Scanning the radio for something to listen to and The Ballad of Curtis Loew by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on. It is probably my Favorite Skynyrd song. No, it is my favorite Skynyrd song. From start to finish it was a concert in my car as I belted out the lyrics word for word with Ronnie Van Zant. I was quite pleased with myself remembering the lyrics after all these years, but then I was struck by a thought. Perhaps I didn’t remember all the lyrics but with Ronnie’s help was able to sing them word for word. When I tried to recall the lyrics after the song was over I knew quite a bit of them but there were gaps and places of uncertainty. It was only when I was singing along with the song I knew all the song without missing a beat.
     There is a spiritual lesson here. Much like singing along with the song when I am in tune with the Holy Spirit and the voice of God in His word I am able to navigate this life without missing a beat. However when I am not listening to the Spirit, although I make progress in life, I find it difficult to navigate the trials and temptations I encounter. There are gaps and places of uncertainty.
     We would do well to listen to the Spirit and sing along with Him while on earth. In doing so life will be less likely to skip a beat.
     “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
Pastor Rob

     In the words of the prophet Britney Spears, “Oops, I did it again.” I went to the gym this morning and was putting in my time on the elliptical. I was listening to RC Sproul on my phone and I had the television on the wall tuned into ESPN to catch up what was going on in the sports world when the couple walked in. I knew they were going to change the channel and I was ready to pounce. He picked up the remote, changed the channel, and I did indeed pounce. How dare they!
     Another couple walked into the gym whom I did not recognize and I immediately made assessments about them based on their appearance. It was then I caught myself doing it again, oops! Not truly knowing any of these people I made judgements about them based on my standards.
     If we are honest with ourselves we all do it. We see someone and we make a quick assessment and judgment about that person. The person who cuts you off in traffic. The person walking down the street in dirty clothes with a cigarette in mouth and a baby on their hip. The person driving the nice car is probably stuck up and think they own the world. A beautiful woman obviously bought her appearance. The person protesting whatever the latest cause may be needs to come around to my way of thinking. Trump is an idiot. Clinton is a crook. On and on judgements are made based on our own ideologies. The eye test reveals the true condition of our heart.
     All this caused me to ponder my Lord. The disciples saw a Samaritan women at the well. “We do not associate with Samaritan women.” Jesus offers her grace and forgiveness. Jesus is dining with some Pharisees when a woman washes His feet. The Pharisees look in disgust, “Doesn’t He know what kind of woman she is?” We see this theme played out over and over in the gospels. The people assess someone and dismiss. Jesus assess and reaches out.
     I must admit it is a difficult thing to eradicate from our ingrained attitudes, this assess and dismiss attitude. But it must be eradicated if a follower of Christ is going be conformed into the image of our Savior.
     In my reading this morning I came across these words from the Apostle Peter, “To sum up. All of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (1Peter 3:8-9).
     Pray this morning for the attitude of assess and dismiss to be squashed in your heart and mind and replaced by an attitude of our Savior who chose to see value and love. Make every effort to eradicate the mind of self-righteousness and replace it with selfless servanthood. When someone crosses your path get beyond the eye test to the person who has been created in the image of our Maker.
​

Pastor Rob

     In the long row of freshly waxed muscle cars parked at the McDonald’s near the entrance to South Park sat Greg Bielski’s 1974 Ford Maverick. Its multicolored primer pattern was a sight for the eyes. The seats were a bit ratty, the windows were dirty, and the dashboard was cracked. In the line of vintage rebuilt Corvettes, Camaro’s, and Chevelles it wasn’t much to look at. However, when he turned the key all heads turned. I do not recall what was under the hood but I do not recall him ever losing a race on Corrigan Drive, the local spot to release your testosterone.


     Although the other cars looked far superior, I learned that day it was not the spit shine and polish that won the race; that delivered the goods. It was what the car had underneath the hood that made the difference.


     The early church was not much to look at. It was some fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and some others we know little about. We know from the book of Acts they were uneducated (Acts 4:13). But we see they had something under the hood that when the key was turned all heads were turned. The day of Pentecost they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and the power was obvious.


     We too have that same power and while we may not be much to look at, when we operate by the power of the Spirit there is not a race we cannot win. However, too often we never turn the key. The Spirit indwells but the car is in park or idling up the road. God is calling us to partake of the power and operate in the full power of the Holy Spirit just as the early church did. And when we do there is nothing that can stop His church from prevailing on our community.


     Take time this morning to listen to the power that indwells you and surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit that you may be empowered and be His witness wherever your day takes you.


Pastor Rob

 

     60 Minutes did a story on renowned wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen. His pictures are breathtaking. He has a unique gift to see and frame a picture not many people have. This was evident during the story when he went on a photo shoot with the interviewer. They were standing side by side with the same camera setup photographing the same scene on an elk crossing a river. The differences between the two photos were obvious. The reporter’s photo was slightly out of focus and didn’t capture the lighting. Mangelsen knew how to perfectly frame the shot and set up the camera to capture the image. His picture placed the viewer in his shoes. I am a very amateur photographer. I enjoy taking pictures but I do not have the eye of Mangelsen.


     In a similar fashion I was talking to someone about guitars. I have always loved guitar music and have a deep appreciation for quality playing. Not just the sound but the craftsmanship behind them. I can see a beautiful guitar but not put into words why it is beautiful. Nor why it produces the beautiful sound. He sees a guitar and he understands the totality of its beauty. He sees the wood used, knows where it comes from and why the quality of the wood not only brings the beauty but a specific sound quality. It was a fascinating conversation that gave me a better appreciation for the guitar.


     When it comes to viewing people I have come to learn none of us are truly experts. We may realize there is beauty there but our untrained eye fails to grasp it, the unique qualities they have been endowed. This is why it is critical to trust the eye of the Maker and appreciate the beauty of others through His eyes. It is in seeing through His lens the people around us become in focus and we gain a better appreciation of their beauty.


“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Solomon 4:7)
​

Pastor Rob

     When I first learned to read I could not wait to turn the page to see where Spot would run to next. As I grew older Spot could not hold my attention (unless a grandchild was on my knee) and I discovered the Hardy Boys. I looked forward to the solution to whatever mystery had caught their attention. As I grew older the Hardy Boys were laid aside for the adventures of an overwhelmed little hobbit from a distant land. Then it was on to Jack Ryan and whatever conspiracy attempted to cripple our nation. As I grew in my reading (outside of the Hobbit) the previous reading delights were insufficient to satisfy my love for reading.We see this in our culture as well. As I watched television evolve over the years, Ozzie and Harriet were replaced by Al and Peg Bundy and Perry Mason by Criminal Minds. A motorcycle that can attain speeds of 150 mph is replaced by one that will surpass 200+ mph. The sport of parachuting has evolved from jumping out of an airplane to jumping off bridges to winged suits. It is said marijuana is a gateway drug that leaves you hungering for a better high.

The truth is we are always searching for something that will satisfy. And each and every level attained leaves us searching for something more. Until we find the ultimate we will always be left disappointed.

I have come to discover, after traveling many of the roads mentioned above, true and ultimate satisfaction can only come through the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 4 Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well. Or should I say she encountered Him? The woman had live a rather promiscuous life. She came seeking a drink of water. He came to provide living water. 

It is a good reminder to us the things of the world will only give us temporary satisfaction and in the end leave us wanting something more. It is only Christ who can fulfill that which is truly lacking, spiritual nourishment and peace with the Father. If you are restless and searching, search no longer.

Pastor Rob

     When I first learned to read I could not wait to turn the page to see where Spot would run to next. As I grew older Spot could not hold my attention (unless a grandchild was on my knee) and I discovered the Hardy Boys. I looked forward to the solution to whatever mystery had caught their attention. As I grew older the Hardy Boys were laid aside for the adventures of an overwhelmed little hobbit from a distant land. Then it was on to Jack Ryan and whatever conspiracy attempted to cripple our nation. As I grew in my reading (outside of the Hobbit) the previous reading delights were insufficient to satisfy my love for reading.
     We see this in our culture as well. As I watched television evolve over the years, Ozzie and Harriet were replaced by Al and Peg Bundy and Perry Mason by Criminal Minds. A motorcycle that can attain speeds of 150 mph is replaced by one that will surpass 200+ mph. The sport of parachuting has evolved from jumping out of an airplane to jumping off bridges to winged suits. It is said marijuana is a gateway drug that leaves you hungering for a better high.
     The truth is we are always searching for something that will satisfy. And each and every level attained leaves us searching for something more. Until we find the ultimate we will always be left disappointed.
     I have come to discover, after traveling many of the roads mentioned above, true and ultimate satisfaction can only come through the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 4 Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well. Or should I say she encountered Him? The woman had live a rather promiscuous life. She came seeking a drink of water. He came to provide living water. 
     It is a good reminder to us the things of the world will only give us temporary satisfaction and in the end leave us wanting something more. It is only Christ who can fulfill that which is truly lacking, spiritual nourishment and peace with the Father. If you are restless and searching, search no longer.
Pastor Rob

​The ClimbMy wife and I made a trip to a waterfall a few hours’ drive from our house. It was set to close to the public in a few days. The reason it was going to close is because it is a tough climb along slippery rocks and roots. Over the years people have been badly injured and some have died.
It is with these signs warning us my wife and I began the climb. The further we ascended along the side of the waterfall the more warning signs we saw. The trail grew steadily steeper and sketchier with each step. It wasn’t long before my wife was ready to stop. But I wouldn’t let her. As I helped her up rock ledges and navigate root foot holds I kept telling her, “I guarantee you it will be worth it.” Every time she wanted to stop people who had made the climb would encourage us to keep pressing on. She hung in there root after root, step after step, pressing on towards the unseen trusting my promise. I give her a lot of credit.
After stopping for multiple breaks, photo ops, and many views we summited the last waterfall. We were on top of the world. Sitting down a few feet from the ledge we broke out lunch. While she was distracted preparing the meal I reached into my pocket and pulled out a ring. Kneeling in front of her I asked her to marry me . . . again. As I slipped the ring on her finger I told her the climb would be worth it. The sweat and toil of a long arduous climb was met with a ring and a promise.
When we begin this life in Christ we soon come to realize the road is not smooth. It is met with difficulty and trials. Those who have gone before us, who have made the climb, encourage us to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out before us” (Hebrews 12:1). The Apostle Paul encourages us, “Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. For our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them (our trials) all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is temporal” (2Corinthians 4:16-18).
Whatever you are facing, press on. I guarantee you it will be worth it. These temporary trials will cease and you will stand on the mountaintop of eternity.
Pastor Rob

     This morning I sat down for my quality time with the Lord. As I began to pray the usual
happened. My mind began to drift to the cares of the day. Get the sermon done. I
wonder how my friend battling illness is doing. I’ve got to get ready for small group
tonight. When I get home I need to take care of . . . And so on. How easily we become
distracted when we attempt to focus on the things of God. Even now as I write this I
received a text from my wife, the printer isn’t working for the secretary, and the heating
guy stopped by.

     I can confidently say this happens to you as well. I can also confidently say there is a
purpose behind it. The Enemy will do anything he can to take your focus and time away
from the One who delights in you. He will keep you busy. If he can distract you from
quality time then the quality of your time will diminish.

     It is in these times we must fix our eyes. We must be determined to converse with our
Lord, to be in His presence. I am reminded of the men who had a sick friend. The
crowds around our Savior were thick and it was impossible to get their friend through
the door to Him. They did not give up. They climbed up onto the roof, knocked a hole in
the roof, and lowered their friend down. Whatever it takes.

     Distraction will confront you today but do not be defeated by the distraction. When
distraction does come think of it as a time so say hello to the Lord again.

Pastor Rob

     I’ve always enjoyed canoeing. Over the span of my life I have logged countless
hours and countless miles exploring lakes, rivers, and creeks. One thing I have learned.
You cannot canoe without a paddle. I know Mr. Obvious it’s not earth shattering
information but it’s a simple important truth. To canoe a lake without a paddle is to be at
the mercy of the wind. To canoe a stream without a paddle is to be at the mercy of the
current and won’t end well. There has to be a means to propel and steer the canoe to
get where you want to go. This is true of any water craft. Propulsion and a rudder are
critical to its proper function.

These simple truths have always made Noah’s adventure fascinating to me. We
talk about him spending 120 years to build a boat when boats and rain didn’t exist. The
people probably thought he was nuts. Truthfully I think he was nuts for not including
rudder or sail. He was about to command a ship and be entrusted with the future of
civilization. Without rudder or sail he would be at the mercy of the waves. However in
this instance Noah understood he was not the navigator. The seas which he faced and
the boat he built were in the command of God. He did not venture alone.

Sometimes we feel we have to have everything we need to navigate life and
circumstances. We have to have a vessel, a paddle, and a plan to get to where we are
going. Remove any one of these things fear and uncertainty will rule the moment. There
are many times in my life where I, we as a family, have stepped out into the unknown.
We have set sail into waters without a paddle. Whether a ministry opportunity or a life
struggle. It is then I am reminded of Noah. Life is never met without a navigator because
my Lord commands the vessel.

Be encouraged when facing the waters of life. Whatever you are experiencing
you are not navigating alone.

Pastor Rob

     I spent a large portion of my life on a bmx bike. In our neighborhood we had a
driveway at the end of a dead end street where a house once stood. It had the perfect
setting to dig jumps into the hill side. The early days of my jumping career was jumping
two old tires we dug out of the crick. As we found more tires we would add them to the
line. Advancing from that we dug a hole and jumped it. Then the penultimate jump. This
time we would light a fire in the hole and jump it. I pushed my bike up the hill across
from the driveway. Hands tightly griping the handlebars I gazed off in the distance at the
jump, thoughts of Evel Knievel in my head. The fire was lit, the flames reached their
apex and I was off pedaling as fast as my legs and bike would allow. I hit the jump,
sailing over the flames licked my tires. Success! I had jumped fire! It was a new level in
my daredevil days. From there it was on to bigger things. Tire jumping advanced from
two to thirteen. Cross ups off towering walls, racing through the woods at breakneck
speed and descending precipitous slag hills. It all began with an abandoned driveway
on a dead end street and two jumps dug into the hill side, and two tires.

     In areas of life there is a progression. As babies we move from crawling to
walking to running. In school we move from coloring the ABCs to See Spot Run to
Shakespeare. All these progressions are necessary for us to grow and navigate life on a
greater scale. If we fail to progress we fail to grow and when we fail to grow we begin to
stagnate. When we stagnate we get comfortable and begin to atrophy.
There is a point in the Christians life that begins at what we call salvation. It is the
point when we recognize our need for forgiveness for sin found only in Jesus. That point
starts us down a road to make us into a clearer image of Jesus while the things in us
unworthy of Him die in the process.

     As new believers Christ is our Savior but as we mature in Christ He becomes our
sanctifier. Sanctification literally means ‘holy’ it is us saying to Him “Thy will be done!”
AB Simpson wrote, “A sanctified Christian is submissive and obedient. He desires the
Divine will above everything else in.” Paul, speaking about growing into the image of his
Christ, says in Philippians 3:12-13, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have
already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus
took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.” The call
of a follower of Christ is never to stagnate but continue to grow our relationship with our
Savior, and grow into His image. Our desire, our passion, must be to continue to
develop this relationship. Every day we wake up we need to realize that God wants to
work in our life that day, conforming us in the image of his Son.

     The start of a new year is always an opportunity to evaluate and start afresh. It is
easy to look back, to see where we’ve been, to see the highs and lows and rest on
them. However, God is calling us on so much more. Learn from the past but “press on
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” in our life.

Pastor Rob