Messages

Pastor’s Message

Well, it’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas! Christmas shopping, special events, family gatherings, getting Christmas cards ready to send, decorating the house (inside and outside) — the whole works have arrived. During this “happiest time of the year”, if we’re not careful, we can become irritated and frustrated. Even though we know our focus should be on celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s so easy to get distracted by many things and forget to stay connected with, and focused on, the one thing that really matters.

In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus told Martha that she’d lost her focus on what matters most – spending time with the Lord. Martha was so bent on planning the perfect dinner party and completing her tasks; she was too distracted to take time to enjoy the company of Jesus. Her sister Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him.

Martha’s pursuit of perfection left her frustrated with her sister Mary’s lack of help to make things “just right.” When Martha voiced her irritation to Jesus, He gently reminded her that she was worried about things that didn’t matter in the big picture. “But the Lord said to her, ‘“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it …..” (vv.41-42) Jesus wasn’t bothered with how fancy dinner was, or how clean her kitchen was, or if she had a perfectly decorated home. What really mattered to Jesus was Martha spending time with Him.

Just as Martha took her focus away from Jesus, the same can happen to us very easily in the fast pace of the holidays. The key to a more enjoyable Christmas is to make sure you stop and look at your “to do” list. Is your list crammed full of what you think is important, or what God thinks is important? Are you worried and bothered about things that really don’t matter that much?

Despite what the world says, Jesus really is the reason for the season. Take time every day to get alone with Him. Read His Word and talk to Him from your heart. You will be amazed at how your stress level will be replaced with perfect peace as you keep Christ first and foremost in your Christmas.

Carolyn and I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! I hope you are planning to join us in church this coming Sunday. Have a great week and let your light shine for Jesus this week!

Pastor Rick

Message From Andy (Student Minister)

I loved our Revival Sunday nights in November! My prayer for each of us going into December is that our hearts are prepared as a result of the revival to celebrate the birth of our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the things I appreciated about having revival services on Sunday nights throughout November was the anticipation of the next service over the course of the week in between. As the week went on, I grew increasingly excited about our next revival service based on how God was working on me through the pastors’ messages. In thinking about the anticipation of revival, I can’t help but think about the anticipation that the people of the Old Testament experienced in awaiting the coming of The Messiah! Micah’s prophecy above was written in the 700’s B.C., as was Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9:6:

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I found it hard to wait 7 days between revival services … can you imagine waiting 700 years in anticipation for Jesus’ arrival?

Today, I’m more and more anticipating, and excited about, the Rapture of the Church and God’s fulfillment of scripture we read in Revelation. But I, like the folks of Old Testament times, have to rely on and trust in God’s perfect timing, and remember always that it is all made possible ONLY through Jesus Christ, born in that manger in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago!

Excited to celebrate His birth with you this month, church family, as we continue to GROW GOD’S GARDEN TOGETHER!

Andy