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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 (3)

I always chuckle a bit when I hear people, particularly clergy, speak of the ‘new ways’ the Spirit is moving and what new trends we need to adhere to, if we are to be relevant to the culture.  I can remember being a young minister and almost succumbing to the hype – the constant pressure to create something innovative, to keep the Gospel fresh,  to make sure that our faith ‘looks cool’ to the young people and to those on the fringes of commitment to Christ.

As I’ve gotten older as both a minister and a tech professional, I’ve come to realize that everything that is new becomes old and while advances in technology do occur, much of what is new is the result of someone reconsidering some old principle or practice and then tweaking it a little bit…  It’s a remix – nothing really new under the sun, huh?

Remember when cell phones got super small and that was the thing? See how now all of us are walking around with flat screen televisions pressed to our faces?  In many ways we have the same basic functionality the either way, but the presentation has changed… Same stuff, repackaged, rebranded, but no less the same!  

At this point, I probably sound like a grumpy old man, so let me get to the point.  

When it comes to the work of the Holy Spirit and the relevance of the Gospel, we need to tread lightly.  When you go to chasing trends and fads, we would do well to take care, because while we like to imagine that God is ‘doing a new thing,’  the ’new thing’ that the prophet was speaking of is Jesus!

I am about to do a new thing;

    now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

    and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

So, then, be careful of listening to those who claim that God ‘told them to tell you…’  or that ‘God is doing a new thing…’ We must not be enamored by innovation,  this is a means to an end,  but in these times we need inspiration and revelation from God’s word declared and rightly divided by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Good Morning, I love you all!

Ihs,

just adam

Posted on by Pastor Poet

The Holy Spirit? (2)

How do we both neglect, misrepresent someone at the same time?

The most obvious answer is to fail to listen intently and the second reason is an extension of the former – we don’t really know them.

The Holy Spirit is the most neglected and misrepresented person of the Godhead.  Separated from God the Father and Jesus the Son, things have been attributed to the Spirit that often contradict the character of God.

So, how do we discern when the Spirit is at work? For Christians, the Bible is normative.  But understanding scripture does not always come easy.  

Studying requires more than just reading – it requires grasping context, culture, history, and genre! It requires understanding literary devices and rhetoric.  It requires one to identify presuppositions and assumptions that may influence one’s interpretation, and it requires sitting under the words we dare to stand over and declare to others. 

Because the  Bible is a spiritual document written for spiritual purposes for spiritual people, it requires devotion before one attempts declaration or demonstration. 

But this studying is absolutely worth it.  It provides a basis for an intimacy that allows us to recognize the voice of the Spirit amid the myriad other voices (even our own) that may be  shaping our views and guiding our actions.

So, if your desire is to understand the work of the Spirit and discern the direction we must go, we must not neglect our need for regular and intentional study.

We know better what God is saying when we acquaint ourselves with what God has already said.  There is no substitute, no Cliff’s Notes, no shortcuts to true understanding.  Get it?

Make time for studying.  Get a good study Bible (if you don’t have one, let me know), stay active in Bible study or small groups, pray, and then watch God’s will become clear to you!  

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

2 Timothy 2:15

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam