PastorTim

Don’t miss anything this Christmas!

This season of the year usually includes a visit with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed as we once again watch the timeless Christmas classic “It’s a wonderful life. You remember the plot, don’t you? George Bailey, played by Stewart, wanted to end his life because of a number of things that had gone wrong, and he thought it just wasn’t worth living anymore. Then through a miraculous encounter with Clarence the angel, he was able to see what life would have been like if he had never been born. Needless to say, when it was all over, he had a renewed love ad appreciation for his circumstances and his family.

Who could forget the scene when he runs home to find his wonderful family and of course the banister knob on the stairway that always came off. I always get teary eyed when everyone stops by to contribute to his family’s needs. It is a timeless truth that the Christmas season is best experienced when we value others above ourselves.

It doesn’t take long for us to be reminded of just what a wonderful life the Lord has given us. It is so easy to overlook the blessings you have if you are not careful. In the storyline of the movie, George Bailey was reminded of just what a wonderful life he had even though his perspective had been clouded by circumstances beyond his control.

That’s just like us, isn’t it? We allow things to cloud our perspective and we miss the wonderful life that the Lord has given us. I wonder how many are missing the joy of this Christmas season just because of something trivial that will in the end really amount to nothing. What a shame! But the truth of the matter is, you don’t have to miss the joy of Christmas.

In his book, Hitler’s Cross, Erwin W. Lutzer analyzes the Nazi agenda for Germany and how the German church responded. Here is a thought from the book: “Since Germans had for centuries celebrated Christmas and Easter, Hitler had to reinterpret their meaning. Christmas was turned into a totally pagan festival; in fact, at least for the SS troops, its date was changed to December 21, the date of the winter solstice. Carols and Nativity plays were banned from the schools in 1938, and even the name Christmas was changed to “Yuletide.” Crucifixes were eliminated from the classrooms, and Easter was turned into a holiday that heralded the arrival of spring.” Sounds eerily familiar doesn’t it.

Let me share with you a message that was proclaimed many years ago but still calls us to reality today. It is found in Luke’s Gospel, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”

What a message, first the angel’s and then the shepherds were Proclaiming the message of hope and deliverance to all who would hear it. You see, the point is that you don’t have to miss the true message of Christmas. Regardless of all the questions and doubts, and regardless of all the misdirected beliefs and the war that’s raging against Christmas. You don’t have to miss Jesus!

Perhaps you’re in danger of overlooking your Bedford Falls. Maybe you are in danger of missing the greatest gift that the world has ever known in Jesus Christ. Maybe, just maybe, if you allow the Lord to help you, you can get a good look at what a wonderful life you do have after all. Whatever you do friend, don’t miss Jesus, you don’t have to!

 

 

 

 

Truly Thankful

It was the day of the big “After Thanksgiving Day” or “Black Friday” as most people call it, sale. Rumors of great savings along with the stellar advertising campaign were the main reason for the long line that formed by 5:30, for the store's 6:00 A.M. opening time, in front of the store. A small man pushed his way to the front of the line, only to be pushed back, amid loud and colorful curses. On the man's second attempt, he was punched square in the jaw, and knocked around a bit, and then thrown to the end of the line again. As he got up the second time, he said to the person at the end of the line..."That does it! If they hit me one more time, I won't open the store!" Funny isn’t it. The most important person was almost turned away. It can happen though, especially this time of year. Funny business aside, here we here in the United States of America and incredibly blessed to celebrate such a day together as a nation. Not all nations have a day of national Thanksgiving and I believe it’s important to know why we do.

Located in the Rotunda of the Capitol building of the United States of America is a selection of eight paintings that highlight some of the most memorable of moments in our nation’s history. Among them are the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Baptism of Pocahontas, and the Landing of Columbus. One of my favorites is one which in 1836, the United States government commissioned Robert W. Weir to paint The Picture of the Embarkation of the Pilgrims from Delfthaven in Holland. It was one of several large scale (12’ x 18’) paintings chosen to represent significant historical moments leading to the founding of the American Republic. Completed in 1843, it depicts the Pilgrim families gathered around their pastor, John Robinson, for a farewell service on the deck of the Speedwell before its departure from Holland.

Clearly seen in the painting is a Geneva Bible opened to John 3:16 and the name of Jesus Christ plainly seen on the open page of a large Bible. This painting in the Capitol is further proof of our nation’s Christian heritage. In a letter applying for financing for this venture to America, Pastor Robinson and Elder Brewster expressed their reasons for their confidence in making the move to America: First, we verily believe and trust that the Lord is with us, unto Whom and Whose service we have given ourselves, in many trials, and that He will graciously prosper our endeavors according to the simplicity of our hearts. Second, we are well weaned from the delicate milk of our mother country and accustomed to the difficulties of a strange and hard land, which yet in a great part we have by patience overcome. Third, the people are, for the body of them, [as] industrious and frugal; we think we may safely say, as any company of people in the world. Fourth, we are knit together as a body in a most strict and sacred bond and in covenant with the Lord, with the desecration whereof we make with great conscience, and by virtue whereof, we do hold ourselves straightly tied to the care of each other’s good, and of the whole by everyone and so mutually. Fifth and lastly, it is not with us as with other men, whom small things can discourage, or small discontentment’s cause to wish themselves at home again.

Simply Put, “We’re Leaving and we’re not coming back” Pastor John Robinson compared the Pilgrim’s Vision to the exiled Jews of Ezra and Nehemiah’s day: Known as the Pilgrims Pastor John Robinson Wrote “Now as the people of God in old time were called out of Babylon, the place of their bodily bondage and were to come to Jerusalem and there build the Lord’s temple, so we are the people of God now to go out of this spiritual Babylon to a America a new Jerusalem for us and there to build ourselves as lively stones into a spiritual house or for the Lord to dwell in.” These are the people who we remember at Thanksgiving.

Our first President George Washington in 1789 issued a proclamation that began with these words… Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:” May America always remain… Truly Thankful!

 

 

 

What God can do!

Jesus said in John’s Gospel “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” There is spiritual freedom to be found no where else under the sun, except in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God! This is why Jesus came. To live a sinless life, die on the cross and rise from the dead to deliver us from the power of death, hell, and the grave! For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who believe the Bible is true and its principles are to be applied in the way we live our lives, that person has a Biblical Worldview!

My good friend George Barna has often said, “It’s important to understand what people believe, because you do what you believe!” In fact, a nation is best understood by examining the content of its beliefs because those beliefs determine the nation’s behavior. The sum of those beliefs is known as a worldview. A worldview is the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual filter through which you see and respond to the world. A biblical worldview is a means of experiencing, interpreting, and responding to reality consistent with biblical perspectives, to be a disciple of Jesus, imitate Him; a biblical worldview is your best effort to think like Jesus so you can act like Jesus!

My friend Cheryl Chumley of the Washington Times in a column entitled Mike Johnson vilified for the very faith that will save America wrote last week… Jen Psaki, on “Inside with Jen Psaki” on MSNBC, recently tore apart new House Speaker Mike Johnson as a radical, religiously fanatical nut job bent on bowing Americans to a brutal Bible-thumping reign. All the guy did, mind you, was pray and express his Christian faith… Here’s the context: Johnson answered a question about his worldview by saying, “Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it — that’s my worldview. That’s what I believe and so I make no apologies for it. That’s my personal worldview.” The Bible doesn’t just inform his worldview,” Psaki said. “It is his worldview.” She wasn’t just reporting. She was mocking, scorning, deriding. As if. As if the idea of a political leader with open, unabashed, and unwavering Christian faith and biblical belief was an announcement of the end of the world. The thing is, Johnson’s worldview is pretty close to how Founding Fathers governed, as well.

Chumley continues, “The New England Primer was the first textbook ever printed in America and was used to teach reading and Bible lessons in our schools until the twentieth century,” FireLightChurch.org wrote. “In fact, many of the Founding Fathers and their children learned to read from the New England Primer.” And from the C.S. Lewis Institute — this: “the founding fathers read the Bible. their many quotations from and allusions to both familiar and obscure scriptural passages tell us that they knew the Bible well; they knew the Bible from cover to cover. Biblical language and themes liberally seasoned their rhetoric; the phrases and the cadences of the King James Bible, especially, informed their written and spoken words. the ideas of the Bible shaped their habits of mind and informed their political pursuits.”

We have before us a critical moment, there are two competing worldviews that are likely to guide us forward as a nation. So, it seems we are facing a critical moment before us. A moment that will possibly decide the future of those we love and cherish. The critical decision we make as Americans will set the course for the future of millions yet unborn. The good news as I see it is that God has always used a remnant of believers to change the course of history. With God’s aid, I believe that the efforts of great Americans can make this nation healthy again. 

I happen to be very pleased to hear our new Speaker of the House of Representatives point to the Word of God as the basis for his worldview! Why he even carried his Bible to the podium in the United States House of Representatives Chamber for his swearing in ceremony. Was that refreshing or what? More of that kind of behavior can only be a good thing for America!

The Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum is found in the Journals of the Continental Congress, June 20, 1782, where it was used to describe the Great Seal adopted that day. The phrase means "out of many, one" speaking not only to the 13 colonies becoming one nation, but from many who come to these shores, we become one nation of Americans. The revisionism and rewriting of American and in some cases, Christian history, has attempted to tear down what it means to be an American. So out of many, there becomes one. One nation under God, indivisible. You see, divisible means capable of being divided. When we have congressional leaders with a Biblical worldview, we will not be divided! And there’s no telling what God can do in a country like that!

 

A time for Courage

Websters 1828 Dictionary defines courage as, Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. The same dictionary quickly offers the scriptural reference of Joshua 1:7, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” Because the prevailing belief that truth no longer exists, therefore there is no such thing as sin, it behooves us to stand courageously and address the error.   

Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman told of a distinguished minister, Dr. Howard, from Australia who preached very strongly about sin. After the service, one of the church officers came to counsel with him in the study. "Dr. Howard," he said, "we don't want you to talk as openly as you do about man's guilt and corruption, because if our boys and girls hear you discussing that subject, they will more easily become sinners. Call it a mistake if you will, but do not speak so plainly about sin. "The minister took down a small bottle and showing it to the visitor said, "You see that label? It says strychnine -- and underneath in bold, red letters the word 'Poison!' Do you know, man, what you are asking me to do? You are suggesting that I change the label. Suppose I do, and paste over it the words, 'Essence of Peppermint'; don't you see what might happen? Someone would use it; not knowing the danger involved and would certainly die. So it is, too, with the matter of sin. The milder you make your label, the more dangerous you make your poison!" The truth of the scriptures reveals to us that sin is real and it can separate us from God, forever!

The erosion of truth and the ability to understand how this has adversely affected our nation is extremely dangerous for the here and now, and for the future of millions yet unborn. Robert Knight in The Washington Times wrote recently, “To understand the rapidity with which recent cultural shocks developed in America and in Europe, think of being on a roller coaster. The car is slowly hauled uphill until it reaches the apex. Then it’s released and quickly achieves breakneck speed.” 

He continues, “Cultural Marxists have been hauling us up their fun ride since the 1960s, when they began directly attacking marriage, family, and Judeo-Christian values in the name of doing one’s own thing. In quick succession, they hatched “free love,” no-fault divorce, welfare, pornification, abortion on demand, gay rights, and now transgender madness. As families unraveled, especially in the inner cities, government grew exponentially. It took a lot to wear down America to get where we are: two world wars, a sexual revolution, disastrous wars in Asia, a swollen government and a corrupted mass media and educational establishment. The latter two combined to germinate the monster of “wokeness” that will destroy our children’s future if we let it.”

Dr. George Sweeting wrote, “Several years ago our family visited Niagara Falls. It was spring, and ice was rushing down the river. As I viewed the large blocks of ice flowing toward the falls, I could see that there were carcasses of dead fish embedded in the ice. Gulls by the score were riding down the river feeding on the fish. As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would go out, and they would escape from the falls. I watched one gull that seemed to delay and wondered when it would leave. It was engrossed in the carcass of a fish, and when it finally came to the brink of the falls, out went its powerful wings. The bird flapped and flapped and even lifted the ice out of the water, and I thought it would escape. But it had delayed too long so that its claws had frozen into the ice. The weight of the ice was too great, and the gull plunged into the abyss. The false narratives of this world can entrap us if we become too attached to them. They will take us to our destruction if we cannot give them up. Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter to his father in1738, “The scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did."

It appears that we have arrived at that place Billy Graham observed: "Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone, except God." We do not however have to stay here! That will only happen if we allow it. I for one, will not live in such a way that will cause my grandchildren to look back at my life and say, I wish my grandpa would have made a difference!

 

There all the time

It was Terry Pratchett who said, “Why do you go away? So, that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” Mark Twain wonderfully reminded us, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” 

I have been extremely blessed to gaze upon many a scenic vista. I’ve seen swells in the Atlantic Ocean and watch whales swim in the Pacific. I’ve beheld the wheated plains, looked longingly at purple mountains majesty, stood under cypress trees in the old south and walked in the midst of evergreens in Maine. But I have to say that the beauty right in my own back yard is unsurpassed. I mean no matter where I’ve been there’s nothing more breathtaking than what lies just outside my McDermott backdoor here in Southern Ohio... especially this time of year as the fall foliage comes into full bloom.

With a piping hot cup of coffee, the beauty to behold from my front porch is unsurpassed! However, from where I live, Ohio has several popular fall color spots including the Appalachian foothills and Hocking Hills in the south and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the north. Leaves are changing earlier than normal and falling in some areas of the Wayne National Forest in southern Ohio. Whenever they peak is just fine by me, it’s just beautiful. I could talk on and on about the handiwork of God, instead let me focus for a second or two on the beauty that is right before our eyes and is often overlooked.

I recently re read the story of the prodigal son from Luke’s Gospel, I was drawn not so much to the father’s quest for the son or even the welcome the wayward son received when he finally came to his senses and came back home. What I want to draw your attention to here are the things he remembered as he longingly looked homeward and remembered what he had left behind. What was there all along that he hadn’t even considered until he was far away and all alone.

Finally, looking homeward... how he missed the Fathers Presence. He knew there was safety and protection there. He missed his Fathers Provision, there was more than enough to spare in father’s house. Lastly, he missed his Fathers Love. Something he knew yet rejected was still cradled deep in his heart as he journeyed home remembering it was there all the time.

What’s in your backyard that you are overlooking right now? The blessings of God? His help and strength? His Love expressed for you in more ways that you can count? Years ago, Russell Conwell told of an ancient Persian, Ali Hafed, who “owned a very large farm that had orchards, grain fields, and gardens... and was a wealthy contented man.” One day a wise man from the East told the farmer all about diamonds and how wealthy he would be if he owned a diamond mine. Ali Hafed went to bed that night a poor man—poor because he was discontented. Craving a mine of diamonds, he sold his farm to search for the rare stones. He traveled the world over, finally becoming so poor, broken, and defeated that he committed suicide. One day the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm led his camel into the garden to drink. As his camel put its nose into the brook, the man saw a flash of light from the sands of the stream. He pulled out a stone that reflected all the hues of the rainbow. The man had discovered the diamond mine of Golcanda, the most magnificent mine in all history. Had Ali Hafed remained at home and dug in his own garden, then instead of death in a strange land, he would have had acres of diamonds. Again, What’s in your backyard?

I have read about William Randolph Hearst who in his lifetime invested a fortune collecting art treasures from around the world. One day Mr. Hearst read the description of a valuable art item, which he sent his agent abroad to find. After months of searching, the agent reported that he had finally found the treasure. To the surprise of Hearst, the priceless masterpiece was stored in none other than the warehouse of William Randolph Hearst. The multi-millionaire had been searching all over the world for a treasure he already possessed. Had he read the catalog of his treasures, he would have saved himself a lot of time and money. Is there anything you are overlooking? You can afford to overlook some things, but you cannot afford to overlook God and His Love. It’s right there, in your own backyard!

Standing on the same promises

His heart was pounding now as he came to the top of the last hill and peered into the valley. It seemed as if he would never get there. The assignment his father gave him a few days earlier had brought him here… Those were dark days in Israel. Saul, the nation’s king, had progressively pursued the path of apostasy.

He had been presumptuous and rebellious, and the Spirit of God had departed from the monarch. Accordingly, Jehovah had allowed the heathen Philistines to encroach deeper and deeper into Israel’s territory. Actually, the Hebrew people were but reaping the consequences of not having carried out the Lord’s bidding to exterminate these pagans from the land.

About fourteen or fifteen miles southwest of Bethlehem was the valley of Elah. According to the record in 1 Samuel 17, it was here that the armies of Israel and the Philistines faced one another across a stark recess between two mountains. Israel’s posture was more defensive than anything else. Trembling, she cowered in the oppressive shadow of the Philistine forces. Jesse sends David to the front lines with some provisions for his older brothers, to check on them and to bring back some proof that they are all right. But David arrives at the theater of operation, assesses the situation, and is absolutely incensed by it.

Israel is shaking in their sandals against this Goliath, and something boils up and over in his soul. He asks what will be done for the man who takes this giant out forever. Now David is stirring up the people with this kind of talk and his older brother Eliab gets on to him. In 1 Samuel 17:28, “Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 

And then David responds, in 1 Samuel 17:29, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” In other words, is there not a time to take a stand? Is there not a truth worth living for; indeed, worth dying for if necessary? Where is Israel’s conviction? His noble heart pulsing with divine patriotism, David volunteered to fight the evil giant. David’s words reveal to us...What he understood about the hearts of the men, and what he knew must be done. It also reminds us that David knew the Promises his God!

I was in Israel during the Gaza War of 2014 when Israel was the target of thousands of rockets and mortar attacks against its civilian population, with some Israeli areas targeted that had three times the population density of Gaza. The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey, announced on November 6, 2014, that Israel had gone to “extraordinary lengths to limit collateral damage and prevent civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict.” I know this to be accurate because I personally spoke to many IDF soldiers who were involved with combat operations in Gaza. Israel suffered 74 dead in the war and had the Iron Dome system not intercepted 735 rockets fired from Gaza, the Israeli casualty count would have been incalculably higher. I was amazed at the calm resolve and response by the families we were with. This was their life, and still is.

This is Israel’s 9/11.” Writes Lela Gilbert in the Washington Stand, “That simple declaration has become a repeated theme since October 7, 2023. And yes, 9/11 is a fair comparison, as news from the Middle continues to provide details of the massive early-morning attack Hamas terrorists launched that Sabbath morning. Their targets included numerous towns, villages, and kibbutzim in the south of Israel. The vicious invaders murdered, raped, kidnapped, beheaded, and tortured innumerable Israelis… As concerned American Christians, it’s essential for us to keep deeply-rooted faith in our hearts as we pray alongside them, always remembering God’s promises to Israel.”

Since I heard about the unprovoked attack on Saturday, I have been reaching out and staying in contact with the many friends I have met during my trips to Israel. They are shaken, but they are ok. Their demeanor and focus in the face of unimaginable grief and heartache is still overwhelming to me. I have the faces of those I know before me constantly knowing that they have family members who are unaccounted for or who have perished in the unthinkable horrors of the initial terrorist assault.

You and I, we are called to pray for Israel standing on the same promises as David in the valley of Elah. As a nation we are called to stand with and defend Israel. The Psalmist inspires us… “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord… Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” Amen!