure you would take it. What if the bill was crumpled up into a ball, stepped on and then dumped in a mud puddle, would you still take it? For twenty dollars I am sure any one of us would accept it, clean it off, and then spend it. Why? Because, we simply understand the value of a twenty dollar bill. Regardless of its condition it is still worth twenty dollars. In Exodus 4 God continues His conversation with Moses that He started in the previous chapter. However, in chapter 4 Moses questions God’s call on his life. He questions if others will believe him (1), doubts his abilities (10) and asks God to send someone else (13). God counters each of his excuses by reminding Moses of His power (2-9), His presence (11-12) and His provision (14-17). All God wanted from Moses was faith to believe Him over his personal hangups and fears. Instead, he had allowed his fears and failure to rule his life, but now God was calling him to live a life of faith. Like the crumpled money, God saw Moses as valuable and usable under His direction. Many times, like Moses, we may only see our failures and feel the discouragement of inability creep in. We need to remember that the God who has called us for His purpose will equip us and guide us to carry His message. As Moses was told to carry the staff and proclaim God’s message, so we are to take the ordinary things of our lives and follow God in faith. God sees us as valuable and wants to use us, but sometimes we just need to crawl out of our thoughts and place our inability into His ability.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

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Mighty God: Big Gift Small Package

12/13/2020

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Isaiah 9:6
I remember a Christmas long ago when my father gave each of us boys a big gift. I do not remember what the gift was, but I do remember that it was small. Now when you normally receive a gift at Christmas you expect to remove the wrapping paper and expose the gift. That was not that happened. You see my father was a wise man who liked to inject a bit of humor at unexpected times. This was one of those times. I removed one layer of paper only to expose a second and then a third layer. Then I found a box and upon opening the box I discovered more layers of wrapping paper and then another box. This process repeated itself numerous times. While my mix of frustration and anticipation increased so did the laughter from my father. He was thoroughly enjoying seeing his plan at work. In Isaiah 9:6 we see God do the opposite of my dilemma. Through Isaiah, God promised to send His presence and His power in the form of a child yet to be born. Isaiah foretold of a son who would be born who would be the Mighty God. Isaiah is making very clear that the baby born would be the God, who has the power to save His people. What situation in life are you facing that is overwhelming? God sent Jesus, just as Isaiah recorded, to be our Mighty God who saves us. I hope that this Christmas you see the small package that God sent but the big things He brings as Savior of the world.

For more see Isaiah

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The Gift

The Disciple's Characteristic: Commission

Vision From God's Word

Be Still

Responding to a World that Lacks Love

Objection to God's Call

Mighty God: Big Gift Small Package

Pastor Ken

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