Thought For the Week

Dear Friends, As Thanksgiving Day is just three days away, I thought I would take the time to send out a "thought" that was not written for Thanksgiving, but brings Thanksgiving to mind for me each time I read it (and I do read it often since I have it hanging on the wall of my office)! I do know that for many the festive nature of Thanksgiving will be dampened a bit this year due to the continuing rise in Covid cases and the attending precautions advised. Yet, as I know most are aware, the lack of the normal ways of celebrating the day cannot in the least prevent the human heart from offering gratitude to God. Paul and Silas sang hymns to God in a jail cell after being severely flogged (Acts 16:25). Likewise from his prison cell Paul would later write, "I thank God every time I remember you" (Phil. 1:3). And as the same epistle drew to a close, he wrote: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, with prayer and thanksgiving,...

Dear Friends, Today's "thought" (expressed through a story) comes from a man I regard (or in light of his passing earlier this year after a battle with cancer, regarded) very highly - Ravi Zacharias. He was a wise, thoughtful, and godly defender of the Christian faith, who treated all with respect - even those he thoroughly disagreed with and earnestly debated. Having watched many of his lectures and debates, I can honestly say I never heard a harsh word come out of his mouth. I never heard him put down or make fun of an "opponent." To me, he embodied what it meant to "speak the truth in love." I saw Jesus in Ravi. Today's selection is taken from his book "Can Man Live Without God" (lectures presented at Harvard University), where he speaks about living life by considering death and what (better yet Who) lies beyond. Enjoy. "A short while ago I happened to be speaking in a church where a member of the pastoral...

Dear Friends, Today I thought I would give you a break from anything related to politics, and instead address a question I have been asked frequently, especially by new believers. It has to do with mistakes, failures, sin and where that leaves us with God. This particular answer I pulled from an organization I have found very trustworthy: gotquestions.org If you have ever struggled with the concept of security in Christ I believe you will find it informative and helpful. Enjoy. Can a Christian Lose Salvation? Answer: First, the term Christian must be defined. A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer or walked down an aisle or been raised in a Christian family. While each of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what makes a Christian. A Christian is a person who has fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Savior and therefore possesses the Holy Spirit ( John 3:16 ; Acts 16:31 ; Ephes...

Dear Friends, Our church is used as a local polling facility. As I write this the line of cars waiting to turn into our church parking lot extends down the street and the line of voters waiting to get in the building is over 100 yards long (as it has been since 7:00 this morning)! I've never seen such a turnout at any election since arriving here in 2005. Thankfully the weather is pleasant, people are taking advantage of the privilege to vote, and all has been very calm and civil -- as I pray it remains both here and throughout voting America. The results (as always) are in the hands of our Sovereign Lord, who as the all-knowing God is not waiting (like all of us) to see who the "winners" will be! The God whose eternal and redemptive purposes (contrary to what some fear-mongers on both sides are saying) cannot be thwarted, regardless of which party happens to hold office for the next four years. And in keeping with my policy to preach Chri...

Greetings All, Have you ever wondered if, or why, God accepts what you offer to him? Have you ever taken the time to consider what would cause a holy God to accept that which comes from a sinner (stained as any “works” would have to be, due to the impurities of intent and motive that are found in all of us, and therefore taint all that we think, say, and do)? This week’s “thought” answers that question with one of the best illustrations I have heard. It comes to you from Bryan Chapell, and is found in his superb book, “Holiness by Grace.” Not, “Holiness by Great Effort,” or “Holiness by Withdrawing from the World,” or “Holiness Measured by What we Don’t Do,” but Holiness by Grace. The illustration that follows speaks for itself! Enjoy. “Even marvelous obedience does not contain sufficient goodness to merit God’s acceptance. This understanding matures our repentance as we realize that, if even our best works fall short of God’s holy requirements, then our faults are all...

Dear Friends, I do not know about you, but this past week I found myself feeling tired and lacking focus. So many things going on. Many opinions to sift through, events to consider, conflicts that need to be resolved, interpersonal issues to address... It has the potential to be distracting and draining. And if you happen to have felt that as well, I urge you to read the following thought by Charles Spurgeon as he considers Jesus' words, "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). So enticing, is it not? Rest. Spiritual rest. Inner rest. Rest of soul that leads to the ability to attain physical rest and refreshment. It's a promise. A promise from the Savior. A promise we need to remember every so often when things pile up and make it hard for us to rest. A promise for every weary person that will come to Him... That's why I thought I would offer you wise words from Spurgeon this week, giving...

Dear Friends, With the heavily publicized "Presidential Debate" being aired tonight, and the election looming large in the American psyche, I thought I would offer some wise counsel from church leaders (past and present) whose opinions and advice I respect and find very discerning - especially with an eye toward maintaining unity in the Body of Christ. For in the long run (and I know this will sound shocking to some) the unity of the Body of Christ on earth is far more important than who gets elected in five weeks. After all, few remember the arguments that raged between Governor Grover Cleveland the Democrat from New York, and Governor James Blaine the Republican from Maine, leading up to the 1884 election - though at that time they seemed so all-important to so many. Satan's strategy is to distract, divide, and conquer, for as Jesus noted - every kingdom (nation-state), city, or household that is divided against itself, will not stand (Matt. 12:25). And althoug...