Pastors' Blog

I was thinking recently how tired I am of the cold, snow . . . and more snow . . . and more snow. 

This has been an historic winter in South Jersey and we have been lucky (???) to be a part of it.  I think that more than many other recent years, spring is going to be greeted by most people with an enthusiasm that sometimes lacks with the start of a new season.  But because the snow and cold and dreary, messy winter seems to have lasted forever, two things happen.  We think constantly "When will this ever end?" and secondly a desire to hide inside and just make it through until things improve.

I realize that many of us live our lives the same way.  Things so often are more tough than we wish they would be.  The troubles of life pile up, we endure the coldness of broken relationships, the frustrations of life, and it feels like we are going through an eternal winter.  And it causes us to think, "When will this ever end.  When will my life get better."  And so we spend our time just trying to survive day to day.  There is no joy or contentment, because our focus is on the things that still need to happen to make us happy again.

But I wonder if we have the wrong focus.  Perhaps it is not just about things getting better, about our circumstances improving, about that new job, new relationship or getting healthy.  Maybe it is about seeing the blessings of today, no matter how small they may seem to be.  God promises us that he is with us all the time.  He said that no matter what we face, he is there to walk beside us, give us someone to talk to, and to give us strength in the things we do or face.

By recognizing that Jesus is there for us, that he loves us, maybe it will allow us to actually enjoy the snow, and have fun until spring arrives.

Published with permission from Kurt Jarvis.

When global tragedy happens it is not uncommon for Christians to wonder why God allows such things to occur. The Bible, God’s Word, can help give us understanding of these situations.

In Luke 13:1-5 we read an account where this very issue of tragedy is discussed. This account is of a time when Pilate had murdered many from Galilee and had used their blood in pagan sacrifices. Jesus answered the questions asked by many if this was God’s punishment by posing a question Himself. He asked those around him “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? … Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?”

Here are two examples of tragedies, one that was the direct action of a person (Pilate). The other tragedy might have been from a natural disaster such as an earthquake or negligence by those who constructed the tower. In both incidences people died. Jesus clarified that it was wrong to think that these people died because they were worse sinners than others. Jesus also said that when these things happen it should be a wake up call to everyone to consider their own relationship with God.

If we think global disasters are God’s judgment on people we are going against the very words of Jesus. Earthquakes happen because this is the way the earth was created; they are part of nature and what makes life. Scripture does not support that they are events triggered by God against certain nations or people. It is part of nature, part of life and part of death. Jesus calmed the storm when he was in the boat with His disciples but Jesus did not end storms forever. Storms, earthquakes and tsunamis are all part of nature.

The real question is how we respond to God and others when such tragedies happen. These tragedies are not much different than when a family member dies or becomes terminally ill. It is the same pain only in global disasters multiplied many thousands of time. In these difficult times we are reminded that God loves and cares for each of us. While thousands might be swept into eternity when a disaster happens, those who know God and have their faith and trust in God are also swept into the very presence of God. For those that know Christ, the scriptures remind us to be gone from our earthly bodies is to be immediately present with God.

When tragedy happens. Jesus is there with the victims and there with those who minister to the victims. Jesus understands the pain they are going through because he went through physical pain as well. He is there to help and comfort and God also gives us the responsibility to respond and give help and comfort too.

When tragedy happens this is our opportunity to renew our faith and be reminded that when we reach out to others that are in need, we are being followers of Jesus. It was Jesus who told us when we help those who are suffering it is the same as helping him. Matthew 25:31-40

This is where we can . . . understand the biblical principles of faith hope and love in the midst of global tragedy; Faith, that God is in control and God cares for every victim. Hope in knowing that there is place of peace for all who know Christ as Savior, and the Love that we can show in practical ways through responding to help victims and countries, especially in times of disaster.

Thank you again for all those who submitted questions during the Pastor's Forum regarding the Holy Spirit.  Below are some of the questions and answers from Sunday, Jan 3rd.  We encourage you to read through some of these Scripture passages yourself as you seek to understand the Holy Spirit better.  May it lead to life change for you.

Q. Who is the Holy Spirit?
A. The Holy Spirit is God.  He was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2), inspired the writing of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21), and has the same attributes as God (omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence).  Some think of the Holy Spirit as a spiritual "force", but He is a person, that shows feelings, has a will and directs the activities of Christians.

Q. What is the Holy Spirit's role?
A. Jesus said he would send him to us (John 14:16) and he would do various things.  He would: Be our helper (John 14:26-27), Guide us (John 16:13), Comfort us (John 14:16-17), Intercede for us with God (Romans 8:26), Teach us (1 Corinthians 2:13), Convict us of sin (John 16:8-10), Bring life (2 Corinthians 3:6).  This list is not exhaustive, but shows us that the Holy Spirit is God with us, helping us to live.

Q. How do we get the Holy Spirit and can we lose Him?
A. When we accept Jesus' sacrifice for us, and let Him be Lord of our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us.  The Holy Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and we have Him because of Jesus (Romans 8:9).  We cannot lose Him, any more than we can lose our salvation.  Even when we don't feel like it, we can be assured because of the promises in God's Word, that the Holy Spirit is still living in us as followers of Jesus.

Q. If we have the Holy Spirit, and he is God, how come we still sin?
A. Even though we have been forgiven and have the Holy Spirit, w still have a sin nature.  That is why we are told to be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).  Since we already have ALL of the Holy Spirit, it becomes a matter of surrendering and increasing amount of ourselves to the Spirit.  He wants us to yield control to Him and be transformed (Romans 12:1-2).  This means that when the Holy Spirit prompts us with regards to our behavior and actions, we are to listen, change, obey and follow Him.  We don't do this in our own self control, but through his power (Ephesians 3:16-17).  So even as the Holy Spirit points out things in our lives that need to conform to Him, we need to ask Him to give us the power and strength to do it.  There are no shortcuts.  If we want to hear from Him how to live, and have His strength to change and grow, we need to be in daily contact, a constant relationship with Him. 

Q. I've heard speaking in tongues is a sign you are filled with the Spirit.  Is that true?
A. The Bible describes speaking in tongues as a supernatural gift to communicate for a time in another language that you do not even know, such that it can benefit other people.  It is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are listed in Scripture (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4).  So while speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is not required to speak in tongues, nor is it the evidence that you are filled with the Spirit.  Rather, the best evidence of a Spirit filled life are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which we are supposed to continually grow in throughout our lives. 

Q. So when I feel guilty, is that me or the Holy Spirit?
A. One of the Holy Spirit's roles is to convict us of sin (John 16:8-10) and so he will point out those things in our lives (if we are listening) that need to change.  The guilt that comes from the Holy Spirit is purposeful, always directing us towards Jesus, to make us more like Him.  Yet he never condemns us, or makes us feel worthless.  He are of inestimable value to Him, and in fact, the Holy Spirit is the one who proves we have Jesus (1 John 4:13).  We feel guilt and shame often when we continue to sin and struggle, and we feel worthless because of our inability to change.  That is not from the Spirit.  He loves us and prompts us to change, but all the while loving us unconditionally.

Q. Why does this all matter?
A. Colossians 2:6 tells us that we are to live in the same way that we accepted Jesus Christ.  This means that just as we are saved through no effort, ability or talents on our own, we need to live day by day in total dependence on the Holy Spirit.  No matter what our circumstances or life situation, the Spirit longs to teach us, guide us, comfort us, and transform us to be more like Christ.  We cannot change to become more like Christ on our own, through our own self effort.  We cannot have any lasting impact in our world without all our activites being directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  As followers of Jesus, we need to daily surrender to Him, to ask Him to guide our actions by the Holy Spirit, and then (and ONLY then), will we see the change and impact in and through our lives that we desire.

The snowstorm that came on Saturday, December 19th, was one of the worst in years in New Jersey, according to news reports.  It snarled up the traffic, made driving difficult (even days after), put people's Christmas schedules out of kilter, and even kept people from their parties and get togethers.

But the biggest lesson I learned with the storm was the need to slow down.  The Christmas season is one of our busiest of the year.  There are so many activities to be done and prepare for, and appointments to keep, and shopping to be accomplished.  In doing so, family time for the two to three weeks before Christmas can become scarce.  And so right in the middle of this frenzied time, everyone, including myself, was forced to come to a complete stop.  And for almost two full days, all the things I thought I needed to do, and all the tasks that I had scheduled, were postponed or canceled. 

Maybe that's why so many people enjoy these types of storms (at least for a day or two).  We get to go sledding with our kids, curl up with a good book instead of going to the mall, shovel the driveway with our teenager whom hardly see any more, watch a good movie as a family, or just play in the snow with the dog.  It's a chance to slow down, to rest, to reflect and to take the rest that God wants us to take.  We are told that our strength comes from "quietness and trust" (Isaiah 30:15) but we are often too busy to do that. 

God reminded me of my need to remember what is important.  To seek him and focus on time with him.  It's like my neighbor said while we were side by side shoveling out our driveways, "It's God's way of telling us to take a day off."

Merry Christmas.

It is that time of year again.  The pace of activities is accelerating and will soono reach a frenetic, breakneck speed that can threaten to overwhelm anyone in any situation.
- we have Thanksgiving followed only 5 weeks later by Christmas
- there is food to buy, gifts to purchase, travel arrangements to be made
- children and youth activities reach a peak, whether it is band, sports, drama, clubs, church or the other multitude of things available today
- we want to take time for holiday parties, families, and inviting friends over
- new movies are being released, football season is in full swing and our entertainment plate is as full as ever

It is often hard to create space for the things that matter.  Usually, I take the tack of trying to fit in the important things along with everything else.  I play the game of "AND" instead of "OR".  I want to do everything, please everyone, and make sure that everything gets accomplished in its time and place.

Yet as I reflect back over the years, and the many holidays and celebrations I've had or been a part of, it is not the movies I watched, the programs I attended, the gifts I bought or received that remain in my thinking.  It was the significant time with family, relatives and friends.  It was the new thought or idea from God that drew me closer to him.  Those times when I was not rushed, when we put up the decorations together, when we tried to untangle the lights for another year, when we sat around the table with friends and ate and played games, those times stick in my memory as the sweetest. 

So this year, I am resolved to make space for what is important.  For what God says is important!  If certain things don't happen because I made space for the other, that's OK.  When I look back years later on this holiday season, I want to remember significant times with God and others. 

I have come to the conclusion that filling up the car (van/truck/motorcycle) is one of the most annoying chores that I do. 
1) I realized that it never happens at a convenient time.  It is just that time when I need to get somewhere quickly, and have no time to take a detour, that the gas light comes on. 
2) There is also no convenient place.  When my gas tank is full, there are gas stations everywhere, but when I am worried about running out of gas, I seem to be able to go for miles and never see one. 
3) Not to mention that I end up having to sit and wait in line so that I can overpay someone to take his time filling up my car when he decides to get to me.
Yet without doing this, I would be stuck.  I could go no where, accomplish nothing, and be stuck in the same place all the time.

As people, we are remarkably like that.  We do not have endless tanks of energy and emotion that never need to be refilled.  We need to be filled up, to have time to be re-energized, to regain a perspective on things and to have our batteries charged.  Everyone's gas tank gets filled a little bit differently, but there are two things that seem to be common for everyone.  The first is being meaninfully connected with another person or persons and the second is spending time in quiet and reflection with God and his Word.  It is amazing how much more energy we can have after having a meaninful conversation with another person who cares about us.  When we read the Bible and talk to God, he fills us up and gives us renewed enthusiasm for living this life.

But in our busy culture, we can get so busy that there is never a convenient time for any of these things.  We are so busy with work, tasks, ministry, hobbies, kids and so on, that we put off going to the "gas station", neglecting our time with others and with God.  And then we wonder why it's so tough, as we run out of gas and spend our energy pushing the car instead of driving it.

So fill up your tank.  Take time with God today.  Read.  Pray.  And make the effort to connect with the person who can encourage you.

The IMPACT Team returned early this morning from an exhausting and exhilerating time in Mexico. Jesus was present in so many ways. Our expectations for projects was exceeded:

• The team built two houses and presented them to grateful families.  One lived in an area without any electricity or water.
• The team ministered to more children than expected. Around 200 kids in all five villages were eager to learn about God and to interact with the team. 
• The team experienced prayer in new ways - visiting hurting families in homes, prayer walks, intercessory prayer for specific villages, daily devotions, spontaneous prayer for needs, injuries, sicknesses, etc....

Moreover, the team experienced unity and community beyond what any expected. The Holy Spirit knit hearts together and deepened relationships as we laughed together, cried together, ate together, served together, and shared together.

After a light morning shopping in a small tourist market along the Pacific, the team worked on two houses today. The work on our current house was progressing so rapidly that the missionaries sent some of our workers to another village to start on another house; that crew quickly put up the four exterior walls. Meanwhile, work on the first house continued - dry wall was finished, trim was put on, & the roof was prepared for tar & shingles.  we'll be done by Friday and will present the hus to the three boys who will live in it. We'll pool some money, also, and the pastor will take them shopping afer we leave to buy some furniture.

The weather has been beautiful, but dangerous. Though the heat has not been overbearing, the sun and desert climate has made it crucial to stay hydrated. Earlier in the week one of our members collapsed from heat exhaustion & dehydration; after prayer, rest, & water, God quickly restored her to health.

Tonight we celebrated Ed & Terry Sabin's anniversary. As is the tradition here we sang and then presented them with a large cake ... which ended up in their faces!  

After prayer & worship with the other two groups here, some enjoy an early night while others play card games.

24-7 enjoying & sering God and His people!

The IMPACT team spent Monday & Tuesday building a house and running a children's program for children in two churches. Some visited in local homes to pray with needy families. God has been faithful!

Check out photos at http://impact2009.ning.com

      NOTE: This site should be open for anyone to view.

Sunday, August 9

The IMPACT Team visited two sister churches in Ensenada, Mexico today.

One church was located in a large flat desert area near the Pacific Ocean. Here a small church ministered to two small villages. It was considered a "middles class" area but they had far less than any American middle class. We joined 30 or so adults and children in a lively time of worship & preaching. Though nothing was in English the presence of Jesus was sensed! The team was greatly encouraged on the way to the church by squeezing into our van a family we saw walking 2 miles to it - the dad was carrying a young child and a guitar, while mom was 8 mos pregnant and holding a little girls hand; it was inspring and surprising to be used by God.

The other church was in a impoverished area. They invited two of us to share testimonies (Phil Jacob & Judy Siatkowski) and Wanda Martinez translated for them. The pastor was moved by the stories and put them into the sermon right away. Afterward he had Wanda join him in anointing & praying for those who came forward.Tonight we will enjoy a concert put on by the local pastors and hear their own testimonies. It is quite evident that the missionaries and their team here really have a deep love for the Mexicans; we are excited to partner with them!