Daily Encourager - July 5, 2020

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Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. – Psalm 111:1

Today is the first Sunday we are offering in-person worship since the beginning of this global pandemic. For the first time, some will gather together in the sanctuary, with the congregation to worship God together.

I know that many of you will not be with us in person, and I truly understand, respect your decision, and love you where you are. For those who will join us, please help us to keep each other safe, check in, and wear your mask.

I am grateful that God’s wonderful works will be among us no matter where we are, today. I know that God is meeting us with blessings anew, and our hearts will be uplifted with praise because it is another day that we are alive and have the opportunity to let God’s blessings overflow with joy. My hope is that we can spread that joy. I think we all could use a little joy- spreading around the world right now. Like many, I have a hard time keeping a positive outlook, I get worried about what is happening in our nation, I forget that a positive attitude can be simply changing perspective, and I have my bad days like anyone else. Those days have certainly been hard this year, and they seem to have been closer together than in other years. Sometimes, we might wonder if it will ever get better, but then I have this glimmer of hope.

That hope might be in a tight hug around my neck from my daughter, it might come in seeing my son’s learn a new skill, it might come from reading, or simply feeling God’s presence in the midst of prayer.  There are so many things that are in this life in which we can still find joy. There are so many things in which we can still give God praise.  We may be praising him in the midst of hurricane type storm, but God still deserves the praise.

The psalmist reminds us that the wonderful works of God are never ceasing, and even if we might not see them in our lives at the moment, when the congregation gathers we shall know, because someone will have a blessing in which to share.  So, to help share joy today, find a way to share a blessing with others, make a phone call, smile, wave, send a text or an email. Let someone know that they are blessing today, and even if you aren’t physically present in the congregation, let them know we are all still present with God’s congregation in this world below, looking forward to join the one above, to ever sing in His Awesome Presence.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – July 4, 2020

Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts. - James 3:18

As we celebrate our independence day, I know it will not be like so many before.  We almost seem in a constant state of disbelief this year, as all of the celebrations we have become accustomed are celebrated a little differently this year.  Still, I hope you have a fun and safe fourth of July.

I want to reflect on historically what must have been the most peaceful time in American History.  After the end of the Revolutionary war, people went to work building a nation, building homes and towns, helping one another, and creating one of the greatest nations the world had ever seen.  One built on the principles of peace and justice, with freedom to worship God however one saw fit, with freedoms of speech, assembly, basic human rights for all people.  In this time of peace I can imagine neighbor helping neighbor, and people sharing what they had as each one had need.  I imagine each community was a lot like the first century church and that it was thriving on this new found peace.  However, in a world that is lost to sin, peace never seems to the last very long.  It was not long before peace was threatened and people began, again to be against one another.  It seems that we don’t know, on this side of heaven how to remain at peace.

Truthfully, I don’t understand why we as the human race cannot be at peace with one another.  We constantly find reasons to be in conflict; over poverty, injustice, skin color, wearing masks, and these are just examples that list could go on forever. Even for those of us who are peaceful at heart, the peacemakers of the world; there always seems to be conflicts that arise, and places where peace simply cannot remain.  I suppose this is why we all look onward to heaven, for God’s perfect peace to be revealed; a place where no more tears are shed and no more conflicts arise; a place where love is the common thread and no more wars are fought. 

In this future place of peace, people will be together forever in the presence of our God, and the seed of justice and righteousness will have grown into the perfect tree of shade coving all. We should pay attention to those words, covering all.  Even those who cannot find peace with one another in this life, should realize that in faith, we will be together in perfect community. I’m reminded of Dallas Willard’s remarks about the kingdom of heaven being more about what we do on this side of death, being more important. 

When we have these moments of calm and clarity, we should realize that we are sowers of the seeds of peace. We are called to go into the world and spread the peace that surpasses our own understanding; that when we get to heaven we will join the great cloud of witnesses who are at peace, the peace that God has called us to work towards even as we are here upon the earth.  God’s peace is for you today, that you would find peace within, and though conflicts may come our way, this peace will help us find justice and true righteousness under that banner of love, the banner of Christ. May we bring peace to others each and every day, as we have the freedom to do so.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – July 3, 2020

…As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus… - Luke 23:26

Ever been asked to do something you didn’t really want to do? 

I’m sure, at one point or another we all have been given an assignment that we did not want to do, yet we knew it was required of us.  I think in every job I’ve ever had I’ve had something laid in my lap, some project or report that has been dumped on me, and at a moment’s notice, I was expected to drop everything and work on that one thing.

Most of the time, we know those types of things come with the territory (so to speak) of what is expected of an employer. But what about those times when it was someone else asking you to do something, expecting you to do what was asked? Those tasks may be foreign to us, or at least not asked of us often.

Now, imagine, you are traveling into the city and all of a sudden a crowd is coming out of the city, prisoners carrying crosses, their own execution instruments, and you see one of those prisoners drop that cross.  All of a sudden, one of the guards grabs you, an innocent by- standard, someone who hasn’t done anything wrong. You are now asked to pick up his cross and carry it on your back.  You haven’t done anything wrong, you are not a criminal, but now you are walking death row with those whom have been prosecuted by the state, and deemed unfit to remain a part of society. This imagery is difficult, especially when I think about Jesus own words to his disciples; “if you are to be my disciples, deny yourself, pick up your own cross, and follow me.” Simon of Cyrene, to our knowledge, was not present when Jesus spoke those words, yet he was forced by the governmental authorities to carry a burden, to do a job that was not his own, and walk death row, carrying an instrument of death.

The burdens that we bear as Christians today, pale in comparison to those of the early Christians church. Because of faithfulness, and the burden that others have carried for us, we have a the freedom to worship as we see fit, and rarely are asked to do anything difficult for our faith. However, there are times when the difficulty of faith are a little more know, when we want to care for others, but don’t know how. Or sometimes we have our own deep needs and don’t know what to do. For us the promise is that Jesus will help carry our burden, though sometimes we also need to help carry the burden for others.

Right now, as we see COVID-19 cases numbers rise, our government authorities has asked us to do a simple task, wear a mask in public. Some have turned this call into a burden, made a big deal about it, however, the Christian response would be to wear one, to have enough care for others to understand and simply wear a mask. In doing so we both obey our government, and at the same time express care for one another in Christian love.

Please note, if you choose to join us in person for worship on Sunday, mask are required for everyone who enters the building. I will be wearing mine because I care for you, please remember to wear yours as a sign of your care for others. If you are concerned, or anxious about returning, online worship will still be posted at 9 am, and you are welcome to worship with us in that way. No matter what do what is safe for yourself and for those around you. God bless you, and keep you, now and always. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – July 2, 2020

May the Lord lead your hearts to express God’s love and Christ’s endurance.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Keeping things going in life, when life is turned upside down can be difficult.  Yet, as we focus on what needs to be done, what happens is we become short-sighted (in a good way) with our goals.  We remove the distractions, and simply focus on the task in front of us.  Sometimes that task seems overwhelming, but we keep at it, knowing and believing that we will make it through. 

Our faith gets like that sometimes, I am finding that out now, feeling one-task-focused as we prepare everything for our first Sunday worship service, together. Today, I am reminded of the diligent work urged by the apostle Paul to the Thessalonian church.

The saints in this church, workers for God’s kingdom had stopped at nothing to share the gospel and organize a church among the people.  God’s plan of action to go to the ends of the earth with the message of Christ was being carried out by these people, and they were exhausted.  It is at this point of exhaustion that many just want to give up, many want to argue and grumble, and others just want to leave and sit in quite all by themselves.  However, it is in this moment, when we are battle weary and worn out that we focus more intently on the cross. Paul prays here for the people to have hearts to express God’s love and Christ’s endurance to do so. 

When they hung Christ on the cross to crucify him for nothing of his own doing, but for  our sin, He must have had amazing endurance to not stop it all, because that would have been within His power.  When they beat Him, mocked Him, lead Him to the place of the Skull, He could have decide to be done, but He endured.  Christ had the endurance even after all this, to hang on that cross for 6 hours, struggling for each breath, and taking on the full weight of the judgment of God that though Him we might be saved.

It is this endurance that Paul used to encourage the Thessalonians to keep going, and it is by this endurance that I continue to serve God.  By this same endurance I want to encourage you in the ministries in which you are a part, or the ministries in which you can help with in the coming weeks.  Perhaps you need to be reminded of the love in which you first started to serve, or perhaps you need to know that you are appreciated.  In any regard, I hope you know that God sees your good deeds, and He knows the love by which you serve your church, and He is well pleased.  Keep up the ministry folks, and know that God’s love will continue to be poured into your hearts to overflowing, and you will have the endurance to make it through all of life’s struggles through Christ who strengthens you.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – July 1, 2020

But don’t remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoing.  Remember me only according to your faithful love for the sake of your goodness, Lord. - Psalm 25:7

If I were to say we all make mistakes, I think it might be the understatement of all lifetimes.  I know it’s become the little cliché that we use to make an excuse when we mess up, or to help us realize that we are human and the essence of human nature is sin.  We are all aware of this, but what many people in our society lack is the understanding to forgive and forget.  Yes, we may half-heartedly forgive the person who cut us off in traffic, once we get to our location safely; or we might say “that’s okay” to the clerk who got our order wrong.  But what are we thinking in those moments?  Are we really forgiving? And what about the big stuff; the times when we are hurt by people we love, know, and are a part of our everyday lives?  Forgiveness is a big deal and it is the one thing that we count on for our own salvation, so shouldn’t we also forgive?

Jesus says in Luke 6:37 “…forgive and you will be forgiven.” We also pray in our Lord’s Prayer to be forgiven our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us.  It is in this same spirit that David cries out to the Lord to not remember his sin and his wrong doing.  It is interesting that David does not ask to be forgiven as much, but for it not to be remembered.  David, like many of us, know that sacrifice has paid the penalty of our sin, so what we need, is for God not to bring it up again, to not look on our sinful nature, but to look on the righteousness that was bestowed upon us by grace. 

If we want God to look at us in such a way, should we not (being called to righteousness by Christ) look upon others in the same way?  I believe we are forgiven simply by asking in faith, but I also believe we grow as Christians by truly forgiving those people who have wronged us in any way, and not ever giving it a second thought.  After all, once a sin is forgotten, it is no longer an accusation to cause division, but an open path that leads to restoration of mind, body, soul, and relationships.

Offering forgiveness in our world today seems to have become difficult. People seem more intent on revenge or “getting even” rather than forgiveness.  We want to make things more complex than they need to be, and sometimes, it seems like people want to be angry.  Why would we want to be angry? Those who follow this path are missing out on the peace of the Lord.

If we were to follow David’s psalm a little further what we would find is: 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

In humility, in offering forgiveness, in choosing to let it go, in finding release of anger; we find the peace of God that leads us on the paths of righteousness for His name sake.  May God offer you the peace and assurance of his love and grace now and always. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Need a Face Mask?

Daily Encourager – June 30, 2020

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:8

The songs of ascent are particular psalms that are typically only a few verses long, and they are meant to help the worshipers get into the right headspace, as it were, while coming into the temple complex to worship. The idea is if we remind ourselves of the wonders of God, the majesty of God, the help that God has proved before, then when we arrive in the presence of the assembly to worship God, we enter with thanksgiving and joy. Remember that other song – I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise, I will say this is the day, that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for he has made me glad.

The songs of ascent are to aid in getting our hearts and minds focused on the main thing, God and his glory.  It is with great joy that we can then enter into the assembly, to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, and know that we have been in the presence of the Holy Spirit, energized to make it through the days ahead.  It is part of what I have missed as we have not gathered together in worship. I bring this up, as we prepare for our first in-person worship service, wondering how we each might be preparing for worship.

A friend of mine, who once served at one of our larger congregations as an associate pastor, told me, his favorite place to be on Sunday morning was in his office. His office had a window that overlooked the parking lot. What he loved about sitting there in his office was watching couples and families pull in a park their cars, and seeing how they had prepared themselves for to come to worship. The reality of what he saw, was that most pulled in having arguments, or yelling at the teenage kids, or even coming in stoically silent, not conversing at all. However, the moment they would get of the car and walk in the door, it was all smiles, “God bless you,” “what a joy it is to be here, today,” “I couldn’t be more blessed.” They put on their “praise- faces” for worship, but we would  talk about what might really be going on in their lives below the surface.

The songs of ascent help us to understand that there may be a lot going on under the surface, under the “praise-face.” However, God meets us where we are, and lifts us to something better.

This coming Sunday, July 5, we will gather for the first time in the assembly at St. Mark since March 8. Sixteen weeks since we last gathered as a church family, and I know it will be longer for some of us.  Some of us will remain apart, and that is okay because we know you are being cautious. We know that the care of our hearts for you extends beyond a building, or seeing each other face-to-face.  But for those who do join us, how will you prepare you hearts to ascend into the assembly of the Lord? Will you come with thanksgiving in your hearts? With joy? With praise? May the cries of our hearts be always to praise the Lord even in the midst of sorrow and pain, to lift His holy name higher and higher each day. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 29, 2020

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known. = Psalm 106:8

There are several of the psalms that recount stories of the people of Israel. Psalm 106 is one of them.  In this psalm the people sing of the ways in which their ancestors had failed God time and time again.  Yet, as verse eight reminds them, God still saves them, for God’s names sake.

When we think about the goodness of God, we are ever reminded that God is a God of salvation, and that the salvation of God comes because God is continuously merciful. It is certainly and help for us when times seem tough, or when we have personally experienced a time when we have made a mistake or fallen short.  It is good, as it was for the people of Israel to know that God saves for God’s names sake.

It is believed that the psalms were especially helpful to the people of God during times of exile, to help them remember that their ancestors, had been through times of trial before, and their God had saved them then, and God, they believed, would save them again. 

People are always waiting on a savior. It gives us something in which to focus our hope, Even now, we await for a saving vaccine, or the perfect treatment plan.  Others are waiting on an economic savior, and often we try to make a savior out people who don’t quite have that power.  Those whom we place our trust, they might help us for a while, or do something that temporarily makes life better, but nothing is more powerful to save than our God. through his Son Jesus Christ. 

We know that it true, but like our ancestors before us we fall short again. However, I do not lose hope in humanity, nor in any person who might call on the name of the Lord, who by his name we shall be saved, and God will again restore us to make his mighty power known. May we make his name known, and share the glory of praising His great name now, and always. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 28, 2020

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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – Psalm 118:1

There are some themes throughout the Scriptures that ring true for our lives no matter where we are on the journey of faith.  One such statement; as seen above, doesn’t just run as a theme, but as a call to how we should live.  We see this phrase repeated again and again throughout the history of the people of Israel - the people of God.  It is a common phrase we see in the psalms as well as something people would sing or shout as they enter into the sanctuary, or they would shout it out in hopes to survive as they went out to battle.  The understanding the people had was that in all things we should give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and His enduring love that has no end. Even if life on this earth would end, God’s love does not end, but endures forever.

Can we imagine a world in which we gave constant praise to God? Could we imagine a world where we could join this wonderful theme of constant praise?  Perhaps we could live in such world, at least in our inner selves because we are grateful for all that the Lord has done to bless us.  However, I don’t think we have yet to contemplate being thankful in all things, or in all situations. We still forget, lose track, and stray from allowing us to be immersed in the goodness of God at times.

Yet, in God’s enduring love, He calls to us, forgives us,  brings us into the loving arms of our Savior, and again we give thanks.  Honestly, I don’t think there is anything we have that we can offer God besides thankfulness.  There is no possible way we can repay God for the all the great things He has done for us, therefore we can only humble ourselves in gratitude to His majestic and enduring love that has no end; for God is good!

God has been good to us, and kept us connected while we have been unable to gather in the Lord’s house at our St. Mark campus.  I am eager and excited to be back with some of you next week, but in preparing, I am praying for each of us. I’m praying that we remain free from illness. I’m praying that we understand our personal situation, and know that some of our lovely church family may not gather and that is okay.  I’m praying for those who do choose to remain sheltered in place.  I am praying for you and the situations you may find yourselves. I am hopeful that God’s love is overflowing in your life, and hope for his grace to overflow into the lives of many in our nation and our world, that we might one day be able to give thanks to Lord, together, knowing his enduring love that continues forever.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 27, 2020

And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer -  Matthew 21:22

How often I’ve prayed for so many things in life, and, truly, I have been amazed at the way God responds to my prayer.  However, what about those prayers that haven’t yet been answered?  Do you have any of those “unanswered” prayers? Most notedly might be a prayer for the world to finally be at peace, or for an assurance that it is safe to get out and get back to life without fear. It may seem a bit awkward for me to say this, but I don’t believe in unanswered prayer.  I believe that God hears what we ask for, knows what we desire, and responds.  The truth is more often than not, when I think about those “unanswered” prayers, they are answered, but the answer was or is something unexpected.

Perhaps I didn’t need to get out of that tough situation, perhaps that tough situation was meant to make me stronger.  Perhaps I didn’t get the money I needed all at once, but over time I was able to pay for the things that were needed.  Perhaps I didn’t need to be healed from that illness, but God used that illness to get me to slow down a few days.  If we think about it, everything we have overcome in this life is an answered prayer. 

Sure, God still works miracles in our lives, and we see them every day if we just look around us.  However, God also answers our prayers in ways that seem conventional, and was that seems to be the ordinary course of life.  I truly believe, it is when we see God working in ordinary, in the mundane, and especially in the unexpected that our eyes are opened to have a stronger faith in His presence that is with us every day.  So keep praying, strengthen your faith, and know that God will hear and respond.

As we wait for God to respond, let’s also remember that God is waiting on us.  God is waiting on us the make the changes, or do the things that God would have us do to bring about the change in the world we seek.  If we are in need of patience, God may be giving us opportunity to learn such patience. If we are in need of forgiveness, God may be giving us an opportunity to forgive someone else. If we are need of a stronger relationship with our spouse or family, God may be waiting for us to choose to do something that would create that stronger bond. 

No doubt about it, God is a miracle worker, yet God believes in us, as we believe in Him. Sometimes we need to believe in the goodness that comes from within, and express the love that we have known in faith to others.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 26, 2020

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem… - Acts 9:10-19

At some point in our faith we have probably heard the story of Saul’s Damascus road conversion. This former Pharisee persecutor of Jesus disciples, who meets the risen Lord in a bright light and all of a sudden we find him switching sides, and writing a good portion of the New Testament.

Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how fast everything happens, but when we look back at ancient history, we like to sum things up to make them tidy.  Truth is, any of us who have had to make a change in lifestyle, in belief system, know that change is difficult, and it takes time to get used to it.  We know that change is something that doesn’t happen overnight, but take time.  Especially when we are talking about behaviors that have been a big part of who we believe we are.  The hardest part of change, however, may be convincing others that it has happened.

This portion of the story that I’ve listed above from Acts 9, I think is very interesting. We meet for the first and only time a man by the name of Ananias.  We know that he is faithful unto God, that he lives in Damascus, and that he was a disciples of Jesus, but that’s about it. 

We get this one little bit of Scripture about him, and what we find is this disciple of Jesus was praying when God spoke to him, and told him to go up to the "street wich is called Straight", and ask "in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus". (Acts 9:11). Ananias objected that Saul had been persecuting "thy saints", but the Lord told him that Saul was "a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel". (Acts 9:15). When Ananias went in to Saul and laid his hands on him, the "scales" of dead tissue on the surface of his eyes fell off, and he looked up at Ananias. After additional instruction, Saul was baptized. (Acts 9:18).  After that Paul stays in Damascus for a while, learning from the disciples.

Even though a change has happened, later, when Paul moves on to Jerusalem, the other disciples still fear him because he has been persecuting them.  Even the one whom the Lord sends to him, Ananias, has a hard time believing the Lord, and even questions God about the transformation before trusting the Lord enough to rise and go.  I imagine even in his going, Ananias was very cautious before simply announcing to Paul who he was and why he had come.

Ananias, though faithful to God’s call remained cautious.  That is something that is key for us as Christians in the world today. As we are faithful to serve God, to gather in places to share our faith, we need to remain cautious in keeping ourselves and others safe.  We face a different world, that is changed because of a virus that has proven very difficult to treat and navigate. We are getting back into an ever-opening society, and need to remember to be cautious. We can be both faithful and cautious. May God grant us the strength to understand how to love and care for others while remaining cautions in our faithfulness.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 25, 2020

…Peter replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” 35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 Jesus said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied. – Luke 22:33-38

There is this interesting conversation that happens during the Last Supper. Jesus and the disciples have shared their meal and Jesus is trying to give the disciples instructions as to what will happen next.  Judas, at this point has already been dismissed, and Peter makes another bold proclamation, he is ready to go with Jesus even unto death.

We know that is not how the story ends, and here Jesus predicts it, Peter though willing in that moment, though energized by Jesus message, and ready to face even death; will deny Jesus before dawn. When the time comes he isn’t able to live, yet, into the calling of an apostle and martyr.  Later, however he will.

Just after that moment Jesus gives a little more instruction. He tells them they are going to be sent out again, like they were before, but this time it will be different.  This time, Jesus knows that those who are out to stop him, will be out to stop them as well.  Jesus knows that those in power are going to hunt them down, and apocalyptically, Jesus tells them to be prepared.  But there is more to. this message than being prepared, Jesus is also fulfilling something spoken long ago. It is said of God’s chosen one that “he will be numbered with the transgressors, or the “outlaws.” We know that Jesus was crucified with two other criminals, but we don’t think of the disciples as transgressors. The disciples’ were young men, called out by Jesus, and the beginning point of an oncoming revolution.  Their youth perhaps made them timid (hence the hiding until the day of Pentecost). They were common folks, fishermen mostly. They were not violent, yet Jesus told them to get a sword; out of all 12 there in the upper room only 2 swords were currently available, they were probably small as well, as would have been common for that time, something we would consider a dagger, and akin to what we might even think of as a large pocket knife. 

Why would they need this tool? Each one of them? Was Jesus calling them to violence? When we get to the heart of Jesus purpose on earth, and the call of disciples to carry the message of grace, hope, and love into the world; what we should understand is that Jesus doesn’t call the disciples to violence. In contrast with the rest of the story, Jesus shows that violence is coming against them, violence comes against the message of God’s peace. The world and it’s ways seems to be in love with turmoil, with violence, and with oppression.  However, Jesus overcomes the world, the message of the gospel is needed, we say it’s needed now more than ever, but that has almost become cliché to every bad situation we have found ourselves in.  The truth, I know is that the gospel message is needed. Period. We who know the peace of God who live like it, we should share it, and we should stand against those who oppress others, however, not with violence.  The message of the gospel, is that oppression will happen, persecution will happen, but the gospel offers hope that life doesn’t have to be that way, and this world’s ways are not God’s ways. May we learn to live in God’s ways finding peace, sharing love, knowing joy.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 24, 2020

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. – Luke 21:33

Jesus tells the disciples a parable using a fig tree.  He has been talking to them, and preparing them for the time that would be coming, when he would no longer be with them, but also about the day in which he shall return. Jesus speaks is what is called apocalyptic language talking about signs and wonders.

The disciples are curious as to when they will see such signs, and so Jesus has them look at a fig tree. When it and the other trees sprout new leaves you know when it is.  Jesus use the depiction of new leaves because he is talking about new growth.  He is talking about a renewal of things that once might have been considered dead.  When we think about this in comparison to what happened on that faithful resurrection day, we know that he disciples finally got all the Jesus had said to him.

What was dead, is no alive again, and we have a something to live for, we have something to be excited about, we have no fear now in death, because death is defeated in God has raise our Lord to live forevermore.

These weeks of quarantine of being out of routine, or not being able to see one another, have been trying in many regards.  I’m amazed that the new skills I have learned, the ways I have found to keep my kids entertained, and myself busy.  It has felt like we were living into some of these signs and wonders of Jesus apocalyptic language.  We feel as though we are trying to survive a literal plague.  However, I’m reminded each and every day, as I spend time in prayer, or as I read through the scriptures, that this world has felt dead before. The world and its people have seen times of trial and tribulation, yet we are still here.  The words of God that have brought forth life before, will bring them forth again, and in those words that will not pass away, we remain hopeful. 

May the God of the greatest hope, lift your heart today.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 23, 2020

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. – Psalm 94:19

This passed Sunday’s message dealt with Jesus teaching about anxiety from Matthew 6, understanding that God has us, and there is nothing to worry about while wrapped in his arms.  It is wonderful to know those moments. It is pure joy to be carefree, to know that the things of earth grow strangely dim, when we focus on the things above.  I wish I could say that it removes all anxiety over every issue we face in our world on a daily basis, but that wouldn’t be truthful.

We all face anxious moments in life. Even now as the summer season has come, and many people have become fatigued with waiting for society to “get back to normal;” we face issues of reported increases in COVID-19 cases.  It makes many anxious to think about what life might be like in the near future. We know that things are opening up, slowly and steadily, we are working to be able to offer in-person worship services.  But I’ll be honest, that makes me anxious.  I care for each one who would enter the doors of our church campus, and want everyone to feel welcomed and safe.  I also want people to feel engaged and energized by worship, but as you can probably understand from the survey that went out a couple of weeks ago, even when we get back to church in-person, it’s going to feel different, it’s going to be different.

I trust that you will be patient with your church leadership as we explore what coming to church looks like for the next little bit, and as we navigate with great care and caution the ways we will order the service, have to be seated in the sanctuary, making sure to offer Christ with great care and concern for the well-being of everyone present.

We will trust in God, that he will guide us and bless us though the steps we take as we prepare for gathering again.  We will trust that God will guide us in thinking about the others we will be around, and follow the guidelines to keep one another safe.  We will trust God will continue to bless those who do not yet feel comfortable getting out.  We will need to learn how to trust God more and more and maybe someday we will get to that place where we trust God completely.

The consolation of the Lord that brings joy, is knowing that even if things go awry, God’s mercy and grace remain.  Even in our most anxious moments, we can trust that God will see us through, but we will need to trust. More and more, oh for grace to trust him, more.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 22, 2020

15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
    who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. – Psalm 89:15

Ever meet someone who looks like they have it all together, who is kind to everyone?  Those people seem to never be in a bad mood.  They always have something positive to say, and usually we would see them treat the janitor with as much respect as they would the CEO. 

Yes, those type of people do exist, even the world in which we find ourselves today.  We might not find them speaking out on social media, or at a rally of some kind; but we would find them helping others.  We would find them going about their business, not oblivious to what is going on, but offering kind words, helping others see a bigger picture, and always spreading positivity.

The psalmist says, blessed are those who have learned to acclaim the Lord. Typically, when we think of offering acclaim it is a matter of those who speak for the Lord, speak blessings to others, and are constantly telling us how we should act before God.  We would see pastors and preachers, potentially as those who acclaim the Lord. I, however, disagree.  It isn’t always those speaking the “word of the Lord,” who I see acclaiming the Lord.  Instead, I see those who help in the background, who aren’t the loud voices, but the still quiet workers, those who don’t complain but keep it positive, who seek to offer all that they can in love. It is in those mentioned above where truly the Lord is acclaimed.

The Lord is acclaimed in the actions of his people, who seek to do all they can in love. Who hear that Wesleyan call to: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” We truly are called to proclaim the Lord’s presence and goodness, but let us know our proclamation isn’t in words alone, but in our actions, the way we treat others, in the way we treat our neighbor.

Let us move forward in life, sharing God’s blessing is deed, in word, in everything that they will know we are in the light of the Lord.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 21, 2020

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1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us—
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations.

3 May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you rule the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.

6 The land yields its harvest;
    God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
    so that all the ends of the earth will fear him. – Psalm 67

Happy Father’s Day to everyone! Many of you know the joy of being a parent, to know that you have been a part of creating someone that loves you in return, that perhaps knows you mistakes, and shortcoming, but loves you the same.  There is some real truth in knowing the loving relationship between a parent and child. Seeing it as a reflection of the type of relationship that Jesus has between him and our heavenly Father. 

It took me a long time to realize it, but Jesus teachings on how God is the heavenly Father, how Jesus desires that his followers would have a relationship with the Heavenly as he does, and Jesus expressions of how it is we can talk to our Heavenly Father are astonishing.

In every regard, God is the Almighty, God is ethereal, and human kind is so under God that we should not dare to look towards the face of God.  Even in the old testament of our Bible, those who have an encounter with God cover their faces, are afraid, feel that they are unworthy of being acknowledged by the divine.  Yet, Jesus teaches us to have the type of relationship with God, that we would have with an earthly father.

We can turn to God with all our emotions, when happy, sad, irritated, angry, and God wants to hear how our (us little individual humans) day has gone.  God wants us to come to him in the morning, with a hug, and hope for a spectacular day.  God wants to laugh with us, cry with us, and be with us through the hardships of life, as well as rejoice with us through the good stuff.

God, makes “his face shine upon us,” and that is a huge deal!

Today, for those who still have a father around, or have a child in which we are a father (or a mother) think about the love you have for your child, and that love that extended back towards your father.  We might remember hard times, or mistakes made either way, but it doesn’t  - at least I hope is doesn’t - neglect the love that is there.  The love that is a reflection of our relationship with the divine.  Our Heavenly Father, who loves us, blesses us, and want to have a relationship with us through Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord.

May the face of God truly shine on us and bless us this Father’s Day! Happy Father’s Day!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 20, 2020

He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. - Titus 3:5

Renewal is something that comes around quite often, but not typically how we would like.  Most often when we think of renal that occurs regularly it’s something like our insurance premiums, or driver’s license, or car tag renewal that often mean money out of our pocket whether we like it or not. 

However, there is a greater renewal that happens all the time.  As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we are renewing the covenant between us and God.  When the Holy Spirit calls us to love where we once had not loved, we are renewed.  When we realize that something greater is happening in our lives than we could make for ourselves then our spiritual strength is being renewed, by God’s great mercy and grace. 

I am always perplexed and amazed by the might power of God’s work, in my life and the lives of others.  Because I truly know when something great is happening, it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit work to build us up in community as the body of Christ.

We have been waiting for a renewal of sorts for many weeks.  Waiting to hear that it is safe to return to life as normal. Yet, the continued information says it’s not yet safe.  We want to see our friends, we want to come to church, we want to do so many things, but we do not yet know if we can.  We have now entered the first day of a new season – welcome to summer – but we are still awaiting our salvation.  However, the God of salvation has kept us safe thus far, and according to his mercy, as Paul writes to Titus, he will see us through washing and renewing us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We, at church, are working on plans, and seeking the conference permission to hold in-person worship soon.  However, it may not feel the same, there will be some changes, and restrictions, but these first steps will hopefully allow us to experience some of the joy of gathering.  Please know that in the process, what we are offering online will continue.  We know some of congregation will choose to remain at home, and we understand. We love and miss all of you, and the most important thing we can do in our faith is to keep each other safe.

May God’s mercy renew us today, with a hope that soon, someday soon, we may be washed and renewed again for the purpose of living for His Kingdom.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 19, 2020

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy. – Psalm 92:1-4

I strive to be professional in my work, and in the way that I relate to others. I treat others with respect, and work to be relational in all that I do.  It amazes me when new people ask where I’m from, because I wonder if I am able to hide the fact that at heart I’m a country boy.

I was born and raised, here in East Tennessee, and by country boy, what I mean is this. I have grown and picked a garden with family, I’ve broke beans on grandma’s porch, I’ve stacked hay in a barn on a hot summer day, I’ve walked barefoot in the creek, drove a 4x4 off road in the mud, you probably get the picture. 

Part of that southern, country heritage is also found in the church, and most of it has to do with singing.  I can remember going to church events on summer evenings when all we did was sing.  I grew up singing in the church, and to this day, I love to sing in the church.  Many of us feel the same way. The music of our faith connects us to God and to that great cloud of witness in which we want to be a part.  Some of the songs we have sung our whole lives have great meaning for us, and when we sing them we fell like little children, wrapped up in our heavenly Father’s arms.

Singing is a huge part of our worship.  However, as we look to being able to come back to worship in person again, singing is one of the things that we are NOT going to be able to do.  It hurts my soul a little to think of not hearing the congregation sing together.  However, this country boy has learned a couple things over the years.

1. There are plenty of people in the church who don’t like to sing, or don’t think they can sing.

2. There are others ways to engage in worship without singing.

The great part about those two things, is that as we come back together for in-person worship, we can still engage and participate, even though it might be different than we are accustomed.  We have a wealth of liturgy, psalms, calls and responses, and even opportunities to learn new ways of responding in worship with our voices.  So for those in the first category above, you might feel even more a part of worship than before, and for those like me, who love to sing, we can learn these ancient ways, that may be new to us.

Regardless of how we may feel, the truth is even if we can’t sing out loud, or in the congregation, our hearts will continue to sing because the steadfast love of God meets us day and night, has each day we have been apart, and will continue to do so, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 18, 2020

Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 85:6

Sometimes the days seems long. It seems as though we haven’t gone anywhere, or done much of anything.  Those days, I wonder if we might ever know what it’s like to be back in a society where there is no fear, where we feel free to engage in social activity.  I long for days of social gatherings at church, and among friends.  It is days like that I feel very disconnected from ministry and sometimes life in general.

I still know that my family is there, and I am glad to have them with me safe and sound, especially after a health scare with our middle child a little over a week ago.  However, I begin to feel the need to cry out, when, Lord, when will this be over and we can get back to life? Then I turn on the news (I know, big mistake), and just yesterday I heard someone say, that about wearing masks in public that “we need to continue this behavior, and the behavior of social distancing, even more now, as we create this habit into the future.”  Upon hearing this, I have to wonder, will it really become normalized to wear a mask when out in public?

More and more each day we become fatigued with thoughts of quarantine and self-isolation. We keep hoping for better news, and a better world.  and we hear the words of the psalmist, and realize people have been waiting for such news, forever.  There are always those who seek to hear of a better world, always those who seek salvation, and the restoration of life.

God sometimes seems distant, sometimes feels distant form what is going on in our life, or in the world, but I assure you, in faith, God is the midst of it all.  God is there speaking peace where there is no peace, God is there offering healing and insight to those on the front lines of healthcare. God is there with you, even now, offering comfort and companionship with His Holy Spirit.  When those days seem long, take a deep breath, and be still, know that God is there. God’s steadfast love surrounds you, as it does me and all of us.  God is preparing us for something greater.  Verse 9 of the psalm says “surely his salvation is at hand…that his glory may dwell in our land.” 

I believer God’s steadfast love will see us through, even in this prolonged time apart, and one day we shall rejoice in His presence, together, again.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – June 17, 2020

God has taken his place in the divine council;
    in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly
    and show partiality to the wicked?
3 Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
    maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:1-4

A little bit of Biblical history, today. Most of us don’t realize that the Bible is almost exclusively written from the perspective of the underdog.  The people of God, Israel, are always under attack from some other power, that seeks to subdue, enslave, or rule over them.  This also follows true for the New Testament, as its contents were written during a time of Rome as the world’s super-power, and we have all heard about the martyrdom of essentially every one of the apostles, those who weren’t martyred, were exiled, which might have been worse. 

The reality that we have the scriptures as all, is in the opinion of most, a miracle.  Yet, so often we don’t really think about that lowly position when we read the scriptures.  Today, we read from a psalm that is attributed to Asaph.  There are three biblical figures named Asaph, but there were also a guild of musicians during the first temple period known as Asaphites. It is not clear whether this song is sung in the particular style of the Asaphites, or if it is attributed to one of the biblical figures, one of whom was appointed by David to be set aside to sing praises to God.

What we can understand from the psalm, however, is that at the time it was written, those who were weak, orphaned, lowly, needy, destitute, etc. were in need to God’s divine help.  Those who were the outcast of the underdogs did not receive the justice that the writer believed God should give them, instead they were still in the hands of the wicked. 

These are hard words for us rationalize within a modern context. We, the church, want to help, offer what we can for others, but we don't always know that to do.  We rationalize the help we offer to others, the missions in which we participate, as good and helpful, and they are. Yet, sometimes I wonder if we could use our status in the world to truly help others? Let me offer a small parable.

A person is stuck in a hole, they are lonely, hungry, tired, and they don’t know how to get out.  Someone walks along and has some leftover food, and says the one in the hole; “would you like something to eat? And gives them their leftover. The one in the hole is grateful for the offering, the one who gave the food feels confident they have helped, and moves on.  A second person walks past the hole, hears someone crying.  They stop, sit, and talk with the person offering words of hope and compassion.  At some point this person’s phone rings and they need to move on, but they feel good that they have helped the person stuck in the hole feel connected to another human being. Finally, a day or so later, another person sees this one who has been stuck in the hole, and asks, “would you like to get out?” “Yes!” the one in the hole replies, “but I don’t know how.”  This person reaches a hand down, and does all within their power to help the stuck person out of the hole.  Together, they work to see that hole is filled, so that no one else will fall in and become stuck.

Which of the three “helpers” exemplifies Jesus teaching on love for neighbor?

Yes, I know an argument could be made for all three, however, it is the one who stays by the side, who offers a hand of deliverance, and works to bring justice by filling in the hole that truly does what Jesus has done for us. 

The injustice we see in the world around us is that person stuck in hole of which they know not how to get out.  What can we do with our positions to offer help, and bring justice, and create a world with no hole in which to fall?  May God’s Holy Spirit give us the courage and understanding to do what is right in the eyes of God, and in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam