Wisdom of The Week

     We just returned from a trip to Oregon to visit family, take in some track meets, and attend the high school graduation for our granddaughter, Lacey, from North Clackamas Christian School. It was a very special time but the trip seems to get longer each year! It is short, however,  compared to the train ride my wife had last summer. A melanoma was discovered on the back of her left eye and she was sent to the University of Washington medical facility to have proton therapy. It involved four train rides from Libby to Seattle (five, counting her check up this February).  On her return in late August, after having five days of therapy, the normal twelve-hour train ride took twenty four!  The engine broke down in the middle of the night in Eastern Washington. They sat there for ten hours without power, which meant no air conditioning!  Since there was also no cell service, the passengers had no way to contact those who were waiting to pick them up at their destinations. Finally the  Burlington Northern “rescue” engine showed up and pulled the train into Spokane where they had to get powered up and join the awaiting train from Portland. . Then at Sandpoint, Idaho, they had to stop to refuel and at Bonners Ferry had to wait for a new crew to arrive to operate the train!  They finally pulled into Libby some twelve hours later than scheduled.  They were due at 5:11 a.m. and arrived around 5:30 p.m.!  My waiting at the depot is a story for another time (We have only one cell phone, and Kathy had it).

     When Kathy finally got cell service, she turned her phone on to play some Christian music and the first song that came on was “Weary Traveler” by Jordan St. Cyr!  She was very tempted to play it for all the folks in her train car.  The lyrics relate how we are sometimes beat down from the storms we have weathered and it “feels like the road just might go on forever,” but we are challenged to “Carry on…Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long. Someday soon we’re gonna make it home.”  God definitely has a sense of humor, but was also reminding Kathy that He was there for her.

     I couldn’t help but think about Noah and his family who spent 370 days inside the Ark!  Genesis 8:1 says, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided.”  It’s not that God forgot about Noah, but that He was now acting in His perfect timing to carry out His plan and purpose. God never forgets about us. He is there all the time, working His plan. Sometimes it seems that the “road just might go on forever” but “we’re gonna make it home. Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long.” “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58).  So, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal. 6:9). 

     The “road” we are on may be a difficult one with many challenges, but we are to remain steadfast. That involves unwavering faith and perseverance, resisting the temptation to grow weary in the face of those challenges. It is about trusting in God’s promises and remaining committed to His purpose, even when life is difficult. It is a conscious choice to remain firm in our faith, even when facing adversity, discouragement or persecution. It involves continual commitment to doing His will, looking to Jesus as our example. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Heb. 12:1,2). Steadfastness involves trusting, not only in God’s plan and purpose, but also in His timing and not growing weary when waiting. “As for God, His way (and His timing) is blameless..” (Psa. 18:30). “Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isa. 40:31). “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Cor. 4:17,18). 

     So, “weary traveler, you won’t be weary long. Someday soon we’re gonna make it home”!

Forever his,

Pastor Dave N

     When we attended the Celebration of Life Service for my brother-in-law this spring, one of his classmates from high school in Polson, Montana was there. I knew that Bill liked to run in marathons so I asked him–half jokingly (because he is now 86 or 87)–if he is still running marathons. He replied that he is still running, but now just doing half-marathons!  Good for him!

     You have undoubtedly heard the name Usaine Bolt, current record holder for the 100-meter dash. At the World Athletic Championships in Berlin, Germany in 2009, the Jamaican speedster set the record at 9.58 seconds, breaking his previous world record by .11 seconds.  But you may not recognize the name Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who in 2021 crossed the 100-meter finish line ahead of all her competitors. Her time of 60 seconds was a bit slower than that of Usaine’s, but she was 105 years old, competing in the Louisiana Senior Games!

     There’s a lot to like about  an “octogenarian” still doing half marathons or a “centenarian”  who’s still running sprints, but there’s even more to like about believers in Jesus who never stop “running the race that God has set before them, their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross…”  (Heb. 12:1,2).  The Psalmist wrote: “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green” (Psa. 92:12-14). 

     It’s tempting as we grow into the “golden years” (not sure why they are called that unless it has to do with the crowns on your teeth!) to slow down and “ease our way home,” but you won’t find that option in Scripture!  We are to keep running the race to the finish line, which is when God calls us home. If we still have life and breath, we can be of service to God. There is no call for older believers to stop running the race. Maybe not the way Bill or Julia does, but in ways that continue to help build the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as He provides the strength we need. There is no lack of opportunities to continue being of service to God.  What are some things you can do to continue reaching others for Christ and helping them grow in faith? How can you encourage other believers to serve as they can? 

     When the time of our “departure” comes, may we be able to say with the Apostle Paul:   “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (II Tim. 4:7).  Jesus, thank you for every day you give me.  No matter my age, help me to strive to run the race set before me until you take me home.

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N

     Some airline passengers were waiting to take off from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and were listening to the flight attendant welcoming them. She stumbled repeatedly over which destination cities they were bound for; but then an authoritative voice came over the intercom saying: “I’m your pilot, folks. And don’t worry–I know where we’re going!” How reassuring to know that the one to whom you have entrusted your travel plans knows where he is going and how to get there!

     When Jesus told His disciples that He was soon leaving and returning to His “Father’s house” He promised, “I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” But “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way’,” to which Jesus replied: “I am the way,  the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (Jn. 14:2-6).  Not only does Jesus know the way,  He is “the way” to get to heaven, and He will take us there.  He is not just one of many ways, He is the only way. “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers and elders of the people…there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved’ ” (Acts 4:8,12). And the Apostle Paul wrote: “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…” (I Tim. 2:5,6). 

     When we acknowledge that we are “dead in trespasses and sin,…God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, makes us alive together with Christ…and raises us up with Him and seats us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:1,4-6).

   Christianity is not just a “hope so,” but a “know so” faith. John writes: “And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life”  (I Jn. 5:11-13).  If we have put our trust in Jesus, we can be assured of our destination–eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Paul, in writing to Timothy, said: “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (II Tim. 1:12).  And, the Apostle Peter wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Pet. 1:3-5). 

     I love the old classic hymn, Blessed Assurance, by Fanny Crosby. The first stanza says, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”  What “blessed assurance” to know that before the foundation of the world, God chose us in Christ (Eph. 1:4) and will not change His mind about us, but will see to it that we reach our destination–His very presence. “Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen!” (Jude 24,25).

     Are you certain of your destiny? If so, thank Jesus today. If not, confess Him as your Lord and Savior, and abide in Him. He knows the way. He IS the way!  He will get you to your destination.

Forever His,

Pastor Dave

     Every spring we have lots of plants to share with others. We have a large vegetable/flower garden and this time of year lots of “volunteers” pop up, providing plants to give to fellow gardeners. These “volunteers” are the result of seeds that fell into the garden last fall and then germinated as the soil warmed up this spring. We have lots of poppies, sunflowers, bachelor buttons, etc.  We also have lots of extra raspberries and strawberries to share since they also reproduce prolifically.  

      When God created plants and animals, He gave them the ability to reproduce. In Gen. 1:11, we read: “Then God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with seed in them on the earth’; and it was so.”   But, in order for the seeds to reproduce the life germ that is within them, they must “fall into the ground and die.”  As Jesus was telling His disciples that His “hour” had come (to die and be glorified…Jn. 12:23), He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn. 12:24).  I once read that a single grain of wheat, if planted and the subsequent crops planted, would multiply sufficiently in eight years to feed the whole world for a year!  Those of us who raise zucchini squash understand well the vast amount of fruit that can come from one little seed!

     The principle of reproduction that Jesus taught was that in order to reproduce and bear fruit, death must first take place. A grain of wheat, if not planted, would remain, but alone.  Jesus was the “only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16). In order to become “the firstborn among many brethren” (Ro. 8:29), Jesus had to die and be buried. But He was raised and has subsequently implanted His life in all who believe, for “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (Jn. 1:12). “And, if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…” (Ro. 8:17).  So, Jesus’ death on the cross is portrayed as the dying of the grain of wheat. His death, though seemingly the end, was the means by which His life could be imparted to “many brethren.” The “principle of reproduction” is a principle of “multiplication.” Today, there are millions of Christians in the world because Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin and rose again. “For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive” (I Cor. 15:21). Jesus is the “first fruits of those who are asleep” (v. 20). 

     John 12:24 also speaks to the Christian’s experience of dying to self-centered desires, to sin and to worldly ambitions. This “dying” allows for a life of fruitfulness for God’s glory. We were chosen by Christ to “go and bear fruit” (Jn. 15:16). In His infinite wisdom, God made it possible for believers to reproduce and to bear fruit by giving us the Holy Spirit through whom the Father and Son also reside.  As we “abide in Christ” (Jn. 15:5), “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16),  “trusting in the LORD with all our heart, and not leaning on our own understanding” (Prov. 3:5), we will experience the “abundant life” Jesus promised (Jn. 10:10) and will be fruitful and will spread the love of Christ to others.  We have been united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, so “in Christ” have died to the old sinful flesh and are thus enabled to “walk in newness of life” (Ro. 6:4). 

     So, out of death comes life. That is the “principle of reproduction.”  When Jesus called His apostles, He said,  “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men”  (Mt. 4:19). He also said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mk. 8:34).  Again, we see the “principle of reproduction” that life comes out of death.  We are not “soul winners.” Christ alone can save, so He must be the One working in and through us for fruit to be produced. Only the Vine (Jesus Christ) can produce fruit. It is our role as branches  to “bear” (support) it (Jn. 15:1-8).  But,  just as God created plants to be able to reproduce “of their kind,” so He has enabled each believer to reproduce by placing the life of Christ within us (Gal. 2:20).   As Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators Christian Ministry said “We are born to reproduce.”  That’s God’s purpose for each believer–not just for preachers and missionaries!  Each believer has the responsibility and privilege of introducing others to eternal life in Jesus Christ.  

      When God created Adam and Eve He commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen. 1:28).  He repeated that command to Noah and his family as they got off the Ark (Gen. 9:1). We have done a pretty good job of accomplishing the filling of the earth with people!  But, God also commanded each of us who are Jesus’ followers, having experienced spiritual birth, to “Go and make disciples” (Mt. 28:19) and to “go and bear fruit” (Jn. 15:16).  We are “born again” to reproduce, to fill the earth with believers (Acts 1:8). How are we doing? How are you doing? 

Forever His,

Pastor Dave

       Footwork is very important in most sports–football, basketball, soccer, track, tennis, etc.  Since I have been involved for many years coaching tennis, I know how crucial it is to be able to move your feet with small quick steps to get in “ready position” in order to make a good stroke or volley.  I have neuropathy in my feet as a result of back issues and pinched nerves in the past and the symptoms have worsened to where I can’t move quickly to get to a ball so realize why we do footwork drills with our players. 

     “Footwork” is also an essential part of our Christian life. There are 256 references in Scripture to our feet and 212 to our walk.  The Bible frequently uses “feet” and “walk” as metaphors for one’s choices and actions, emphasizing the importance of following God’s Word and guidance. “Feet” represent the practical daily application of God’s Word while “walk” signifies one’s overall conduct and path in life. The Bible encourages believers to walk in righteousness, following God’s Word as a light and guide. 

     First, we need to get our feet on solid ground, not shifting sand. The Psalmist wrote: “He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock  making my footsteps firm” (Psa. 40:2).  We need to build our lives on the “solid rock,” the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 7:24-27; 16:18; I Cor. 3:11; 10:4).  David also said, “For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God…” (Psa. 56:13). 

     Then, having built our life on Jesus Christ, the Rock, we are to walk in His ways, according to His Word, not in the path of the wicked or the ways of the world. Solomon’s wise advice is: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent…do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path…Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor the left; turn your foot from evil” (Pr. 1:10,15; 4:26,27). In the “wisdom Psalm” (Psa. 119), we read: “I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word…Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path…Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me” (vv. 101,105,133). 

     As those who have been “born again” (Jn. 3:3), and become children of God (Jn. 1:12; I Jn. 3:1,2), we are to now “walk in newness of life” (Ro. 6:4). “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8). “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1).  We are to “walk by faith” (II Cor. 5:7).  Paul said, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col. 2:6). We are to “walk by the Spirit” so that we don’t “carry out the desire of the flesh (the old nature)” (Gal. 5:16). “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15,16). 

     Use your “feet” and your “walk” to spread the Good News and to help build up the Kingdom of God. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!”  (Ro. 10:15 cf Isa. 52:7). “The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless” (Billy Graham). 

     So, how’s your “foot work”?

Forever His, 

Pastor Dave N

     One of the many spring-time projects on our property is pruning the fruit trees. We have five down and four to go. But when we conquer the last one, we are only “finished” for this spring. Next year we will have to do it all over again. Whether it is cleaning or painting the house, rototilling or weeding the garden, washing the car, mowing the grass, etc., we are never really “finished,” for it has to be repeated over and over again.

     But, when it comes to Christ’s work on the cross, after the three supernatural hours of darkness from noon to three p.m., Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ” ‘It is finished,’ and yielded up His spirit” (Mt. 27:50; Jn. 19:30).  He had completed the work that He came to earth to accomplish. He revealed God to us (Jn. 1:14,18; 14:8,9) and He lay down His life to pay the penalty for our sins (Jn. 1:29; II Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24). Repeatedly during His ministry, He said, “My hour/time has not come,” (Jn. 2:4; 7:6), but when He came into Jerusalem to celebrate His final Passover on earth with His disciples, He said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified…Now my soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour’ ” (Jn. 12:23,27). The defining moment of Jesus’ first coming had arrived–to offer His life as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). 

     As Jesus hung there on the cross, His body mutilated from the scourging, the beating and the crown of thorns, His blood pouring out upon the ground, He suffered separation from His Father and bore God’s wrath on our sins for those three hours of unnatural darkness.  He literally suffered hell for each one of us so that He could offer us forgiveness and eternal life, for “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished upon us” (Eph. 1:7,8a). 

       Before He yielded up His spirit, He cried out “It is finished!” Throughout the Old Testament and up until the time of Jesus death, thousands upon thousands of animal sacrifices took place in the Temple to make atonement for sin, but the job of the priests was never “finished.”  And when one priest died, another had to take his place to continue offering sacrifices for sin. Then came Jesus our High Priest to give His life a ransom for sin. The author of Hebrews put it this way: “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time sat down at the right hand of God…for by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Heb. 10:10-14),  Note that having offered His life, He “sat down” indicating His work was done. There was no chair in the Temple because the priests’ work was never done!

     Jesus paid it all. There remains now no need for sacrifices. We simply put our complete trust in the work Christ did on our behalf, and His righteousness is credited to our account.

     And as proof that it was “finished,” God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:23,24; Heb. 13:20), The resurrection indicated that God was “propitiated” (satisfied) with Jesus’ sacrifice for sin (Ro. 3:24-26; I Jn. 2:2).  Jesus was “delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification” (Ro. 4:25).  Because God the Father was satisfied with Jesus’ work on the Cross to justify us (make us right with God), He raised Him from the dead. So, as the lyrics of Don Francisco’s song relate: “He’s alive and I’m forgiven, heaven’s gates are opened wide!”  PTL!!

     So, If you have been working hard to make it to heaven. Stop it! The work has already been done! Trust in the “finished” work of Christ. He paid the price for you. Just put your trust in Him–in His death, burial and resurrection. Salvation is a gift, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). It is all by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8,9). 

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N

     If you knew that you had less than a week to live, what would you spend your time doing?  With whom would you spend it?  Jesus obviously knew His time had come to fulfill His mission of becoming the sacrifice as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29 cf Jn. 13:1). He sent Peter and John into Jerusalem to find a “large, furnished upper room” where they could celebrate the Passover meal together (Lk. 22:7-14).  There Jesus would celebrate His final Passover on earth, instituting as He did, the Lord’s Supper or Communion Service before He became our “Passover (Lamb)” (I Cor. 5:7). John, in his gospel, recounts in detail the events in that upper room prior to Jesus’ going out to pray in the garden, being arrested, tried, beaten, scourged and crucified.  

      During the Passover meal Jesus arose and washed the disciples’ feet. He then revealed that one of them would betray Him, the one to whom He gave the morsel. At Eastern meals it was customary for the host to offer one of the guests a morsel of bread as a gesture of special friendship. By this Jesus was showing His love for the betrayer. At this point, Satan entered Judas, who “went out immediately and it was night” (Jn. 13:27-30). Jesus then spent time telling His disciples that He would be leaving, “going to prepare a place” for them (Jn. 14:3...most likely a reference to His work on the cross). Though He would be returning to His Father, He would come back to take them to heaven.  He spoke of how the Father would send “another Helper (the Holy Spirit) that He may be with you forever” (Jn. 14:16,17,26 cf 15:27; 16:13).  The Holy Spirit would enable them to do great works (Jn. 14:12),for He would indwell and empower them to take the Gospel world wide.  He emphasized the importance of their obedience (14: 21-24). 

     Before His arrest, Jesus went to the garden and prayed for Himself, His disciples and for us (Jn. 17).  From the cross He uttered seven final statements, both to fulfill prophecies,  to be sure that His mother would be cared for, to forgive the very ones who crucified Him, and to express the agony of bearing the wrath of God on our sins. Finally, “He cried out with a loud voice, ‘It is finished’ (Jn. 19:30), Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit. And having said this, He breathed His last” (Lk. 23:46). To His final breath, Jesus demonstrated His love for His disciples, His mother, for us (by His sacrifice on our behalf) and for His Father, having come to do His will in every detail (Jn. 5:19,30; 6:38,39; 8:28; 12:49; 14:10). 

     The final words of the first martyr of the early church, Stephen, were very similar to those of Christ from the cross. “And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ And having said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59,60). 

     The Apostle Paul, in his final letter to Timothy before being executed by Nero, wrote: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” (II Tim. 4:6-8). 

     In 1525, William Tyndale was the first to print a Bible in English. In 1536, he  was strangled and burned at the stake and his final words were: “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes!” (NOTE: God honored that prayer for the next king, Henry VIII, authorized an English Bible for usage in all the churches!).

     Throughout history we have the record of believers being put to death for their faith and their final words are those of praise to God. What a testimony of the power of the resurrected Christ who lives in us as believers.

      What a contrast are the final words of those who chose to not believe in God. Voltaire, the famous anti-Christian atheist, when informed by his physician that he was terminal, said: “I will give you half of what I am worth if you will give me six months of life.” When told that this was not possible, he said, “Then I shall die and go to hell!”  His nurse said: “For all the money in Europe I wouldn’t want to see another unbeliever die! All night long he cried for forgiveness.” 

      As followers of Jesus Christ, who paid in full for our sins so we could, through faith in Him, have eternal life (Jn. 3:16), we have endless hope (Ro. 15:13; Col. 1:27). Those who reject Christ as Savior have a hopeless end (Ro. 6:23a).  If you have yet to receive Christ, I exhort you to do so now, while there is yet time, for none of us knows how many days we have left. What would your “final words” be?

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N

     In our area, and I presume across the nation, during the shutdowns resulting from the Covid pandemic, yard signs, “FAITH OVER FEAR,” began showing up (along with “BACK THE BLUE” when some cities and states were calling for defunding the police).  It was a period of uncertainty: would life ever return to “normal.”  Many were living in fear of the present and the future. But, the message of the signs encouraged us to overcome our fears with faith–faith in the sovereign God who is ultimately in control.  

     Fear can be a positive emotion, causing either flight or fight to protect us. But it can also be immobilizing, causing us to withdraw within ourselves, to succumb to peer pressure and to compromise our convictions to avoid trouble. The Scriptures (and history) are full of stories of those who practiced faith (in God) over fear of man and adverse circumstances.  

     When Joshua had the immense task of taking over for Moses and leading the hordes of Israelites into the Promised Land which was populated with people who wanted to kill them, God said to him: “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them…Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:5-9). Courage is not the absence of fear, but trusting God and moving forward inspite of fear. Courage is “faith over fear.” Remember, Joshua and Caleb were the two who had gone in to spy out the land and who encouraged Israel to trust God and not fear the people of the land. Joshua said, “Do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them” (Num. 14:9). 

     David, the youngest son of Jesse, when no one in Israel’s army was willing to take on Goliath,  the Philistine giant who was taunting Israel and her God, took his sling and five stones (in case he had to also take on Goliath’s four brothers!) and “said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted’ ” (I Sam. 17:45).  David put his faith in God over his fears of the giant and we all know how that story ended!

     Esther (Hadassah her Hebrew name), who had replaced Vashti as queen to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, was reared by her cousin Mordecai who discovered a plot by Hamaan and an edict by the king to destroy all the Jews. Mordecai challenged Esther (a Jew), saying: “…And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esth. 4:14b).  Esther, who hadn’t been called in to the king in some time, knew that to approach him uninvited could cost her life, but she put faith over fear and said, “I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish” (Esth. 4:15b).  As a result the Jews were spared!

    King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon set up a 90-foot tall golden image which all were to fall down and worship or be cast into a fiery furnace (Dan. 3:5).  Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, three young Hebrew men, refused to do so and were brought before the angry king (v. 13). They said to Nebuchadnezzar: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. but 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” (vv. 17,18). Their faith overcame their fear. God chose to spare them and it was a great testimony to King Nebuchadnezzar of the reality of the God of the Hebrews (vv. 26-30).

     Later, after the Persians had conquered Babylon, King Darius was about to promote Daniel to a major role of leadership, but some who were jealous tried to get Daniel in trouble with the king. However, they couldn’t find any corruption or grounds of accusations against Daniel. But, they knew Daniel prayed faithfully to his God, so had the king make an edict that you could only make petition to the king and that anyone who violated that would be thrown to the lions (Dan. 6:5-9).  When Daniel heard about the official document, “he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying (by an open window) and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v. 10). Daniel exercised faith over fear. He ended up in the lions’ den, but God shut the mouths of the lions and spared him and as a result, Darius made a new decree: “…in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; for He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed…He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…” (vv. 25-27). What was the key to Daniel’s courage? “He had trusted in his God” (v. 23b). He put his faith over his fears. 

     Peter and John, when warned to stop preaching about Jesus and the resurrection, replied: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20). 

    All of these examples from  Scripture demonstrate the power of trusting God even in the face of opposition, adversity and persecution. They put their faith over their fears and courageously obeyed the God they served. They feared man so little because they feared (revered) God so much. Solomon wrote: “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted” (Pr. 29:25). David, who faced a lot of “giants” in his life, wrote: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?…I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears…When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid, what can mere man do to me” (Psa. 27:1; 34:4; 56:3,4). 

     So, no matter what or whom you are facing, put your trust in God and do the right thing. Exercise your faith over your fears, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (cowardice/fear) but of power and love and discipline” (II Tim. 1:7).  God loves you and “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” (I Jn. 4:18). 

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N

“PASS IT ON”

     The winter of 1996-1997 was a severe one here in northwest Montana. We had anywhere from 13 to 18 feet of snow (depending on where you lived) and some very cold temperatures. That spring (1997), as the snow melted, we had a lake in our front yard and a creek flowing through the property. We had both ducks and geese coming to enjoy our new water features!  The interesting thing is that every spring since then we have had a pair of Canada geese show up and spend some time in our field where we had the lake. Although it has been 28 years, they continue to come check it out–looking for the water!  Sure enough last week a pair of “honkers” showed up and spent most of the day relaxing in the old “lake bed.”  The lifespan of Canada geese ranges from 10-25 years so it is possible that it is the same geese that came in 1997, but it is more likely that they are descendants of the original pair.  Somehow they pass on the information from generation to generation.  We observe the same thing with the smaller birds that return to our yard each year and to our bird houses and feeders.  They know right where to go. Pretty amazing how our Designer/Creator God has equipped them to pass on information to ensuing generations.

     I guess we could all learn a good lesson from the birds, for we too are to pass on information about God and how to have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.  In Judaism’s basic confession of faith in Dt. 6:4-9 (often referred to as the Shema, from the first word, “Hear”). it says: “…And these words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart, and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up…you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” In other words, you are to teach your children God’s truths and live them out in your home and in public so that they are passed down to the next generation. In Psalm 71, sometimes called “The Senior Citizens’ Psalm,” the unknown aged writer said: “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and I still declare Thy wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Thy strength to this generation, Thy power to all who are to come” (vv. 17,18). Then in Psalm 78, Asaph wrote: “For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, and keep His commandments” (vv. 5-7).  In Psalm 145, a Psalm of praise of David, he wrote: “Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to another and shall declare Thy might works” (vv. 3,4).  Solomon too, in his great wisdom, gave this challenge: “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). 

     As believers, it is our responsibility–and privilege–to pass on our faith through instruction and living by example so that it will continue into the next generation, which is to do the same. Obviously that method has worked, because Christianity has not died out, but continues to grow. This past Saturday, we drove to Polson, Montana to attend a memorial service for my brother-in-law, Jim Burton, who passed away in late December. His wife, my sister, Audrey, had passed away in July. It was so encouraging at the service to hear the testimonies of their children and grandchildren of how their lives had been impacted by the teaching and lifestyle of their parents and grandparents.  They all stated how their faithfulness and commitment to Christ continues to influence their lives.  Jim had only one sibling, a brother who was 18 years younger. He also shared his story of how, as a child, teen, and young adult, he had lived in rebellion against God, but that largely due to the example set by Jim and Audrey, and their praying for him, he surrendered his life to Christ and was transformed. Now he and his family (eight children!) are following the Lord. PTL!  

     We are blessed to be a blessing. Don’t fail to pass on what God has done for you. Teach it to the generations to come. Then you can experience the blessing  of which the Apostle John speaks in his third epistle: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth”  (III Jn. 1:4). 

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N

P.S.  In addition to the encouraging memorial service, we also got to stop in and have lunch with David and Naomi Olson. David (AKA “Oly”) was my best friend in high school and the best man at our wedding. I also got to be the best man at his second wedding (his first wife died of cancer). We had a wonderful time of fellowship and catching up–a bit of a foretaste of heaven!

     What kind of return are you getting on your investments?  You probably need to get at least 4 percent just to keep up with inflation. So, the goal is to get at least 5% or more.  Whether you invest in CD’s, IRA’s, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc., your intent is to increase your funds for future needs. To get higher yields often means to take higher risks as well. 

     Well, let me tell you about an investment offer that seems too good to be true.  If it weren’t for the One promising it, it would be  totally unbelievable.  It has to do with investing in things that will last–that are eternal. In what we call “The Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus said: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:19-21).

     Bible teacher, pastor, and author Harry Ironside said, “When you sell out to Jesus you will eventually receive more than you have ever left. God will see that it is made up to you in abundant measure, for Jesus tells us that He gives a hundredfold to all who yield themselves to Him.  (In case you are wondering, one hundredfold is 10,000%.) Most of us are satisfied if we get three or four percent on our investments. Yet we shrink from making an investment that would yield us 10,000%!  We are afraid to submit our lives into the hands of the Lord, but He never fails those who submit to Him. And when we come to the end of the way, how we shall praise Him!  We have eternal life now through faith, but when we reach the heavenly city, we shall enter into everlasting life in all its glory” (1947).  The Apostle Paul, quoting from Isaiah, wrote: “But just as it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor. 2:9).  

    In Mark’s gospel, we read about a man who apparently struggled with the love of money. This man asked Jesus what he needed to do to “inherit eternal life” (Mk. 10:17). The man claimed he had kept all the commandments since he was a youth (v. 20).Jesus “said to him, ‘One thing you lack; go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me.’ But at these words, his face fell; and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property” (vv. 21,22).  Scripture clearly tells us that we receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and His work at Calvary, not in any works or merit on our part. Selling our possessions and giving the money to the poor won’t save anyone, but the point of the account in Mark is that this man loved  and was trusting in his possessions (which, by the way, violated the Law and made him a sinner!) and wouldn’t let go to follow Jesus. 

     Peter, who was listening to this discussion, “began to say to Him (Jesus), ‘Behold, we have left everything and followed You.’  Jesus said, ‘Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farm, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much…” (vv. 28-30a).  (That is a 10,000% return on investment!).  It is important to note that this does not teach a “prosperity gospel,” that if you give to God you will be healthy and wealthy. What it does mean is that you will receive spiritual blessings of joy, peace, contentment and purpose that no amount of wealth could ever bring. And, you will be “storing up treasures in heaven” that are safe and secure. You will never hear a testimony of a believer who regrets going all out in following Jesus!  Forsaking all and following Him will cost you. For the Apostles (except for John) it cost them persecution and martyrdom, but they would all testify that it was so worth it. In His second letter to the Corinthians, Paul–who suffered greatly as a committed follower of Jesus Christ–said, “Therefore we do no lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Cor. 4:16-18).  And by the way, if we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” God has promised to meet our needs (Mt. 6:25-33 cf Phil. 4:19). 

     Investing in God’s Kingdom through acts of service and generosity yields far greater “return on investment” than worldly pursuits. It offers eternal rewards and a life of peace and purpose here on earth. Giving generously to Christian ministries, serving others with the talents and spiritual gifts God has given us and spreading the Gospel will bring great spiritual returns. So, be a good steward of your resources, using them wisely to advance God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ parable of the talents in Mt. 25:14-30 teaches the importance of investing God’s gifts and resources to produce a greater return. The same principle is taught in Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed. When we sow seed on good soil (receptive hearts) it yields a harvest of 30, 60, or even 100 times greater than the seed sown (Mt. 13:1-23). 

     While it is wise to invest and save for your future needs, don’t forget to  prioritize investing your treasures, your time and your talents in what is eternal, not temporal– God’s Word and the souls of people. Your return on investment will be “out of this world”!

Forever His,

Pastor Dave N