Are You Ready?

This has been quite a difficult week for many people here in Massachusetts with an unusual Noreaster that dumped heavy, wet snow creating numerous power outages. Even as I write these words there are many brothers and sisters who remain in the dark. My husband and I were fortunate that our power went out last Saturday but was restored 4 hours later. Many folks have not yet recovered from the devastation and trauma that accompanied Hurricane Irene not too long ago. A recurring theme I have heard throughout the week is how much people are "suffering" without the convenience of electricity. The discomfort is exacerbated by the change in seasons and the low temperatures which for some people made it impossible to stay in their homes without heat.  It is at times like these that the reality of our dependance on electricity really hits home. I have been praying for a quick resolution for those left in the dark and stamina for the power companies working 24/7 to get everyone back on line. And while I do not make light of what is happening to people, I am reminded that our faith can be severely tested. We have to honestly ask ourselves the question, when everything falls apart is our faith in the Lord able to sustain us? We as a nation and a Western culture have never experienced suffering to the same degree as other nations/peoples. However, Jesus warned that prior to His return things would become more challenging. (Matthew 24)  Furthermore the attitudes of people would shift towards one another. (2 Timothy 3) There is unrest worldwide and it is even manifesting itself in our cities with the movement against corporate greed. However, are we ready for what is yet to come?  I admit I am guilty of taking for granted the comforts I enjoy everyday and I am quick to cry foul when I am inconvenienced. But am I willing to put my life on the line for Jesus? There are brothers and sisters who are being persecuted everyday for Christ and we rarely hear about it because it is not as news worthy as some celebrity or athlete caught in some scandal.  And it is easy to think that things won't get "that bad" here in our country. However we can't be ignorant about such matters. We need to be faithful and depend on God come what may. Peter's encouragement to the suffering saints is appropriate for us to hear and keep in mind, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything....Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." (1 Peter 1:3,12) italics mine. May the Lord give us the grace we need by the power of His Holy Spirit to be found faithful in times of trial.

Shalom,

Pastor Sheree

Pain and Promise

Recently I had to be seen by a hand surgeon related to some pain I was having in my right hand. The surgeon was able to determine I was in the early stages of developing a "trigger finger." That is a condition characterized by an inflammation around the tendon which inhibits the easy movement of the fingers. Over time if left untreated the finger at the site of the inflammation gets stuck which then requires you to physically pull on it to get it unstuck, causing more pain and inflammation. I was hoping the surgeon would recommend some sort of non-invasive remedy that would take care of the pain. However, he instead suggested an injection into my hand (palm side) of an anti-inflammatory medication which was guaranteed to reduce the swelling, pain, and restore normal movement. Needless to say I was not quick to agree knowing that the hand is a very sensitive part of the body. I tried to reason my way out of it in my mind as he sat patiently waiting for me decide. Finally I had to come to grips with the fact that the alternative was a continued deterioration which would lead to surgery. So, I opted for the pain of the injection based on the promise that my hand would get better.  We often have the same experience in our Christian walk. We  set our hopes on a particular outcome that we believe is God's will for us but sometimes get surprised when God does the opposite. I had such an experience not too long ago. I believed God had clearly opened a door for me which I excitedly pursued only to have the door as I perceived it slammed shut, bolted, and locked. It through me into a tailspin and I was deeply grieved. All the questions come bubbling to the surface, "I don't get it God, is this some kind of a cruel joke?" "Did I misinterpret your leading?" As a result one can go to a place of questioning the goodness of God. However, just as I had to trust the doctor that the pain from the injection would bring healing, so I have to trust God with the same. In fact pain and a promise are very Biblical. Remember Abraham? In Genesis 12 God gave Him numerous promises about "blessing all peoples of the earth through him."(Genesis 12:2-3) How exciting that must have been for Abraham! Even though God called him to leave his homeland, on some level Abraham was able to trust God given the promise that was to be fulfilled through him. But God threw Abraham a "curve ball" when he told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. (Genesis 22) In the midst of the emotional pain Abraham was experiencing, he may have wondered whether experiencing the pain of the death of his only son was worth it for the fulfillment of the promise. Ultimately, Abraham decided to trust God and of course the rest is history.  Isaac was saved and Abraham did indeed become the father of many nations (Jew and Gentile) and through his lineage, came Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In Christ we see the repetition of the pain and promise to us. Through the pain of Jesus' sacrifice came the promise of hope, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. Some folks wonder if God could have found a better way than for Jesus to suffer as He did? Yes, God could but pain was necessary for us to appreciate the healing. The healing of the rift between God and humanity because of sin and the healing of our souls as we are conformed to the image of Christ. The hand doctor told me if my hand did not feel any better in about a month, I could come back for a second injection which should do the trick. (I am praying that's not the case) The good news is "Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (2 Peter 3:18a) And in my moments of despair when I am tempted to question the goodness of God, His word speaks comfort to my wounded soul, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) "I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:15b-16) italics mine. Somehow having something engraved on the palms of one's hands is far more painful than my injection but Oh the promises that follow! 
Be Blessed!
Pastor Sheree

Faith, Love and Deeds

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes or food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead." (James 2:14-17) These are some powerful words from James but very relevant for us today. I was able to witness faith in action this week. There are some trees near our home that need to be cut down. My husband made some phone calls to various local companies to get some estimates for the tree removal. Two companies came out to give us a price. In the meantime a brother in our congregation mentioned the name of a Christian man he knew that was very good and could probably give us a cheaper estimate. My husband made several calls to this person and left messages without any response. I couldn't understand why a fellow believer would not return our calls or even leave a message to indicate his availability. I thought for sure that God wanted the Christian man to do the work. One of the other companies called to lower their estimate and was anxiously waiting for a response from us. We were ready to call the company back when a customer came to my husband's job. He was looking for a part to repair a burner for a boiler at the home of an elderly woman who had been without heat or hot water for two days. The customer stated that his wife was a home health caregiver and discovered the elderly woman's problem a few days ago. The customer who was an auto mechanic attempted to help the elderly woman but broke a hose in the process. My husband's business did not have the needed part but my husband recommended that he contact the local oil companies. Sadly, no oil company would help this man. He reported back to my husband what had happened and added that this elderly woman had no money. In response my husband offered his assistance, having been in the oil burner service business for 29 years. He happened to have a used burner in our shed at home and arranged to meet the man at the elderly woman's home after work. After ensuring the the burner was still in working order, he went to the elderly woman's home, installed it, and got the burner up and running. Before my husband parted company with this auto mechanic he mentioned about our tree situation. In response, the mechanic stated that he also had a tree removal business and was willing to come and do the job for a very reasonable price. We received this as a blessing from the Lord and it became clear to me why the delay in the tree removal process. God calls us to be witnesses and faithful in showing His love to the world. It is very easy to become too comfortable in our Christianity or to adopt an attitude of, "Well, I feel sorry for that person" or "What a shame, I hope they get some help soon. It's a good thing it's not winter yet!" James calls for faith in action but John goes even further and speaks of the very heart of God which is love in action, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17-18) Let us remain faithful to our Savior who calls us to, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (italics mine) There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31) 
Blessings In Christ,
Pastor Sheree