Ministering to Others

One of my members recently sent me an e-mail containing this inspiring story about a Chick-fil-A located in Birmingham, Alabama. During a recent storm that stranded hundreds of motorists on the Interstate, Mark Meadows and his staff sprang into action. Some of the cars near the restaurant had been stranded for up to 7 hours.
Meadows and his employees fired up the kitchen and began preparing chicken sandwiches as fast as they could. They prepared several hundred sandwiches and then Meadows and his staff headed out and began distributing the hot meals to the stranded motorists on both sides of Highway 280.

Some of the drivers tried to pay them for the sandwiches, but Meadows and his employees refused to take a single penny. Audrey Pitt, manager of the Chick-fil-A, explained why: This company is based on taking care of people and loving people before you’re worried about money or profit. We were just trying to follow the model that we’ve all worked under for so long and the model that we’ve come to love. There was really nothing else we could have done but try to help people any way we could.

However, Meadows and Pitt were not through with their Good Samaritan efforts. They helped push cars off the roads, up inclines and whatever else they could do to help. Then they kept the restaurant open overnight so that stranded motorists could have a warm place to be. A number of motorists slept in booths or on the benches.

Then in the morning, they again fired up the kitchen and prepared chicken biscuits for their overnight guests and once again they refused to accept any payment. During that 24 hour period, this Chick-fil-A restaurant opened their kitchen, their doors and their hearts to hundreds of stranded motorists and they did so refusing to accept any payment. As one source put it, Meadows and his staff lived up to the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 25:35 which states:
"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in." It is amazing what we as believers can do when we stop thinking about ourselves and focus on ministering to others. How does God want to use you today?
Have a great week.
Pastor Barry

The Art of Listening

An elderly man progressively lost his hearing. By and large, family and friends would sit and talk – at times ignoring the man’s presence in the room. Occasionally he would try to enter the conversation, or others would raise their voices to get his attention.

Frustrated with his lack of hearing, the old man decided to take action and make an appointment to visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The physician assessed his need, identified the extent of his problem, and referred him to a local audiologist who kept pace with the latest trends in hearing advances.

Within days, the elderly man was fitted with a state-of-of-art hearing device that proved revolutionary. For the first time in years he could hear clearly.

A month passed, and the old man had a follow-up visit with the doctor who assessed him. After some questioning and examination, the doctor said, “It appears you have a near complete restoration.” The old man simply smiled.

The doctor added, “Your family must be thrilled to know you can hear again”.

To which the old man replied, “Oh I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit and listen, but I’ve changed my will three times!”

I wonder what we might discover if we learned the art of truly listening? The book of Proverbs says “to answer before listening – that is folly and shame”. (Proverbs 18:13) The book of James tells us that we should be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

Imagine what you might find out if you turned off the ballgame and really listened to your wife? Imagine what you might discover if you really paid attention to the constant chatter of your child or grandchild? Even more importantly, imagine what you might learn if you stopped with your list of requests and actually listened for the “still small voice of God?”

We may be missing out on some life-changing information because we’re too busy talking to hear. So my advice to you this week is keep quiet, turn up your hearing aid and pay attention. You just might hear some valuable information.

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry

Christ On the Cross

Near the city of Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, is a remarkable facility.  Twenty years ago the Brazilian government turned a prison over to two Christians.  The institution was renamed Humaita, and the plan was to run it on Christian principles. With the exception of two full-time staff, all the work is done by inmates.  Families outside the prison adopt an inmate to work with during and after his term.  Chuck Colson visited and made this report:

When I visited Humaita I found the inmates smiling – particularly the murderer who held the keys, opened the gates and let me in.  Wherever I walked I saw men at peace.  I saw clean living areas, people working industriously.  The walls were decorated with Biblical sayings from Psalms and Proverbs…My guide escorted me to the notorious prison cell once used for torture.  Today, he told me, that block houses only a single inmate.  As we reached the end of a long concrete corridor and he put the key in the lock, he paused and asked, “Are you sure you want to go in?”

“Of course,” I replied impatiently, “I’ve been in isolation cells all over the world.”  Slowly he swung open the massive door, and I saw the prisoner in that punishment cell:  a crucifix, beautifully carved by the Humaita inmates – the prisoner Jesus, hanging on a cross.

“He’s doing time for the rest of us,” my guide said softly.

In just a couple of weeks we will be celebrating Holy week and Easter.  I’m reminded again of what Christ suffered for me at Calvary.  Because of his sacrifice I can be free from the bondage of sin and death.  Why would I ever want to go back to the bondage of sin?  Why would I even consider going back to my old life?  Wouldn’t that degrade the value of Christ’s sacrifice?  How could I belittle his death by again doing those things that drove the nails into his hands and feet?

One of the things we’ve been focusing on in our Downpour series is a picture of Christ on the cross.  The value of focusing on that image is that it inspires us to live a holy life.  I trust in these next few days you’ll see clearly Jesus bearing your sin on the cross.  May it motivate you to greater depths of love and commitment.  As the hymn writer Isaac Watts so beautifully puts it “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Have a great week!

Pastor Barry

The Grace Plan

Kyle Idleman in his book “Not a Fan” shares an amazing story about grace and how difficult it is for some of us to receive it.  Kyle was attending a Christian High School and his chemistry teacher, Mr. Hollingsworth decided to do something a little unusual.  He wanted to teach his class about grace.  Let me let Kyle describe what happened.

“He handed out a test to all of us that we knew would be difficult.  We had been preparing for this test for several months.  When he handed out the test, he told us, I want you to read through the entire test before you begin to take it.  As we read through the test – most of us realized we were in trouble – I should have studied more – but then I got to the end of the multiple page test and read these words at the bottom, it said, You can try and get an “A” by taking this test or you can just put your name on it and automatically receive an “A”.

I immediately signed my name, walked up to the desk and walked out.  I found out later, that one of the boys in the class named Patrick, didn’t read through the test – he just started taking the test – though most of the class turned their test in after a few seconds and – Patrick never caught on.  It’s too bad too because I’m sure it would have been the only “A” Patrick would have received.

And then there was Macayla – and apparently she got quite upset because she had spent so much time studying – and what kind of teacher gives an “A” for nothing – I understand that she stayed and took the test on principle.  If she was going to get an “A” she was going to earn it.”

Do you know any people like that?  People who say I don’t need God to do me any special favors.  I don’t want a free handout.  I don’t need God’s charity.  I’m going to earn my way into heaven!

How foolish.  As if any of us could ever measure up to God’s standard.  The truth is none of us can pass the test.  As Romans 3:23 reminds us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  But the verse continues “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)

I don’t know about you but I’m glad for the grace plan.  Though I try hard, some days I’ m not much better at holy living than I am chemistry.  If it wasn’t for grace I’d be a goner.  I’d be lost with no chance at a pardon.    Thanks be to God for the“incomparable riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 2:7)

Have you expressed your gratitude today!

Have a great week!

Pastor Barry

Positive and Attractive

The story is told of a young boy who, during a bygone era, was aboard a passenger train attempting to make money selling apples  He made his way through the train car, saying, “Apples!  Would you like to buy an apple?”  When he got to the rear of the car, he still had a bagful of apples and no money.

A gentleman who noticed his plight took him aside and asked to see one of the apples.  He proceeded to go to the front of the train, polish it conspicuously with a napkin, and then walk down the aisle eating the apple and commenting on how delicious and refreshing it was.  Then he told the boy to try again.  This time, he sold every apple.  The difference?  The apples had been made attractive to the potential customers.

That story reminds us how important it is for us to make the gospel attractive.  As believers we ought to be the most positive, joyous people on earth.  Why would anyone want our faith if it makes us look and act so miserable?  The next time you feel like complaining, stop yourself.  Remember that you are an ambassador for Christ.    Paul tells us in Colossians 4:5 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”   If we are kind, positive and pleasant in our dealings with others, it may cause them to wonder why we are so different.  If we show genuine interest in them and their well-being, it may open the door for us to share the gospel.

Think this week about the message you’re communicating.  Make it positive and attractive!  Someone’s eternal destiny may depend on it!

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry

Anyone!

A little before Christmas I arrived home one day, and was greeted with the aroma of freshly baked Zucchini bread.  Rosemary had been baking.  She’d just taken several loaves out of the oven and they were cooling.

My first question was “who is this for..”  I’ve learned to ask that question, because in the past I have messed up.  Often I’m told “Don’t touch that” or “You can’t eat that..”  It’s for a church picnic, or I’m giving that to so and so..or I’m taking that to work.

But this time, Rosemary threw the doors wide open.. and it was like music to my ears.  Her response was, It’s for whoever..  I like that, because I’m a whoever.. I’m included in that invitation.  It wasn’t long until I had a cup of coffee and a warm piece of Zucchini bread.

Whoever is an amazingly open-ended word.  It is totally devoid of restrictions.  There is no one left out of that invitation.  Throughout the gospels Jesus uses this word liberally..just notice with me a few verses.

• Matthew 10:23   “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my                                                  Father in heaven.
• Mark 16:16        Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, butwhoever does not believe will                                           be condemned.
• John 4:14          whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
• John 6: 37         whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
• John 11:26        and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

 The Bible even ends with a final invitation.  Jesus again speaks and offers eternal life to anyone who is thirsty..

• Rev. 22:17             Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of                                                the water of life.

The good news is that anyone and everyone can become a follower of Jesus.  The word “whoever” eliminates all the excuses

• Peter and Andrew couldn’t say, Well Jesus, I can’t follow you because I’ve never been to Rabbi school..
• Matthew couldn’t use the excuse that his past was too wicked to overcome…
• James and John couldn’t get an exemption because of their fiery tempers…
• Bartholomew couldn’t claim that he came from the wrong side of town….
• Phillip couldn’t use the excuse that one of his parents was Greek and that he wasn’t a pure-blooded Jew..

None of those excuses matter because anyone means everyone.

So let me ask you.. what kind of excuses have you been trying to use.
Are you just too busy and don’t have the time to follow Jesus?
Do you think your past is too sinful?
Or that you’ve made too many mistakes?
Do you think you’ve got to get all your problems straightened out first?
Do you think maybe you’re not talented enough ..or smart enough.. or good enough?
Are you afraid that maybe you’ve got the wrong pedigree?

NONE OF THAT MATTERS…. When Jesus says “anyone” it eliminates all our excuses.

So if you’re not already, why not make this the day you decide to follow Jesus.. John 3:16 says that “Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry

The Price

In my Bible reading this year I’ve just finished reading about the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.  I was particularly struck by the words in (Exodus 20: 1-5) And God spoke all these words:  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.  You shall have no other gods before^[me.  “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.

The fact is God will not tolerate any rivals.  He doesn’t want our part-time affection.  He wants to be our #1.  In fact, over and over when Israel is unfaithful, God refers to it as spiritual adultery.  It’s like cheating on your wife a husband with another lover.

Jesus makes the same point in the New Testament when He says, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.”  (Luke 14:26 NLT )

The Contemporary English version says you must love me more..  I think Jesus uses such a strong word here to indicate that it shouldn’t even be close.
Jesus is saying I’M TO COME FIRST IN YOUR LIFE .. WAY AHEAD OF EVEN FAMILY OR ANYTHING ELSE

So let me ask you…  Is Jesus first?  Is He your #1?  Does He occupy the most important place in your heart?  Does He come ahead of your work?  Does He come before some of your hobbies, or sports?
Does He come ahead of family or friends?

John Oros was a church leader in Romania during the communist era.  When he spoke at the Associated Mennonite Bible Seminary, he talked about what that was like:

During communism, many of us preached … and people came at the end of the service, and they said, “I have decided to become a Christian.”  We told them, “It is good that you want to become a Christian, but we would like to tell you that there is a price to be paid.  Why don’t you reconsider what you want to do, because many things can happen to you.  You can lose, and you can lose big.”

John said that a high percentage of them chose to take part in a three-month class to better understand the decision they were making.  John says:

At the end of this period, many participants declared their desire to be baptized.  Typically, I would respond, “It’s really nice that you want to become a Christian, but when you give your testimony, there will be informers here who will jot down your name.  Tomorrow the problems will start.  Count the cost.
Christianity is not easy.  It’s not cheap.  You can be demoted.  You can lose your job.  You can lose your friends.  You can lose your neighbors.  You can lose your kids.  You can lose even your own life.”

Yet, in spite of the high price tag, hundreds decided to put Jesus first.  Many believe that the incredible growth of the church in spite of persecution led to the ultimate fall of communism.

If following Jesus cost you everything would it still be worth it?  I hope your answer would be yes!

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry

Do Nothing

The New York Times several years ago ran a story about an unusual court case involving a wealthy atheist in Barcelona, Spain. When Don Francisco Masilera died in 1927 his relatives were horrified to learn that Don Francisco had willed his farm to the devil. Here is how it read;

“Beginning with my soul, I will it to the devil if he wants it and is clever enough to get hold of it. If not I shall guide it back to the abyss from which it came. As to my body, I order that it be placed in a solid wooden box, put on a cart, covered with straw and grass, and taken to my farm which I also give to Satan.” The will ended with the injunction “Not a peseta for the church – not a cent for the priests.”

The courts deliberated on the curious case for quite some time. Finally it was determined that the best way to carry out the wishes of the deceased testator was to allow the farm to grow up in weeds and briars and to leave the house to decay and ruin.

And that is exactly what happened from 1927 to 2007. At that time the descendants of Don Francisco Masilera successfully contested the will and the courts decided the devil had owned it for long enough.

That story reminds us that the best way to ensure spiritual failure is to simply do nothing. You don’t have to openly rebel and be a God-hater to lose your soul. Apathy and lack of concern will lead to the same end. The easiest way to give your life to the devil is to do nothing. Spiritual neglect leads to spiritual failure. The famous mathematician, Francis Bacon, said this, “Things alter for the worse spontaneously, if not altered for the better designedly.”

My point is if we don’t make an effort to grow spiritually, it won’t happen by accident. The Bible is full of action verbs like “stand firm, be strong, resist the devil and press on.” We’re commanded to “pray fervently, serve faithfully, and love unconditionally.” Our faith is never to be static, it is to be growing.

How’s your spiritual life this morning? Is it overgrown with weeds? Is it falling down in disrepair? Maybe it’s time to roll up your sleeves get back to work. I know a MASTER GARDENER (see John 15:1) and a skilled CARPENTER from NAZARETH who’d be glad to help. Hasn’t the Devil been in control long enough?

Have a great week.
Pastor Barry

Pain and Suffering

Someone sent me this via the internet this week and I thought I would share it with my Tuesday on the Run readers.  This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen …..

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
“I don’t believe that God exists.”

“Why do you say that?” asked the customer.  “Well, you just have to go out
in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist.
Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.”
The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he didn’t
want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long,
stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.  He looked dirty and unkempt.
The customer turned back and entered the Barber shop again and he said to the barber;
“You know what?  Barbers do not exist.”
“How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber.
“I am here, and I am a barber.  And I just worked on you!”
“No!” the customer exclaimed.  “Barbers don’t exist because if they did,
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.”

“Ah, but barbers DO exist!  That’s what happens when people do not come to me.”
“Exactly!” affirmed the customer.  “That’s the point!  God, too, DOES exist.
That’s what happens when people do not go to Him and don’t look to Him for help.
That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.

As the Psalmist reminds us, “The fool says in his heart, there is no God. (Psalm 14:1A).  It’s a lot like gravity.  I can say it doesn’t exist, but if I jump off a roof I’m going to hit the sidewalk.  God doesn’t force us to acknowledge Him, but we ignore Him at our own peril.  Not only does God exist, but He wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.  The Bible says that if you “seek Him,” “You will find him” (Matthew 7:7, Proverbs 8; 17)

Why not make today the day you start seeking.  If there’s any way we can help in that process, just let us know.

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry

Love Wrought It!

On one of the arches in a magnificent cathedral in Europe is sculptured a face of wondrous beauty. It can be seen only once a year when the sun is in a certain position, for then its rays streaming through a small window illuminate the exquisite carving. According to legend, when the structure was being built, and old man came and begged permission to work on some portion of the great church. He had been a well-known artist, but now his trembling hands and failing sight caused the architect to fear that he would mar the beautiful edifice. Out of respect for his age and reputation, however, he allowed the artisan to chisel a design under the shadows of the vaulted roof, thinking no one would ever see it there. After months of painstaking labor, the elderly gentleman could hardly work his way up to the platform high above the floor, yet he insisted on one more climb to make a few finishing touches. When he failed to come down by nightfall, a workman went up and discovered his lifeless body. His tools lay beside him, and his sightless eyes were fixed on the marvelous face he had wrought in the marble. Although he thought it would never be seen, he had given his all to produce a masterpiece. An authority on sculpture recently declared, “This is the most magnificent work of all, for love wrought it!”

Have you ever felt relegated to some small corner of life where your work is unnoticed and your talents unappreciated? In I Corinthians 10:31 the apostle Paul urges us in whatever (we) do to “do it all for the glory of God”. There is really only one master we need to please this morning. All we do should be our best, because we are doing it for Him!

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry