As I write this Pastor’s Corner, I’m just a couple of days away from heading out on vacation. And yes, it does feel good to write those words, as we are currently in a very hectic season of our lives. It seems like that has been an ongoing theme for the last… as long as I can remember. Perhaps that says more about me than life in general, but nevertheless, I am welcoming this little time away.

This vacation, however, is a little different than some of the getaways we’ve been able to take in the past, as this year our family (defined for this purpose as my wife and our daughter still living at home) is actually killing the proverbial two birds with one stone. This vacation is also doubling as our daughter’s high school graduation gift. We did that with our two boys as well, actually taking one trip between their two high school graduations. But needless to say if it’s done once, there’s the expectation that the same will be done for all. No problem with that. That’s just the way it is.

So now we start the process of washing the clothes, cleaning the house, making a list of what plants and flowers and animals need to be taken care of, mowing the lawn, making our checklist of what we need to take, and then finally packing. Once we’re done with that, let the vacation and the rest begin! Oh wait, there’s the drive, and then the flight, and then more driving, and…

The real question actually becomes, does rest actually happen? Sadly, so often the answer is no. In the culture in which we live in, true rest can sometimes be hard to find, if not nearly impossible to achieve. We’re always connected, always available, always doing something, getting ready to do something, or just finishing doing something to where we’re a perpetual kind of tired. But didn’t God say something about rest being part of HIS design?

From the beginning of creation God spent six days of ultimate work, creating that which we can now see, smell, touch, taste, and hear, or at least creating everything that would reproduce after their kind into what we now take in with our senses. Then, after six days of work, the Bible says that God rested. That was the beginning of His example for mankind, the crowning achievement of His creation. From that time forward, throughout the rest of Scripture, rest is an incredibly important theme. It’s so important, in fact, that God chose for a designated period of rest (the Sabbath) to be a weekly part of life, and He even included it in His “Top Ten List” that we call the Ten Commandments.

But what is the real meaning of rest? Is it some form of relaxation? Is it going on a vacation? Is it taking time off work? Is it just doing nothing? I don’t think real rest is actually any of those things. In the 4th century Augustine wrote, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” I think Augustine was right. I believe that true rest is found when we draw ever closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus Himself said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

So with those thoughts in mind, as vacation is ever so close, I’m going to strive to really use this next week to focus in on Christ, to be still, to seek to know Him better, and allow Him to supply my needed rest. And then, when we return from vacation, it’s my desire to honestly and sincerely rest in Him, even when the busyness returns. Perhaps Matthew 11:28 needs to be my focal point verse for a while. Perhaps it needs to be yours as well.

Over the last several years I have really come to love, appreciate, and listen to many different podcasts, most of which are ministry or pastoral podcasts. There’s honestly such a wealth of information, encouragement, biblical truth, and practicality that’s available now, for free, that I just find it foolish for me as a pastor not to take advantage of the resources at my fingertips. So whenever I’m doing chores around the house, working out in the yard, driving in to the church or somewhere else to visit with someone, I’m usually listening to podcasts.

By the way, there are also tons of great Christian podcasts available for those who aren’t in vocational ministry and/or aren’t pastors. So if you’re interested in getting ahold of some great material, for free, just let me know that you’d like some podcast recommendations, and I’m sure I have some things and could find some things that would be beneficial for you. However, this Pastor’s Corner isn’t really about podcasts, although they are what got me into the main subject matter I’d like to address, which is actually music.

So why did podcasts get me thinking about music? Good question. Well, during the summer, most of the podcasts that I listen to take a short summer break from new episodes. Usually they’re on hiatus for a month or two, leaving me with time to not just listen to people speaking, but to people singing as well. And this past week, I went back to listen to some old playlists and songs, many of which I hadn’t listened to in years, and was really encouraged and uplifted by the music that was exalting Christ, encouraging me in my walk with Christ, and ultimately just challenging me to be more focused upon on Christ. That’s what good, Christian music does.

Then, that got me thinking about the importance of music with regard to spiritual growth. Have you ever stopped to think about the role that music can play in your own relationship with the Lord? English writer and poet Walter Savage Landor writes that, “Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of heaven given to earth, and the only art of earth we take to heaven.” That quote really gave me pause, and a new perspective on how to view music.

If we go to the Scriptures, the book of Revelation shows us that in heaven, God is surrounded by song, while here on earth our worship of the Lord is closely tied to our expressions to Him through music. No one can deny that repeatedly in both the Old and New Testament we are told to worship with music. The Psalmist instructs us with these words in Psalm 95:1, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” In the New Testament we are told, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” - Colossians 3:16

God intends for music to be an important part of both our worship as well as our daily life, which should be characterized by worship as well. Are you surrounding yourself with encouraging and God-honoring music? Are you allowing music to help you refocus your attention upon the Lord throughout the day? As we come together as a unified church, are you singing to the Lord from the heart? Take time this week to focus your thoughts upon the importance of music to your own spiritual life and I think you will be pleased with the results.

Last week while preaching I mentioned a passage of Scripture, pretty much in passing, that I encouraged people to read. The passage was 2 Cor. 5:14-21, and dealt with the concept of the Christian being an ambassador for Christ. The text reads:

14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

This is a portion of Scripture that over the last couple of years God has brought to the forefront of my mind on many occasions, both for my own benefit, as well as the benefit of others. It’s multifaceted, but really clarifies what we are called to do as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what’s especially interesting to me is that while it does tell us what we are to do, it’s not so much us doing the work as it is Christ working within us, “For the love of Christ compels us.”

That thought continues throughout the passage, and ultimately finds its culmination in the task that the Christian is called to, which is a task of representation and reconciliation. But first, something has to have changed within the individual. John and Peter describe it as being born again. Mark and Luke, among others, describe it as being saved. Here, Paul describes it as becoming a new creation—something changes within us because of what Christ has done for us. And then, because of what Jesus has done, the one whose faith and trust is in Him has been reconciled to God the Father, and has become that new creation.

But that’s not the end of what God does in the life of this individual, any individual who will repent of sin, and by faith trust in Jesus and Him alone for salvation. In fact, that moment of salvation, being born again, becoming a new creation, that’s just the beginning. Next is the process of sanctification and then that work of representation and reconciliation. The one whose faith is in Jesus is now considered, and truly is, an ambassador. That’s where the representation comes in. The Christian represents Christ to the world. He or she is Christ’s voice in a foreign land. And together with other voices, other ambassadors, the message grows louder and all the more clear.

What is that message? It’s the message of reconciliation. Paul says that it’s like God is pleading through us, through those who are truly Christians. And God’s greatest desire, that which He is pleading for, is that more people would be reconciled to Him. What an amazing task. What an amazing privilege. What an amazing responsibility. What an amazing God. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

We are ambassadors of the king of kings and the Lord of Lords. Let’s together, as the church, go out and represent Christ to the world. There’s no greater calling.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the word of God, the Bible this way, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Have you ever stopped to meditate (think upon) what that one verse of Scripture is saying about the entire body of God’s Word? In essence, it’s saying that the Bible is transformative. It’s not a dead book of ancient writings that’s detached from reality. It’s alive. And when I say it’s alive, it’s alive in the sense that it is always applicable for all people for all ages for all purposes.

But not only is the Bible alive, it’s also able to change the heart and life of any man, woman, or child. It’s described as being powerful and sharp, sharper than a sword razor-honed on both sides. With that sharpness, the Bible shows truth from error, it discerns sinfulness from righteousness, and it exposes our true motives. Why is that so important? Two reasons—first, living according to God’s will and God’s way makes for the absolute best life we could ever live. Then, secondly, living in this manner glorifies (honors) God, which is the whole reason why we exist.

For the true Christian, reading the Bible regularly, meditating upon it, studying it, and always looking to put it into practical application is the most important thing that one can do. It prepares you for life, for today, for tomorrow. It shows you how to best share your faith with others. It gives you what you need to share with others. It simply shows you the pathway of real, abundant life.

Some will try to discredit the Bible, to find fault or error with it, but none have ever succeeded and none ever will. The Bible is inerrant, and has been preserved by God Himself to guide the life and conduct of man. However, that’s not the ultimate purpose of God giving us His Word. The ultimate purpose for the Bible is found in the fact that it reveals God to us and tells us how we can know Him and make Him known. I hope this is your desire and purpose in life. If not, the answer as to how that can change is found in opening the Bible, reading it, studying it sincerely, and digging into real truth.

Why do I write all of this for this week’s Pastor’s Corner? I do so because the Lord placed this topic upon my heart. Why this topic at this time? I think the answer is because this timing coincides with the beginning of a new Bible reading plan. This particular plan is one that I introduced the entirety of our church to at the beginning of the year, but actually consists of twelve quarters, a total of three years. This is the beginning of the third quarter.

If you were to follow this plan, reading God’s Word daily, you will read through the Bible in three years, at a pace that you can really think through and study God’s Word. If you didn’t start the reading plan at the beginning of the year, that’s ok, start here. Join in the conversation as iron sharpens iron. Also, If you want to get caught up, I can send you links to the previous reading plans where you can “double up” or more for a few months, and still finish the whole Bible in three years. It’s a most doable and worthy goal, and I challenge you to embark on this journey with a few dozen others. Click on this link to join in: https://bible.com/p/67440024/8dc857a252605b3e8a3df85e94343e2a. If you’re in our morning worship service, you will also be able to scan a QR code that takes you to the same location.

I’m excited about how God is shaping us as a church, and He’s doing so not through programming, or entertainment, but through His Word. May we be faithful to conform ourselves to it. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Youth Sunday is one of my favorite Sundays of the year. There’s just something about the energy and enthusiasm of young people with a whole world of opportunities in front of them being willing to serve and minister to others within the context of the local church. It’s often said that young people are the future of the church, but in reality, they are the church of today.

Our young people are the ones who have been learning, watching, sitting under the teaching of Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, and pastors for years. They may not have all the answers, but they have definitely learned to ask so many of the important questions of life, and that’s what the church needs. The church needs people who are real, and honest, and who are ready to engage others on subjects of truth, and life. That’s what you find in Christian young people today, and I love it. Perhaps that’s why I enjoy Youth Sunday so much.

When I think of the youth of our church, my mind can’t help but go back to the words of the Apostle Paul that he wrote to his young co-laborer in the ministry, Timothy. In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul wrote, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” So what Paul was telling Timothy was that he shouldn’t be embarrassed for being a young person, and that also he shouldn’t feel bad if anyone “looked down” on him. If anything, Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example in all ways of life to other believers. And that’s what our young people are doing with us today, showing an example of service and ministry in some of the ways that God has gifted them.

So for all of us who are now past the age of “youth,” it’s our opportunity to see our young people for who they are, servants of Christ. It’s also our opportunity as a church to say, “we love you,” as we help to send them to camp through our donations. And on top of that, we get tacos. Maybe that’s why I like Youth Sunday so much. Hmmm, I’ll have to think about that more.

But as I’m thinking about tacos, there is one more reason that this year’s Youth Sunday is special, at least for me and my wife, as our youngest child participates in their last Youth Sunday. Over the past couple of months, there have been quite a few “lasts” in our family, and several more to come in the coming months—the last of the senior trips, the last awards banquet, the last last day of high school, the last graduation, the last Youth Sunday, the last youth camp, the last first day of college, the last… I think you get the picture.

What looms ahead for me and my wife is “the empty nest,” and on some levels that causes feelings of sadness and longing for the way things were, and on other levels, it causes feelings of pride, good pride, pride in the accomplishments of our children and pride in seeing them walk their own path of faith and faithfulness to the Lord. So yea, this Youth Sunday is a little different. It’s great, but it’s also kind of an emotional time. So if you see some tears in our eyes, know that we’ve been doing a lot of woodworking right before church and that sawdust is really irritating. No, it’s ok to cry, but also know that those tears are also tears of happiness and proud parents.

So for each of you who are parents and have already gone through this. Well done, you made it through such a huge part of life. I look to you for how to handle the next stage. For those of you who are there with my wife and I in this similar stage of transition, let’s encourage one another and walk this new road together, taking our example from those who have already walked a few more miles. And for those of you still with little ones in the home, in the blink of an eye, you’ll be where we are. May we be godly examples to you as soon you look to us for help in walking the road of the unknown.

Wow, it seems like I need to snap out of it. Youth Sunday can cause quite the roller coaster of emotions and thoughts. Hopefully most of them have been poured out here on the page. But if many more are yet to come, and I’m sure they are, I guess I should be ready for the ride. So should you.  

In today’s Pastor’s Corner I wanted to write about something that I am personally very excited about for our church—the upcoming missions trip to Colombia. It’s been 28 years since our church went on a missions trip. When I first heard that a couple of nights ago, I was shocked because global missions is a huge part of Berean’s identity. Training up missionaries, sending out missionaries, supporting missionaries, praying for missionaries, that’s who we are, that’s what we do, as called and commissioned by God Himself. But it’s been nearly three decades since our church last went to a mission field.

Now over the years, including recent years, many individuals have gone on various missions trips to many parts of the world. That’s been great, exciting, and life changing for those who went. As a church we’re glad to support those that God is calling to leave their comfort zones and see the need for the gospel in places outside our own country. It’s through exposure to the various parts of the world that God burdens our hearts for the various peoples of the world. And through that burden, many times God says, “Go.” So by all means, we want to support individuals who feel led to go to the nations.

However, there’s something different about missions when the local church goes together. That’s what I’m so excited about. Last Sunday for the informational meeting, we had 20 people in attendance expressing interest in going to Colombia. THAT WAS AWESOME!!! Then, after talking with people, it seems like a large number of that 20 are set on going. THAT TOO IS AWESOME!!! It’s great to see God working in hearts, showing His church the need for missions, and seeing people ready and willing to respond.

Through short-term missions trips like the one we will be taking with the church to Colombia, God so often redirects lives. It may be in the form of saying “I want you to go,” like I wrote earlier. It may be in the form of much greater involvement in giving to missions, praying for missionaries, and connecting with missionary families on the field. It may be in the form of promoting missions and helping others to see the need for more laborers to go forth into the harvest fields. But whatever God does in the hearts and lives of those who go, it is never in vain.

What about those who don’t go? I’m glad you asked. (I’m assuming you were wondering about those who don’t go.) Anyway, to answer the question, since this is a church missions trip, it’s my desire to see the whole church involved. Even if you’re not going, you can still pray for those who are. If you’re not going, you can also help by giving to those who will go, and in all actuality, this is a big part of how this is a whole-church missions trip.

We are in the process of organizing a couple of fundraising projects to help those that God is calling to go, but who still need a little help financially to get there. One project is an after church Colombian themed luncheon. Those going on the trip will help prepare and serve this donation-based meal, and 100% of the proceeds will go to help cover the expenses of the trip divided out amongst those going. For those who don’t need additional financial support, they can decline their portion, with their portion then being divided amongst those who do need the financial support to be able to go. We’re also looking at a fundraising project that is sponsored through MANNA Worldwide, and that fundraising opportunity will be a person-by-person fundraiser where each trip participant will raise their own money for those looking to raise additional funds.

In addition to those two fundraisers, I would also ask that our church family be willing to simply give to the Colombian missions trip. I set up a new category in the online giving portion of our church app, or on our website. It’s quite aptly named “Colombia Missions Trip.” You can also give by designating money under the “special” category of the white giving envelopes and marking it “Colombia Missions Trip.” Again, 100% of that money will be divided between those going who need the extra financial help in getting there.

So Whether you’re going, or whether you’re staying here in Bolivar come October 22nd, either way you can have a big role in what I am convinced will be a hugely impactful trip for our whole church. Commit to praying for those going, for those that we will meet and connect with, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be front and center. Also, I also encourage you to commit to financially supporting the trip as you are able. It is more than a worthy cause, it’s a calling and commission to all of us who are followers of Christ. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”

As I worked outside this past week the sun was shinning. It wasn’t too hot or too cold. A slight breeze was blowing. The weather was beautiful, and because of all of the rain we had recently, the grass and flowers were bright and full. I stopped for a moment to just listen, and I heard birds singing, and in the distance a dog had started barking. All of this just reminded me of the goodness of God in giving us His creation. And if you’re like me, sometimes I simply fail to acknowledge these great gifts of God. So this past week, for me at least, this was a special reminder of how good our God really is.

When I stopped to think about what the Bible says about God’s creation, and His magnificent gifts to us, I thought of passages like Genesis 1, and John 1, as well as some of the Psalms declaring the majesty of God, like Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” But then, the Lord brought to my mind some of the words of Job. I couldn’t remember them exactly, and I didn't remember what chapter they were in, but after a quick search I found what I was looking for.

Listen to these words from Job 12:7-10…


Everywhere we look, we can see the handiwork of God. He is the creator, the sustainer, and the one to whom all worship is due. And as I look out at the magnificence of God’s created order, it makes me smile, and it makes me thankful for the goodness of God. Maybe you, like me, need to just take a moment to look around and appreciate who God is and what He’s done. Take a walk, go for a hike, sit on your porch and listen to the birds. It might be exactly what you need. It sure was for me.

For today’s Pastor’s Corner I wanted to give everyone an update on how the ministry to the Hispanic Community in and around Bolivar is progressing. Since September 15th, the date of the Block Party to try and establish connections with the Spanish speakers in our area, there has been an ongoing Spanish Bible study on Monday nights. This group has been meeting in the Rose Building of First Baptist Church here in town and is now averaging 20-25 each week. They have developed a good core group, some of which are from the Springfield area, but many from right here in our area.  

With such great consistency and progress, plans are now developing to begin a Hispanic Worship Service in the near future. When and where that will be taking place is still not decided, but something that I would ask for you to be praying about. There is one individual who will be spearheading this effort by the name of Hebel Gutierrez, and many who are backing him. Hebel has been leading many of the Bible studies and is in the process of completing training to officially be a NAMB (North American Mission Board of the Souther Baptist Convention) Church Planter. This will take about six months.  

The following information comes from John Rhodes, our Midlakes Baptist Association Associational Missions Strategist. “This church planter will be working around 20 hours per week to help build the worship services and to reach out to the Hispanic community. He also will still be leading the Bible Study. During this time, we as an association of churches and individuals will have the opportunity to invest in his ministry. For this to happen, we must get involved. Because he and his wife currently live in Springfield, he will be driving two days a week for the Bible study and worship service, but he will also be here a lot of other days. Because of this he will have expenses. For the first six months we need to help provide $500 a month for fuel and $200 a month for other expenses. He will be under the oversight of Pastor Rodriguez, and we will also be appointing a committee to work with Pastor Rodriguez.”
 
John continues, “After six months as coordinator, and the completion of his NAMB training, Hebel will be evaluated and if he feels this is where God wants him to serve, and if the committee recommends it, along with Pastor Rodriguez, then Hebel will be promoted to church planter. At this point NAMB will kick in some funds, (possibly up to $1,000), but we would need to kick in some more to make his being on the field full time possible. The goal is to help the church grow so it can become self-sufficient. The goal is for the church plant to become self sufficient as soon as possible. Anytime within the first five years.”  

So now the question, for us as a church, becomes this—How would God use us to help such an important ministry, the ministry of planting a new church right here in our own backyard? I think the first and easiest answer is to pray for this potential church plant. Pray for more people to hear about the opportunity for a Spanish speaking church right here in Bolivar. Pray for those who are Spanish speakers to hear about the church, and most importantly hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Secondly, we can pray for the logistics of the plant, for the right time and place for worship services to begin. We can pray for those who are planning and organizing, that their efforts would be clearly led by God’s Spirit, and that this potential church plant would become more than a potential plant, but a reality. Third, we can pray about how we can be involved as a church helping in the starting of another church. I think we can most definitely help financially. But how much for how long becomes another question. Perhaps we can help, especially those who speak Spanish, with the organization of the worship services, and/or attending the ongoing Bible study. The possibilities really are endless.  

I write all of this to say that I am excited. I am excited about the start of a new church. I’m excited because we have the opportunity and privilege to be a part of this. I’m excited because this is what God has called Christians to do, to go and make disciples of all nations. Those disciples then become part of existing churches, or in this case, they start a new church that is in their native language. In fact, there are already individuals involved in the Spanish Bible study who are believers, but have not yet been baptized, but would like to be. They need a church to be baptized into. How wonderful to be a part of seeing this happen. Also, if you think the Lord would have you to play a specific role in this, please speak with me as soon as possible. To God be the glory for what He is doing right here in Bolivar amongst our Spanish speaking neighbors.  

In today’s Pastor’s Corner I’m going to start with 2 definitions. The first is “appreciation,” and it’s defined as recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something. The second definition is actually a phrase, “to appreciate someone,” and this is defined as understanding the worth or importance of something or someone. If you haven’t guessed, I’m thinking about the idea of appreciation today, because that’s what I and so many currently in our church, and so many who have been a part of our church for a season, feel for a very special couple—Dave and Karri Perry.

Today is the Perry’s last day leading Berean’s college and career ministry. Sixteen years in college ministry is a long time. It’s a long time in any ministry, but especially when ministering to such a fluid and rapidly changing group. For that, I appreciate them both so very much. But it’s not only their dedication to such a challenging ministry for which I appreciate Dave and Karri, but also their hearts of service for the Lord.
When I first met Dave he was on the pastoral search committee, and when I accepted the Lord’s call on my life to Pastor Berean, and the church’s call to confirm the Lord’s call to come to Berean, I will never forget what Dave told me. He told me that he and Karri were the college and career directors at the church, but he didn’t have any need to be the number two man, or the number three, or any number whatsoever. He just told me that he wanted to be faithful to the Lord, serve the church, and help me as the incoming pastor however he could.

Now at that point I didn’t know Dave well enough to know if those words were just empty platitudes and false humility, or if there was weight and truth behind them. Well, fast-forward a decade. After ten years of working with Dave and Karri, I can say with 100% honesty, and with more appreciation than anyone can ever know, that he meant every one of those words. Both Dave and Karri’s humility and heart of service are a thing of beauty to the Lord, and something that has been such a huge blessing to the church. They are truly humble servants of God, and I, along with our whole church, appreciate them so very much.
What’s next for Dave and Karri? Well, they’ll continue to lead us in worship. For that, I am extremely thankful. They’ll also continue to serve the Lord and continue to love others however God leads. It will just be in a different context, and time will show what that context is.

But for now, let me encourage you to say “thank you” to the Perrys for their many years of ministering to young adults. Let them know you love them, that you’re praying for their family, and that you appreciate them. I know I sure do. We love you guys!

Congratulations! That’s always a word associated with something good, whether it be the wedding of friends or someone in your family, the announcement of a new baby, receiving a promotion at work, the accomplishment of a long-time pursued goal, or in the case of my wife and I, the graduation of our youngest child from High School. This afternoon Emilia will become a high school graduate, and undoubtedly there will be many congratulations directed her way, as it should be. Mom and I are obviously very proud of our daughter and all that she has accomplished and excited for all that the Lord has in store for her as well.

But as I was thinking about Emilia’s graduation, and thinking about accomplishments, I really started to think about the things in life that go unnoticed. How many things do we, or someone we care about, do that are significant, but don’t received the recognition, the congratulations. For a high school or college student, how about when they are tempted to cheat, to plagiarize, or to in some other way “cut corners,” but instead they decide that they should work hard, be honest, and be a person of integrity—congratulations, that will make a big difference in your life. Those decisions might even be more meaningful than the diploma they will eventually hold in their hand.

What about the couple who’s trying to save money for their retirement or for the purchase or renovation of a home, or to purchase a “new to them” car, and they have some choices to make. They can fudge just a little bit on their taxes, they can give less to the Lord, they can manipulate their time cards to get some “extra overtime.” Or, they can be honest, faithful, and generous with “their money.” Is it really theirs to begin with? That’s another discussion for another day. But if the couple decides on the latter, displaying integrity, congratulations, the Lord will honor what is right, always.

What about the husband and wife who have had their ups and downs and their times of disagreement, but they always came back to the fact that it was God who instituted marriage, and they truly believe that “till death do us part” really meant, till death do us part. Divorce never became an option. It simply wasn’t on the table, because they were being led by a greater authority, and they were willing to yield themselves to that authority, even when it was hard. That’s integrity.

At the end of the day, there are so many examples that we could give that deserve a huge congratulations, but will never get them. That’s just the way it is. So don’t get discouraged when you don’t get that pat on the back, that well done, or that congratulations. God sees it all. He knows. And one day, it should be our goal to hear those words, “well done, my good and faithful servant,” even if it means never hearing those types of words from anyone else. After all, as C.S. Lewis wrote, “integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” The one thing we do know is that God is watching. So step up, do the next right thing, and live a life of integrity as you follow Christ. If you make that your goal of how to live, you’ll never be disappointed.  

This past week weathermen were warning us that storms were coming! On Tuesday night I watched the local news and that particular weatherman sharing what was then tomorrow’s forecast, made the statement that the atmospheric conditions were “better” for majorly severe storms than he had seen in the last decade. Honestly, that was a little bit scary, as he would then go on to describe what he meant by majorly severe storms—baseball to softball sized hail and very strong tornadoes. Yeah, not exactly what I wanted to hear from my trusted weather forecaster, but it’s what I needed to hear.

Now, did we end up with massive sized hail and very strong tornadoes? Thankfully, no. But I’m at least glad that the weatherman told me the truth of what could happen, even if the prognosis was bad. What good would a weatherperson be if everyday they just said that tomorrow would be beautiful, a great day, and problem free, meteorologically speaking, even if they knew that would not be the case? They don’t want to ruin anyone’s day. They don’t want to rain on your parade, pun intended. They don’t want to give you news that might cause you anxiety, stress, or worry. That wouldn’t be a very good weatherman, would it? I would say “no.” It’s the job of the weatherman to be honest and truthful, even when it means giving “bad news.” That bad news, however, might save someone’s life.

As I thought about the honesty with which weather forecasters approach the weather, my mind then went to the doctor. If I go to the doctor, I expect him or her to tell me the truth about my condition. If the test shows cancer, I want to know about it. I want to know how far along it is. I want to know how it’s affecting my body. I want to know if, in their opinion, it’s treatable. I even want them to tell me it’s terminal, if it indeed is. At least I would know the truth. I wouldn’t consider them a very good doctor if the tests and scans all showed cancer and they turned around and gave me a clean bill of health because they didn’t want me to worry or didn’t want to hurt my feelings. It’s the job of the doctor to be honest and truthful, even when it means giving “bad news.” That bad news, however, might save someone’s life.

My next line of progression then came to the Christian. Our world today says that if you’re going to be a Christian you must be nice, kind to everyone, and only speak things that are nice and kind, with “nice” and “kind” being defined as never saying anything against anyone else. Now I’m not touting being mean-spirited, hateful, and unkind. In no way, shape or form is that authentic Christianity. In fact, Christians are called to humility, kindness, compassion, and mercy. We are also called to honesty and truth. This is the tightrope that a true Christian must walk.

If we believe that we hold the words of life in our hands, which is the Bible, and the Bible reveals to us the only way for eternal life and forgiveness of sin, is it not the kindest thing that we can ever do to tell others the truth of God’s Word? I would say, yes. In fact, not telling others the truth of what God has said is the equivalent of the weatherman saying that every day is a perfect sunny day or the doctor always giving a clean bill of health to the patient. That’s not good at all, but rather evil.

So Christian, let me encourage you. Speak truth. Do so in love as Ephesians 4:15 instructs, but speak the truth. Speak the truth about God, that He is the one who created everything, including man. Speak the truth about man, that we have sinned, broken God’s holy and righteous law, and that we are deserving of death. Speak the truth of Jesus, that Jesus has made a way so that we could live and be forgiven of the sin that we commit. And then speak the truth that all men must give an account to God one day for the decision we make concerning Jesus.

These truths actually comprise the message that all Christians are called to share. We sometimes summarize it in the four words that must be fleshed out as we share Christ with others—God, man, Christ, response. Be honest, be truthful, and the whole time, be loving, kind and compassionate because we are all sinners in need of a Savior. The only difference between the Christian and the one who is not, is that we have already accepted God’s greatest gift, the gift of salvation. Shouldn’t that gift be extended to others through you? I think the answer is yes.

CHANGE! It’s a scary word. It’s a word that we’re uncomfortable with. It’s a word we try to avoid. And yet, it’s a word that’s inevitable. It’s also a word that can actually be good, at times, when not forced, and when purposeful, and, and, and… 

In case you didn’t notice, this week, our church bulletin underwent some major changes. Now I know that changing the layout and format of the church bulletin isn’t an earth-shaking change. No one’s life or death rests on the presentation of the bulletin. Hopefully we won’t split the church over changes made to a piece of paper.  However, something so small as tweaking this hallmark of Baptist church tradition, the bulletin, can reveal a tendency toward resisting that which might be good and necessary in our lives, change. 

John D. Rockefeller once said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” George Bernard Shaw said, “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” And leadership guru, John Maxwell stated, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”

Each one of those quotes is quite poignant in their own right. Rockefeller focused on the heart of good change, going from something good to something better or something great. Shaw focused on the necessity of mental preparedness and mental toughness to see that change is often necessary. Lewis focused on the desired outcome of change, that we, and I think he had in mind especially the follower of Christ, are always looking forward to that which is far better than what we currently are experiencing—heaven anyone? Then Maxwell helps us to see that there are really only two possible options or outcomes resulting from change, either growth or stagnation. 

Change, when done correctly, makes an improvement to the status quo. And as a church, and as individual Christians, we, of all people, should be proponents of change. After all, the status quo is that the same people are doing the same things, in the same place, the same way. That goes against everything that God has called us to do. God has called us to go, to tell, and to make disciples. He has called us to teach all things that Jesus has commanded. He has called us to shake up the status quo so that people will clearly see the love of Christ, repent of their sin, and trust in Him and Him alone for salvation. If people remain where they are, doing the same things they’ve always done, and they don’t ever come to a place of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, they will die and forever be separated from God in a very real place called hell.

So when I really think about the church in general, and our church in particular, I’m willing to make the statement that there are things that all of us must change. I’m willing to also make the statement that there are things that must change within our church, to better align with biblical truths and principles.  Do I know what all of those things are? No. But as God points out those things that must change even within our own church body, we must be ready, willing, and able to not only accept change, but to embrace change, if that means being a part of what God’s doing to advance His kingdom. 

Is that scary? Yes. And for me as your pastor, it’s really scary because by nature we are simply resistant to change, even when it’s good and God-ordained. And when the church is doing well, as is the case right now, you don’t want to overturn the apple cart. The tendency is to just keep doing what we’ve been doing, the status quo. But God doesn’t want any church to simply maintain the status quo. So let me challenge and encourage you. Look to change as a good thing. Be willing to walk with me and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ through any changes that God might show to us. And remember the words from Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”