Happy Father's Day

June 2018

Message from Pastor Tom,

I was sitting here thinking about writing this blog for Father's day and began reflecting on the last discipleship class I had just facilitated. Father’s day brought to mind how Dr. Tony Evans explained for a Christian to become Kingdom Disciples, we must surrender every area of our life and Abide in God the Father, which deepens our relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We must also be totally committed to Him in order to receive God’s authority so we are able to do His work as Disciples for Christ. This is what all Christians should strive for no matter what our denomination. If you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins, then you need to get closer to HIM. As John 15:4-5 stated, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing’” (NKJV). How humbling for us to remember, without our Father we can do nothing!

Is this not true with our earthly fathers as well? Your father is still part of you, whether you’re a blended family, or been adopted, his love is true even if you don’t think so. You have been abiding in his word and action since birth, or when God blessed you with him, and hopefully it has been a Christian walk.

Whether you are close or not, whether he was a constant part of your life or not, he has impacted who you are today. I know you love him, except maybe when you can’t stand him, yet for better or worse, he is still your dad.

Although our earthly dad is the head of the family by God's Grace and love, God is the Father of us all and as I know our Father God is on His throne, it is still depressing keeping up with current events these days. While the nightly news has never exactly been a great source of encouragement, it surely seems like the headlines are getting bleaker and bleaker. We are living in a day when it’s becoming increasingly difficult to lovingly speak the truth of God’s Word without being labeled as bigoted or narrow-minded. Believe me, I know, as I’m sure you have also experienced being a Christian in an unbelieving world. It’s true some Christians have unfortunately misrepresented Jesus Christ to the world through demeaning rhetoric and judgmental attitudes. As believers, we should model our Savior Jesus Christ who spent the vast majority of His time hanging out with sinners like you and I, loving those far from God. Sadly, many leading Christian voices don’t seem to model the compassion and tenderness the Lord Jesus demonstrated toward unbelievers while He walked the earth. Yet at the same time, God expects our earthy fathers, as well as His church to stand firmly on His Word, never compromising our convictions to appease the culture. Remember, the Church is to replicate God in our community for His glory. We need to be in unity for Christ, for if we do all this, we will receive God’s authority and the keys to His Kingdom.

Heidi and I understand all fathers, as well most grandfathers, are under a lot of pressure going through endless hours of work, striving to provide for and lead their families, being a father and just being a man in this sinful, fast-paced world. Our prayer is for you to enjoy the best of Father’s Day, as it is now your time to be a little pampered. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and as always I hope it spiritually enriches you.  Happy Father’s Day and may God richly bless you. 

Blessings from a Pastor and his wife,

Tom and Heidi

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 
James 1:12 (NIV)

Honoring Mothers

May 2018

Message from Pastor Tom,

Our Mothers usually start their day sipping a cup of coffee and smiling as the sunlight shines across their immaculate countertops. The only sounds they hear are the chirping of the birds outside the window and the flipping of the pages of their Bible as they breathe deeply, softly and settle in for their daily devotions with God… Not!

The reality however is most mothers’ mornings look nothing like this, in fact, how many of us really get to experience a morning such as this? We live in a busy culture where it’s often difficult for us to slow down, let alone clear our minds of the continuous busy every-day thoughts in order to sit quietly with God’s Word and concentrate on it or listen for God's soft voice for guidance. With some, the Lord may not seem as urgent as the other tasks in our lives, but I do know the Lord is much more important. In fact our very lives depend on it.

When one does take the time to meditate and read the Bible, the insight we receive from God's Word reminds us of God’s constant presence and strengthening for whatever lies ahead for us, just as Jesus knew how His Father's love could and did strengthen Him. The Father gave Jesus the encouragement and strength He needed as He went to the cross to pay our sin debt in full. So in this month of May, we want to honor all the mothers who share their strength and encouragement, who freely bestow and demonstrate their love endlessly in all kinds of ways and situations, especially the ones who have left large holes in our hearts upon their passing as well. Just as Jesus loved His mother deeply, our boundless love for our mother will never end. He knew she was just a woman like any other, yes special because she was His mother, but human and normal, likely to worry or misunderstand just like our mothers do. There is no doubt Jesus loved His mother, for John 19:24-27 explains when Jesus was dying on the cross, He showed deep love for His mother by asking John to take care of her.

As we celebrate and remember our own mothers, let's start taking the time to read the Bible and meditate upon the Lord’s Word so we can understand the greatest love story ever told, God's Love for mankind. We should strive to glorify the Lord every moment we’re alive, it is important to be aware of the future events. The reason is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, “So that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” In fact, verse 18 tells us to comfort each other with the understanding of what will happen when Jesus returns. Knowing the pain we encounter in this life from tragedy, loss, fear, and sickness. God gives all Christians a glimpse of the wonderful future in store for those who believe.

Heidi and I wish a very Happy Mother's day to all you beautiful ladies. May God richly bless the mothers who unselfishly give of themselves, always tending to the needs of others before their own. We pray you will know God’s love more abundantly in your life and know how much you are valued as a mother and a wife.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, as always I hope it spiritually enriches you. Have a very blessed Mother’s Day and safe Memorial Day, as we honor the men and women who have died in military service for the United States of America.

Blessings from a Pastor and his wife,

Tom and Heidi

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12 (NIV)