Can you imagine a pre-bronze age carpenter wanted to join two pieces of lumber together? Boring holes and inserting wooden dowels or stakes was a daunting task, I am sure. Then along came the discovery of heating iron ore to metal. Shaping of metal soon took hold and the nail was birthed. The invention of this simple design provided for ever-expanding advances – think about it, you are surrounded by nails in your house, office, the chair you sit in and even the bridges you drive over.
However as common as nails are today, this hasn’t always been the case. For instance, the early pioneers of America often burnt their homes to the ground when they moved in order to obtain the nails used within. Nails were nearly priceless to the early settlers.
Even as priceless as the nails were to the early Americans, there were nails that were worth much, much more. The nails I refer to are nearly 2000 years old – the nails used on Jesus when he was hung on the cross. These nails, driven through flesh and blood, hung the Incarnate at Golgotha until His last breath passed. Three days later, our Lord Jesus Christ overcame the death that the nails helped to obtain and thus our sins were washed away.
During this Holy Week, I hope you will focus on the grace of God through our Lord Jesus. Happy Easter, He is risen!
Josh
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
2011-04-03 -- Take time to live
Don’t let life get in the way of living.
I think we all struggle at times to balance our lives: we juggle work, leisure, family, church, etc. to accommodate schedules. I’m guilty of this – maybe more so than most! Sometimes we must really look deep inside ourselves and the activities that we have planned and analyze whether or not certain events are really worth the stress that comes with be “booked up”.
I really started thinking about this this past weekend as I was sitting around the nursing home with my family as we were spending time with my granddad. Despite the situation and the reasoning for us gathering together, it was nice to take time and just be with loved ones. I, for once, was not stressing about the next thing I had to plan or worrying about getting chores done or fixing this-or-that, rather I sat quietly with granddad, prayed with him, read the bible to him, sat outside on the porch with family, held my baby nephew, watched Barrett play, and just relaxed.
I think we all too often overlook the simple pleasures in life while worrying about schedules, deadlines, and worldly things. I know what some of you are thinking, “Isn’t this the pot calling the kettle black?” Sure. Nevertheless, there is still a lesson to be learned here. None of us know when life is going to take a sudden change. While we can’t ever really be fully prepared for a drastic change to come our way, we can live, I mean really live, a life that rewarding, fulfilling, and without remorse. Don’t run through life without living, my friends. Sometimes things can wait.
Josh
I think we all struggle at times to balance our lives: we juggle work, leisure, family, church, etc. to accommodate schedules. I’m guilty of this – maybe more so than most! Sometimes we must really look deep inside ourselves and the activities that we have planned and analyze whether or not certain events are really worth the stress that comes with be “booked up”.
I really started thinking about this this past weekend as I was sitting around the nursing home with my family as we were spending time with my granddad. Despite the situation and the reasoning for us gathering together, it was nice to take time and just be with loved ones. I, for once, was not stressing about the next thing I had to plan or worrying about getting chores done or fixing this-or-that, rather I sat quietly with granddad, prayed with him, read the bible to him, sat outside on the porch with family, held my baby nephew, watched Barrett play, and just relaxed.
I think we all too often overlook the simple pleasures in life while worrying about schedules, deadlines, and worldly things. I know what some of you are thinking, “Isn’t this the pot calling the kettle black?” Sure. Nevertheless, there is still a lesson to be learned here. None of us know when life is going to take a sudden change. While we can’t ever really be fully prepared for a drastic change to come our way, we can live, I mean really live, a life that rewarding, fulfilling, and without remorse. Don’t run through life without living, my friends. Sometimes things can wait.
Josh
Monday, March 28, 2011
2011-03-28 -- Noise
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of distractions, disruptions, and busyness in your life?
When was the last time you actually sat still in a quiet place? Did you find rest and comfort without the TV blazing, without the ear buds drowning out society, or without the ever-present talking/shouting from friends/family?
http://www.cross.tv/36908
Watch Noise by Rob Bell.
After viewing the video, plan to start making time for quiteness.
Josh
When was the last time you actually sat still in a quiet place? Did you find rest and comfort without the TV blazing, without the ear buds drowning out society, or without the ever-present talking/shouting from friends/family?
http://www.cross.tv/36908
Watch Noise by Rob Bell.
After viewing the video, plan to start making time for quiteness.
Josh
Sunday, March 20, 2011
2011-03-20 Persevere
Throughout life we face many trials and tests. There is no end to the types and styles of trials that one may experience. When such events come to pass in one’s life, there is a decision that must be made: resist or give in. Each choice has resulting consequences that then must be dealt with.
In the first chapter of James, verse 12, the author writes, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (NIV)
Here James is instructing us to persevere through the tough and troubling times. Just like a coach instructs his athletes to persevere and give it everything in order to win the race, James tells us about the victory of life with God for those who withstand the trials. Note, it is not some sort of test that God is putting us through in order for us to merit this crown of life, for God does not tempt or test. All trials and tribulations are makings of our own.
It is easy to lay blame on God when things go wrong. Many times God gets unfairly blamed for the problems we create. Our eyes are often so blinded by the world that we allow ourselves to believe that God is trying us, punishing us, or making a point to us when in reality it is of our own making. Understand this, friends, the Lord is just and merciful. He does not tempt us, nor does he put us in harm’s way. However, when we find ourselves buried under a load that we cannot support, turn to Him who created the heavens and the earth, He can carry it!
Persevere through the troubles and you shall be blessed, for God rewards a faithful heart. No matter the pressures that come your way, remember the words from James.
In the first chapter of James, verse 12, the author writes, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (NIV)
Here James is instructing us to persevere through the tough and troubling times. Just like a coach instructs his athletes to persevere and give it everything in order to win the race, James tells us about the victory of life with God for those who withstand the trials. Note, it is not some sort of test that God is putting us through in order for us to merit this crown of life, for God does not tempt or test. All trials and tribulations are makings of our own.
It is easy to lay blame on God when things go wrong. Many times God gets unfairly blamed for the problems we create. Our eyes are often so blinded by the world that we allow ourselves to believe that God is trying us, punishing us, or making a point to us when in reality it is of our own making. Understand this, friends, the Lord is just and merciful. He does not tempt us, nor does he put us in harm’s way. However, when we find ourselves buried under a load that we cannot support, turn to Him who created the heavens and the earth, He can carry it!
Persevere through the troubles and you shall be blessed, for God rewards a faithful heart. No matter the pressures that come your way, remember the words from James.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011-01-02 -- Church: Tempatation, and Sinners
Commentary by Clark
In the CYF Sunday School class this past Sunday Russ led a topic over temptation. This topic spun off into several other topics that addressed various issues associated with temptation. One such spin-off was a conversation about how we, as Christians, are often tempted and sometimes fall.
No wonder people outside the church call Christians hypocrites! We preach one thing and end up doing the opposite. While we don’t set out to fall to temptation, we are not perfect people. That is why we need church – just like the sick need a hospital and sinners need a church. Accepting the fact that we are not perfect, and that no matter what we do, we do not warrant the favor of God.
In the book The Reason for God, author/pastor Timothy Keller states, “What if, however, the essence of Christianity is salvation by grace, salvation not because of what we do but because of what Christ has done for us? Belief that you are accepted by God by sheer grace is profoundly humbling.”
How humbling indeed! Jesus, the Incarnate, did not come for the righteous; no, He came for the sinners. For God the Father is a just and righteous judge who cannot allow sin to go freely – for the penalty of sin is death – but through Christ’s death on the cross, our sins are washed away. Knowing and trusting that it is not about us, rather it is all about Jesus, should be humbling! As we strive to become more like Christ, we need to recognize that there will be times when we fall short, but at the same time we must not forget that we are forgiven.
When temptation overcomes you, get up and brush it off. Learn from the experience, ask for forgiveness, turn it over to God, and move on. Keep in mind that Christ came for sinners, and with that, how about inviting other sinners to church?
Josh
In the CYF Sunday School class this past Sunday Russ led a topic over temptation. This topic spun off into several other topics that addressed various issues associated with temptation. One such spin-off was a conversation about how we, as Christians, are often tempted and sometimes fall.
No wonder people outside the church call Christians hypocrites! We preach one thing and end up doing the opposite. While we don’t set out to fall to temptation, we are not perfect people. That is why we need church – just like the sick need a hospital and sinners need a church. Accepting the fact that we are not perfect, and that no matter what we do, we do not warrant the favor of God.
In the book The Reason for God, author/pastor Timothy Keller states, “What if, however, the essence of Christianity is salvation by grace, salvation not because of what we do but because of what Christ has done for us? Belief that you are accepted by God by sheer grace is profoundly humbling.”
How humbling indeed! Jesus, the Incarnate, did not come for the righteous; no, He came for the sinners. For God the Father is a just and righteous judge who cannot allow sin to go freely – for the penalty of sin is death – but through Christ’s death on the cross, our sins are washed away. Knowing and trusting that it is not about us, rather it is all about Jesus, should be humbling! As we strive to become more like Christ, we need to recognize that there will be times when we fall short, but at the same time we must not forget that we are forgiven.
When temptation overcomes you, get up and brush it off. Learn from the experience, ask for forgiveness, turn it over to God, and move on. Keep in mind that Christ came for sinners, and with that, how about inviting other sinners to church?
Josh
Sunday, December 19, 2010
2010-12-19 -- Christmas
The day is nearly here – you know, the day that the retail outlets started touting in displays back in October; the day that generates more revenue, stress, and debt than any other day – Christmas is here! Oh, how I long for that long-lost child’s excitement and magic of Christmas; instead I hold hardships of planning, preparing, and purchasing.
Christmas is amazing, though. Aside from the primary purpose of the day (i.e. celebrating the birth of Jesus), this one day crosses into secular territory, encompasses believers and non-believers together in mutual traditions and rituals, and gives the masses a day or two off of work. This day has brought mythology to life, even propelling it above the reason for the celebration. Furthermore, this day tends to make people remember how fortunate they are, lends to generous offerings to less fortunate, and makes for great parties.
Is this what it should be? Should Christmas be this blending of pagan rituals with faith-based traditions, inter-twined with a modern incarnation of shopping frenzy? Although I pose that question, I cannot answer it. I assume that the answer is really whatever you want it be.
As for me, Christmas is a time of family get-togethers, eating too much food, and cleaning up shredded paper. Unfortunately my Christmas is more secular than it is a time of remembrance, celebration, and thanksgiving for God’s grace through Christ Jesus. This year I hope to change this a little; I hope that we openly discuss why we are together, what it is we are celebrating, and the importance of the baby in the manager.
Josh
Christmas is amazing, though. Aside from the primary purpose of the day (i.e. celebrating the birth of Jesus), this one day crosses into secular territory, encompasses believers and non-believers together in mutual traditions and rituals, and gives the masses a day or two off of work. This day has brought mythology to life, even propelling it above the reason for the celebration. Furthermore, this day tends to make people remember how fortunate they are, lends to generous offerings to less fortunate, and makes for great parties.
Is this what it should be? Should Christmas be this blending of pagan rituals with faith-based traditions, inter-twined with a modern incarnation of shopping frenzy? Although I pose that question, I cannot answer it. I assume that the answer is really whatever you want it be.
As for me, Christmas is a time of family get-togethers, eating too much food, and cleaning up shredded paper. Unfortunately my Christmas is more secular than it is a time of remembrance, celebration, and thanksgiving for God’s grace through Christ Jesus. This year I hope to change this a little; I hope that we openly discuss why we are together, what it is we are celebrating, and the importance of the baby in the manager.
Josh
Sunday, December 5, 2010
2010-12-05 -- First Christmas
Let’s set a scene here:
Time: Between 6 and 4 BC; Location: Bethlehem; Cast: A young couple among many others; Setting: Village preparing for the census.
In these days, Caesar Augustus declared that the entire world should be registered. Joseph, the husband of the young couple, was of the house and lineage of David and therefore had to travel to Bethlehem to be registered with his wife, Mary. At this time, Mary happened to be well into gravidity with, as the world would find out later, the most influential and significant person the world has ever known – the Incarnate, the Messiah, the Savior of the World, King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Jesus (Yeshua) the Christ.
Upon arrival in Bethlehem, the young couple sought room and board. However, room and board was not easy to come by; the village was abuzz with commerce like it had most likely never seen before. As a result, the local Holiday Inn was full up. Despite the young woman’s extreme prego condition, nobody really paid attention to them, nor did anyone offer to give up their accommodations. Honesty, nobody probably even gave it a thought; there was much to do – much food to prepare, chores to be done, preparation for the registering of the people, etc.
Little to anyone’s imagination, the greatest gift to the world was set to arrive during all the hustle and bustle. With no available rooms, the young couple happened to find shelter in a storage facility for animals (possibly either a stable or a cave). In this animal sanctuary, God’s grace took its first earthly breath – a baby was born, and He was called Immanuel.
At this moment, the young woman is holding her son: a gift from God given for all people. Her son is her Lord. A teenage girl is holding God’s plan in swaddling rags. Oh, how the emotions run. Does she understand the significance of her son? Not completely. How could she?
Do you understand the significance of her son? Matthew 1:21 sums it up nicely as an angel of the Lord is speaking to Joseph: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Do you believe? Do you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? If you have not already done so, will you at least consider asking Him into your life? Take time this advent season to remember the reason for the season and receive the greatest gift of all.
Josh
Time: Between 6 and 4 BC; Location: Bethlehem; Cast: A young couple among many others; Setting: Village preparing for the census.
In these days, Caesar Augustus declared that the entire world should be registered. Joseph, the husband of the young couple, was of the house and lineage of David and therefore had to travel to Bethlehem to be registered with his wife, Mary. At this time, Mary happened to be well into gravidity with, as the world would find out later, the most influential and significant person the world has ever known – the Incarnate, the Messiah, the Savior of the World, King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Jesus (Yeshua) the Christ.
Upon arrival in Bethlehem, the young couple sought room and board. However, room and board was not easy to come by; the village was abuzz with commerce like it had most likely never seen before. As a result, the local Holiday Inn was full up. Despite the young woman’s extreme prego condition, nobody really paid attention to them, nor did anyone offer to give up their accommodations. Honesty, nobody probably even gave it a thought; there was much to do – much food to prepare, chores to be done, preparation for the registering of the people, etc.
Little to anyone’s imagination, the greatest gift to the world was set to arrive during all the hustle and bustle. With no available rooms, the young couple happened to find shelter in a storage facility for animals (possibly either a stable or a cave). In this animal sanctuary, God’s grace took its first earthly breath – a baby was born, and He was called Immanuel.
At this moment, the young woman is holding her son: a gift from God given for all people. Her son is her Lord. A teenage girl is holding God’s plan in swaddling rags. Oh, how the emotions run. Does she understand the significance of her son? Not completely. How could she?
Do you understand the significance of her son? Matthew 1:21 sums it up nicely as an angel of the Lord is speaking to Joseph: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Do you believe? Do you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? If you have not already done so, will you at least consider asking Him into your life? Take time this advent season to remember the reason for the season and receive the greatest gift of all.
Josh
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