"Poetry in Motion"

There was a time in my life when I used to write poetry. It was my way of expressing my feelings especially during times of struggle. Perhaps many of you remember having to examine poems as part of your English class curriculum in school. For some, studying poetry was a torturous exercise as the poet at times used words that made no sense and the struggle was to figure out the meaning behind the poet's intent. It's been a long time since I have written a poem but were you aware that God writes poetry everyday? Paul states in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)  The word "handiwork" has been translated in some Bibles as "work of art" but in the Greek the word is "poiema" from which we get our word "poetry." In Christ, God is writing a beautiful story in our lives. What is God's purpose in doing so? Paul states, "to do good works," but not in some haphazard way that figuratively speaking has no rhyme or reason. No, these good works are prepared by the Master Poet in advance for us to do. The Creator of the universe knows us and gives us gifts and talents through His Holy Spirit to accomplish His will. It's amazing that God would take the time to prepare good works in advance for us to do like the poet who carefully puts together each line of the poem. 

We Are A Living Expression Of God In Christ

The poem is an expression of who the poet is, their thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Thus, in Christ, we are a living expression of who God is when we commit to following Christ and obey His word. We don't have to scratch our heads trying to figure out what God's intent is when the Bible is our guide. Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:18-20, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV) Furthermore, in Matthew chapter 5, Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" and states, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 NIV) The same "good deeds" that God prepared in advance for us to do with the end result in bringing glory to God. We come to recognize a poet by the type of poetry they write in their own unique creative style. We are God's poetry in motion that others may come to recognize who He is in the way we live out our love and commitment to Him as well as our love and care for others in Jesus name. 

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Sheree

"Shame on you!"

 I remember growing up hearing the expression, "shame on you!" when I had engaged in some behavior that did not meet parental expectations. Maybe you can relate? When I think about those words, covering someone in shame, figuratively speaking can inflict emotional wounds that an individual can struggle with for years. In today's culture there is no shortage of shame. Social media has made shame an everyday occurrence with total disregard for the negative consequences. I was recently meditating on a verse from the book of Romans. Paul in chapter 9 is lamenting over the unbelief of Israel and as a result God opens up the gospel to the Gentiles. In verse 9:33b Paul states, "..the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame." (NIV) 

THE SHAME OF THE CROSS

Jesus understood shame well. The act of crucifixion was meant to impart shame and totally degrade the crucified person. To add insult to injury, some people mocked Him, spit at Him, and challenged Him to prove His deity by coming down off the cross. (Matthew 27:40-43) The irony is that Jesus could have covered His accusers with shame by coming down from the cross but He endured the shame to save us from our sins and for the glory yet to come after His resurrection. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, "For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2b NIV) One of the thieves who hung on a cross next to Jesus had a different take on the situation. In Luke 23:40-41 the thief acknowledged that he deserved to be punished for his crimes but Jesus had done nothing deserving of death. Then looking to Jesus he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (v.42 NIV) "Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise." (v.43 NIV) 

FREE FROM CONDEMNATION

The thief who made the request of Jesus demonstrated the reality of Romans 9:33b. He believed in Jesus and in essence scorned the shame for a glory that Jesus promised him. What a gift! I wonder what that thief felt hearing those words from Jesus. The good news is that we like that thief are all guilty of engaging in sinful behaviors that evoke a wagging finger and a verbal condemnation, "shame on you!" However, because Jesus came and lived among us, was crucified, died, was buried, and resurrected, we no longer have to live condemned or be covered with shame. Paul states in Romans 8, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2 NIV) What shameful things have you done in the past that you are still carrying today? Jesus wants you to scorn that shame and commit your life to following Him so that like the thief on the cross you can experience hope, receive eternal life, and one day enter into the kingdom of God. 

Glory to His name! 

Pastor Sheree

The Storm Before The Calm

I happen to enjoy thunderstorms. The power that is demonstrated in the wind, the flashes of lighting, and the rain remind me of the majesty of God. I realize that not everyone shares my feelings or is so enthralled with thunderstorms. There's the reminder that amidst the power is the potential for damage from lighting strikes which can spark fires or even shut down electricity. Additionally, there's the threat to human life, if someone is caught out in the open and is struck by lightning. Typically after a thunderstorm passes, there is a calm and quietness as the sun emerges along with blue sky. If the storm takes place at night, after its passing, the stars emerge in all their brilliance. In the gospel of Mark, we read about the disciples who were caught in a storm and how Jesus intervened. 

THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD

It was evening and Jesus with His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee after Jesus had finished a long day of ministering to the people. We are told that Jesus fell asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat. A furious storm came up and the disciples panicked, fearing they might drown as the boat became nearly swamped. In their distress they cry out to Jesus to save them. Mark tells us, "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." (Mark 4:39 NIV) Jesus challenges them regarding their lack of faith. Mark tells us the disciples were terrified and questioned, "Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him!" (Mark 4:41 NIV) I find it interesting that Jesus chooses to speak to the wind and the waves. He could have just raised His hand commanding all to be calm without saying a word. Why speak? The Bible doesn't answer the question, however the spoken word has power and influence as evidenced by the disciple's response. We have all experienced having someone say something to us whether it be kind or unkind and the feelings that those words stir up within us. Just like the disciple's reaction, we also react to what is spoken to us. Jesus' words bring me to a point of reaction and reflection. They remind me of the storm, "Quiet!" (stop the noise and distraction!) before the calm, "Be still!" (let My peace and calm settle your soul.)

HOW WILL WE REACT TO THE STORMS OF LIFE?

 Life presents us with many storms. Some of these storms can be significant enough to leave us in a state of panic and despair just like the disciples. However, when we call upon the Lord, is our faith able to lead us to a place of resting in the peace of knowing God is in control? In the thunderstorms of life, I recognize the potential threat to my emotional well-being but I am also reminded of the power of the One who is sovereign over all of nature. Jesus is the One who brings the calm after the storms. What He asks of us is to have the faith to trust Him. Jesus' question to His disciples is the same question His followers are challenged with today, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40 NIV.) The Bible does not place a percentage on how much faith His followers need to have as a measure of our commitment to God. Jesus Himself told His disciples in Luke 17 after they asked the Lord to increase their faith, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (Luke 17:5-6 NIV) Jesus was trying to emphasize that faith in Him no matter how great or small is the foundation upon which we remain rooted and strengthened to persevere as we navigate the storms of life. We often hear and are more familiar with the expression "the calm before the storm." While this statement is true whether we are talking about an actual weather related event or situations and circumstances in our lives, we need to ask the question, what happens after the storm? Will we abandon all hope? or rest in the peace of God, who in Jesus Christ brings restoration, renewal, and ultimately resurrection to all who place their trust in Him. Jesus is our hope and rescue in the storms of life. We can rest in the assurance of knowing that Jesus sees the concerns of our hearts, He cares, and will meet us where we are at, leading us to "calmer waters."

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Sheree

From Hosanna To Hallelujah!

Holy Week is that special time of year when followers of Jesus Christ remember and acknowledge Christ's sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. The celebration culminates on Easter Sunday which is the most significant day of the year and the foundation of Christianity. Christianity is anchored in the reality that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We have the gift of hindsight in understanding the significance of why Jesus came and how His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection changed history and changes lives. This is the heart of the gospel or "good news" for whoever believes in and commits their life to following Jesus. (John 3:16) However, when Holy Week events occurred in real time, the people had a different idea of who Jesus was and what He came to accomplish. 

SEARCHING FOR A SAVIOR AND KING

The Jewish people had been under great oppression by the Roman government. They had long prayed for deliverance and were looking for the Messiah to come who would not only free them from bondage but overthrow the Romans once and for all according to the Biblical Old Testament prophecies. The Sunday prior to Easter which we recognize as Palm Sunday begins the Holy Week remembrance. On that day the people celebrated Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem as some spread their cloaks and others palm branches on the road before Him. The people cried out, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" (Mark 11:8-10 NIV) The word "Hosanna" translated means "Save us, now!" It was in essence a coronation of a king not in the same way the Roman Empire welcomed their conquering kings with pomp and circumstance, but rather the Jewish people remembered the words of the prophet Zechariah, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey!" (Zechariah 9:9 NIV) What the people and the disciples didn't anticipate was Jesus' arrest and ultimate crucifixion like a common criminal. The "conquering king" that the people celebrated, the miracle working, compassionate, healing Master that the disciples followed appeared defeated by the Romans, once again dashing the people's hopes on the rocks of despair. However, three days later their Hosannas turned into Hallelujahs as Jesus conquered sin and death and rose from the grave! 

WE HAVE A SAVIOR AND KING!

Our world today is once again crying out, "Hosanna" "Save us now!" However, the cries are not for the arrival of a conquering king to free us from oppressive government rulers but rather people are seeking salvation and hope from the oppression of this world system. A world that is steadily growing darker with violence, racism, hatred, and confusion. A world in which people are engaging in behaviors that are unfolding just as Timothy declares would be representative of the last days prior to Jesus' return. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) A world that is calling evil good and good evil as the prophet Isaiah declares, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20 NIV) Easter is the day that our Hosannas are turned into Hallelujahs! The word "Hallelujah" is translated, "Praise Yahweh!" Jesus has freed us from sin and death. In the gospel of John we read, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:17 NIV) The world's cries for help have not gone unheard. God has saved us through the resurrection of His Son! This is what Easter is all about and what believers celebrate on earth will be carried into eternity. Christ will triumphantly come again as King of kings and Lord of lords and His faithful followers will live with Him forever. In John's vision in the book of Revelation he sees a celebration of heavenly hosts saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15 NIV) Let all of heaven and earth celebrate our conquering King! 

HALLELUJAH, HE IS RISEN!

Pastor Sheree

Happy New You!

It's a familiar scene every December 31st. Crowds of people huddled together in Times Square, New York, waiting with anticipation for the ball to drop ushering in a New Year. At the end of 2022, there was even more excitement for people to be gathered together after missing out during the covid pandemic. The countdown begins at 11:55 as the ball slowly makes its way down the pole until at 12am, the New Year's sign lights up 2023! The crowd cheers, couples embrace, confetti falls, and there's a renewed sense of hope that the old year is erased and somehow the New Year is going to be better. However, the reality is that although the page has turned on an old year, the New Year doesn't guarantee much in the way of change or even hope. People make New Year's resolutions that are quickly forgotten, there are ongoing wars and conflicts in various parts of the world, our government remains in chaos, and yes, the "c" word "covid" hangs on with new variants popping up faster than epidemiologists are able to keep track. People want to believe that situations and circumstances will improve but the reality is the hope that the world offers can become at times nothing more than wishful thinking. So what is there to look forward to? 

We Can Become New!

The Bible offers a hope that goes beyond wishful thinking. In fact the Bible talks about how individuals can become new. This is not a resolution but a revelation! This is not something that takes place only at the beginning of a New Year but can take place each and every day of each and every year. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" (NIV) In Jesus Christ there is a hope that is permanent, purposeful, and eternal. All of our sins have been forgiven, past, present, and future through the shedding of His blood and His resurrection. We don't need to resolve that we will do better next year, for in Christ we don't have to earn our way to God. In Christ, God sees us as His children and as co-heirs with Christ and gives us His Holy Spirit. Paul tells us in Romans, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." (Romans 8:14-17 NIV) 

God Is At Work

 God has promised us that He is actively in the process of making everything new and we will one day see and experience a new heaven and a new earth and not merely continue on with the same difficulties rolling into another New Year. (Revelation 21:1-5) So as we move through 2023, we will face many challenges ahead of us, some carried over from last year and some new to this year. Jesus tells us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b NIV) This good news is our real and true hope for the years to come!

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Sheree