Thought For the Week

Greetings Friends, Given all the events of the last year, the conflict in relation to the election, and much of the turmoil that has so many people concerned, worried, or even afraid, I did want to take the opportunity to send out a “thought” which is taken from two authors I referenced in my recent sermon on “God’s Absolute Sovereignty Over All – Including Satan,” which was from John 13:1-30, and brought in elements of Luke 22:22 and Luke 22:31 as well. If you have no interest in this topic, these two excerpts will seem too long. If you do have an interest in this subject, you will wish I quoted more! The first author is A.W. Pink from his classic work, “The Sovereignty of God” (written in 1928). And the second is taken from Erwin Lutzer’s book, “God’s Devil – The Incredible Story of How Satan’s Rebellion Serves God’s Purposes.” (Lutzer was the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago from 1980-2016.) I encourage you to consider their words, let them (if needed) alter your understandin...

Dear Friends, Today I decided to do something I rarely do - send you a "thought" that is from myself, as opposed to another author. It speaks for itself. I woke this morning much earlier than I normally do because God laid the following "thought" on my heart. It's one of those times where I felt compelled in my spirit to speak into the present situation in America and would have felt as if I was in direct disobedience to God if I didn't. It's intended to encourage and remind, not rebuke. Because sometimes we get distracted, and need to be called back to the basics of our faith. Enjoy. "As I woke up this morning I couldn’t help but think of all the stuff that’s going on in our country. And like many of you, I was asking: What should I do? What should I say? How should I respond? How should the church in general respond? What would the “Christian” response be? And I ask that as a pastor who has been struck by the overall absence (among believers ...

Dear Friends, As I sat here at my desk thinking of what "thought" I would pass along to you today, I looked down at a piece of paper sitting on top of the biggest pile of 'waiting to be filed away' papers. "That's it," I said to myself, "I will send that out." Although I must tell you up front that it didn't come from a book. It's a very short "thought," but one that requires a little explanation. There was a gentleman in my congregation who left to be with Christ a couple years back. If there was ever an example of a devout Christian gentleman, it was him. And by that I mean a truly gentle man. A man who said to me just one year before he died at 96 years old: "I pray and do my devotions every day." It was true -- a habit he had started 80 or so years back when he was in his mid-teens. And after a pause -- choking up as he said it -- he added, "I love the Lord with all my heart and so...

Dear Friends, My prayer for all of you as you celebrate Christmas. Grace through Christ and Peace to All Who Look in Faith to Him, Pastor Jeff

Dear Friends, Greetings to you as we begin our 3rd week of Advent! It's obviously much different than years past, but the anchor of our hope and joy is always Jesus Himself, and not all the cultural trappings we have added to the day that celebrates His birth (the Jesus who remains in control, regardless of how things appear to us). His words, given to his disciples at His ascension, are the bedrock of our trust. "All authority in heaven and earth has been given unto me, therefore..." (Matthew 28:18).  Jesus' words help us to realize what I have told my flock often in light of them: "As believers, nothing can come our way that does not first pass through the filter of God's love for us as His people." Nothing. And that doesn't mean nothing "bad" will happen to us, but it does mean that it can't come our way unless our sovereign Lord Christ, who has ALL authority in heaven and earth, permits it to pass through...

Dear Friends, Today's "thought" comes to you from a lady named Peace Ike, a physical therapist, musician, community organizer, worship leader, friend and supporter of the CCO (the Coalition for Christian Outreach -- on college campuses). She wrote this entry for this year's CCO Advent Devotionals. They have all been good, but I chose this one because... just because! I trust you might be encouraged by it as we head into the Christmas season. Enjoy. A Word for the Planners "The other day, I had a long conversation with an old friend of mine whom I hadn’t talked to in years. I wanted to see how she was holding up with all of the “ups and downs”— or more accurately, just the “downs”— of 2020. This friend and I used to serve in ministry together at a local church, but we’ve since parted ways as God has called us in different directions. After exchanging niceties, I asked her how she was really doing. “Horrible,” she said. S...

Dear Friends, I don't often ask for feedback in a post, but on this particular occasion I would like to do so! Not a long or detailed response, but just one idea. I'd like to ask you (if you have the time) to send me just one idea that might come into your mind as you read this week's thought. Or, more specifically, in keeping with today's post by Dr. James Emery White - a subversive idea. A revolutionary idea. A way we can "take Christmas back." A thought (or if you would like, a couple thoughts) which you might come up with on how to make Christmas more focused on, and in keeping with, Jesus. Thoughts you have on how to make Advent and The 12 days of Christmas (which run from Christmas Day to Tuesday, Jan 5th) more honoring to Him, and in line with what He would want from His people as we look to celebrate the holiday that bears His name. If you have the time, I'd love to hear your ideas. Enjoy. The Advent Conspiracy "Chri...