Waiting Forwardly In Anticipation

Luke 2:25-35; Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:35-40; Romans 13:11; Revelation 3:3

We read of many in Matthew and Luke eager to visit the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. Luke records the story of the shepherds, and Matthew - the wise men... and of course let's not forget Herod, who told them to let him know when they found him so he could go and "worship" Him also. But of all the accounts of those longing to see this newborn King, the one I find most interesting is Simeon.

Luke 2:25-35 tells us all that we know about this otherwise unknown. Simeon was in the temple court being led by the Holy Spirit, looking for the young Messiah. Promised that he would live to see this child who would be the savior of the world, I have to wonder just how many little faces Simeon must have gazed at in anticipation. Is this the one God? Is that Him there? Verse 25 tells us that he was looking or waiting (prosdechomai) for the One who would bring redemption. Pros meaning "forward" and Dechomai meaning “to wait,” Luke is telling us that Simeon was waiting forwardly in anticipation.

Unlike Simeon, we may not have the promise that we will see His return before we depart this earth, but the Bible does tell us that we should be looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. (Titus 2:13) We should be eagerly awaiting the return of our King, just as Simeon eagerly awaited His first arrival. In Matthew 24, Jesus Himself tells us to be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.  (Matthew 24:42) Are you ready for His return? It just might be today!

Luke 2:25–26 (NASB) And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Pastor Mike Deese

The Intersection

Isaiah 7:47; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53:1-12; 1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 2:20; John 19:17-18; John 11:25; Romans 8:11


Have you ever been on a trip, traveling unfamiliar territory, and suddenly find yourself uncertain  of which way to turn at an upcoming intersection? Those situations are less likely now with GPS navigation in our cars and on our phones but it still happens from time to time. Even with a GPS navigator calling out your next turn, it can be a little tricky sometimes, especially in heavy traffic or late at night in the dark. 

There is a great intersection that we all face in life at some point. It is at the cross of Christ. We can choose to turn and walk away or believe and embrace it. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (NASB) 

It is difficult for some to believe that Jesus left His throne in Heaven, humbled Himself to come to this earth to die for the sins of man, and was risen from the dead. They may believe that Jesus walked this earth and was a great teacher and good example for us all. But the whole story of the virgin birth, the manger, the cross; all of that just seems too foolish. But I needed more than a great teacher and good example. I needed a savior.

The Bible is very clear concerning sin. Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NASB) And Romans 6:23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB) That gift came to us in the form of a baby, whose mother Mary wrapped in a cloth and laid in a manger. That child would later prove to be the savior of the world, giving His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) My prayer for you is that you don't see this as foolishness, but the power of God!

Luke 2:11 (NASB) for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Pastor Mike Deese

Faith

Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6-9; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:8-9

What comes to mind when you think of faith? Is it simply believing in something or someone? Is it more than that? When it comes to faith in God, Merriam-Webster defines it as belief and trust in and loyalty to God.¹ I'll have to admit, I was surprised to see that Webster included all three of these; belief, trust, and loyalty. Scripture clearly shows that faith goes beyond belief. In fact, James 2:19 says You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (NASB) Obviously, just believing in God does not demonstrate faith.

I've never been a great fan of heights. I like to keep my feet on the ground as much as possible. I guess my dislike in that area has never been more tested than our family trips to Stone Mountain, Georgia. We have been several times and we will usually ride the Summit Skyride; the gondola that takes you to the top of the mountain. I'm always inspecting the cables, pulleys, bolts and such before entering (as if I would be able to discern any problems). It is difficult for me to trust a bunch of metal pieces assembled by humans to carry a massive cable car fully loaded with guests as it transports them more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. I reluctantly ride anyway. And I must say, there's not a better view of the Confederate Memorial Carving. It is simply stunning.

It's one thing to say you believe the Summit Skyride carries all those folks safely up and down the mountain day after day, and another to climb aboard and take the ride for yourself. Again in chapter 2, James says that faith, if it has no works, is dead. (v. 17) He speaks of how Abraham was justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar, (v. 21) and how Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way. (v. 25) Their works were done in obedience to God, showing much more than just believing, but climbing on board and trusting fully in Him.

I thank God that we are saved by His wonderful gift of grace. And as Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8, it is by His grace through faith; our belief, trust, and loyal actions revealing our full dependence on, and obedience to God. Do you have faith in Him?

Galatians 2:20 (NASB) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Pastor Mike Deese


¹https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith

Don't Step On The Cracks

Psalm 119:15; Proverbs 4:25 ; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 6:24; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 7:35

Do you remember playing Don't Step On The Cracks as a child. I think we have all played that one. The other morning I had to play it again as I went jogging. A road crew had been by late the afternoon before and had sprayed the cracks in the road, and from the looks and smell of them they were still a little tacky. I sure didn't want to get any on the bottom of my running shoes and carry it into the house. 


As I was running along trying to avoid the somewhat fresh chemicals over the numerous cracks, I noticed how difficult it was to focus on anything else. It's amazing how something so simple can garner so much of our attention. We should be careful not to allow anything in our lives that demand so much focus it distracts us from things much more important. 

Luke 10:38-42 is a great example of how distractions can get in the way of more important things. It says Now as they were traveling along, He (Jesus) entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (NASB)

While many things we do and have are good, and may even be justifiable, we need to make sure that whatever it is, it does not come between us and our relationship with God. Our relationship with Him has to be the most important thing in our lives. Let's not allow distractions to get in the way.

Matthew 6:33 (NASB) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Pastor Mike Deese

I'm Thankful For...

1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 57:9; Psalm 86:12; Psalm 105:1; Psalm 107:1; Psalm 118:1; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17

We have probably all experienced the practice of going around the dinner table telling what we are most thankful for, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. We try to think of something we haven't said in the past in order to make it more sincere. We often remove the obvious, like family in general, or specific family members, in order to get more unique answers. Some are humorous, some sobering, some general, some practical, but all are worthy of our thanks. We all have so much to be thankful for, and the gratitude belongs to God. 

In Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan writes of a place called forgetful green, to which he describes as "the most dangerous place in all these parts." He then explains, "for if at any time the Pilgrims meet with any brunt, it is when they forget what favours they have received, and how unworthy they are of them". How true it is that we forget so easily the blessings that God has bestowed upon us; blessing we were never worthy of to begin with. 

Hosea 13:6 says As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, And being satisfied, their heart became proud; Therefore they forgot Me. (NASB) Let's not so easily forget what the Lord has done for us. Instead we should embrace the words God told Israel in Deuteronomy 4:9 as He instructed them to ...give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. (NASB)

God is so gracious to us and so very worthy of all our praise and gratitude. We owe everything to Him. Let us be ever thankful for His goodness.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB) in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Mike Deese

I'm Not That Bad

Romans 5:6-8; Romans 9:14-16; Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:4-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12

We have just recently experienced one of, if not THE ugliest election campaigns in the history of presidential elections. It has been a trend for a while now to go negative against your opponent, but this last election seems to have gone to new lows. Not just in the presidential race either. It was all down the line. It seems all a candidate needs to do to win an election is let you know how much worse it would be if their opponent were to win. 

Unfortunately, too often we have this attitude within the church. We begin to compare ourselves to other believers and are convinced that while we may not be perfect, at least we are not as bad as "them". We may even try to convince God of our worthiness based on comparing our lives with others. Problem is, those "others" are not the measuring rod. If we want a relationship with Him, we must match the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Of course we all know that is totally impossible for us to reach. But the good news is we don't have to. He has already done that for us. Jesus has paid the price for our sin. He has arranged for the greatest trade ever offered; our unrighteousness for His righteousness. A second chance at a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

So the next time we start trying to justify our lives based on the lives of other believers, let's stop to think about the justification that we have received when we put our trust in Christ. Let's not condemn each other but build each other up, encouraging one another to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) And let us be thankful for the greatest gift given to mankind; salvation through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!

John 1:12 (NASB) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

Pastor Mike Deese

Looking For Lazarus?

1 Chronicles 16:28-29; Psalm 48:1; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 71:8; Psalm 103:1; Revelation 5:13

In John chapter 12 we see Jesus dining with Lazarus whom He had recently raised from the dead. When the people hear that Jesus is in town they come to see Him. But He's not the only one they come to see. John 12:9 says "the large crowd of the Jews then learned that He (Jesus) was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead." (NASB) It seems the crowd was not only interested in the miracle worker, but also in seeing the miracle. 

Too often we get caught up in worshiping God for what He has done instead of simply worshiping Him for who He is. He is worthy of our praise, period! His worthiness is not based on what He has done or helped us accomplish. Our praise for Him should not be based on how much He has given us or what He will do to make our lives easier. We are to seek His face, not just His hand.

When it comes to worshiping God, our position should be that of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego as they faced possible death for refusing to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's false gods. They replied to Nebuchadnezzar that their God would save them from his fiery furnace, but then declared “even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18) Their worship for God was not based on whether or not He would save them. They were going to worship God no matter what.

As we offer our praise, let us be careful not to worship the things that God has created but the God that created all things. He alone is worthy of our praise!

Psalm 96:4 (NASB) For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

Pastor Mike Deese

So Many Distractions

Ephesians 5:14; Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 16:13

We live in a world full of distractions; cell phones, tablets, computers, TV's, radio, and the list goes on. There are so many things readily available to occupy our mind, too often at the most inopportune times. Texting while driving comes to mind. The number one reason for automobile accidents is driver distractions in some form or another. Of course texting is not the only distraction. There's talking on the cell phone, talking with other passengers, eating and drinking, using a navigation system, adjusting the radio, etc.

The other day as I headed out for work it was extremely foggy and visibility very low. Under such conditions we must pay extra attention to our surroundings for safety. Any distractions would certainly complicate matters. This is also true for us spiritually. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter tells us to be on the alert. Why? He goes on to say Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Satan is always ready to catch us off guard. He would love nothing more than to trip us up and get us off track. If we do not remain alert, we leave ourselves vulnerable. 

So let us take care to be ever on our guard against the enemy, remaining in God's word and walking daily with Him, and as James 4:7 says: Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

Proverbs 4:25 (NASB) Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

Pastor Mike Deese

Walk In The Light

Psalm 56:13; Psalm 89:15; Isaiah 2:5; Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16; John 1:5; John 12:36-36; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 21:23

I for one am ready for daylight savings time to end. Don't get me wrong, I love the long summer evenings, but when the fall arrives my morning jogs are in the dark. The other day was the darkest yet. It was near a new moon and somewhat cloudy which didn't help matters either. In the first few minutes I had to run more toward the middle of the road because I couldn't see well enough to stay on the side. I thought of the many dangers of not being able to see where I was going. Fortunately, I was very familiar with the road, as I have traveled it on foot several times a week for a while now. But even familiar ground can be dangerous in the dark. An object could have been left in the road that would not be visible or an animal could possibly get in my way to trip me up. 

It is the same for us spiritually. Satan loves to try and trip us up, slow us down or stop us in our tracks. If we are not walking in the light, we are susceptible to his devices. But fortunately we are not left alone in the dark. God's Word is full of scriptures about walking in the light. Scriptures such as John 8:12 where Jesus said “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." And numerous Old Testament scriptures such as Psalm 119:105 which says Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path, and Psalm 27:1, The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?

So let us hide His Word in our hearts, and continue to trust in the light of the world to keep us on His path and His plan. He will guide us safely home.

1 Peter 2:9 (NASB) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Pastor Mike Deese

Itching Ears Want To Hear

Jeremiah 23:13; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1

King Ahab was a wicked King over Israel. Of course there never was a good king over the northern tribes. Only a handful of kings in the south (Judah) were good. Jehoshaphat was one such king. In 2 Chronicles 18 we see Jehoshaphat paying a visit to Ahab. Ahab prepares a feast for Jehoshaphat and then asks him to go to battle with him against Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat agrees under one condition: He wanted to hear from the Lord on it. Ahab agrees and sends for 400 false prophets to try to appease Jehoshaphat. They all give the king the green light and tell him the victory will be his. Jehoshaphat however sees right through the pretense and asks if there is not a prophet of the Lord that they may inquire of. Ahab gives a remarkably honest response: "There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me but always evil. He is Micaiah, son of Imla.” (v. 7) It seems that Ahab couldn't take the truth. He would soon lose his life for his continued denial. 

As I think about how Ahab preferred the flattery of false affirmation over the troubling truth, I am reminded of the plethora of false teachers today that fill stadiums with those who prefer the tickling of the ears over the truth of the Gospel. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NASB) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

We must be mindful of misleading doctrine. We are to test the spirits as John says in 1 John 4:1. But how do we discern good doctrine from bad? The best way to recognize the truth is to study it for yourself. Paul tells Timothy to be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) So trust Him and Pray as David did in Psalm 25:5 (NASB) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; and again in Psalm 86:11 (NASB) Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth. If you will diligently study and sincerely ask for guidance, He will lead you into the truth.

John 8:31–32 (NASB) So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Pastor Mike Deese

Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear

Philippians 4:8; Psalm 101:2-4; 1 John 2:15-17; Proverbs 4:23-27


I like to listen to music through my earbuds when I jog. I have a few different playlists I use to help set the mood and pace. I'm not alone. Music apps like Spotify even offer playlists created specifically for running and for workouts. In fact, Spotify has entire categories of playlists not only for genres, but for various moods, sleep, study, or just about anything you can think of. 

But music not only has the ability to set a certain mood, it can actually have a lasting effect. Everything that we choose to listen to, as well as everything that we choose to look at, can define who we become. There is a saying in computer science and mathematics; garbage in, garbage out. Just as it sounds, it acknowledges that the quality of output is determined by the quality of input. It's no different with humans.

In Luke 6:45 (NASB) Jesus says “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. What we choose to fill our heart and mind with will eventually make its way out of our mouth. It establishes who we are.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We obviously have the option of following in the footsteps of those whose treasures are of this world or we can set our focus on the treasures above. But where do we start? How do we set our sights on the things above? Again, it's all about what we take in. Spending time daily in His Word and in prayer is a great start. It feeds and builds our spirit, which aides in diminishing the will of the flesh. We should also choose wisely what we listen to, read, watch, or even who we hang out with. All of these things either build the spirit or satisfy the flesh. In the end these very things define who we are. 

Philippians 4:8 (NASB) Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Pastor Mike Deese

He's Still Working On Me

Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 13:21; James 1:2-4; Isaiah 64:8

As I was studying in 1 Peter chapter 5 the other day, verse 10 reminded me of He's Still Working On Me, a song that we used to sing with our kids when they were little. As God's children, we are truly a work in progress. In this verse Peter declares that God Himself will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. (NASB) A deeper study of the Greek gives a greater sense of what Peter is acknowledging here. These four words together show how much our father cares for us and what He will accomplish in and through us as we live to bring Him glory. 

• The first word, transliterated katartizó means to perfect or complete, to make adequate, to furnish completely. Home builders know that as a construction project nears completion there will be an inspection, followed by a punch list of all the things that need touching up or do not conform to the specifications of the contract.  When God is finished with us there will be nothing left undone. Absolutely nothing will be found on our punch list. We will be truly perfect and complete!
• The second word he uses is transliterated stērizō, and means to set up, establish, support, to make more firm. This is similar to planting a tree and making sure it has plenty of support until it can take root on its own. It needs to be able to withstand strong winds and heavy rains. At this point it is strengthened by the support surrounding it. 
• The third word is transliterated sthenoō and means to make strong or stronger. This would be the strengthening of the tree itself as it grows, establishing a secure root system and absorbing the nutrients supplied.
• The fourth word, transliterated themelioō means to lay the foundation, to establish.

So let us be encouraged in this, knowing that God establishes us, laying a firm foundation (Jesus); sets up the support around us (our Christian family); strengthens us as we grow (through reading and studying His Word and spending time with Him in prayer); and continues to perfect us until the day when we trade the perishable for imperishable, the corruptible for incorruptible,  when as 1 John 3:2 says we shall be like Him. 

1 Peter 5:10 (NASB) After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Pastor Mike Deese

Missing A Dear Friend

Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; 1 Timothy 5:21; Proverbs 28:21

I lost a dear friend this past February. He was a very special person. Some would say he was special because of his disability, and perhaps much of it was, but for whatever reason, Stevie was indeed a special kind of friend. At his funeral, it was apparent that some in his family were blown away at the love shown him by so many in our congregation. That was more a testament to Stevie than to our church. He just had that impact on you. 

For starters, Stevie was no respecter of persons. He would greet everyone at church the same, whether you were in tattered hand me downs or dressed to the nines. Whether it was another person with a disability or someone with a doctorate degree, none of that mattered to Stevie. I'm not certain he could process the difference. I am certain of this though; we should all be more like him in that regard. 

When I think of Stevie's lack of partiality toward others I am reminded of James 2:1-4 which reads My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?

James goes on to say in verse 8 that we should fulfill the royal law from Leviticus 19:18;  you shall love your neighbor as yourself,  and in verse 9 explains that showing partiality is a sin. 

I will never forget Stevie, and I hope I never forget the valuable lesson that can be learned from his life and his love towards others. May we all follow his example.

James 2:9 (NASB) But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Pastor Mike Deese

What Time Is It Anyway?

Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53:1-12; Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 12:10

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have lived during the days of the prophets of old? Or maybe you have even wondered what it might be like to be an angel. No, I don't mean like a little princess. I mean the heavenly beings; the messengers of God that declare and promote God's will.
The truth is, both the prophets of old and Angels alike longed to catch a glimpse of, and fully understand, this salvation that has been made available to you and I in the days after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Peter tells us in his first letter that the prophets of old made careful searches and inquiries into the salvation that has been made available to us through the blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:10-11) He goes on to say that these are things into which angels long to look. (v. 12) In Matthew 5:16-17 Jesus, speaking to Peter and the other apostles said But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Peter's point is that his readers are extremely blessed to be able to fully experience what the old testament prophets could merely prophesy concerning Christ, his sufferings, and the glories to follow. He was also offering much needed hope in their difficult time of persecution, assuring them of their eternal inheritance; imperishable, undefiled and unfading, reserved for them in heaven. (v. 4)

Peter then presents his readers with a call to action based on this tremendous message. His charge to them, and us, is to prepare our minds for action, having self-control and fixing our hope completely on His grace; rid ourselves of our former lusts; and to be holy in all our behavior. (vv. 13-15)

So let us strive for full obedience to this charge, taking into account the high cost of our salvation, knowing that (we) were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from (our) futile way of life inherited from (our) forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18–19) (NASB)

1 Peter 1:10–11 (NASB) As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

Pastor Mike Deese

David Strengthened Himself In The Lord

Psalm 119:28; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 22:19; Psalm 28:7-8; Psalm 118:14; Isaiah 40:29; Ephesians 6:10; Ephesians 3:16

A man after God's own heart. That's how 1 Samuel 13 portrays Israel's second and highly favored king as God rejects king Saul for his continued disobedience. For sure David had his own faults, but what kept him in God's favor was his penitent heart. 

In chapter 27 of 1 Samuel, David exhibits an unwise decision as he decides to escape to the land of the Philistines as the only way to elude Saul's grasp. Saul had begun a relentless pursuit of David out of jealousy. Previously, David had sought the Lord for such matters but this time he goes it on his own. He is taken in by a man named Achish (the son of the king of Gath) and winds up settling in Ziklag.

During his time there, the Philistines decide to go up against Israel in battle and David is told by Achish that he must join them. David agrees and he and his men bring up the rear. However, along the route, as the commanders of the Philistines discover the "Hebrews" among them, David and his men are sent packing. These commanders fear that David will defect to Israel once the battle begins. So David heads back to his "home away from home" in Ziklag. Upon their return they find that Ziklag had been raided and burned to the ground. Their wives and children had been taken captive by the Amalekites. The Word says they wept until there was no strength in them to weep. Then their grief turned to anger and they begin to blame David and even talked of stoning him.

That's when David finally does what David did best. Chapter 30, verse 6 says that he strengthened himself in the Lord his God. He then inquired of the Lord as to the next move, and with God's help, rescued all that were taken captive and retrieved all of the spoils they were robbed of and then some! He got a bonus check to boot! 

At times we may find ourselves living in a situation similar to that of David in this passage. And quite often it's no one's fault but our own. But thankfully, if we trust in the Lord as David did, we will find that as Psalm 145:8 says, The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. (NASB) God is patient toward us and His lovingkindness is everlasting. Like David, we can strengthen ourselves in Him, look to Him for guidance, and rest assured that Christ, our King, has secured our victory. He has bought back all of that which the enemy has robbed us of. He has paid the price for our salvation. The victory is ours for the asking. And the bonus check is out of this world!

1 Samuel 30:6 (NASB) Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

Pastor Mike Deese

Keep The Faith

Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 40:8, 28; 2 Timothy 2:13

All men are created equal. So says our Declaration of Independence and so very true. What we do with this precious gift that God has so blessed us with is another story. We can choose to make the best of that which our abilities will afford or we can choose to lay our gifts aside and minimize our potential.

For sure, some are born with disadvantages such as disabilities or impairments. These truly deserve help through their difficulties. However, even some of these have accomplished huge gains in spite of the difficulties they have been handed. These stories of courage are simply amazing.

In similar fashion, God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:3b) Again, what we do with this precious gift makes all the difference. We can use this faith to acknowledge His precious gift of reconciliation through the blood of Christ, or we can reject this gift of grace.

In 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul says I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; The Greek word for kept used here holds the meaning of to keep watch over, to guard, or to protect. Paul had used his God given faith to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ, guarding and protecting it with his very life. In fact, he gave his life protecting it. He did not waiver to the right or to the left. He stayed the course to the very end.

God, and His Word, never change. As Psalm 102 says, “Of old You founded the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. “Even they will perish, but You endure; And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed.“But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end. Psalm 102:25–27 (NASB) God is ever faithful, His promises are ever true, He cannot lie and He will never change His mind. So let us hold to these truths and fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep, protect, and guard closely - the faith.

Psalm 119:89–90 (NASB) Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands.

Pastor Mike Deese

Finishing Well

2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philipians 3:14; Hebrews 12:1


I have always been impressed with long distance runners. The required endurance just amazes me. I can't imagine going the distance in a half marathon, much less a full 26.2 miles. I try to run 3 miles, 3 days a week and I have just entered my first 5k, which takes place the day after I turn 55. But the thought of running nearly 8 1/2 times that is mind-boggling.

The other day as I set out for my morning jog, I felt really good. I thought I would push myself a little and made the mistake I have made too many times before; I started out way too fast. While I was able to beat my record for the first mile, as you can probably guess, I ran out of steam well before my 3 miles was up. I had to walk the last half mile.

The Apostle Paul writes on several occasions comparing the Christian walk to a race. Just as in a physical race, our walk with Christ is less about starting fast and more about endurance. It's about running a good race and finishing well. In 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul acknowledges that the time of his departure has come, and continues in verse 7 to say I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; (NASB).

Paul wasn't making millions on book deals, packing out stadiums, and making his rounds on the TV talk shows. Far from it. He had spent most of his final days imprisoned for spreading the Good News of the Gospel. Yet under some of the worst conditions imaginable, Paul wrote some of the most encouraging and challenging teaching we have in the New Testament. He had not let his current situation get in the way of the mission that Jesus had called him to.  

So let us follow the example that Paul set before us and hold on to this eternal hope that we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NASB) And as we close in on the finish line, hopefully we, like Paul, can say that we have fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith!

Acts 20:24 (NASB) “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Pastor Mike Deese