Wednesday With Pastor George

Grace on Main Street

2011-09-28T07:23:00.000-04:00

So I'm driving down the Main Road and notice that some folks are trying to cross the street. I am not in a hurry so I stop to let them walk on over to the other side. I am happy to do it. It is my pleasure. But my pleasure turns to annoyance when I receive no acknowledgment for my act of kindness. Nothing; not even a slight wave of the hand. I always acknowledge the kindness of drivers… even when I’m in a crossing zone.

Now you might think this is a message about the unbelievable attitudes of some people who take the kindness of us drivers for granted. But it's not. It is an indictment of me. Here I am breaking the law of Jesus Christ by expecting something back from someone.

I am a Christian and yet at those moments I find my EGO is really apparent to me – my desire to be acknowledged. Didn’t Jesus say somewhere that if I only greet people who can greet me back what is the status of my heart before God? I do good because it is the will of God, not because I get a reward. My ego wants a reward. I find my ego is rather needy. I might instead call it sin that is dwelling in me – like Paul called it in Romans 7.

I don't need no stinkin' acknowledgement. I stop to be kind and merciful, not because I need someone's gratitude. That’s the attitude of Christ.

Now don't think this is just a lesson about street crossing delinquents. No, this is more about how I view all people I encounter. Can I be kind in my thoughts and deeds or is it about what I can get out of it (including some good gossip if things don't go my way).

So no more grumbling for me. I will still stop for pedestrians, and even hope that I am not appreciated. I do it because it's right. That’s all. And I love others because it is right; even if they annoy the heck out of me.

In fact, I should love them FOR annoying me because I might learn something about my ego. See, when I was young I needed that ego to get along in the world. Now that I am almost grown up it's time to let go of that ego....trade it for the one that Jesus wants to give me.

God bless you all.

George

Living on the Inside

2011-09-16T12:52:00.000-04:00

Read Ephesians 3:16 and following

Life on the inside. I’m not referring here to jail but to the inner spirit within us where Christ resides (although that inner person might feel like jail sometimes).

But too often we live on the “outside”, affected by so much that is not helpful to our growth as Christians. We live by what we see, and how we think others see us. I know that for myself at times I am too concerned with what others think of me and so I forget to look inside of myself where Christ is telling me that I am his beloved. And others might define me by my appearance, my age, even my mistakes and my sins – rather than the relationship I have with Christ way down deep inside of me.

That's why prayer is so important.... looking inside and being with Christ.... just being quiet in the presence of God. We need to think more about God's love for us and not be caught up in the external pressures of life.

I don't want to live on the surface of life; I want to live deeper inside where Paul prays I will know Christ (Eph. 3:16). It is in this deep inner place that I can come to say, “Thy will be done”. Living on the surface of my life is too often about my will. But hopefully the more time I spend on the inner life, the better the life on the outside will be.

God invites us to go deeper, to abide with him, stay with him, rest with him, to be loved by him. That cannot happen until we obey him – “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD” (Psalm 46).

Life on the inside is where I come to know myself better and, to be honest, the first glance might not be all that pretty. But I present myself to Christ and he interacts with my spirit to give me new life.

Maybe that's why Paul writes in Colossians that our real lives are hid with Christ. See, if you are a believer in Christ, according to Colossians 3:3 the life you see in the mirror is not your real life. Your real life is the life that God sees through his Son Jesus Christ, who died for you. God sees you as His Beloved son or daughter. And believe me, God is at work in our lives even if we are not aware of it.

So next time you see me, remember to look deeper inside because that's where I am living.... with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Yours in Christ,
George

Leaving and Returning

2011-09-07T07:35:00.000-04:00

The late Henry Nouwen wrote a book called Home Tonight: Further Reflections on the Prodigal Son. In it he speaks of the son’s leaving home and returning home as something we all experience on a spiritual level.The idea of leaving home and returning to God is a daily routine and theme. As each day comes, I am invited to remember that I am loved with an eternal love by God. This love isn’t because of what I have or what I do, but rather because of who I am in Christ. I am God's beloved child because of God's decision to make me so. I have God's blessings. When I choose to do my own thing, like the prodigal son I am leaving home. This happens daily whenever I step away from the Father and go to the far distant land of selfishness and ego-centered living. Whenever I worry, I am leaving home. Whenever I am greedy or jealous or lustful, I am leaving home. In all these ways I am saying, “Father, I am taking my blessings and leaving.” And it happens daily.

Returning home happens daily also. When I realize what I am doing, whom it is that I left, and where my real life resides, I am returning home. I come back to my heavenly Father and discover that he is running to greet me; to welcome me home and lavish his love on me with a feast of heavenly delights.

So let's get used to this leaving and returning. It will happen often on the road to our final home. But remember that the best part is the party, for it says in Luke 15 “There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who comes back home than over all the others who think they have no need to return” (a slight paraphrase on my part).

Anyway, this whole story is found in Luke 15. You might want to read it again - for the first time.

Yours in Christ,
George

Coming to Grips With Grace

2011-07-27T07:21:00.000-04:00

I find it easier to be charitable to people who are more deserving of my kindness. I don’t know if it’s me or if we all struggle with that. It’s difficult for me to act nicely toward arrogant folks, people who think they’re hot stuff or who are prideful. I’d much rather be kind to those who ask for my mercy and tell me that they are sorry and make amends along the way. And what’s more - I can tell you which people fall into which category!

I guess this makes me a judge of what is right and wrong, which is really not my prerogative but God’s. Who am I to determine who gets mercy and who doesn’t?

I read in the Bible that God’s love is such that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. That’s pretty shocking when you think about it.

From that I deduce that while another person is against me in some way, I should be kind and loving towards them. Now why is that so difficult? I can only think of one reason - PRIDE. I have not been humbled before God; I have not experienced His grace to such a degree that I am able to dispense that same grace towards another. There are stories and parables about that in the Bible. And I believe that people like Ebeneezer Scrooge finally understand grace even if it is under threat and fear of death.

Every day is another opportunity for God to shed his grace on me. I don’t deserve it. What makes me think another person doesn’t deserve it? It’s my sin that keeps my eyes and heart shut. So every day I will make the effort one more time to extend to another that which God has already extended to me in Jesus Christ His Son. And if my effort is not enough I will surrender myself and the other person to my Lord. His lovingkindness lasts forever for both of us.

Yours in Christ,
George

How Do You Measure Success?

2011-07-13T08:00:00.002-04:00

So here’s the question of the week. How do you tell if you are successful? Is it how much money you make? Maybe it’s how high up you are on the corporate ladder. Maybe it’s by the number of people you reach or the amount of satisfaction you feel at your job. How is success measured in your marriage, at school, or with your friends?

I really have no idea how to help you define success in any of those areas, but I will tell you how I measure success within the church, the community of faith. And I think it is probably the same way Jesus thought about success, if he in fact ever thought about being successful. So think about this measure of success for whatever community of faith to which you belong.

How well do we recognize God’s grace in Christ to forgive us and reconcile us to God and what are we doing to share that grace with others?

I like that. Don’t know if I stole it or thought it but I found it in some notes I had written.

If people in the community of faith can really recognize God’s grace in their lives, to know that they stand before the living God free from any guilt of sin, then I believe the church is successful in getting out the message of the Good News.

Time after time Jesus brought grace into people’s lives and they seemed to ‘get it’. Their lives were changed as they realized how much God loved them. They were brought into the circle of grace. They who lived so often on the outside were brought inside. They were accepted by God and forgiven by God and they realized that something new had happened to them.

This is the essence of the Good News and this is the mark of the successful church. How we measure it can only take place in intimate and honest conversation about the journey of faith. I hope you have such a place for such a conversation.

God Bless,

George

I'm a Wanderer

2011-07-09T16:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes i find myself with what my wife Gigi calls ADD because I am all over the place. i start one project or one book and then Ii am on to another. I can multitask and work on several books and projects at the same time. Only God knows how effeciently this system works but I seem to get things done that need doing.

My friend Pat was telling me the other day that such behavior is not necessarily bad. He quoted from Lord of the Rings, Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am a wanderer for God. It's my style. Sometimes it's hard for people to keep up with me. In fact, some can't. But for those who can...let's get on with this journey called faith and remember this...we might just make a quick turn up ahead, so pay attention.

Controlling the Temper..... deploying the brakes with H.A.L.T.

2011-07-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

There is a Proverb that says that a man who can control his temper is better than one who can conquer an entire city (Proverbs 16:32).

There is no power in loudness, only (to some degree) chaos. I know. Last week I found myself losing my temper. That’s an interesting turn of phrase isn’t it? A temper is a state of mind. I guess I could say I lost my state of mind. I lost my healthy state of mind is more like it. Or maybe I just lost my mind.

Some of you probably cannot imagine the pastor getting irritable or angry. Ah, but it happens. And when it does, like in a crowd of people or at a board meeting, it isn’t pretty. It doesn’t happen often but when it does I have to ask myself, Why?

I really can’t blame somebody else for my temper or temperament. I should be in control of my emotions. I suppose I could say it’s genetic or symptomatic of an illness - but I can’t. It’s my choice, my responsibility.

People in AA have an acronym that helps them remember what they need to avoid so as not to find themselves wanting a drink: H.A.L.T. (some have added an S.) It reminds them not to get into a place of hunger, anger, loneliness or tiredness.

I can identify some things in my life that need to be addressed so that I keep my temper to myself. It’s like what the flight attendant tells you before you take off - if the oxygen mask drops, put yours on first (take care of yourself) before you assist the person next to you. That’s probably good advice for all of us, especially your pastor.

Oh, the ‘S’ in H.A.L.T.S.? It stands for don’t be stupid.

Yours in Christ,

George

Confronting the World... standing up for the recognition of God

2011-07-02T09:28:00.000-04:00

We said goodbye to the new Mr. and Mrs. Josh Gaffga in Dallas, Texas. It was a wonderful time of celebration and love. Thanks be to God!

Before I left for Dallas I was ruminating on NBC’s decision to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance that was recited at the US Open. The children said, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands with liberty and justice for all.” I haven’t read much news on the issue since I left for Dallas so I don’t know exactly the reason for NBC’s decision. I should add that NBC has stated that such an error will never happen again, for which we have reason to give thanks.

Now I’m not for legislating our faith but I certainly believe that God is indeed sovereign over this nation and it would serve this nation well to recognize its Creator and Provider. Although our country is so very worldly, Christians, knowing that Christ died for the “world”, ought to ensure that His Name is proclaimed – the Name that is above every name, the Name that is included in God because God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We Christians need to stand for the recognition of God in all matters of life in this country and the world.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer witnessed Nazism’s insidious intrusion into Germany and the subsequent decline of faith. He writes: Christianity must be used polemically today against the worldly in the name of a better worldliness … (Ethics, p. 60). He is saying that Christianity must confront the world, be controversial and vocal, and seek to make the world’s sphere and the sacred sphere one with each other. There is no difference in God’s sight. Bonhoeffer writes, The world is not divided between Christ and the devil; it is completely the world of Christ whether it recognizes it or not (Ethics, p. 65). If NBC thinks otherwise, then we must say a loud “No” to them.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12a).

Yours in Christ,

George

Mowing The Lawn

2011-07-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

I love mowing the lawn. Now let’s be clear. Gigi does all the push mowing, by her choice, and I ride the comfortable John Deere. We have always mowed our own lawns. It’s good therapy. For me it is particularly good therapy because I get to smoke a good cigar as I ride and relax.

Here’s the thing though. As I am riding I think to myself, “What if one of the church folks sees me smoking this cigar? What will they think of me, their pastor?” Our lawn borders two busy streets. Sometimes I try to be careful not to mow close to the road where the cars are passing by.

Anyway today I got to thinking, 'Man, Christians can be some uptight people.' Sometimes we are too vigilant about the behavior of people around us and what’s worse is we can be too vigilant about our own behavior when we don’t need to be. And if you think I have problems with this, think about our Roman Catholic friends who at one time in history, not that long ago, had to be so careful about not eating meat on Fridays and watching other people eat and wondering about mortal and venial sins.

Somewhere in the Bible I have read that we have freedom as Christians, not necessarily freedom to do all sorts of immoral activities but certainly more freedom than we allow ourselves. Heck, I even find myself being too careful about what I read lest I stumble in my walk with the Lord along the literary way.

But I was talking with someone last week who told me I need to be kinder to myself and I think the person was so right. So I am riding the mower today and I really think God spoke to me and said, “George, go ahead and enjoy yourself.” God is like that you know. He put us here to serve him and to enjoy the life he has given us while we serve him to the best of our ability and talent. Jesus even turned water to wine as His first miracle.

As you read this Gigi and I are in Dallas, Texas preparing for the marriage of our son, Josh, to his fiancée, Beth. What a joy this celebration will be. And Jesus will be present at it. Someplace in the Bible it says that wine gladdens the heart. Somebody say, “Amen!”

Let’s loosen up a little. And if I am preaching here only to myself then so be it, cause I am learning a thing or two along the way.

Yours happily in Christ,

George

Recent Thoughts

2011-06-13T08:13:00.001-04:00

So here’s what I have been thinking about recently.

I had a great weekend at the “Emmaus Walk” and highly recommend it to any of you who seek to deepen your faith in God and receive encouragement in your walk with Christ.

I see where Dr. Kevorkian has died at the age of 83. He assisted in suicides for almost 100 people and struggled anxiously with his own death - something telling in that. And Gary Carter, former Mets catcher, has been diagnosed with brain cancer and will work aggressively with the medical profession for treatment.

I would love to see us as a church community place a billboard sign up on the Main Road with a message about saving babies’ lives, making alternatives possible for those in crisis….(something written boldly and sensitively).

And finally...the other day I learned something I had never known before. The origin of 'good bye' comes from the old English that was shortened from the original 'God be with ye'. So next time you say good bye, take seriously that you are really praying for that person. See, God is involved in all aspects of our lives. Now let's see if the Madeline O'Hare people can get rid of "good bye" from the English language. NOT!

Yours in Christ,
George

Who Needs Religion?

2011-05-18T07:15:00.001-04:00

So I have been wondering why people who have no involvement with the church want to present their children for baptism. I am thinking it might be because the church is irrelevant to their lives except for particular events. The church provides a service on the boundaries of life, as Bonhoeffer would term it. When people get baptized, worship on Sunday, join a church, or die, it all seems a fitting transitional ritual. It may also be why people take communion. It signals the importance of individual salvation but not necessarily how to live one’s life.

But this is not what Jesus had in mind. He came into every aspect of humanity’s life. He did not come asking the question, “What’s in it for me?” His appearance on earth was to show how the Father was to be involved in all human life. Immanuel means God with us.

Bonhoeffer suggests that Christ wants to be with us in our strengths as well as in our weaknesses. He wants to be part of our lives so that in living well we can be part of others’ lives, particularly the others who are suffering. And if we are so worried about ourselves, our pains, our eternal salvation, well, then we won’t be inclined to live and even die for others. And, as Bonhoeffer, wrote, “The church is only the church when it is for others.”

Christ is not only for those who run out of answers because, if that is the case, then when the world finds its own answers it will have no more need for God. No, Christ is the Lord for all of life, not just in those places where religion seems to call on his name.

So…. when someone comes to the church for a baptism, for example, it will be important for the church, representing Christ, to be involved in their whole lives, walking with them, as it were, in the journey to raise their children to know Christ.

Stay tuned for how that will happen within our own church.

Yours in Christ,
George

Conscience is Overrated

2011-05-16T07:08:00.000-04:00

It all started in the Garden (see Gen. 3) where Adam and Eve developed their own conscience, a little voice in their head that told them, for example, that they were naked. Conscience is really the self talking to the self, as opposed to listening to God and doing the will of God.

Adam and Eve knew the will of God until they decided they wanted to be like God - knowing good from evil - and ever since, the conscience has really been an unreliable source for doing the will of God.

Conscience really drives us from God, for in knowing good and evil we find ourselves unable to stand in the grace of God (I borrowed this from Bonhoeffer). Conscience is too undependable. Take Germany under Hitler, for example. The voice of Hitler became the conscience for the German people.

Conscience has too many forces acting on it. It muddles the will of God.

No, I think Christians need only the will of God in their lives. Stop listening so much to your conscience and instead listen to God’s will as revealed through Jesus in the Scriptures.

Yours in Christ,
George

Praying to End Abortion

2011-05-04T07:59:00.000-04:00

So, I am reading this great book, unPlanned, the story of the former director of Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas. After watching a baby being aborted through an ultrasound-guided process called vacuum aspiration, she left her position. The story chronicles the life of Abby Johnson and her desire to help women in distress. While firmly believing in “choice”, she wants to do everything to lessen the number of abortions. Here is a website you can check for yourself: http://www.unplannedthebook.com/

Anyway, the Planned Parenthood Clinic was next door to a Coalition of Life Center and Abby got to know some of the more “sane” and compassionate leaders of the Center. The Coalition folks would hold a prayer vigil twice a year for 40 days, 24 hours each day, simply praying for an end to abortion. Abby was struck by such sincere prayer. Why wouldn’t anyone, regardless of political persuasion, want an end to abortion?

It got me to thinking that all Christians ought to be praying daily for an end to abortion; that God will somehow intervene with His mercy and make a way for less and less children to die in the womb and instead be brought into the loving arms of a mom or dad, family member, or adoptive parents. Should that not be a number one priority on the part of Christians, for the dignity of life inside and outside the womb?

I am myself trying to remember each day in all my prayers to pray for the life of the unborn and the end of abortion. I am praying in confidence that God will hear my prayers, the prayer of his child praying for his children.

I hope others will join this Journey of prayer. I hope our church might even decide to hold a prayer vigil.

Yours in Christ,
George

Thermometer or Thermostat: which are you?

2011-04-30T16:27:00.001-04:00

I have been reading sermons by Rev. Martin Luther King in a book entitled The Strength to Love. Powerful sermons that come out of the turbulence of the 60's when African-American folks were struggling for racial and every other kind of equality in America. In one of his sermons King asks the question, "Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?" Do you just record temperature or do you set it?

I like that comparison. Do I just reflect the attitudes around me or do I set the tone? Paul writes that we are not to be thermometers. Yes, he writes that in Romans 12:1-2. You can read it for yourself. We are to be thermostats for the world, setting the attitudes that Christ calls us to display. We are to be transformed by Christ so that we are the light for the world, showing the world the best way to be and to go.

We are to be hopeful in the midst of pessimism. We are to announce life in the midst of death. We are to bind up the wounds of the broken while the world would just as soon throw them away.

Thermostats control the atmosphere. Christians control the atmosphere by the way they serve and love, not dominate. They create an environment for abundant life for all people in the name of Christ. Christians are called to bring Christ into the world in word and deed. Christians are called to stand for truth and justice for the sake of Christ.

So the question for me and for all of us: Which are we? Thermometer or thermostat?

Yours in Christ,
George

Riding The S92

2011-04-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

So a couple of weeks ago I was having our car serviced at Mullen Motors in Southold. I decided to take the bus from Mattituck to Southold to pick it up when they were done. I waited at the bus stop with some very nice folks who often ride the bus. I asked them how much the fare was and they told me the price and added that it was cheaper for senior citizens but didn't know exactly what age constituted 'seniors'.

The S92 pulled over and the driver opened the door and as I stepped onboard I asked about the fares. She told me that seniors paid 50 cents for age 60 and over. I paid my 50 cents and stood holding on to a railing since the bus was full. She then asked if I would like a seat because she would have some of the youngsters in the back get up for me. I said, 'no thanks'. It was her next comment that humbled me. She said, "These young people should get up for the elderly people who get on this bus." I looked around. Elderly? Who, me? Whoa now! I don't mind paying senior prices but i don't think I am exactly 'elderly' - or am I? Hmmm.

Got me to thinking that I am indeed growing older and a man has to know his limitations. Mine are becoming more evident. And one day, well, I will reach that heavenly city in God's good time. And it brought to mind something Bonhoeffer once said. Something to the effect that if we spend time now dying to self (as Jesus said), then when the time comes to physically die we will be a whole lot rmore ready to see our Lord. Some day maybe, even as Jesus said to Peter, someone will lead us to where we don't necessarily want to go.

My new bus driver friend certainly meant well and just maybe I learned a lesson that day riding the S92.

Yours in Christ,
George

Why I Am Against War

2011-04-06T18:24:00.000-04:00

There is so much fighting and killing in the world. I can no longer understand how any of it is in keeping with Christ’s desire for peace. He came to us as the Prince of Peace. He blesses the peacemakers. He tells us to put away our swords. The Scriptures speak of a time when the Messiah comes and our weapons will be turned into instruments of peace.

Christ himself tells us to love our neighbor. He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. How then can we sanction the killing of our enemies in His name? He tells us to bless those who persecute us. But we kill those who persecute us.

It seems that we operate in this world on the basis of “an eye for an eye”. But Jesus said that although we are to resist evil as he did, we must not resist by evil means. He tells us to find some way of reconciliation.

The Sermon on the Mount is the way of Jesus and it speaks to our anger and revenge and retaliation. But too often we see the Sermon on the Mount as an ideal for personal use, not for our nation. But Jesus is in every part of our lives, including the politics of our nation. Our country is an extension of our personal selves.

We drop bombs and launch cruise missiles and so we don’t see the graphic deaths of those who are our enemies and the enemies of people who are our enemies, as in the case of Libya at the present time. I have to admit that when I first heard that we were helping the rebels in Libya fight against a cruel leader, I quietly applauded. But I cannot justify my feelings in light of God’s will and Word.

As a nation we say we are killing the people “over there” so they won’t kill us here. Where do we find that in Scripture? I don’t believe that Scripture, the revealed will of God especially in Jesus, gives us warrant for destruction of land and lives. We say it is to protect our liberty. Who has given us our liberty? Has not Christ made us free? Or is that too ideal? Jesus was a practical man, albeit the Son of God, whose practical advice we refuse to put into practice for the sake of the idol we worship – ourselves and our way of life.

People say that democracy and capitalism need to be protected. Certainly from a human perspective that might be true, but I am trying to have God’s perspective in all of this and am having a hard time seeing it. It’s not about democracy, freedom, oil, or any of that. It is about living out the Word of God in the community of this world, even with our toughest foes. We must not think of this as nation against nation but rather as individuals living in this world according to the Kingdom of God commandments.

God alone is Lord of my conscience. This is one of the great principles of the Reformed Polity of the Presbyterian Church. So I stand on what I understand to be God’s will. You may choose to differ. If so please let it be as God guides you. We are all together in this thing called life. It is the church community that can decide together how best to live the will of God.

None of this is to discredit or disparage the men and women who sense that God's will for them is to serve our country in the armed forces. I am grateful for their service although I may disagree with our government’s policy on how they can best serve.

Yours in Christ,
George

Well......... it's been a while

2011-04-06T18:21:00.000-04:00

So. Haven't posted anything since 2010. Actually, the Wednesday emails have been coming fast and furious every week BUT we stopped posting them here on the blog. Decided it's time to put them back up for those of you whose INBOX doesn't get the WWPG. And here it comes............

One Question.... that will frame your life as a Christian

2010-06-30T08:28:00.000-04:00

This week’s email is a bit different. It includes a video featuring one of my favorite authors, Brennan Manning. He wrote The Ragamuffin Gospel along with other great books.

There is one question Jesus will ask us and the answer frames our whole life. I found myself so moved by this short clip that I’d like to share it with you and get your thoughts. You can leave a comment on this blog.

But first, the video. Click HERE.

Sincerely in Christ,
George

On Oil Spills and Original Sin: our sin nature and the destruction of nature

2010-06-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

The oil spill in the Gulf is the result of humanity’s most basic sin – greed. It’s inborn in us all at birth. In the best sense, it ensures our survival, but we don’t “naturally” always use our best sense. Greed is our master and our hunger and thirst for energy is our downfall. Oh sure, BP will pay a high price for what may end up being their criminal negligence but the industries and people of the South will pay dearly as well.

And here is the bottom line – the fault lies within us all. We consume the earth’s energy because we feel entitled to our way of living.

The Bible tells us two things: The wages of sin is death. We reap what we sow.

The Gulf is evidence of this truth. The pelicans, fish, the livelihoods, and the LIVES of those men on the oil rig…… gone. Nature itself has been dealt a death blow because of our sin. We have sown seeds of greed and selfishness and have “reaped the whirlwind” (Hosea 8). May God have mercy on us.

Progress, pleasure and a high standard of living…. are they worth the price we are paying? And if we are to repent of our sin, what would it look like?

Sincerely in Christ,
George

The Pilgrim and the Cell Phone

2010-06-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

So I’m at a four-way stop somewhere in Riverhead. I wait my turn, always vigilant in case someone else doesn’t wait their turn. I start to creep forward and sure enough this guy, who's talking on his cell phone, pulls out in front of me. And he’s yelling at me, no less. I wagged my pointer finger at him, thinking to myself, ‘You’re a jerk and gonna kill somebody.’ This guy might be one of those people that the Psalmist refers to as “wicked”.

So the first lesson here is everyone stay OFF your cell phones when you’re driving. It’s the law here in NY, but don’t you think it’s also just plain common sense??

The second lesson? Well, I’m just learning this one. Apart from the illegality of this guy talking on his cell while driving, I find in me the “jerk” that I ascribed to him. My own sinfulness ranks me far below this guy. I have broken God’s laws; neglected God; not trusted Christ as I ought. My words, thoughts, actions, and inactions bring me before the judgment, not of the Riverhead court system, but of God Almighty, who requires much more holiness from me than I give Him. I harbor within my soul anger, anxiousness and a desire for satisfactions outside my Lord’s Kingdom. I have transgressed more than just driving through a stop sign.

And yet – and here is the Good News (borrowing an image related by Puritan author John Bunyan in Pilgrim’s Progress) - as I stand before the judgment seat of God, daily He says to me, “Don’t be afraid. I do not see your sin. I see only the life of my Son in whom you trust. He has offered his life as a substitution for yours. You are now my son through Christ.” From the Father’s perspective, all is well. Nothing can separate me from his love.

See, stopping at a stop sign does not make me good. Not talking on my cell phone while driving doesn’t earn me points with God. Only Christ can do that. No law from God can do that, only Christ can. There is no rightness with God apart from Christ. And it’s only truthfulness on my part about my own condition that can ever bring me the peace that I crave in my relationship with God.

“If we claim that we’re free of sin we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins – make a clean breast of them – He won’t let us down. He’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sin and purge us of all wrongdoing.” 1 John 1:9

Sincerely in Christ,
George

Me and Mr. "K" ... existentialism, perfect love and dog collars

2010-06-09T09:21:00.001-04:00

So...now that Pat Hanly is working with me, I find that his love for philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (Mr. “K” or Professor “K” as Pat and I call him) is contagious. I'm not sure Mr. K is a Calvinist but no matter, I really enjoy what I have been reading. Mr. K writes about a “leap of faith” and possessing a deep, personal commitment to Christ. He founded the branch of philosophy known as “Existentialism” (focusing on the meaning of existence for each individual). I’m still learning.

Anyway Mr. K writes about love; love of God and love of each other. I was particularly struck by one of his writings which begins, “To love another in spite of their weaknesses, errors and imperfections is not perfect love.” Whoa. I thought that's what love was all about, but it seems not! Mr. K writes from his experience with Christ that real love, perfect love, is to find someone lovable even WITH their weaknesses and faults. No matter how a person changes, real love sees them as lovable. And that is exactly how Christ loved.

Just think of Peter; how Jesus loved him, all of him, even in the worst moment of his life when he denied that he knew Jesus. Christ did not say to Peter, “Hey, change and only then will I love you.”

Consider this not only in the context of the Christian community, but in your family as well; with all the weaknesses and sin and dysfunction that may occur. You should love them/him/her in the midst of their sin, with their weaknesses firmly in tow. And while you are at it, you must try to love yourself. We sometimes take a dim view of ourselves but God loves us so completely, so fully that we occasionally discover just how great His love is and WE CHANGE. Now isn't that something?

Yours in Christ,
George

P.S. I just ordered one of those training collars for our new dog, Lucy, who has selective deafness...next week I'll let you how THAT went.

Guest Blog from Pat Hanly

2010-06-02T21:39:00.000-04:00

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.": But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. - Hebrews 10:35-39

My son Patrick walked into my home office the other night while I was working and made a startling pronouncement. It was not what he said that startled me exactly but it was the degree of confidence with which he said it that took me back. “Dad, at this point in my life, I definitely believe in God,” he said. After the waves of sheer joy finished sweeping over me, I asked him, “And what helped you come to that belief, Patrick?” His answer was interesting but not at all surprising.

Patrick and I have had a number of conversations over the years about the rationality of believing in God. He is very intellectually curious and will often spend hours following up a conversation he and I have had with his own research on Wikipedia. I imagine that he must be part of a very select group of 17 year-olds who know who Soren Kierkegaard is or why Christopher Hitchens consistently attacks the Christian faith. So when Patrick came to me the other night to make his pronouncement, I had an idea where this conversation was going.

“Well, Dad,” he started, “I just can’t get past the question of where the concepts of good and evil come from if God does not exist.” Patrick was referring here to a “pre-suppositional” argument for the existence of God, something he and I have covered often in our conversations together. Simply stated, the idea here is that if we are living in a universe where there is no God, the idea of “good” and “evil” is meaningless. We are merely matter in motion. And here is the rub - nobody lives that way. Everyone I know presupposes that good and evil are real, substantive realities. And everyone pre-supposes that these are real concepts in order to make sense out of the way they live their daily lives. Good and evil refer to a transcendent law code, which must have been created by a transcendent lawgiver - God.

This type of powerful argument (or “apologetic”, as Christian philosophers call it) is one of many other powerful arguments for God’s existence. Another argument that impresses Patrick is the thought that either something eternal exists or matter began to exist out of absolute nothing. Think about it – where did the world come from and what was before it? Where did the universe come from and what was before it? Something must always have always existed and it makes sense to believe that something is God.

Our Christian faith is under extreme assault these days. Whether it is academia or the media, there is no shortage of people claiming that it is foolish to continue to believe in a personal God in a modern scientific age. In response to this attack, I echo the writer of the book of Hebrews, who says we must not “throw away our confidence” or “shrink back”. The Christian faith is the only belief system that can fully account for life as we know it and live it today. The existence of God, the reliability of the Bible and the uniqueness of Christ are ideas that can be confidently defended in the public square and Christians do not have to be on the defensive. If you have any questions on how your beliefs can be defended, please consider coming out to a Discipleship Training class on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Any question is fair game at those studies so please come and ask away! I love having those discussions.

June 20th is Baccalaureate Sunday and I would like to ask you to please pray for the graduates, as they get ready to go out into the world. They will face many challenges to their faith and beliefs and they need our ongoing prayers. Also, with the help of other folks in the church, we have an idea to put together a training and support program for our youth as they graduate from high school and go off to college or into the work force so please pray for that idea to take root and flourish. Also please remember your prayers our kids who are being commissioned this Sunday, as they commit to study, over the coming year, what it means to follow Christ and be His disciple. And above all, have confidence! You have every reason to.

Pat
Prayer for the Day
My lot is to approach Thee with godly fear and humble confidence,
for Thy condescension equals Thy grandeur,
and Thy goodness is Thy glory.
I am unworthy, but Thou doest welcome;
guilty, but Thou art merciful;
indigent, but Thy riches are unsearchable.
Thou hath shown boundless compassion towards me
by not sparing Thy Son,
and by giving me freely all things in Him.
This is the foundation of my hope,
the refuge of my safety,
and the new and living way to Thee.
from The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Jesus' Main Desire

2010-05-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

So . . . I once met this young woman who eventually discovered I was a pastor. She asked me if I did marriages for gay couples . . . I answered as kindly as I could that I don't and told her why. A little later in the conversation she mentioned that she had a girlfriend, they loved each other and lived together. She wanted to know what I or the church thought about that. She was not challenging me; she really wanted to know. Our conversation was friendly and casual.

My response surprised me. I told her that the most important thing is what Jesus thinks of her and with Him she's just fine. I went on to tell her that He loves her and desires her love. That's what matters more than anything else. "Yeah!", I thought to myself as this conversation was going on, Jesus desires above all to love her... and me.

Sometimes we get so hung up on rules and laws that our presentation to non-Christians, of which my friend was one, sounds so threatening and judgmental. She doesn't need that and Jesus wouldn't hurt her either. He said so somewhere in Matthew 12.

I personally think that we church folks (myself included) can sometimes be too stuffy and legalistic. Maybe that's why Jesus hung out with so many 'outsiders'. It seems that they were more open to the grace of God in their lives. Just a thought.

After meeting Jesus, the disciple Andrew went to get his brother, Peter, so he could meet this Jesus. Can you imagine Andrew telling his brother, "Peter, clean up your life! No more cussing and star gazing. Start going to synagogue more . . . and for heaven's sake, wash your hands 'cause I want to introduce you to the Savior." No, that's not what he did. Nor should we.

Oh, we have to get out there in the world and let GRACE be our guide when we speak to seekers. This young woman really wants to be right with God. She wants to be good enough. Her lifestyle won't make her good enough - only her surrender to the Christ who came to seek and save that which was lost can do that.

By the way, a friend who was with me on that occasion had opportunity to share his faith with her. He introduced her to his Savior.

Maybe you have some thoughts on this - I have lots more . . . maybe a sermon is brewing.

Yours in Christ,
George

Heart for Haiti - Music to Move the Soul

2010-05-19T06:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. It's Tuesday evening and I just came from church where I listened to the worship band practicing the song, HELP IS ON THE WAY. They make a pastor proud (only in the best spiritual way)! And what a great song. You can hear it this weekend at the Heart for Haiti concert.

Psalm 20 contains these words:
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may He send you help from the sanctuary.

What a great psalm to go with the concert as more than a hundred musicians and singers will come together in the sanctuary of MPC to ensure that, for the Haitian people, HELP IS ON THE WAY.

The people of Haiti have called upon the name of the Lord and for them HELP IS ON THE WAY. The music in the sanctuary will hopefully move your soul and then move your hand to write a check or reach for your wallet... a promissory note even... whatever it takes.... ‘cause this money will be an expression of our hearts for these folks in distress. It will be used for the rebuilding of this tiny nation - one house, one life at a time.

I am so grateful for all the people who have worked so hard in Christ's name to bring this event to pass... those who dreamed of it and those who made that dream a reality. HELP REALLY IS ON THE WAY... and it comes from God's own sanctuary, not the Mattituck Church, but from the actual heart of God. He put this music on everyone’s heart and now it's time to share it.

I hope all of you who are anywhere near here can come this weekend (see the church website for details)... and if you are not from around these parts please pray for all the musicians and for the people of Haiti. And remember - a check can easily be sent in the mail....make it out to MPC, mark it “Heart for Haiti” and mail it to PO Box 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
Yours in Christ,
George

Don’t miss the Heart for Haiti-Music to Move the Soul benefit concert. Two identical performances this Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Visit our website at http://www.mattpres.com for concert details.

Save the Children

2010-05-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

Last week at Bible study during a discussion about abortion, one of the participants referred us to Luke 1:44. Mary had gone to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Elizabeth says to her, "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leapt for joy." Not fetus, but “baby” - a real, live human being. My son and daughter-in-law are experiencing that joy as they prepare to bring a new life into the world next October.

While I do not wish to and cannot judge certain circumstances that lead to taking the life of a baby, I am adamant that it is unconscionable to kill a little life as a means of birth control or to rid ourselves of inconvenience and responsibility. I am not a pro-choice person because I do not see a child as having the ability to make a choice. He or she is not a piece of property but a flesh and blood creation of God in partnership with a mother and father.

I am truly thankful for and in awe of parents who have chosen life for their unborn child even in the most difficult of situations. They deserve a special place in the Kingdom of God. And praise God for adoptive parents who rescue children and give them life and love.

And now that brings me to being pro-life. Being pro-life does not mean just standing in front of an abortion clinic with a placard; it means caring for all life - the life of the child and the life of the mother. It means helping a mom or parents to find a way to raise their child who might not have otherwise come into this world. It means health insurance for every child. It means adoption. It means caring for the children of the world; Haiti’s children, for example, where the possibilities for life are now so limited for so many. It means celebrating life and protecting life for the unborn and the born. And dare I say being pro-life means taking a more just view of war and capital punishment, both of which tend to cheapen life.

Let us be a pro-life people for all people.

In Christ,
George

Aliens and Sojourners

2010-04-27T18:12:00.000-04:00

I’ve been thinking. It’s too bad that the Native Americans didn’t have a tough immigration bill to keep all those Europeans from invading their land. And they sure could have used a tough police force in the Old West to “profile” any rider that came over the ridge.

The immigration bill passed recently in Arizona does not reflect the Christian values upon which we say our nation was founded….

The land in which we live is God’s land. We do not own it. God owns it. We are, as it were, borrowing it. It is a gift from God while we sojourn here. In Leviticus 1:33-34 the Bible reads:
When an alien lives with you in your land do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

The word of God makes it clear that we are to love the aliens who come within our borders. As a matter of fact, we are all aliens on this earth. God is not partial to America. America doesn’t need protection from further intrusion of those who, like all of us, seek a better life or just some kind of “daily bread” for themselves and their families.

If we truly believe that safety and security are issues, then let’s find just ways to govern our borders. Let’s find fairer ways to assimilate folks into our labor system, medical system, and our way of life.

The new law in Arizona calls for people to carry identification papers. It also says that if anyone is caught driving an undocumented immigrant, say to church for example, the driver will be arrested. This is Caesar’s law, not God’s.

In the last judgment Jesus will say to us that whenever we welcomed “the stranger” we welcomed Him. Let’s not turn Christ away or mistreat Him.

Pray that Congress will find a compassionate, Godly way to address the issue of immigration.

I invite your responses. Use the comment feature.

Sincerely,
George

Bondage

2010-04-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been stuck in some life circumstance ... an illness, a job, a relationship (or lack of a relationship), a routine that has turned into a rut? It can feel like prison or some kind of bondage.

Circumstances have a way of enslaving us. So does sin. It’s like we can’t get away from it no matter how hard we try. We fall back into the old ways of thinking.

The Jews in Egypt knew about bondage, being "stuck" and oppressed – for a long time. And they also, thankfully, discovered that God had a way out for them (although only God knows why it took 400 years). God sent Moses as their savior who, by God’s grace, would free them, lead them, and give them guidelines as how best to serve God.

Sometimes God sends a person into our lives (though not always in our time frame) to show us the way out and into better circumstances. It’s why Jesus came - to lead us out from bondage and slavery to sin and the dead-end roads of life into a full relationship with God, one with a purpose and a plan. It’s Jesus who can free us from slavery to sin and open the way to freedom by his love and guidelines or, as we like to call them, disciplines.

This Sunday we will begin a series of sermons on the Book of Exodus. It’s a great read. It parallels so well the New Testament story of salvation. The first message is "Into Egypt" - how we got into this mess in the first place. Read Exodus chapter one.

Yours in Christ,
George

To Baptize . . . Or Not To Baptize

2010-04-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

So today I’m struggling with the issue of baptism in the church. We have probably all been baptized as infants and I’m wondering why. Is it from tradition? Is it because we think we will go to hell if we don’t get baptized soon after birth? Is it for children, infants, or only for adults? Have we honored God with the way we practice baptism? Should we be immersed, sprinkled, or dry cleaned?

And what passages from the Bible help you to understand the meaning and practice of baptism? Some folks say that adult baptism is the only way and that children should be dedicated, but I’m not sure where we find that in the Bible.

The Presbyterian church explains that baptism in the New Testament is like circumcision in the Old Testament. It’s a covenant sign and promise by believing parents. Who knows? I’m not really asking you. Who out there really knows?

Recently I’ve been thinking that we should practice only adult baptism, or require lots of training for parents who desire their children to be baptized. How many people have their children “done” and then don’t raise them in the Christian faith?

Anyway, I’d be interested to read your thoughts on this matter. Some Sunday morning in the not too distant future, we will have a lively discussion/debate on this subject. I believe it really matters to God.

Yours in Christ,
George

The Leash

2010-04-07T06:00:00.002-04:00

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

OK ... so we now have a dog, a one year-old mix of beagle, shepherd, coonhound... you figure it out. Her name is Lucy. And I have observed my first theological lesson from her.

All of her outdoor activity is governed by "The Leash", which we shall call, "The Law". She knows the leash and tolerates it - it means a walk or some other kind of fun adventure. She would, however, like to be free of the restraint of said leash. I would love to give her that freedom - just to hang with me, run loose, and come on my call. But Lucy, like us human sinners, is not that smart. I'm afraid she would use that freedom to run away, perhaps meeting a large automobile on Route 25.

If only she understood that freedom, with responsibility, would be so much more satisfying than the temporary rush of running away. Perhaps some of you have canine friends that have learned that lesson. Lucy hasn't learned it yet; nor have some of us humans.

We are free in Christ, but that freedom should not lead us away from God; instead it should cause us to be more in love with our Father and to respect and obey Him, lest our freedom lead us into harmful ways. Reading scripture, worshiping, loving one another - all are ways of staying close to the Master while enjoying freedom from the "leash".

Some of us, like Lucy, don't get it. And so the spiritual disciplines are given to teach us how best to use our freedom. Please take advantage of those classes as they come your way on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Yours in Christ,
George

Asking For God's Kingdom

2010-03-31T06:00:00.005-04:00

We who are believers live in a Kingdom that is all but invisible to the world. Only Christ can open our eyes to see the reality of God’s Kingdom - as He did following the Resurrection, when He broke bread and was then recognized by His disciples. Jesus told his disciples, "Blessed are you to see what others have longed to see – the Kingdom in your midst." Jesus also said, "No one can see the Kingdom unless he is born again"(John 3:3). He meant right now. There is a hand, unseen by the world, that provides.

It's like watching football or cricket or basketball. Some folks can observe the game without much of an understanding as to what’s actually happening. It’s the same with the Kingdom of God. Some people look at this world and all they see is a random series of events. So, when we read in the Scripture that all things work to good for those who love God, these same people may think, "If you’re lucky, it does", or "If you work hard, it might", and sometimes, to some folks, it’s all just a "crap shoot".

And just what is the point of loving your enemies and blessing those who curse you? In the kingdom of the world, it makes no sense. But in the Kingdom of God, it is crystal clear. It’s how Jesus lived.

Do I live like that? Occasionally. And in those moments I see God and discover that it’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

Take for example the crucifixion and death of Christ. To most people at the time, it meant the end of the hopes and dreams for victory in this world. But to the thief on the cross, it meant new and eternal life. After the resurrection of Jesus, many people began to see the difference Christ makes in THIS life, which continues forever. I was reading the other day that from God's perspective, the resurrection of Jesus means that this life, the "right here and now", matters. It’s why Jesus came back in a physical body.

Can you see that your life matters to God? Can you see that God is for you, not against you? Can you see that life can be lived with love and joy no matter how it might appear?

This Easter, ask for God’s Kingdom. The whole thing. Jesus said, "Seek the Kingdom of God and all that you need will be given to you as well."

A blessed Holy Week and Resurrection Day to all of you,
George

P.S. Please feel free to join us at any of the worship services this week:

Holy Thursday Candlelight Communion, 7:30PM downstairs in the Social Hall
Good Friday Worship Presentation, 7:30PM in the sanctuary
Easter Dawn Worship, 6:15AM on Peconic Bay (at the Warns' home, 8740 Peconic Bay Boulevard)
Easter Worship, Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00AM

Let's Talk

2010-03-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

Adult baptism? Infant baptism? Please share your thoughts using the comment feature............. Let's get a dialogue going!

Petit petit zwazo fe nich

2010-03-24T08:06:00.000-04:00

So . . . I've cleaned out the old nests from our bird houses. Everything is ready for the birds to come back or perhaps use one of my new birdhouses for their nests. I'm not sure how much we appreciate what they go through to build those nests.

Male, female, or both collect material and join in its construction. They use spiderwebs, sticks, caterpillar silk, leaves, grass and saliva. They can make hundreds of trips to collect materials. Think it's easy? Try to make a nest yourself. Remember, the center must be soft and one more thing. No using your hands. They don't.

In Haiti there is a proverb, "Petit petit zwazo fe nich." (Little by little a bird makes a nest.) It means that all those efforts, small as they seem, add up to something bigger and better.

During our trip to Haiti we saw so many efforts at helping people to rebuild their lives, starting in the smallest ways. One can see how even a small bag of rice sustains people, gives them hope that something better is coming.

Jesus said something about that in terms of the Kingdom of God. It starts out as something as small as a mustard seed and grows bigger and bigger until the birds begin making their nests in it. He said this to encourage His disciples not to give up, because the Kingdom of God was going to take place in their lives, little by little. Jesus came to inaugurate that Kingdom and then He invites us to help enlarge it until many more can make their home in it, so to speak.

Think about your effect on your children or grandchildren, your community, your spouse. You may think it makes no difference, but little by little the nest is being made. So don't give up after 35 trips. It will happen. God will provide. He does so for the birds and he will surely do so for us. And hey, maybe you contribute one twig and someone else comes along and adds a spiderweb and then others bring leaves and grass and at some point a nest is built, a life changed, and God is glorified.

You cannot help but see that so many people are pitching in for the long haul in Haiti to help our friends and neighbors to build their lives back together again, and this time even better. Think of the village where we work in Nan Sema. It started when a motorcyclist arrived in the community asking for directions, and now there is a church, cistern, well, and as of Sunday, the new medical/dental clinic is open full time. It all began back in the 90's and by God's will, the people's vision and hard work it's coming together. The people are now putting their resources together to build a market place so they can get food each day. Our Father wants to care for them.

Please pray for an art vendor we met on the street one day. Her name is Junette Jn Philippe. She asked for nothing except our prayers. She believes they make a difference. Maybe all of us today could help build another life by adding our prayers, one stick at a time.

Thank you for all your prayers for us. Thanks to the church staff and various ministries and boards for their work, to Pat Hanly for preaching and teaching. The nest is getting better and larger. Don't give up. Bring a twig . . . maybe even a donkey. Oh, that's the scripture lesson for Sunday from Luke 19. Hope to see you.

Yours in Christ,
George

Evidence that is Self-Evident?

2010-03-18T08:03:00.002-04:00

In George's absence, Elder Pat Hanly has written a Wednesday email:

I was recently taking a mini-survey of my life up to this point and the overwhelming sense that I had was one of deep joy and gratitude. Speaking with a friend of mine, I casually mentioned that I did this and that I came to realize how wonderful it is to be a Christian.

I told him I thought of the many life-changing experiences that I have had. I remembered when I had first been born-again, spending time with other young people who had the same experience and enjoying their company and shared friendships. I thought of the many great books, bible studies and sermons over the years that have shaped my faith. I considered how I came from a love of rock and blues music to an understanding of how music of all styles (including the hardest rock) can find redemption and become thoroughly God honoring. I thought of my embrace of the Reformed Faith and then I thought of our church and the wonderful people I have come to love and what a blessing this all has been to my family and I.

And then I thought of my family. None of which I would have had I not become a Christian (I met my wife in church) and the only thing I could do was bow my head and say a prayer of thankfulness to my Redeemer and Friend who has shown a kindness and mercy to me that could never be repaid.

At this point, my friend snapped me back into our conversation again by mentioning he had been recently reading about the Shroud of Turin and how he believes it is authentic. For anyone who might not be familiar, the Shroud is an ancient relic of the church, the purported burial cloth of Christ that has an impression of a tortured and bleeding man superimposed on it as a negative photographic image. He told me he thinks the carbon dating of the Shroud in the 1980’s was inaccurate and that it is just not conceivable that a medieval artist could make such a rendering, and if they could, why would there not be other obvious examples of this from that period?

This discussion turned my attention to Easter, my favorite Christian holiday, which is soon approaching. Was the Shroud actual physical evidence to the Resurrection? And if so, are there other evidences that should be considered to prove that the tomb was empty on that glorious morning? What of the disciples, all of whom died torturous deaths, all the while maintaining they had seen Jesus alive again? If He was really dead and they were lying, wouldn’t they eventually just say so? What about the other eyewitnesses and the known conversion of so many enemies of the young faith? And if the tomb was guarded, where was the body?

Yes, there are evidences but perhaps neither the Shroud nor the testimonies of the early disciples are alone as strong evidences for the Resurrection. Perhaps there are other evidences that are equally as powerful. Again I thought of the Christian life and wondered if you and I and all believers for all times don’t constitute equally powerful evidences in their changed lives. The lives lived with joy, purpose, self-sacrifice and gratitude in answer to what God has done for them. Wikipedia lists only two propositions as being truly self-evident, and the first is stated as, “A finite whole is greater than any of its parts”. Perhaps this body of Christ - the millions of people who have claimed and continue to claim to know this risen Lord personally today, constitute a finite whole that is truly self-evident.

Prayer for the Day
“What language shall I borrow – to thank Thee dearest Friend,
for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
Oh make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never, out live my love for Thee.”
From the medieval poem, O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Bernard of Clairvaux 1091-1153

If you would like to do some further reading on the Resurrection of Christ in preparation for Easter, I recommend “The Christ of the Empty Tomb” by James Montgomery Boice. You can get it on Amazon.com or from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals at www.alliancenet.org.

Pat

Casting and Going

2010-03-10T07:05:00.000-05:00

I have to confess to a degree of pride when people discover I’m going to Haiti. "You’re going WHERE?!" "Oh yeah," I say, "sure, no problem, been lots of times." Some think I’m pretty courageous. But little do they know that inside my head, buzzing like those infamous mosquitos, are a bunch of anxieties and, once in a while, a bit of fear, especially now after the earthquake. Oh, I can recite with the best of them "Cast all your cares on Him" or "Have no anxiety about anything", but the truth is that the anxiety sometimes doesn’t go away. If I let my mind race ahead too far and think about too many things, my anxiety level really goes up.

Deep inside me though, is a much clearer and distinct voice (sort of like DEET for those mosquitos). That voice is God's and He says, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46). Stop the little battles in your mind and know that I am the God who provides and governs and sustains.

That voice then takes precedence over all other thoughts.

In the midst of the storms comes the voice of the creator – it’s OK, be still, I am with you! Maybe that’s why Jesus said, don’t worry about tomorrow and tomorrow – take it one day at a time.

So at this moment my heart and head are at ease and so fully aware of God’s provision for this trip. Being with friends, going to where it’s warm, being met at the airport by good friends, staying in a secure guest house and much more. It’s gonna be a good trip.

And we will have the blessing of being present as Pastor Agones marries his fiancè Duodeline (pronounced Doodayleen). I will participate in the ceremony and Rory will be the best man. The wedding is March 19th in Port-au-Prince. It’s all good.

Thank you for your prayers and your good works for Haiti. We will bring your greetings.

Yours in Christ,
George

Where Was God?

2010-03-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

I read a great op-ed piece by James Carroll in the International Herald Tribune. Concerning the suffering in Haiti (and we might well include all suffering), he asks: What can Almighty God, the Lord of the universe, know about feeling utterly abandoned? Carroll's answer points to Jesus. God in Christ knows what it means to be alone and abandoned. Jesus felt the isolation, the suffering, and the abandonment in a world gone wrong.

There were no easy remedies or trite answers on the cross. That Jesus stayed on the cross – this is the best hope we have that He understands our sufferings; and, even more, that He intervenes for us before the Father, to help us when we feel tempted to give up (see Hebrews 2:17, 4:15-16).

The suffering of God in Christ on the cross was real. His suffering has become our one true source of knowing that God understands our plight. We abandoned Him a long time ago on that cross. Even now, some of us have abandoned Him. But His hand is outstretched to us as it was to that dying thief; the thief who found his only hope in this abandoned God on the cross. Dare we trust Him as much?

And if we have a glimpse through Him, or through our own circumstances, of being abandoned, then are we not called to reach out with our own hands to those in need? To bring hope and help to places like Haiti, and Chile, and to the countless people crying out, “Where is God?”.
In Christ,
George

Dips and Valleys

2010-02-24T07:33:00.000-05:00

My financial adviser tells me not to despair over the dips in the stock market . . . dip? Yeah, right . . . more like death valley. Anyway, he says we're in it for the long haul and things will get better. He tells me that if I look at the progress of my holdings on any given day I could be sadly disappointed, but if I take the long view I can see progress. Can't I?

Well, this made me think of the Christian journey. In our Christian walk we are supposed to be getting better, moving forward toward perfection in fact (see Matt. 5:48 or Romans 8:29) . . . No less is asked of us by Christ. We cannot be half-hearted in serving God. I like what John Calvin has written somewhere in Book three, "But we must all go as far as we possibly can and complete the journey we have begun. No one can travel so badly that he or she does not make some progress each day."

Paul writes in Philippians 1 . . . "that God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion when Christ finally comes."

We are growing. If we trust and follow Christ as best we can, we are like the seed in the good soil. We are growing. God promises it. Even on our worst days we are the children of God in whom the will of God is at work.

So while I do not pull out what little money I have invested in the market or the bank (cause somewhere down the road I look to make a big withdrawal), in the same way I do not quit this journey we call the Christian life. In fact, knowing what God is up to only makes me more determined to serve him.

This Sunday we are going to look at some of Philippians chapter three where Paul writes that he is focused on the goal where we receive all that God has for us.

Yours in Christ,
George

On Taking Holy Communion

2010-02-17T06:00:00.007-05:00

I took communion in a Roman Catholic Church recently. One of my church members, observing me, remarked, "I didn’t think you could do that."

It’s an issue that needs addressing. So I think I’ll start my own mini-Reformation. Back in the 1500's there arose a great division between churches over the meaning of the sacrament (sacrament, by the way, is not a word used in the Bible). Sacrament has the meaning of being holy, sacred or set apart as a sign of the working of God.

So a debate started up over what the bread and wine meant. Were they the literal body and blood of Christ, signs of his presence, or a memorial meal? In the Gospels, Jesus calls the bread and wine his body and blood. He also says, "Do this in remembrance of me".

The point in the Gospels and in Paul's letters is that communion is a gift of Christ, not any particular church, and ought not to be regulated by any doctrine apart from Christ’s teaching. Paul had harsh words about the manner in which people were taking the Lord’s supper. See 1 Corinthians 11.

So, if I were to be asked, it is my personal opinion that you may take communion in the Roman Catholic church as much as any Roman Catholic may take communion in our church. Communion is a gift of Christ telling us that he has given his life for us and inviting us to trust him.

My one caution would be that if someone invites you to a Catholic service, and you feel it would offend his or her sensitivity if you took the sacrament, refrain the first time, and then explain to them your reasoning.

Remember that when Christ gave His life, He gave it for all. And so who has the right to deny anyone access to that sacred gift? Protestants, rise up!

Share your thoughts on this. Use the comment feature found below this post.

In Christ,
George

Take Air

2010-02-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

Take care. These are parting words we often hear and use.

TAKE CARE. Maybe it originated from back in the days when people wore powdered wigs. As they were leaving, it would serve as a reminder. "Take hair." Wouldn't want to forget the hairpiece.

I like to think that in using these words, people are telling one another to breathe. "Take air." Don't forget to breathe deeply.

Hey, remember the police show, Hill Street Blues? In each episode, after the sergeant finished his morning briefing he'd always end with, "And hey - be careful out there." Wise words in this troubled world.

"Take care." Take care of yourself as you go your way. I've decided that it's just not enough to tell one other to be vigilant or watchful. We need more than our own resources. We need God. Oh, you probably figured I would say that. But it's not my idea; I didn't make it up. A long time ago, back in the days of Moses and Aaron, God gave these words to be used as a blessing (from the book of Numbers, chapter 6):

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine
upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance
upon you and give you peace.

Well. That's a mouthful, so I've decided I would like to say to people, "God be with you." I like that. It's a prayer, a blessing, a good witness to our faith. Let me know how that works for you, too. [Feel free to use the comment feature on this site.]

So, as of today - no more "take care" for me. And let me be the first today to say to you, amidst all your life's joys and struggles:
God be with you.
I really mean it.

Yours in Christ,
George

The Narrow Way

2010-02-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

I have watched, with heartache, the scenes of search and recovery in Haiti. Amidst the destruction and agony there have been scenes of joy as a survivor is found and brought out through the narrowest possible opening in the rubble. The rescue teams have to be meticulously careful when cutting the rebar and moving cement slabs just enough to allow for safe passage.

The narrow way. It leads to a drop of water, an air vent, even a microphone to pick up sounds. And then, freedom. And when the way is opened, the trapped survivor looks only to squeeze through that tiny passageway. I thought of how Jesus said the way to life is narrow and the gate is small (Matthew 7).

People in the world sometimes think Christianity is narrow-minded. The truth is that Jesus is so loving, so welcoming, so gracious, that he is willing to accept anyone. But he told people that to enter the Kingdom of God now and forever, they had to go through the spiritual doorway that was open to anyone who desired to become as a child

to give up his or her old self
to take up his or her cross
to be a servant
to follow Christ's teaching

In one instance Jesus talks about the difference between religion and following Christ. He says this: Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11, The Message paraphrase).

There is only one way into God's Kingdom in this life and the life to come. It is a disciplined way. It requires trust in Christ and a lot of practice living the Jesus way. But the result is life, joy, peace, righteousness, and eternity. And once you have escaped the rubble of the world's thinking, you will love the new-found freedom in Christ.

Yours in Christ,
George
A new and EXCITING update on the website about Haiti.
By the way, who knows the origin of the phrase, take care?

January 27, 2010

2010-01-27T09:11:00.002-05:00

Who are you? Really? If you are trying to live up to the expectations of the world, if you are drawn more to the attractions of the world rather than God, then you can be sure you are living under original sin - where the self is always threatened.

Jesus was forever saying deny your self; lose your self. As you trust God deeply, you will find your true God-created self. To trust God is to believe that He always wills what is best for you. Loving God is trusting God. Trusting God frees you from fear of failure, fear of death. . . well, fear of anything, actually. The apostle Paul wrote that if God is for us, who can be against us?

There is a self within us that God will release if only we surrender to Him; not with a sense of fatalism ("I give up, I don't care"), but rather with real trust and love. Jesus promises that a new self will live. I believe Him! It's just that the world seems so darn attractive to my original self that I give in to it rather than God.

May we find the grace and the way to our best selves. Let's start by trusting God today with whatever comes our way.

I invite you to comment on this post, sharing how you trusted, surrendered to God, in a situation in your own life. Let's encourage one another in this!

Yours in Christ,
George

Faith.... or Good Works?

2010-01-20T15:19:00.001-05:00

In Haiti when you ask someone how they are they might answer, "M'ap debat," which means, "I am struggling". You who are reading this know something of the struggle our friends are going through. Right now there are so many shortages - food, medical supplies, and medical help. And there is so much good being done by so many people, for which I am thankful.

This morning I got a call from a local pilot who was asked by an organization called Bahamas Habitat to fly to Haiti to help bring supplies and doctors to remote areas. It seems that one or two of us might go down with him. I will let you know how that unfolds. We will donate the cost of the plane fuel for the trip down and back.

As of this blog, $20,000 has come into the church with more promised to help with emergency relief. We are so grateful for such an outpouring of love. Please pray for our friends in Haiti, many of whom feel desperate right now.

It seems that people are being brought from the mainland to the Wesleyan Hospital on Lagonave and the need there is also for food and medical help.

We are hoping that by Thursday the avenues will be open for significant funds to be wired to Service Christian and to Lagonave.

Which is more important - faith or good works? Answer this question: Which wing on the airplane is more important? . . . then you will know the answer. God bless.

Yours in Christ
George

Haiti Updates

2010-01-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

We are putting all the Haiti updates on our website as we hear from our friends there. Visit the website at www.mattpres.com and click on "Haiti".

More About Haiti

2010-01-15T08:45:00.001-05:00

This was the day our team was to leave for Haiti, a trip that is now re-scheduled for March. We have learned more over the last 24 hours about our friends. On the island of LaGonave our friend, Isnel, tells us that the people are distraught and food is scarce since most of the food comes from Port-au-Prince. Our friend, Pastor Agones, has left LaGonave to search for his fiancée in Port-au-Prince. The house in Port-au-Prince of our friend, Pastor Jonas, completely collapsed. His daughter was rescued but his son is still trapped inside. We are awaiting further word from Service Chretien d’Haiti and its director, Ernst Abraham, to know when we can wire funds to their agency.

Just last night I received word from my son, Josh, who is a music teacher at a school of 700 students in Denver. The staff, students, and parents are donating funds that will be sent to us for Haiti. We are grateful for the donations that have come from other churches and individuals. Please remember that this crisis will endure long into the future and we will make sure that the funds are used effectively to help the people and the rebuilding of their lives.

This Sunday it will be our privilege to have a long-time Haitian friend, Brunel Metellus, worship with us and speak to us from his own heart and thoughts concerning Haiti. He has not heard from his family as of yet. We will be receiving a special offering for Haiti so please give thought and prayer to your donation even now. If you will not be with us on Sunday, you may send a check made out to MPC and marked “Haiti”. Our mailing address is Mattituck Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.

We would like to share an email with you that was forwarded to us. It is from a woman named Mary, who is at James Madison University and has connections with LaGonave:

Dear friends,

Fr. Roosevelt just called me from La Gonave island in Haiti via his computer phone. (Thank you again to the two JMU students who were responsible for the satellite internet system that makes communication with Fr. Roosevelt possible! And to the folks who keep him supplied with a laptop that is in good working order!)

Fr. Roosevelt had a lot to tell, but first some background information. He was at the cathedral in Port-au-Prince all last week for a retreat, a retreat that was attended by a large number of Haiti's priests. Archbishop Miot conducted the retreat. Fr. Roosevelt returned to La Gonave this past weekend. When the earthquake struck, it leveled the cathedral, the archbishop's rectory, and a number of the seminaries. The archbishop was killed. Fr. Roosevelt told me tonight that monsignor and 200 seminarians also died.

When Fr. Roosevelt returned to La Gonave, he brought Maryann and two other children with him. They are children who, over the past few years, have been abandoned at his rectory. Mary Ann goes to school in Port-au-Prince and stays with some nuns during the school week. Fr. Roosevelt's sister was upset with him for taking Mary Ann to La Gonave during a school week. As it turned out, the home of the nuns and the school either collapsed or suffered serious damage (I can't remember exactly) killing the nuns and some of the children. Maryann is safe and sound on La Gonave.

Casime, one of the young men who has helped us a lot on La Gonave and who is now in Port-au-Prince going to school called Fr. Roosevelt to let family know he is okay. I was thrilled to hear that news. Another one of the young guys and good friend of Casime is still unaccounted for.

Jonas Louis, director of UNIBANK on La Gonave, lost his house in Port-au-Prince. They were able to remove his daughter but a son is trapped.

Monvil, my right hand man on La Gonave, has had news that his family's house in Leogane has collapsed. He is almost crazy waiting to hear if they were in the house when it collapsed.

Fr. Roosevelt said I should not travel to Haiti now. One reason that he gave is that the smell of rotting bodies is getting bad.

Fr. Roosevelt's mother lives in Jacmel, a town on the southern coast. He heard that over 60% of the houses there have collapsed. His mother was okay when he was able to reach her earlier in the week but now he can't get in touch with her.

No boats are traveling from Miragoane (on the southern peninsula) to Pointe-a-Raquette, La Gonave, where Fr. Roosevelt lives due to heavy damage in Miragoane. No business is being conducted there. Plus, people on La Gonave are afraid to go by boat to Miragoane because they are afraid another earthquake might strike while they are out at sea. As a result, no food is arriving on La Gonave.

Fr. Roosevelt has no more bottled water so is boiling rain water to drink. The people on La Gonave are becoming very nervous about the food situation. All the food in Miragoane arrives from Port-au-Prince. Right now, nothing is leaving the capital except for people looking for medical care that they cannnot get in Port-au-Prince. People are traveling to Montrouis which is north of Port-au-Prince and going by boat to the northern part of La gonave to get medical care at the hospital there.

Gasoline is now $100 Haitian (over $12 U.S.)!

While we were talking to Fr. Roosevelt, he was able to call his foster father, a priest in Leogane using his cell phone. Fr. Roosevelt's father said that my husband's (Claude's) aunt's hotel was still standing. The hotel next to it was destroyed but his aunt's is still standing. That was wonderful news.

Fr. Roosevelt's father has a parish in Leogane. The rectory there collapsed while his father was out in the yard doing some work. It collapsed right in front of his eyes.

When we were ending the conversation, I told Fr. Roosevelt to try to get some sleep. He said that when he puts his head down to sleep, he feels the bed moving. I told him I understand completely. After going through the earthquake in Guatemala, I had trouble sleeping for six months! I especially could not sleep on my back. For the first few weeks, I refused to sleep alone. I was 22-years old and insisted that my sister let me sleep on the bed with her!

That's all for now. Thank you for your email messages and all the prayers. We definitely appreciate them.

Mary

Haiti Update

2010-01-13T21:19:00.001-05:00

Our American Airlines flight, scheduled for this Friday, has been cancelled. It appears that our next trip may be scheduled for March. We are saddened to not be with our friends at this time and are hoping to make contact with them within the next couple of days. It seems that all communication is down and we were unable to speak with anyone today. Our friends on the island of LaGonave are safe but they do not know about family members on the mainland.

On Tuesday evening we received a call from Pastor Agones on LaGonave, who was concerned to know if the earthquake had caused any damage to Long Island. His fiancee lives in Port-au-Prince and as of last nite he had not heard from her.

We are advising people to make contributions to organizations they know are trustworthy. You are still welcome to make a contribution through our church and we will wire the funds to our partners in Haiti. Checks may be made out to "MPC" and marked for Haiti. Our mailing address is Mattituck Presbyterian Church, PO BOX 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who has expressed their concerns, their grief, and their hope for the people of Haiti through phone calls, donations, tears, and most of all, their prayers. Please pray for the rescue teams, Haitian and international.

As you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto me. - Jesus

Updates will be posted here as we learn more.

Prayer for Haiti and Donations

2010-01-13T09:58:00.000-05:00

We know that many of you have been glued to the television and other media for news of Haiti. We are prayerful and hopeful for the people caught in the tragedy of this earthquake. We’ve been in touch with our friends there and continue to be in constant contact with them today.

At this point we are not sure about the status of our flight on Friday morning. We are hopeful that we will go as it is especially important to be with our friends now. Structural damage on LaGonave has been light and we are not aware of any casualties on the island. We have several friends and contacts in Port-au-Prince and many on LaGonave who have friends and family in Port-au-Prince. Some have not been heard from as of this time.

We would like to invite you to join us in the sanctuary from 5:30 to 6:00 pm today to pray.

If any of you would like to make a donation, you may bring cash or make your checks out to MPC and mark them “Haiti”. We will wire the funds to Haiti so that they are available to us when we get there to be used for specific needs related to the earthquake.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor George

Haiti

2010-01-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

I know that, in the afermath of yesterday's earthquake, many of you are concerned with what is happening in Haiti and with our planned trip (thank you for your calls). We have been in touch with Ernst and Agones and know that there is not much damage on LaGonave. We will keep you informed as we hear more. At this point we are still planning to leave on Friday morning. Please keep our friends and the nation of Haiti uppermost in your prayers.

Sainthood

2010-01-13T06:00:00.004-05:00

Word has it that Pope Benedict XXI is considering official sainthood for John Paul II and Pius The XII. Now, the Roman Catholic church cannot "make" a saint; they cannot confer the status of saint. They can only recognize those whom they believe to be people of that classification. So I nominate my neighbor, Bernie. (Well, at least he should be nominated for Neighbor Of The Year.) Following the ferocious pre-Christmas snowstorm, Bernie cleared my entire driveway and sidewalk with his snowblower.

Let’s be clear. According to the Bible, ANYONE who professes faith in Jesus Christ and desires to follow him, is a SAINT. Followers of Christ are termed saints. I like that. St. George. Maybe after my name, instead of degree letters, I should write "St.". Perhaps on my business cards, instead of Rev., it should read "St."

Now, not all saints are as virtuous as they could be. (I know that there are days in my life that I wouldn’t want anyone to know I am a saint.)Nevertheless, they are still a holy people, called to be holy by God’s will.

Saints are not perfect. Yet they are separated because of their relationship to God. So, even on our worst days, we are still saints.

Sincerely in Christ,
George

Humbled

2010-01-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

So at the end of December I made my first visit to the VA clinic. I don’t think you can appreciate how humbling an experience it was. (You can read the “rest of the story” a little further on.) As I arrived at the clinic I realized that I’d forgotten all my paperwork. I’m uptight about going there in the first place and now I’m stressed that I left my papers at home. So when I go in for my check-up my blood pressure is 135/92. It’s usually 125/72. Thankfully, Gigi faxed my papers after I called her - from the VA’s phone because my cell phone had died (but that’s another story). Anyway, the rest of the story…

I'd never had the nerve to ask the VA for help. When I thought of all the folks more deserving than I, I was reluctant to even fill out the paperwork. See, I was a cadet at the US Coast Guard Academy for one year, 1967-68. Due to an injury incurred there, and because being a cadet is considered “active duty”, I received an honorable discharge, DD214 papers and all. (The enemy would have to be landing at Horton’s Point for the cadets to be called into service.) And what exactly would my headstone at Calverton Cemetery read? Cadet Georgie?

Anyway, I’m at the VA Clinic and the folks, who are so nice by the way, are asking me questions.
“In what war era did you serve?”
“Oh, Vietnam.”
“How long?”
“One year.”
“Overseas or stateside?”
“Uh, stateside.” [does my voyage to Wilmington, NC on “The Eagle” count?]
“Ever wounded?”
"Um, nope." [unless you count the “Dear John” letter I got while I was at the Academy]

And so it went. My blood pressure never did come down.

I was embarrassed to be treated so well. All the while I’m thinking, I don’t deserve this. But a friend told me I was legitimately eligible and she worked out all the details for me. Still, I was humbled to be brought into the presence of my government to receive help.

And I got to thinking. I wish I felt so humbled and awed at the thought of being in God’s presence. The Almighty Sovereign King has, by his grace, told me I belong. I am eligible for all his benefits. And what did I do to deserve such kindness? Nothing. A Friend brought me there.

How do we get to God? Jesus takes us into his presence. There we are, humbled and loved at the same time. Awed and yet at peace.

Please, let us not take God’s goodness and grace for granted.

[By the way, thank you, Debbie.]

Sincerely in Christ,
George

December 30, 2009

2009-12-30T09:59:00.001-05:00

You may be looking for a New Year's resolution to make. Good for you. We all need something new and different. So here's something for you to consider - let's all take a trip through the New Testament using a plan created by NavPress.

It's called 5x5x5. Easy enough to remember. Five days a week for 5 minutes a day, you and I read a chapter of the New Testament and then pick one of the 5 reflection tools (listed below) for getting deeper into God's Word. And then you get two days off for good behavior! It might even be a good study for home groups.

January 1st we begin with Mark chapter one. The entire year's reading can be found on our website or at the NavPress website.

Anyway, Gigi and I hope and pray for you a Blessed New Year, knowing that God will guide all of us and keep us for His glory.

5 x 5 x 5 Bible Reading Plan
Below are 5 different ways to dig deeper each day and encourage meditation. We recommend trying a single idea for a week to find what works best for you. Remember to keep a pen and paper ready to capture God’s insights.

Underline or highlight key words or phrases in the Bible passage. Use a pen or highlighter to mark new discoveries from the text. Periodically review your markings to see what God is teaching you.

Put it into your own words. Read the passage or verse slowly and then rewrite each phrase or sentence using your own words.

Ask and answer some questions. Questions unlock new discoveries and meanings. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how. Jot down some thoughts on how you would answer these questions.

Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Periodically ask, What’s the big idea in this sentence, paragraph, or chapter?

Personalize the meaning. When God speaks to us through the Scriptures, we must respond. A helpful habit is personalizing the Bible through application. Ask, How could my life be different today as I respond to what I’m reading?

Yours in Christ,
George

I found this great prayer for the end of the year, written by Puritans a long time ago and found in a book called The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions.

O LORD,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in thy presence,
in thy service, to thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire to show forth thy praise;
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with thee, O Father as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.
Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.
May thy fear be my awe,
thy triumphs my joy.

The World In Solemn Stillness Lays

2009-12-23T08:05:00.000-05:00

There are two things I like about snow - only two things. When my children were very young and we lived near Buffalo, I enjoyed snow – its depth, the cold, the shoveling, snowball fights ... Now there are only two things – or did I say that already?

One is the reminder from the Old Testament that though our sins be as scarlet red, they will be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18); though our lives are stained red from our sin they shall be as white as snow. I love that. God does that in our lives. King David, after messing up his life, confesses to God and says that if God will forgive him he will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).

When it snows and you look out on the world, all the dirt is covered up. The great thing about our Father in heaven is that our sins are not just covered up but they are done away with. They are gone. Remembered by God no more. Removed from us as far as the east is from the west. This is a new day.

Secondly, when snow blankets the earth it is so quiet. On Saturday night and into Sunday morning, the world came to a standstill – at least out here on eastern Long Island. It was quiet, still, peaceful. I like that. The snow reminds me that God says, Be still and know that I am God. Stop what you’re doing for a little while and remember what your life means to me.

This Christmas Eve might be a good time for such a reflection. On Christmas Eve we will celebrate the coming of Christ into the world. We will (hopefully) pause for a while. I hope you will join us or worship wherever you find yourself. The sermon for our church is entitled A Down-To-Earth Savior (read Philippians 2, Isaiah 53) . . . . great music lined up to praise God and reflect on the meaning of the night.

Yours in Christ,
George

December 16, 2009

2009-12-16T07:41:00.001-05:00

So I was visiting a church member in the hospital when I recognized the man in the next bed. I asked him if he would like me to pray for him. "No, I can take care of myself, thank you," was his reply.

I’m not exactly sure what he meant because his presence in a hospital bed was evidence that, in one respect at least, he could not take care of himself. He needed the medical profession. Perhaps he was referring to his soul. And it caused me to wonder how many other people think the same way. I suspect many don’t want to think they need God to love them, guide them, and forgive them. It takes an astute spirit to realize that one is a sinner in need of saving (forgiving). We deceive ourselves in thinking we are not sinners, fully able to turn our backs on the God who wants nothing more than to share his love with us; a love manifested completely in Jesus.

Let’s face it. None of us can take care of ourselves. As children we depended upon our parents; as adults we depend on the government, our jobs, social institutions, and eventually, funeral directors. One of the greatest promises in Scripture may be found in 1 Peter 5:7. The disciple, in the midst of life’s difficulties, writes, Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.

Wherever you are. Whoever you are. Let God forgive you. Invite him into your life – your whole life. That man in the hospital was entrusting his life to the medical profession. How much more do we need to entrust our lives to the God who created us?

Yours in Christ,
George

Friday (!)

2009-12-11T10:35:00.000-05:00

I've been on enough airplane rides to know the rules of safety: exit strategy, staying in my seat, use of floatation devices, etc. But the rule I like best is what to do when there is a dramatic drop in cabin air pressure. In that event, air masks will drop in front of your face. And, if you are with a child, you are to put your mask on first. Why? Of course you know why - so you can then have the wherewithal to help your child.

Sort of like taking care of yourself first so that you can care for others. Being good to yourself first so that you can be good to others. I think it's quite a Godly idea. How can you love until you first know how much you are loved? How can you forgive until you realize that God has forgiven you?

In John 13:34 Jesus tells us to love one another as he has loved us. This Christmas season I want to make a suggestion that may seem selfish. Be good to yourself. Enjoy being you. Soak up the Father's love. Remember that Christ came for you. Let God whisper in your ear, You are my beloved child. I am so happy with you!

And hey - don't forget the person in the seat next to you.

Yours in Christ,
George

December 9, 2009

2009-12-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

Those of you who live in the Mattituck area have probably encountered the new 20 mph speed zone at the high school. One friend, who noticed it too late, contributed $300 to the town.

Do you know how slow 20 mph is? It’s hard to imagine... until you hit the zone and creep along, with traffic closing in on you from behind. But I must tell you . . . I love it, absolutely love it, and not even for all the good safety reasons (although I am all for safety). I have discovered here, and in the village of Southold, that going past a school can be a most restful experience.

I don’t know about you but I am one wound up guy most of the time, going from one task to another at about 100 mph. But the new blinking lights and signs (along with thoughts of what I'd rather do with my $300) certainly help. In fact I find myself really wanting to get to the school zone so I can sloooooww down.

We all need to slow down some. Well, most of us anyhow. I am reminded of the Psalm, I think 46, where the Lord says, Be still and know that I am God. Stop and consider God. Think about God. Trust in God. We are so busy sometimes that our life has a "life" of its own and by the end of the day we’re exhausted. Take time to be quiet.

I have to tell you, lately my prayer time with God has taken on such new meaning. It is a time of rest in Him; just being still and letting my mind and heart slow down; just being with God without having to say a whole lot. It is so refreshing. It’s like a God Zone where I have to slow down.

Forget the long lists you have to pray. Just be with God. Take a break. Go for a walk with God. Read a good book with God. And even if you don’t call it prayer, well, just be still and acknowledge that God is the God of your life.

Yours in Christ,
George

December 2, 2009

2009-12-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

I learned a valuable lesson a couple of weeks ago. When my mom’s neighbor moved, he left his wood chipper for her. Now, can’t you just see my mom outside in overalls, goggles, and work gloves, loading branches into the machine? I decided to take it – maybe grind up my leaves. The wood chipper sat for a month in my shed until last week when I rolled it out onto the lawn. I thought I’d see if I could just get it started - I'd change the oil later. I put a little gas in the empty tank, gave a pull and it started right up. I put in some leaves and watched them being ground into dust when all of a sudden I saw smoke. And the engine stopped. Uh oh. What could be wrong?

Those of you more mechanically minded than I know what the problem was. No oil. Engine seized up. Another of my magnificent mechanical debacles (I’m hoping someone reading this can give me some advice . . . )

No matter how good the engine or how much gas it has, it will not run without a little oil. A little oil was all it needed.

Just a little oil. Like a little kindness, a little love, a little encouragement – that’s all it takes to keep the "human machine" running smoothly. You’d be surprised how such little but vital effort keeps a relationship from seizing up.

Here’s hoping that I learned something about that The Day The Wood Chipper Died.

Yours in Christ,

George

My Book Has Arrived

2009-12-01T22:08:00.002-05:00

GRACE IN THE WILDERNESS:
Daily Readings From Twenty-Five Years of Sermons

It is our gift to the MPC church family from Gigi and me in gratitude for the faithfulness and love of this body of Christ. Cover artwork is an original painting by Bob Mueller, created especially for Grace in the Wilderness. Books are available (one per family) from the church office. Extra books are available for $12.

November 25, 2009

2009-11-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

God’s love endures forever. Or as The Message paraphrase says it, God’s love never quits. I love that. What a great reason for thankfulness.

Last night I watched an episode of "Glee". Don’t ask me why. Anyway, a high school student gets pregnant. The story comes out at dinner. The mother is silent and the father is livid, asking her how she could do this to him and her mother when they have loved her all these years. She cries and pleads to be held and loved by her ‘daddy’. She tells him how badly she needs him. He walks past her and tells her to leave his home. At that point I thought, what a jerk. His daughter’s not a rebel - just a confused child carrying her own child and now she loses her father.

I’m sure that this TV story has been lived out more times than I can imagine. So – please, no matter who you are or what you have ever done, or where you are at this moment, please know that your Father, God, will never stop loving you. His love will never quit. Nothing can cause him to stop loving you. He is a lover and a forgiver. He is a mender of broken hearts and broken lives. All you need do is look at the life of Jesus and you’ll see everything you ever need to know about your Father.

The moment you cry, Daddy, I need you, the Kingdom of God is yours!

So give thanks to God, as Psalm 136 says over and over again. His love never quits. Right there is the greatest reason for Thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey, but most of all, enjoy the Father’s love for you.

Yours in Christ,

George

November 18, 2009

2009-11-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

So I was talking with someone the other day about this idea of reconciliation (from Matthew 5). Jesus tells us to do all we can to have reconciliation with another. Paul writes that as far as it is possible with you, be at peace with everyone. This person I'm talking with says, "That doesn't sound very satisfying." He was right. According to what most of us have learned from the world, it's not.

But then there is a "Kingdom satisfaction" in all of this. Yeah, that's right. You can actually "feel" satisfied in aligning yourself with the will of God. Jesus said, love yourself to find yourself. This attempt at reconciliation is just that - finding a self within you that is more pleasing than the egotistical self.

It's almost hedonistic, but we can get pleasure, delight, and satisfaction from doing what Jesus has instructed us to do. After all, who knows better our desire for fulfillment than Christ? Who had that same satisfaction with his Father?

The words of Jesus are the sayings of the wisest man who ever lived, and they come with a promise - those who "do" them will know the power and joy of real life - eternal life that starts now.

In the words of an old TV star: You can take that to the bank.

Yours in Christ,
George

A medical procedure. . . .

2009-11-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while I was having lunch I turned on CNN for some up-to-date news...and I watch an interview between the news anchor and a journalist....seems the anchorwoman was asking some pointed questions about why religious people are having any say in the health care debate regarding abortion...it is, the anchor said, a medical procedure and so should be off-limits for church people who should respect church - state separation. Is this lady living in a cave somewhere, knocked unconcious by years of moral relativism?

So I wait for the guy's answer to her and all he says is Well, the church and religious leaders having always made their voice heard in society and in politics. Here's a guy living in the cave next door. Hello.......neither one of them mentioned that it might bother some people that this 'medical procedure' is killing a human being, an unborn life or, if you prefer, a live fetus. Come on, people! You may not agree as TV media folks but please at least acknowledge that this is not a 'medical procedure'. This is the issue over the value of a human life, made in the image of God, that is being 'aborted' - 'teminated' - killed. This is not having your appendix removed.

God help us all, including this writer, for cheapening human life. May God help us all to do/say something on behalf of the children.

Healthcare for the Unborn Children

2009-11-13T08:16:00.002-05:00

So I'm reading a NY Times op-ed piece (November 12) about "Trading Womens' Rights for Political Power". Seems the authors are upset that the administration and Democrats voted to keep the ban on using federal dollars for abortion. Their conclusion? Millions of women will become victims of their folly.

OK, so it may be naive but I'd like to know where is the concern for healthcare for the unborn children? Are they relegated to the status of "insignificant tissue" to be disposed of by someone's "choice"? Who will speak for the children? Is their life so cheap as to be some kind of political football? Regardless of my own political preferences, I thank God for those who speak for the voiceless, even if their reasoning may be in some respects "political".

I personally know some who have made difficult choices. Our God is merciful and forgiving. But our God came to give all of us the choice of a more abundant life. How can we presume to take that choice away from the most helpless?

The authors of the Times article write, The party chose a course that risks the well-being of millions of women for generations to come. You can probably guess my next question ...

November 11, 2009

2009-11-11T07:47:00.005-05:00

I get to watch people worship on Sunday mornings. I have a special vantage point. I see the ones dozing off (or maybe in serious prayer), people fidgeting in their seats, others raising their hands in praise. Some people bring their coffee or water. Many dress casually while some are quite dressed up. I see the occasional head nod in agreement with the preacher and I see some looking at their watches as the "holy hour" is supposed to come to a conclusion.

There are a lot of styles and methods of worship. And a lot of different theologies, as evidenced by the several denominations. But - and here's the point of today's message as may be found in John 4. Jesus is talking with a Samaritan woman and there seems to be disagreement over the best place to worship. Jesus finally says: It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage the "inner you" in pursuit of the truth. The Father is looking for those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. [from The Message paraphrase]

There it is. That's what matters most when you and I show up on Sunday mornings - or whenever you worship. Not that other things don't matter some. But this is what matters most. God yearns for that kind of relationship. Read The Shack if you need to understand this more fully.
Yours in Christ,
George

Today is Veteran’s Day, the day our nation has set aside to recognize our veterans and the sacrifice they have made for us. May God be with them and their families.

Our new website is up and running . . . simply go to http://www.mattpres.com/ and you’ll find everything you need . . . sermons, information, the calendar, even a link to this blog.

Monday (!)

2009-11-09T08:41:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was waist deep in leaves. My neighbot lent me his leaf blower... probably so my leaves wouldn't blow all over his lawn. It's an amazing tool. One-hundred and sixty mph wind created to blow leaves into a 4 foot high pile. But after 2 hours the leaves were in the woods.

I would love for no more leaves to fall but they do. Seems they will not be stopped. Fall will not be stopped.

Our lives go through seasons, too. And while autumn is beautiful to behold, it signals the coming onset of winter and the dormancy of life. Fall and Winter seem to be nature's preparation for new life, new beginnings. So it is with us and the seasons of our lives. Seasons as necessary as the seasons in nature. God is Lord of both. And through the seasons God has purpose in his creation, particularly in you and me.

Right now some folks are in the autumn of their lives when God shall give rest to their souls and life everlasting to their spirits. Some are in the autumn of their lives as their situation seems lifeless. But let us not despair. God is at work in his creation. Like the farmers around here know so well. God is the author of life. Those who live and believe in me, says Jesus, will [in actuality] never die (John 11).
George

November 4, 2009

2009-11-08T10:46:00.001-05:00

We had a great concert at the church a couple of weeks ago. The singer, Marsha King, related some of the tragic stories of her own family's life as she sang songs of hope and praise. She said something interesting: "It's not always about us." She spoke of God's goodness and personal love for each of us, but said there are events in our lives that, while personally tragic, reveal a plan by which God does an incredible work in the lives of other people through us.

I thought of the story of Joseph in the Bible and how miserably he was treated, yet through that very treatment helped to save the nation of Israel. I thought of Jesus dying, the worst imaginable suffering for the very Son of God, and yet through it came the salvation of the world.

Gigi and I have both had experiences in our lives where we have been personally hurt, and yet we trust that God has a plan, a perfect plan that will not be thwarted. But it's not always about us. It's mainly about God's glory, and the more we trust in God's plan, the more able we are to live this life in confidence that all things really do work out for the good for those who love God.

I left the concert that night with some new perspectives for my own life (even though it is not always about me). If you have the chance to hear Marsha King or invite her to your church . . . you will be glad you did. Her web address is http://www.marshaking.com/.

Oh, I am excited to report that our new webmaster, Gigi, says we will be up and running very soon. I will get the web address out there to you and there will be a link to blog that contains the Wednesday email . . . stay tuned.
Yours in Christ,
George

October 28, 2009

2009-10-28T20:18:00.002-04:00

So I'm part of a study called Experiencing God. If you ever have the chance to study it - take it! It's about knowing and doing God's will. Our group is up to the part about knowing God by experience. See, while God has his purposes and plans that we sometimes don't understand, it seems that God has personal experiences with each of us as he did so often in the Bible. You can read the book of Revelation and try to get the Big Picture. But I prefer the stories of people like Joseph, Zaccheus, Martha and Mary, the blind man - to show the direct personal experience God has with each one of us. I believe it is possible for all of us to experience God in such a way to know that God is real and, even more, that he loves us and that we can know his plans for us are ultimately good.

So I came across the following exercise in this week's study: Describe an event through which you know you experienced God at work in your life. It's a great exercise for all of us. I'd like to suggest that you write one of your experiences and let us publish it in this year's Advent Devotion. Just write it out as you think of it and we'll edit as necessary (without changing your ideas).

What a great way to let others be encouraged in their own faith walk with God. So go ahead, while it is fresh on your mind, and send it to the church (mattpres@optonline.net). Your story is part of the Sacred Story God is weaving through history. Thanks in advance for sharing.

Yours in Christ,
George