ON THE RUN...
With Pastor Pat
October 25, 2020
I’ve been thinking about the COVID-19 induced comment “I can hardly wait to get back to normal!” Christian humorist, Patsy Clairmont once noted “‘Normal’ is just a setting on my dryer!” Why are we as Christians so enamored with getting back to a time that actually might dull our sensitivity toward God?
Here’s what I mean: It seems that God uses the calamities of life – be they natural or man-made disasters – to turn our attention from the finite to the eternal. Our eyes, our perspective, is easily captivated by the horizontal. We make plans and then frantically execute them to produce the best “here-and-now” that we can. Comfort, success and convenience seem to be the goals to which we aim.
But, what if God has been using COVID-19 to actually further His kingdom designs? We already know what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. He has already promised that He will use 100% of what happens to us – even the crummy stuff – to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
So what if God is using this pandemic to pry our fingers off habits that have lost their meaning or spiritual disciplines that no longer bring life to our souls? What if, as Christian philosopher Dallas Willard noted “This will be a test of your joyful confidence in God”?
Each generation of Jesus-followers go through similar crucibles. God uses the conditions of each generation to remind His children that our ultimate hope is not in the cleverness or ingenuity of humanity, but in a God who is overall, whose very presence sustains all that we know of as life.
What then is our challenge? I believe our challenge is to look around and see what God is doing. Rejoice in what has gone on in the past and look for the indicators of what God is doing.
This week I received a wonderful reminder of what God is doing in the midst of our pastoral transition. God’s words spoken by the prophet Isaiah remind us of what lies ahead.
Isaiah 43:18 (NLT) “But forget all that - it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Let’s watch together what our God will do!!!
… Pastor Pat
Here’s what I mean: It seems that God uses the calamities of life – be they natural or man-made disasters – to turn our attention from the finite to the eternal. Our eyes, our perspective, is easily captivated by the horizontal. We make plans and then frantically execute them to produce the best “here-and-now” that we can. Comfort, success and convenience seem to be the goals to which we aim.
But, what if God has been using COVID-19 to actually further His kingdom designs? We already know what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. He has already promised that He will use 100% of what happens to us – even the crummy stuff – to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
So what if God is using this pandemic to pry our fingers off habits that have lost their meaning or spiritual disciplines that no longer bring life to our souls? What if, as Christian philosopher Dallas Willard noted “This will be a test of your joyful confidence in God”?
Each generation of Jesus-followers go through similar crucibles. God uses the conditions of each generation to remind His children that our ultimate hope is not in the cleverness or ingenuity of humanity, but in a God who is overall, whose very presence sustains all that we know of as life.
What then is our challenge? I believe our challenge is to look around and see what God is doing. Rejoice in what has gone on in the past and look for the indicators of what God is doing.
This week I received a wonderful reminder of what God is doing in the midst of our pastoral transition. God’s words spoken by the prophet Isaiah remind us of what lies ahead.
Isaiah 43:18 (NLT) “But forget all that - it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Let’s watch together what our God will do!!!
… Pastor Pat
October 18, 2020
We’ll, we went back inside last Sunday to worship … and Christianity did not fall!
Okay, I do realize I’m being a bit snarky here, but over my years in ministry I’ve found the church often fighting battles on the wrong battlefield. Churches will boldly stand up for issues and ideas that really don’t matter. Now, the adherents of those issues and ideas see them as hills to die on, but in the work of a biblically based church they are not that important.
I do find it quite interesting how we can be pulled away from our call to make disciples – fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ – and fiercely guard that which is secondary. Like you, I’ve been through the battles … rock and roll music … long hair … using instruments other than a piano or organ … how we dress when going to church … how “saved” do you have to be to be a Christian … and many more issues. They just wear individual Christians and churches out.
I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Christians in Galatia. Galatians 3:1 (NASB) You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? He later chides them in Galatians 5:7 (NASB) You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
The image here is of runners in a race. The circle the track hugging the inside lane in order to cut the distance down. Suddenly, one runner crowds into another. The runner loses their stride and falters. They may even fall to the track in a heap with the rest of the runners leaving them in the dust.
To the church in Corinth, Paul extends this picture. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NASB) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
As has been shared in many venues, the Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The cool thing about marathons is that all finishers get a medal. So … don’t quit. Don’t give up in the middle of your race. It may be tiring, but it will all be worth it at the finish line!
Besides … you’re a great group of people to run with!!!!
… Pastor Pat
Okay, I do realize I’m being a bit snarky here, but over my years in ministry I’ve found the church often fighting battles on the wrong battlefield. Churches will boldly stand up for issues and ideas that really don’t matter. Now, the adherents of those issues and ideas see them as hills to die on, but in the work of a biblically based church they are not that important.
I do find it quite interesting how we can be pulled away from our call to make disciples – fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ – and fiercely guard that which is secondary. Like you, I’ve been through the battles … rock and roll music … long hair … using instruments other than a piano or organ … how we dress when going to church … how “saved” do you have to be to be a Christian … and many more issues. They just wear individual Christians and churches out.
I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Christians in Galatia. Galatians 3:1 (NASB) You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? He later chides them in Galatians 5:7 (NASB) You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
The image here is of runners in a race. The circle the track hugging the inside lane in order to cut the distance down. Suddenly, one runner crowds into another. The runner loses their stride and falters. They may even fall to the track in a heap with the rest of the runners leaving them in the dust.
To the church in Corinth, Paul extends this picture. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NASB) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
As has been shared in many venues, the Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The cool thing about marathons is that all finishers get a medal. So … don’t quit. Don’t give up in the middle of your race. It may be tiring, but it will all be worth it at the finish line!
Besides … you’re a great group of people to run with!!!!
… Pastor Pat
October 11, 2020
There is a bit of “weirdness” as I work on this article because I don’t know where you will be reading it. The weather forecast for the weekend is “iffy” at best. Yes, Sunday might be clear, but the ground may be so soaked that God’s gracious field will be unusable.
Isn’t it great thought that God in His goodness has already provided us a place to worship when the weather turns ugly?
Yup … I’m referring to the worship center we abandoned back in July but that God has graciously provided for our use. I realize it will be a hassle. We’ll be back to 6-foot spacing and wearing masks. And, yes, the most disappointing aspect of all is we won’t get to see everyone en masse as we have over the last three months.
Yet, let me stop right here and ask you a question. What really matters? What is really important as we have to again shift gears in these changing times?
We can make it about all the externals … the masks, the social distancing, the hand sanitizer. We can get all political and start talking about our rights as citizens of this country.
Or, we can get after what is important to God. We can still worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. We can still consider the sacrifice of His beloved Son for our sins. We can still call on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us.
We can still encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can still pray and petition the God of heaven. We can still share the gospel in word and deed to cities, to a county, to a state, to a nation, to a world that so desperately need Him.
The words of the prophet Haggai are tucked away in the Minor Prophets. It’s just two chapters out of the Old Testament. But, in the second chapter, God challenges the people who looked with disdain on the humble beginnings of the people returning from captivity. Some had put down the work of the new place of worship by comparing it to the old. They yearned for the glory days, but did not have eyes to see what God was going to do.
Haggai 2:5 (ESV) “My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”
… Pastor Pat
Isn’t it great thought that God in His goodness has already provided us a place to worship when the weather turns ugly?
Yup … I’m referring to the worship center we abandoned back in July but that God has graciously provided for our use. I realize it will be a hassle. We’ll be back to 6-foot spacing and wearing masks. And, yes, the most disappointing aspect of all is we won’t get to see everyone en masse as we have over the last three months.
Yet, let me stop right here and ask you a question. What really matters? What is really important as we have to again shift gears in these changing times?
We can make it about all the externals … the masks, the social distancing, the hand sanitizer. We can get all political and start talking about our rights as citizens of this country.
Or, we can get after what is important to God. We can still worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. We can still consider the sacrifice of His beloved Son for our sins. We can still call on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us.
We can still encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can still pray and petition the God of heaven. We can still share the gospel in word and deed to cities, to a county, to a state, to a nation, to a world that so desperately need Him.
The words of the prophet Haggai are tucked away in the Minor Prophets. It’s just two chapters out of the Old Testament. But, in the second chapter, God challenges the people who looked with disdain on the humble beginnings of the people returning from captivity. Some had put down the work of the new place of worship by comparing it to the old. They yearned for the glory days, but did not have eyes to see what God was going to do.
Haggai 2:5 (ESV) “My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”
… Pastor Pat
October 4, 2020
When God lays a passage on my heart, I’ve learned over these decades not to ignore it (And, yes, there were times when I tried to ignore it). I’m not sure where this will land, but it is a good reminder no matter what the church or who the Christian is.
The writer to the Hebrews penned this chilling passage: Hebrews 2:14 (NASB) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
The writer gives three commands (two are positive and one is negative), along with a historical example. We, as Jesus followers, are commanded to pursue peace and our personal sanctification. Peace was not the absence of strife, but the “shalom” of God – a settled right relationship with God and with others.
The second command reminds us that we have been set apart from sin and set apart to God. We belong to another as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NASB) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
But, for a church in transition, this third command is the most critical. In any change of pastors – short-term or long, well-loved or generally disdained – resentment and bitterness can raise their ugly heads. We finally feel free to say – and even do – those things that, quite frankly, should have been presented to and talked over with God.
Resentment and bitterness is a root of a weed that is hard to extract and has long-term consequences. It hinders us from fully enjoying God’s grace. It causes trouble far beyond what is done to the individual for it can spread throughout a church. And, in the case of Esau, the consequences can be permanent. Take a look at the rest of Esau’s life in the Old Testament to see what bitterness and resentment did to him.
Whenever I right reminders like this, I picture Jesus in the upper room with His disciples, revealing that one of them would betray Him. “Is it I” is echoed all over the room and a guilty silence prevails. I may be the only one who needs to hear these words … and I want to receive them with gladness, thanking God that I don’t tumble over the edge.
But, what about you? Would you take some time to ask God to search your own heart and soul? The result will be some weed removal so that His beautiful garden may bring forth fruit!
… Pastor Pat
The writer to the Hebrews penned this chilling passage: Hebrews 2:14 (NASB) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
The writer gives three commands (two are positive and one is negative), along with a historical example. We, as Jesus followers, are commanded to pursue peace and our personal sanctification. Peace was not the absence of strife, but the “shalom” of God – a settled right relationship with God and with others.
The second command reminds us that we have been set apart from sin and set apart to God. We belong to another as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NASB) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
But, for a church in transition, this third command is the most critical. In any change of pastors – short-term or long, well-loved or generally disdained – resentment and bitterness can raise their ugly heads. We finally feel free to say – and even do – those things that, quite frankly, should have been presented to and talked over with God.
Resentment and bitterness is a root of a weed that is hard to extract and has long-term consequences. It hinders us from fully enjoying God’s grace. It causes trouble far beyond what is done to the individual for it can spread throughout a church. And, in the case of Esau, the consequences can be permanent. Take a look at the rest of Esau’s life in the Old Testament to see what bitterness and resentment did to him.
Whenever I right reminders like this, I picture Jesus in the upper room with His disciples, revealing that one of them would betray Him. “Is it I” is echoed all over the room and a guilty silence prevails. I may be the only one who needs to hear these words … and I want to receive them with gladness, thanking God that I don’t tumble over the edge.
But, what about you? Would you take some time to ask God to search your own heart and soul? The result will be some weed removal so that His beautiful garden may bring forth fruit!
… Pastor Pat
September 27, 2020
Today, I will be missing you all while I am down in Sacramento. This weekend I will have the privilege and pleasure of officiating at my niece’s wedding, meeting with my pastor, and – of course – catching up on all the “honey-do’s” my wife has left for me.
So, you’ll be getting the wild-and-whacky Pastor Dave preaching this morning from a critical, but difficult passage in Nehemiah 7-8. I’ve left him with a multitude of names to pronounce (how are you going to know if he pronounces a name wrong?), but with the interpretive question of why Nehemiah felt it necessary to list all these folks.
But, Pastor Dave, along with the rest of the staff (Zack Armentrout – Director of Worship/Youth Ministries; Penny Fregeau – Director of Counseling/Women’s Ministry; and Kathi Meskill – Director of Children’s Ministry/Administrative Assistant) remind me of these words from Paul to the church in Ephesus:
Philippians 2:20 (NASB) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
If you look up the term “servant leadership” in the dictionary, their pictures would be next to the definition. Each day, I get to work, laugh, mourn and pray with this team. I find their love for God and their delight in you both intoxicating and encouraging. I listen to their voices both in our staff meetings and outside of them always planning with you in mind. There are no little kingdoms being set up, rather there is an unswerving and uncompromising commitment to the gospel of God and to you.
But, they have also been wounded. Although sheep are not the brightest animals God created, they do have a tendency to nip and bite their shepherds. They knew about this when the answered the call of the Chief Shepherd, but it still hurts.
Although these hurts may eventually fade and the scars might be unnoticeable, I pray daily that their service for Jesus might bring them joy and fulfillment. I pray that God would produce fruit from their efforts … fruit that remains. I pray that my every interaction with them might bring encouragement and joy to their souls. And, I trust you will do the same!
What a blessing it is to have fellow-workers like them!!!!!!
… Pastor Pat
So, you’ll be getting the wild-and-whacky Pastor Dave preaching this morning from a critical, but difficult passage in Nehemiah 7-8. I’ve left him with a multitude of names to pronounce (how are you going to know if he pronounces a name wrong?), but with the interpretive question of why Nehemiah felt it necessary to list all these folks.
But, Pastor Dave, along with the rest of the staff (Zack Armentrout – Director of Worship/Youth Ministries; Penny Fregeau – Director of Counseling/Women’s Ministry; and Kathi Meskill – Director of Children’s Ministry/Administrative Assistant) remind me of these words from Paul to the church in Ephesus:
Philippians 2:20 (NASB) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
If you look up the term “servant leadership” in the dictionary, their pictures would be next to the definition. Each day, I get to work, laugh, mourn and pray with this team. I find their love for God and their delight in you both intoxicating and encouraging. I listen to their voices both in our staff meetings and outside of them always planning with you in mind. There are no little kingdoms being set up, rather there is an unswerving and uncompromising commitment to the gospel of God and to you.
But, they have also been wounded. Although sheep are not the brightest animals God created, they do have a tendency to nip and bite their shepherds. They knew about this when the answered the call of the Chief Shepherd, but it still hurts.
Although these hurts may eventually fade and the scars might be unnoticeable, I pray daily that their service for Jesus might bring them joy and fulfillment. I pray that God would produce fruit from their efforts … fruit that remains. I pray that my every interaction with them might bring encouragement and joy to their souls. And, I trust you will do the same!
What a blessing it is to have fellow-workers like them!!!!!!
… Pastor Pat
September 20, 2020
Anyone else out there feel flat? Feel like you’ve been dragged through a knothole? If it’s not COVID-19, it’s fires and unhealthy air quality. If it’s not societal unrest, it’s political infighting. Now, add to this all the stresses and strains of your own life experience.
No wonder people check out. They head up to that cabin in the mountains or at the beach. We clamber into the RV and just drive. We’re just looking for an escape. Or, it’s a night (or two or five) watching Netflix or Hulu, anything to escape the craziness that is being played out in front of us.
David, the great poet-King of Israel, faced similar circumstances. He had fallen out of favor with King Saul because of nothing of his own doing. Saul had disobeyed God and David had been faithful. Both were reaping the consequences of their actions.
David was doing crazy things to avoid Saul. He was running around the desert, and he even volunteered to be part of the Philistines command staff!!!
It was after one such crazy time that we read these words in 1 Samuel 30:1 (ESV) Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way.
David and his men wearily return to find their homes devastated. Buildings are burned. Livestock has been run off. Women, children and the elderly had been captured. The only positive was that there were no deaths … just a life of slavery.
David’s men wept like never before and, shortly, the weeping turned to grumbling. Grumbling against David and his leadership. How could he had let this terrible thing happen (completely forgetting that David’s own family had been taken)?
We read these ominous words in 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. Things looked pretty desperate and bleak. But, make sure you read the rest of verse 6!
But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. We are not sure exactly what this is, but we do imagine that David first went to God. He reminded himself of who God was and what He had done. He reviewed again how God saw him as one of His own.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!” James 4:8
… Pastor Pat
No wonder people check out. They head up to that cabin in the mountains or at the beach. We clamber into the RV and just drive. We’re just looking for an escape. Or, it’s a night (or two or five) watching Netflix or Hulu, anything to escape the craziness that is being played out in front of us.
David, the great poet-King of Israel, faced similar circumstances. He had fallen out of favor with King Saul because of nothing of his own doing. Saul had disobeyed God and David had been faithful. Both were reaping the consequences of their actions.
David was doing crazy things to avoid Saul. He was running around the desert, and he even volunteered to be part of the Philistines command staff!!!
It was after one such crazy time that we read these words in 1 Samuel 30:1 (ESV) Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way.
David and his men wearily return to find their homes devastated. Buildings are burned. Livestock has been run off. Women, children and the elderly had been captured. The only positive was that there were no deaths … just a life of slavery.
David’s men wept like never before and, shortly, the weeping turned to grumbling. Grumbling against David and his leadership. How could he had let this terrible thing happen (completely forgetting that David’s own family had been taken)?
We read these ominous words in 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. Things looked pretty desperate and bleak. But, make sure you read the rest of verse 6!
But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. We are not sure exactly what this is, but we do imagine that David first went to God. He reminded himself of who God was and what He had done. He reviewed again how God saw him as one of His own.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!” James 4:8
… Pastor Pat
September 13, 2020
It had been a long day as I wearily trudged up the stairs to the apartment. Judy had gone back to Sacramento. The sky was discolored and had a gritty feel to it. As I started to put everything in its place, I realized I couldn’t find my household idol.
I searched high and low for it, looking into all the little crevices and cracks where it might have fallen. I wondered how I was going to make it through the night. Where was I going to find comfort and security for those long, lonely hours until dawn? At my most fevered anxiety, I realized I had left my idol in its cradle at the church office.
I would have to go all night without my iPhone!
Yup, it may be a smart phone, but its owner isn’t too bright in leaving it in his office. I had to chuckle to myself (and write about it) about how absurd it was going one evening without my cell phone. As a tool, it’s great. I keep contact information in a multitude of forms. I can call, text, write or email with ease. I can access social media without a thought. I can play games, read books and browse for information.
It’s the perfect idol!
And what is an idol, it’s anything we put in place of God. It’s anything that when taken from us causes undue anxiety. It’s anything that we “can’t do without.” In short, it takes the place of God.
I thought of what Jonah mused when he was taking a break in the belly of the great fish. Jonah 2:8 (ESV) “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” In other words, anything we place in front of God not only absorbs our attention, but hinders us from experiencing God’s loyal love.
The psalmist compares the God of heaven with the idols of wood, stone and metal. He lists their shortcomings and concludes in Psalm 115:8 (ESV) “Those who make them [idols] become like them; so do all who trust in them.”
So, what’s your idol? What do you say you can’t do without? What absorbs all your time, energy and attention? It may not be a cell phone, but it could be tools, cars, boats, home, toys, my own time or anything that takes the place of God.
Try a little experiment this week. Put your idol down for a day. Leave it somewhere and don’t pick it up. And maybe, just maybe, you might see where it interferes with your look at God.
… Pastor Pat
I searched high and low for it, looking into all the little crevices and cracks where it might have fallen. I wondered how I was going to make it through the night. Where was I going to find comfort and security for those long, lonely hours until dawn? At my most fevered anxiety, I realized I had left my idol in its cradle at the church office.
I would have to go all night without my iPhone!
Yup, it may be a smart phone, but its owner isn’t too bright in leaving it in his office. I had to chuckle to myself (and write about it) about how absurd it was going one evening without my cell phone. As a tool, it’s great. I keep contact information in a multitude of forms. I can call, text, write or email with ease. I can access social media without a thought. I can play games, read books and browse for information.
It’s the perfect idol!
And what is an idol, it’s anything we put in place of God. It’s anything that when taken from us causes undue anxiety. It’s anything that we “can’t do without.” In short, it takes the place of God.
I thought of what Jonah mused when he was taking a break in the belly of the great fish. Jonah 2:8 (ESV) “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” In other words, anything we place in front of God not only absorbs our attention, but hinders us from experiencing God’s loyal love.
The psalmist compares the God of heaven with the idols of wood, stone and metal. He lists their shortcomings and concludes in Psalm 115:8 (ESV) “Those who make them [idols] become like them; so do all who trust in them.”
So, what’s your idol? What do you say you can’t do without? What absorbs all your time, energy and attention? It may not be a cell phone, but it could be tools, cars, boats, home, toys, my own time or anything that takes the place of God.
Try a little experiment this week. Put your idol down for a day. Leave it somewhere and don’t pick it up. And maybe, just maybe, you might see where it interferes with your look at God.
… Pastor Pat
September 6, 2020
Proverbs 15:22 (NASB) Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.
This passage flashed through my mind after finishing a tour of our church facility with our Worship Director, Zack Armentrout. We were looking at the Worship Center and the lobby thinking thoughts and dreaming dreams. You would have thought we were on one of those HGTV shows where they tear everything down and build a new house from the ground up. We imagined paint and pictures, flooring and facades and everything in between.
Remember, our hearts are in the right place. We’re thinking about when we finally have to come inside after all these months of having a beautiful, outdoor place of worship. I admit when I started thinking about leaving our “Worship Field,” I reverted to being a little kid who is called home for dinner. “Ah, Mom! Can’t I stay outside a little bit longer!!”
Along with our novice attempts at décor planning, I also thought about what each of us could bring when the time comes. Don’t worry … we’ll be calling on a number of you to dream, plan and prepare for our move indoors. There are scores of folks here at HCC that take flooring and painting in stride. The phrase “Oh, that’s easy” comes quickly to their lips.
But, what everyone can bring – and will bring when we move inside – is attitude. In fact, we can bring a couple of attitudes. The first is an attitude of worship. Now, Scripture tells us that this building is not “the house of God.” You are! As a follower of Jesus, you are that holy temple where God resides. So, as you come to this building to rejoice with other brothers and sisters, you can bring an attitude of worship and praise (which will probably infect everyone around you).
The second attitude is one of “positiveness.” In the small book of Haggai, we see an all too familiar scene. The people who had seen the temple before the exile were all sad and disappointed in the rebuilt temple. It wasn’t as grand and glorious as back in the good, old days.
Yet, God had some harsh words for those folks who would denigrate what He was doing. Being positive doesn’t mean being blind to the short-comings and errors that need to be corrected. Rather, it means looking at them from God’s point of view.
So, as the cooler, rainy months come in a bit … make sure to get out your sweaters and coats … along with that positive, worshipful attitude!
… Pastor Pat
This passage flashed through my mind after finishing a tour of our church facility with our Worship Director, Zack Armentrout. We were looking at the Worship Center and the lobby thinking thoughts and dreaming dreams. You would have thought we were on one of those HGTV shows where they tear everything down and build a new house from the ground up. We imagined paint and pictures, flooring and facades and everything in between.
Remember, our hearts are in the right place. We’re thinking about when we finally have to come inside after all these months of having a beautiful, outdoor place of worship. I admit when I started thinking about leaving our “Worship Field,” I reverted to being a little kid who is called home for dinner. “Ah, Mom! Can’t I stay outside a little bit longer!!”
Along with our novice attempts at décor planning, I also thought about what each of us could bring when the time comes. Don’t worry … we’ll be calling on a number of you to dream, plan and prepare for our move indoors. There are scores of folks here at HCC that take flooring and painting in stride. The phrase “Oh, that’s easy” comes quickly to their lips.
But, what everyone can bring – and will bring when we move inside – is attitude. In fact, we can bring a couple of attitudes. The first is an attitude of worship. Now, Scripture tells us that this building is not “the house of God.” You are! As a follower of Jesus, you are that holy temple where God resides. So, as you come to this building to rejoice with other brothers and sisters, you can bring an attitude of worship and praise (which will probably infect everyone around you).
The second attitude is one of “positiveness.” In the small book of Haggai, we see an all too familiar scene. The people who had seen the temple before the exile were all sad and disappointed in the rebuilt temple. It wasn’t as grand and glorious as back in the good, old days.
Yet, God had some harsh words for those folks who would denigrate what He was doing. Being positive doesn’t mean being blind to the short-comings and errors that need to be corrected. Rather, it means looking at them from God’s point of view.
So, as the cooler, rainy months come in a bit … make sure to get out your sweaters and coats … along with that positive, worshipful attitude!
… Pastor Pat
August 30, 2020
Recently, it seems that everything I read bears somehow on what we are engaged in here at Hydesville Community Church.
Catch this incident from Ezra at the laying of the foundation of the temple after decades of exile. Ezra 3:11 (NASB) And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away.
I think that critical phrase is in verse 13 “… so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy for the sound of the weeping of the people…”
The sounds of joy … “Yea! We’ve done what God has asked us to do. We’ve put in the foundation of the temple. Now we can move forward.” The sounds of weeping … “You should have been here in the good, old days. The temple was bigger and we had a lot more people. It’s not like it used to be.”
Is it okay to remember the good times in the past? You bet. Is it okay to rejoice in the future that God has for us? Of course! But, when one is emphasized over the other, it causes confusion. We build on what has gone before in order to reach a new generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, from days past, let’s remember God’s work in bringing people to His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s remember those stories. Let’s rejoice in what He has graciously done for us and with us. Then let’s turn our attention to what God is doing now and in our future. It’s a lot easier to follow Jesus when you’re looking through the front windshield rather than staring in the rear-view mirror.
… Pastor Pat
August 23, 2020
I am fascinated with how preachers describe their favorite preachers. We extol the virtue of listening intently to podcasts, using an appropriate number of humorous anecdotes and quotes. But, what makes a good preacher?
People will tell you about how one guy studies intently. Another is gifted with a sonorous voice. A third has a flair for the dramatic. But, what if what makes a good preacher is good listeners?
Fifty-eight times in the New Testament we read the phrase “let him hear.” Jesus would often say in the gospels “He who has ears, let him hear.” So, there is a responsibility placed upon the listener as well as the speaker.
James gives the caveat in James 3:1 (NASB) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
The temptation for the preacher is to let his tongue run away. He becomes enamored with the sound of his own voice and captivated by his own cleverness, forgetting that it is the Holy Spirit that applies the Word of God to the heart of His people. Inevitably, a speaker will stumble in some fashion, and the humiliation which comes from this stumble will often make the preacher better.
But, how about the listener? Listeners are supposed to be hearers and doers of the Word (See James 1), not consumers. If listeners are listening for entertainment, then as Jesus said “surely, they have their reward.” Eventually, their ears will no longer be tickled, but will hear God’s voice of conviction and repentance.
So, what does have to do with you – the saints at Hydesville Community Church? You need to hear this … you are GREAT listeners and I want you to go on to be GREAT hearers and doers. You’re attentiveness to the message each Sunday is almost scary; it’s so intense. But, your good hearing skills spurs me on to be a better communicator. I want to dig deeper and craft a sermon like a woodworker crafts a beautiful piece of furniture. I want you to come away from a Sunday sermon shaking your head – not because of my weird antics – but because God has spoken to you.
No pastor worth their salt wants God’s people to say “Oh, Pastor, that was such a great sermon” without also saying, “Oh, Pastor, isn’t Jesus wonderful. Here’s what God told me about Himself today.”
So, I’m going to get back at sermon preparation and … thanks for listening!
… Pastor Pat
People will tell you about how one guy studies intently. Another is gifted with a sonorous voice. A third has a flair for the dramatic. But, what if what makes a good preacher is good listeners?
Fifty-eight times in the New Testament we read the phrase “let him hear.” Jesus would often say in the gospels “He who has ears, let him hear.” So, there is a responsibility placed upon the listener as well as the speaker.
James gives the caveat in James 3:1 (NASB) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
The temptation for the preacher is to let his tongue run away. He becomes enamored with the sound of his own voice and captivated by his own cleverness, forgetting that it is the Holy Spirit that applies the Word of God to the heart of His people. Inevitably, a speaker will stumble in some fashion, and the humiliation which comes from this stumble will often make the preacher better.
But, how about the listener? Listeners are supposed to be hearers and doers of the Word (See James 1), not consumers. If listeners are listening for entertainment, then as Jesus said “surely, they have their reward.” Eventually, their ears will no longer be tickled, but will hear God’s voice of conviction and repentance.
So, what does have to do with you – the saints at Hydesville Community Church? You need to hear this … you are GREAT listeners and I want you to go on to be GREAT hearers and doers. You’re attentiveness to the message each Sunday is almost scary; it’s so intense. But, your good hearing skills spurs me on to be a better communicator. I want to dig deeper and craft a sermon like a woodworker crafts a beautiful piece of furniture. I want you to come away from a Sunday sermon shaking your head – not because of my weird antics – but because God has spoken to you.
No pastor worth their salt wants God’s people to say “Oh, Pastor, that was such a great sermon” without also saying, “Oh, Pastor, isn’t Jesus wonderful. Here’s what God told me about Himself today.”
So, I’m going to get back at sermon preparation and … thanks for listening!
… Pastor Pat
August 16, 2020
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB) And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I was meditating this morning on these thoughts Paul shared with the believers in Corinth. It’s another example of what one writer calls “the upside-down economy of God.” There are many in Scripture … you want to be great, be the servant of all … God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble and many more.
But, “weakness” is not necessarily a valued trait here in the US, especially among Christians. We have books and seminars that purport to bring the Christian path for getting ahead or for the happy and fulfilled life. We have a whole vocabulary for expressing how we’ve overcome the rigors and deficits of life.
In recent decades, pastors have gotten the mistaken impression that they must be super-competent. They need to have every answer. They need to have God’s vision down to the last sentence. The Type A bold and brash pastor who seizes all opportunities is the model.
How different is God’s picture of the believer. It’s a picture of seeing God even when being harassed and even crushed. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Doing church in these days of COVID-19 is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The honest truth is that pastors around the world don’t really know what to do. We have no precedent. But, what we do have is Jesus Christ. So, whether we mask or unmask, whether we meet indoors, live-stream or out in a field … the only issue we really concern ourselves about is Jesus. This is a great time for the church and individual Christians to stand above the fray and live out the life of Christ. It’s time for us to see beyond politics, racial inequalities and even our own preferences and see God’s kingdom plan.
And … what a privilege it is to do it with the fine folks of Hydesville Community Church!
… Pastor Pat
I was meditating this morning on these thoughts Paul shared with the believers in Corinth. It’s another example of what one writer calls “the upside-down economy of God.” There are many in Scripture … you want to be great, be the servant of all … God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble and many more.
But, “weakness” is not necessarily a valued trait here in the US, especially among Christians. We have books and seminars that purport to bring the Christian path for getting ahead or for the happy and fulfilled life. We have a whole vocabulary for expressing how we’ve overcome the rigors and deficits of life.
In recent decades, pastors have gotten the mistaken impression that they must be super-competent. They need to have every answer. They need to have God’s vision down to the last sentence. The Type A bold and brash pastor who seizes all opportunities is the model.
How different is God’s picture of the believer. It’s a picture of seeing God even when being harassed and even crushed. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Doing church in these days of COVID-19 is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The honest truth is that pastors around the world don’t really know what to do. We have no precedent. But, what we do have is Jesus Christ. So, whether we mask or unmask, whether we meet indoors, live-stream or out in a field … the only issue we really concern ourselves about is Jesus. This is a great time for the church and individual Christians to stand above the fray and live out the life of Christ. It’s time for us to see beyond politics, racial inequalities and even our own preferences and see God’s kingdom plan.
And … what a privilege it is to do it with the fine folks of Hydesville Community Church!
… Pastor Pat
August 9, 2020
An interesting thought from pastor and author, Mark Buchanan in his book, The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath (p. 72). “One thing stops God dead in his tracks. It is paltry and flimsy, but tenacious enough to shatter all God’s advances. Even grace, abounding in our sin, cannot break it. I speak of pride. Pride usurps God. Pride inverts the universe’s deepest truth: that we need and serve God. Pride gets this exactly backward. Pride is the delusion that God, if he exists, is awfully lucky I’ve shown up and should mind his p’s and q’s lest I change my mind. The twin of pride is despair. It is to collapse into a sense that not even God is good enough or big enough or smart enough to sort out the mess I’ve made or stumbled upon. In despair, we are consumed by the lie that God, if he exists, is too inept or distracted or apathetic to even notice us, let alone come to our aid.”
Buchanan goes on to suggest to his readers to practice what he calls the “sovereignty of God.” It is taking the time, real time, to think through what it means that God completely rules His creation, and rules it correctly.
A dirty, little secret that many Christians carry around is that God is either inept (“How come God doesn’t do something about this coronavirus?” or “Why is God letting our society run wild?”) or He doesn’t really care. Both attitudes are straight from the pit of hell.
Many have written, including J.B. Phillips, that if one has a big God then they have small problems and issues. But if their God is small, then these problems and issues loom so large they block out His character.
Where we start determines where we end up. If I start with the person and character of God as described in the Bible, I can see that He is in control even if I don’t completely understand what is happening. He is for us.
But, if I star from the perspective of my trials, my hurts, my issues; then, I never move ahead. These things rule my life rather than the God who loves me and gave His Son for me.
Having struggled with depression, I know how easy it is to allow life to overwhelm you. It takes a concerted effort – a courageous effort – to turn from despair to hope in God.
Psalm 42:5 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation 6 and my God.
Psalm 30:11 (NASB) You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
… Pastor Pat
Buchanan goes on to suggest to his readers to practice what he calls the “sovereignty of God.” It is taking the time, real time, to think through what it means that God completely rules His creation, and rules it correctly.
A dirty, little secret that many Christians carry around is that God is either inept (“How come God doesn’t do something about this coronavirus?” or “Why is God letting our society run wild?”) or He doesn’t really care. Both attitudes are straight from the pit of hell.
Many have written, including J.B. Phillips, that if one has a big God then they have small problems and issues. But if their God is small, then these problems and issues loom so large they block out His character.
Where we start determines where we end up. If I start with the person and character of God as described in the Bible, I can see that He is in control even if I don’t completely understand what is happening. He is for us.
But, if I star from the perspective of my trials, my hurts, my issues; then, I never move ahead. These things rule my life rather than the God who loves me and gave His Son for me.
Having struggled with depression, I know how easy it is to allow life to overwhelm you. It takes a concerted effort – a courageous effort – to turn from despair to hope in God.
Psalm 42:5 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation 6 and my God.
Psalm 30:11 (NASB) You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
… Pastor Pat
August 2, 2020
It seems to be the most often-asked question of people from Sacramento … “How’s it going in Hydesville?”
My first response is “It’s cool” and they are not sure I’m making a comment on the weather or on the state of the ministry. When I do mention the summer weather here on this side of the Redwood Curtain, I get numerous requests from folks who want to escape the heat of the Central Valley for a few days of marine layer coolness.
In addition, these fine folks are a cadre of people at my home church – Hope Church – who are praying on a regular basis for us. Did you think we were facing these challenges alone? Not on your life! We’ve got all sorts of people who are lifting us and our journey before the Lord.
I think of the writer to the Hebrews who penned in Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are on the field competing and the people in the stands are watching, cheering us on. Our response is three-fold. First, we “lay aside every encumbrance.” These are not the sinful things in our life, but rather they are the good things that keep us from having the best. It’s like trying to run a marathon wearing a suit of armor. Yes, you can, but why?
Second, we lay aside “the sin which so easily entangles us.” Have you noticed that each of struggles with our own unique sins? What causes no concern in some causes great troubles in another. We are to “lay it aside’ rather than to continue to use it in our life.
Third, we are to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The not-unexpected-question I get from folks at HCC is “How long will this transition process take?” It’s a naturally occurring question of any endeavor, but notice how this author defines running with endurance. I is by “fixing” our eyes on Jesus. The word “fixing” is the same word used by the Gospel writers to describe how Peter and John gazed intently into the empty tomb of Jesus.
I can only give folks a general timeline for our journey, but I can - for sure - let people know what we’re supposed to be doing. We are to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. When we’re tired or confused or frustrated or excited … our eyes remain on Jesus!
… Pastor Pat
My first response is “It’s cool” and they are not sure I’m making a comment on the weather or on the state of the ministry. When I do mention the summer weather here on this side of the Redwood Curtain, I get numerous requests from folks who want to escape the heat of the Central Valley for a few days of marine layer coolness.
In addition, these fine folks are a cadre of people at my home church – Hope Church – who are praying on a regular basis for us. Did you think we were facing these challenges alone? Not on your life! We’ve got all sorts of people who are lifting us and our journey before the Lord.
I think of the writer to the Hebrews who penned in Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are on the field competing and the people in the stands are watching, cheering us on. Our response is three-fold. First, we “lay aside every encumbrance.” These are not the sinful things in our life, but rather they are the good things that keep us from having the best. It’s like trying to run a marathon wearing a suit of armor. Yes, you can, but why?
Second, we lay aside “the sin which so easily entangles us.” Have you noticed that each of struggles with our own unique sins? What causes no concern in some causes great troubles in another. We are to “lay it aside’ rather than to continue to use it in our life.
Third, we are to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The not-unexpected-question I get from folks at HCC is “How long will this transition process take?” It’s a naturally occurring question of any endeavor, but notice how this author defines running with endurance. I is by “fixing” our eyes on Jesus. The word “fixing” is the same word used by the Gospel writers to describe how Peter and John gazed intently into the empty tomb of Jesus.
I can only give folks a general timeline for our journey, but I can - for sure - let people know what we’re supposed to be doing. We are to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. When we’re tired or confused or frustrated or excited … our eyes remain on Jesus!
… Pastor Pat