Category: Satisfied

Message of Joy

12/29/2024

Isaiah 6:1-3
The Christmas letter… Long or short, it has turned into an annual feat that tests our writing skills and organization. As we attempt to summarize a year in words, or even photos we find ourselves being forced to become even more concise. What is the main idea that we want to communicate? What happened this year? What matters most that others need to hear? How can we communicate those key, life defining highlights of the past year? Have no fear, Christmas cards are here. If you are like me you will notice that many of the Christmas cards carry a theme of peace, hope or joy. Notice that the card companies do not promote happiness. Why is that? Happiness is a short term pleasure, whereas joy is long term sense of satisfaction that all is well. As we turn to Isaiah 61, we find that message of joy. This chapter opens with God’s select servant declaring the message of good news that He will bring (1). This people centered savior will bring joy that is found in God’s favor (2) to those who are broken, and held captive in the darkness of sin (1). That is definitely good news of great joy that is worth celebrating. The people looked forward to the day when this savior would come and deliver them from sin and restore His joy to their life and their land. Fast forward and we see Jesus quote these same words in Luke 4:14-21 as he began His earthly ministry. In His own words He stated that He is the promised one spoken of in Isaiah 61. Jesus brought God’s good news of salvation to all people. For us, that good news should still bring a deep sense of satisfaction. That is joy worth writing about in the annual Christmas letter. The joy that we have in Jesus as our savior needs to be heard from us all year.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

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Ministry Measured

10/27/2024

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1 Timothy 6:1-10
Everything is life is measured. Lumber is measured and cut to build a house. Flour and other ingredients are carefully measured to make a cake. What happens if the measurements are not followed? The house may end up being structurally unsafe to live in. The cake may be bland, dry or even inedible. But let's dig a little deeper into our own lives. How do we measure our life? As kids we complain loudly if someone gets more cookies or ice cream than us. Then, in our twisted human thinking, we carry the same ideas into adulthood. We often find ourselves discontent as we look at others, their life and the things they have. However, the temporary nature of things is not a permanent source of satisfaction. We need a renewed perspective of that which will not fade and tarnish. In 1 Timothy 6 Paul addresses how our lives and ministries are to be measured. First, he challenges us to view our work as a reflection of our faith and our relationship to Jesus Christ (1-2). We are to have an eternal focus, even in very difficult work environments, so as not to bring discredit to our Savior. Second, Paul challenges our motivations in life to reflect accurate beliefs about Jesus and our relationship with Him (3-5). The problem is that we like to measure our life by our standards, possessions and positions which proves that we are less interested in following God’s. Finally, we are challenged by the measurement of contentment (6-10). We need to find our contentment in a life devoted to God that is fully satisfied with His provision. Therein lies the problem with someone else getting a bigger piece of cake. We have a hard time believing that God missed giving us the same amount. God has provided all that we need in Jesus. Will He find that our life is measured by His standard or ours?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

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Satisfaction

3/19/2023

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Jeremiah 2:1-19
Have you heard the word “Hangry?” No, that is not a typo. Hangry is a made up word that is a combination of hungry and angry. Basically the word describes how we can become irritable and often angry when we are hungry. Because our stomach is not satisfied it affects us physically and emotionally and we can become easily angered. The problem is when we feel the hunger pangs coming we have a tendency to eat something, or anything, to ease the hunger. We seek the fast, and often unhealthy solution to being hangry, rather than food that is healthy and nutritious. The same is true spiritually. We have a tendency to not be satisfied with God’s solution and wander away seeking our own satisfaction. The nation of Israel had the same problem. They wanted their solution immediately, and thus wandered from God, and what He provided, which was best. Jeremiah 2:13 states that the people have forsaken God and sought their own solutions. In this verse, Jeremiah describes sources of water. The water that God provides is an unlimited pure spring that gives what is best. The people have become dissatisfied with the best, as Jeremiah illustrates, and have sought to store water their own way. The problem is that the supply is limited, the water is not pure, and the self made cistern is failing. What a picture of dissatisfaction with God and pride that leads to a failed self made solution. Even today, God desires that we follow Him and not seek our solutions for life. We find that we are satisfied with God as we seek His wisdom, follow His ways, and listen to His word. That will keep us from wandering from His presence, and encourage our declaration that He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion. With God satisfaction is guaranteed. We can always trust Him to satisfy us with His goodness.

For more see JEREMIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

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Peace Filled and Content

8/30/2020

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Philippians 4:10-23
The other day we had some friends over for a cook out. We cooked some hamburgers on the fire and had an enjoyable evening visiting with them. As I was cleaning up after they left I realized how noisy it was. You see when I think of a relaxing time I think of getting away from the noise of sirens and the squeal of tires and cars racing on the highway. It would be ideal to escape all of that but that did not happen and we still had a peaceful evening. I was able to find the peace by being content with what God had provided in the midst of the noise. Paul states in Philippians 4:12 that he has learned to be content. True contentment is a spiritual matter because it shows satisfaction with what God has provided. When we are satisfied with God we will find peace with God as opposed to not being satisfied and complaining to God that we need something more. God provides what is sufficient even when the circumstances may not be ideal, like noise from the highway.

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The LORD Satisfies

5/14/2020

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Psalm 23:2
Years ago I went into a restaurant and ordered a breakfast pastry. The problem was that it was not heated all the way through. It was cold and really not very tasty. My meal was disappointing at best. I find it funny that years later I remember that instance and yet forget the great meals with family or eating at other restaurants. As we examine the second verse of Psalm 23 we see David continue his reference to being a shepherd. As a shepherd he knew what his sheep needed and took them to the places that would provide the food and rest that they needed. The shepherd would also lead his sheep to quiet waters to drink. Most likely this would be a well and the shepherd would draw water and provide water until each animal was completely satisfied. In the same way, David sees that God does this for him. God directs him and places him where he can be refreshed and rested all because the hand of God faithfully met his needs. The same can be true for us today. God is still actively leading us. Are we following the LORD who is our shepherd and are we finding His supply sufficient? When we follow the LORD we do not have to go far to find all that we need, because the best that can be had is always from the hand of our shepherd. We will never be disappointed with unappealing provisions.

For more see Psalm 23

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Enough is Enough

4/21/2020

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Leviticus 23
Sit down to the dinner table at a family gathering and there is almost more food than you can imagine. The best part is what you see is all the well known family favorites. After a wonderful meal out comes the dessert and your stomach barely has room. But how long will that meal last. You may wander off and visit with family, take a nap or go outside and play a ball game with the younger generation. Pretty soon you will have the crowd back in the kitchen looking for more to eat. The best of meals will never keep you satisfied forever. In Leviticus 23 we read the instruction given to the nation of Israel regarding a series of festivals. The last one mentioned is the feast of booths (33-44). During this time of celebration the people were not to work for one week while they lived off the produce of the land and the shelter that God provided. They were faced with a constant reminder that God provided all that they needed. That is a good reminder for us today. God is sufficient. He provides all that is needed for all of life. God is enough.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

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Message of Joy

Ministry Measured

Satisfaction

Peace Filled and Content

The LORD Satisfies

Enough is Enough

Pastor Ken

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