Posted on by Pastor Poet

Full of Surprises?

The saying, ‘life is full of surprises’ is a truly enigmatic adage that’s been passed down through the years.

On the one hand, nature is unpredictable and mysterious.  But with another set of eyes things are very orderly and predictable.

On one hand human beings are mysterious but on the other hand we are rather ordinary and unremarkable.  

The science and the mechanics that make life possible are awe-inspiring and miraculous.  But human behavior is often obvious and disappointingly ordinary.

There is, in my opinion, one major exception that is truly marvelous.

The human tendency toward greed and selfishness is boring and mundane – the cause of wars, violence, struggles, and unnecessary suffering. We have enough of that, huh?   While the capacity to love and be loved despite such tendencies is as amazing as life itself.

Our humanity is an equalizer.  We are all basically the same – driven (though in differing degrees) by hunger, thirst, and desire.  But, the ability to subvert our primal urges in the name of love bears the markings of a divine impetus.

Love makes us exceptional.  To choose love – to give and to receive love – this makes us extraordinary.

Love, in a world full of hatred and brutality, violence and vitriol, fills our lives with surprise – the capacity for joy amid sorrow, comfort through grief, grace under fire, and resilience in the midst of uncertainty.  

Life is indeed ‘full of surprises,’ when we are led by and lead with love.

So today, I hope we will choose love.  Today, I hope we will abandon the mundane human tendencies that create destructive suffering and yield to the creative power of love.

Yes, love is a risky endeavor, but it is worth it!  It is the noblest and most exciting adventure to which we might give ourselves. 

Indeed, life is ‘full of surprises,’ especially when we are led, and lead with love!

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

1 John 4:7-8

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Not Alone?

When you are used to isolating yourself in tough times, you can attach yourself to the idea that you are the only one going through. It’s a downward and backwards spiral. 

When you begin to believe that you are the ‘only one,’ you can assume an attitude that no one knows and no one cares

In Elijah’s case, his prophetic calling and the trouble it caused him, his isolation caused him to think that he was alone in his struggle against corrupt powers in high places.  

At a point of frustration and fear, Elijah says,

“I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

1 Kings 19:10

Elijah was wrong.  In despair, Elijah questioned God, and God responded.  Not with thunder and lightning, fire or wind, but with a whisper – God responded. Not in the overwhelming and outstanding supernatural ways Elijah encountered previously, but with a still small, God responded.

God let Elijah know that he wasn’t alone and that there were thousands of others who remained faithful.  

Today, God wants us to know that we are not alone.  While we may not encounter supernatural incursions of the Spirit – God is present among some people we have yet to meet!

We are not alone!  So let’s remain open and receptive to the unexpected ways God will show up among others who share our cause and have remained faithful!  We are – you are not alone!

Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him. 

1 Kings 19:18 

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Just BE…

I don’t know what your morning routine consists of, but as a writer the first thing I do is look for something with which to write…

Let me pause there.  

Long before I stood in a pulpit, I was a writer.  It was therapy for me in a sometimes chaotic, unstable home.  My journaling evolved into poetry, and then, when I became a Christian, many of these thoughts and poems became prayers. And now, these thoughts, poems, and prayers have become the meditations and devotions that I share with you all, and sometimes they even become sermons!  Who knew?

I was concerned when I first started whether these little writings would be well-received or do any good for anyone besides myself.  But time and again, I receive little notes and responses—signposts that affirm my efforts and let me know that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.

And this ‘doing’ is an extension of my being.  I am a writer.  I love Jesus.  I love you all.  I am who God created me to be, and I try to use what God has given me for His glory and for the good of others.  And guess what? That’s all God requires.

Whoever God has created you to be –  BE that!  Whatever gifts God has given YOU – use them for God’s glory! BE and then DO what you were created for and God will be pleased, you will be blessed, and you will be a blessing!

Don’t know what that is?  Ask God.  But, don’t be surprised if it is something you have already been given to! Now do it for God’s glory!  You may well discover that someone has been waiting on you to BE who you were created to be!

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 4:10-11 

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Kept by God? (3)

If I’m honest about it, some situations that I have been in have sent me looking for an exit. If I’m absolutely honest, there are many situations, I could’ve easily avoided if I were a bit more humble and obedient.

But then, there are many times that I prayed for an out, an escape, a deliverance from, only to find myself at an incredible impasse.  The LORD works in mysterious ways!

My experience has taught me that prayers for deliverance are not always answered the way we want them to be.   Sometimes deliverance comes through trials and struggles and not from them!  

When Jesus prayed his high-priestly prayer for His disciples – us – He prayed not for their/our escape from the world but for our endurance – not for our way out but our way through!   Get it?

How so? I’m glad you asked.

Jesus had the authority to ask for anything and expect an answer.  But, at His departure, His prayer was not to take us out of the world but to keep us from being overcome by evil – not an escape from the world but for the ability to endure and overcome the world through faith and by grace! 

In a word, Jesus prayed to the Father to keep us from evil, and then promised us His own Spirit as our Helper, our Comforter, and yes, our Keeper!  

In a strange and mysterious way the LORD works, His wonders to perform!  We are not always delivered from, but we are delivered through!  We do not escape every trial, but we faithfully endure.  God is our Keeper!

But don’t take my word for it!  Jesus prayed:

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 

John 17:15

Be encouraged, family.  While escape is not always the answer, we receive the gift of the Spirit that equips and enables us to endure faithfully! God is our keeper! This is our testimony…

“Oh, to be kept by Jesus! Lord at Thy feet I fall; I would be “nothing, nothing, nothing; Thou shalt be all in all.”

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Kept by God?

It’s difficult to imagine that the difficult days we face are no surprise to God.  

The meanness and cruelty that seems to have seized the day, while disappointing and disturbing, are not rare when we pay attention to the redundancy of human history.

The way power and influence continues to corrupt the hearts of humanity… the way selfishness and brutality are lauded as strength…  the way wickedness in high places seems to go unchecked… While difficult and unsettling, these things should come as no surprise.  Even a faithless student of history can perceive the patterns.

But we are not faithless.  We are counted among the faithful, and we can take heart in seasons of despair and grief.  We can find confidence and relief in the Good News that is able to keep us in the love of God as we anticipate the abundant mercy of Jesus our LORD!

Our ancestors, spiritual and otherwise, endured and encouraged themselves. Even as they witnessed the darkness that pervaded the land, they were emboldened by the promise of God’s grace!

Bruised and battered, tried and troubled, assaulted and afflicted- they built themselves up, they prayed, and remained faithfully grounded – kept in the love of God – sustained by the living hope which is Jesus our LORD!

It’s difficult to imagine that these difficult days are no surprise to God… 

But,

18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Jude 18-21

Be encouraged, family, and encourage one another with these words!

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Surprising Joy… (3)

There are times when the Spirit and the Word convict us and we are filled with guilt and sorrow. Shame over sins and shortcomings causes our heads to hang, our hearts to grieve, and our shoulders to sag.  

The realization of God’s goodness beyond our foolishness can make us want to hide our faces.

This was the case in the times of Ezra the prophet and Nehemiah the  governor, when a remnant was allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild during the exile. 

While Nehemiah focused on building the walls of the city, Ezra focused on building the people up – chastening and encouraging them with the word God. At the reading of the Scriptures, the people wept.

Fortunately, the people’s hearts were tender at the hearing of God’s

word. While they were blessed to return from exile and to rebuild Jerusalem, there was a deep sense of remorse as they realized that it was their own rebelliousness that caused the ruins upon which they stood.

Amid their tears and sorrow, however, Nehemiah responded to their with this surprising encouragement:

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Nehemiah 8:10

What a surprising joy it is to know that even in discipline God proves God’s love for us!

Are you in a transition? Rebuilding or repairing a relationship?  Getting up from a nasty fall? Healing from some past failure?  Grace abounds!

Don’t be discouraged and do not be grieved!  This is the day the LORD has made!  And…

‘… the joy of the LORD is your strength!’  

Good morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Surprising Joy?

We are almost halfway through another year, and time has been flying, but not because we’ve been having fun.  

Things have been tough, huh? There is so much suffering and turmoil, so much bad news, it can get overwhelming.  Socially, politically, economically – things are bad.  And on top of all these things,  we all have our personal struggles and trials.  It’s not surprising that we find ourselves weary and restless. It’s not surprising that we are tired and frustrated.  

But what I do find surprising is how joy persists amid our sorrow, how hope prevails despite pervasive darkness, and how compassion continues to cut across the cruelty that seems to be winning the day!

You may be wondering where I am encountering such compassion, hope and joy.  I will tell you where…

When we gather for worship, fellowship, prayers, service, or study – I witness the love of God, the compassion of Jesus, and the glad presence of the Spirit. When we gather, just to spend time, I hear the kindness and sincerity of the gracious words you offer to one another, and sometimes even to me – I see your generosity.

You are a deeply encouraging reminder that light will not succumb to darkness, that love is durable and resilient, and although we do have our struggles – life is sweet!  You are a reminder that we are not alone.  

When I see you,  I see living breathing proof of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love! 

Thank God for you!

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

John 16:33

Good morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

Stand Still…

When I get lost, the last thing I need to do is to try to go fast. It induces more anxiety, and in most circumstances, it takes me further away from where I’m supposed to be.  There’s nothing more worrisome for me than the notion of speeding when I don’t know where I am going.

As a father, I’ve noticed that when my kids thought they knew what I was asking them to do they would begin to move before I finished giving them instructions. On rare occasions things worked out, but in many situations, we would end up having to start over again and I’d end up repeating myself.

I can’t be too hard on them, though, especially when I look at my own life.  The times I thought I knew what the LORD was up to, only to discover that I was off track or simply out of order are too numerous to count! 

I can only imagine how God feels when we listen poorly, move rashly, and  jump to conclusions that leave us lost and far from His intended plans and destination for us! And then for us, as a consequence we just end up frustrated, confused, and disappointed.

The message for today is simple.

Stand still.  Discipline yourself to listen carefully for the voice of the Spirit, turn down the noise and distractions, and then wait for God’s direction.

Being still allows us to get our bearings and to reorient ourselves so that we can move faithfully forward.

Are you wondering what your next move should be, anxious about the future, trying to figure out which way you should go? 

Stand still.  Listen carefully.  Pay attention to signs around you, and slow down!  

Pray this Psalm with me:

4  Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.  

Psalm 25:4-5

For you, LORD, I wait…

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

The Church (1)

If I was to ask a room of people, ‘What is the Church?’ – I would likely have as many different answers as there were voices in the room.  

It seems that everyone has an opinion about what the Church is and what the Church should be about, and who’s in and who’s out…

It’s no wonder we have so many versions and denominations.  It’s a wonder that we somehow continue to survive.  It’s no wonder that we find ourselves in the middle of an identity crisis.

Thank God for the witness of scripture, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to inform our understanding.

According to Luke’s Gospel as it extends into the Acts of the Apostles, we find these words:

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.  

Acts 2:42-47

Stay tuned over the next several days as we unpack these words.

Meditate on these verses and learn with me again what it means to be the Church.  

Search for the defining characteristics of the Church in these verses.

But in  the meantime…

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

The Holy Spirit (4)

After Jesus’ resurrection and before His ascension, He gave His disciples instructions to go and wait for the, ‘promise of the Father.’

After recounting to them all of what they encountered over His time with them, He told them to ‘stay in the city’ until they received ‘power from on high…’

‘Stay in the city,’ He said.

All who were present were witnesses to the teaching, the miracles, the passion, and now the resurrection.  Wasn’t that enough? Why must they wait? 

Perhaps Jesus knew the problems that lay ahead of them. Perhaps He knew what pressure they would face in the days to come.  Perhaps He knew the persecution they would have to endure.  

Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for what was ahead.  

The disciples would need more than just excitement to carry out the mission that was assigned to them.  They would need more than just the memory of what they had witnessed.  They would need a personal, life-changing, infusion of the Spirit’s power to not only start, but sustain their efforts.

How many times have we set out to do something without the necessary vision and power to see it through to the end?

I know there are many tasks, projects, and goals that I have pursued that began with excitement, but over time they fizzled out.  Sometimes it was because my great idea was just that, ‘my great idea.’  Other times, it was because I hadn’t appropriately assessed the cost of the project.  And then there were times when I just didn’t have the resources or the power to finish well.

Jesus would have no such thing for His disciples.  So, He told them to go and wait, to stay in the city, until their Helper arrived.

I can remember hearing old preachers say, ‘I can feel my help coming…’

In their own way and with the simplest expression they were signaling their need to rely on Someone beyond themselves, Someone beyond their strength, Someone beyond their giftedness – to sustain the work they were trying to do!

We would all do well to learn the same.  Wait, stay, be still until our Helper comes!  Wait, stay, be patient, don’t proceed until your power comes!  Then you will have not only everything you need to get started, but also everything you need to sustain your efforts, and to see things through to the end!

In the meantime, ‘Stay in the city!’

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”  

Luke 24:49

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam