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