There are certain things you just can't do alone. A three legged race doesn't work alone. A relay race doesn't either. You can't do tag-team wrestling by yourself. And you can't throw a touchdown to yourself. You need a partner or a team.
Jesus knew that if we were going to be successful in accomplishing the mission he was giving us (to make disciples), we would need each other. In Matthew 6 Jesus sends out his disciples to preach, drive out demons and heal people; but he doesn't send them out alone. He sends them out in pairs. This is for safety, but also for teamwork and encouragement. If one is having a bad day, the other can cheer them up. If one is weak, the other can be strong. If one is struggling, the other can step in. They can help each other, lean on each other and support each other. Jesus sends them out 2x2...just like God sent the animals to the ark, Jesus sends his disciples into the world. We still need each other. Husbands and wives need each other. Families need each other. And churches need each other. We support one another and help each other fulfill the mission. We are stronger together and can do more together. If we try to do it alone, we are likely to fail, burn out, be discouraged, become weary and quit. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement? Is there someone in our church you can support? Can you lend a hand? Or do you need support? If so, I encourage you to be vulnerable and tell someone. If nobody knows you need help they may not see it. Tell a friend or fellow church member (or pastor) and ask for prayer, support and love. We are stronger together. We can accomplish this mission together with God's help. Amen. Pastor Scott
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I know that some might get upset this time of year when they walk into a store and are wished "happy holidays" by the greeter or find that Starbucks has created generic winter cups...but I want to let you know that you should NOT be offended by one seasonal greeting...Xmas.
You see, Xmas means Christmas, not some cheap substitute as you might think, but actually a very deep Biblical one; even if people don't fully realize it. X represents the Greek letter chi, the initial letter in the word Χριστός (Chrīstos). And what does Χριστός mean? “(Jesus) Christ.” X has been an acceptable representation of the word Christ for hundreds of years. The –mas in Xmas comes from the Old English word for mass, as in a church service. So put those together, the X for Christ and the mas for a church service...and you'll find that you've got a seasonal greeting with Jesus right at the center. So, next time someone tells you Merry Xmas...tell them thank you. They are wishing you a season full of the worship of Jesus the Christ; truly the real reason for the season. In Christ, Pastor Scott This week we laid to rest our dear sister in Christ, Phyllis Rinkenberg, who passed away at the age of 92. She lived a good and faithful life, having served the Lord with dignity and distinction. She was known as a loving wife, a prayer warrior, a good mother and a kind friend.
I knew her as an encourager. Almost every Sunday she would tell me that she was praying for me and for my family. And while many of you tell me that, it meant a bit more coming from Phyllis. As the wife of a Pastor, I knew that Phyllis understood the unique pressure of the life of ministry and that she could relate to the joys and the heartbreaks that come with the role of minister. Her prayers for me and for my family were a constant source of encouragement to me and I will always be thankful for them. Phyllis and her husband Robert never had much wealth in this world, they lived simply and trusted God for what they needed (and the Lord always provided). And so I think this proverb is so fitting as a way to learn from her life. "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16. I am thankful for Phyllis and her example of faithfulness. I am thankful for her prayers. And I am thankful to the God who gave her to us, even for a time, that we might learn from her wisdom and example. Let us all seek to live likewise, until we too receive our eternal reward and join her in the Kingdom where she now dwells. In Christ, Pastor Scott I've been called lots of things over the years. Most often I get called Scott (my name), Dad, Coach, Pastor and Dork (only acceptable from my siblings by the way). But a few times I've been called naive. You see, I have this crazy notion that no matter how things may appear, that God is working behind the scenes and we should trust Him. This sometimes drives non-believers (and even some Christians) crazy because they think I am not facing the facts or living in some fantasy land where everything is rainbows and unicorns...but that's just not true. I realize that life is hard and that bad things happen (they happen to me too). I don't doubt the existence of evil or pain and I know I live in a broken world where not every story has a happy ending. I just hold firm to the belief that I live in a story larger than my own...I live as a part of God's bigger story and that in His story, there is a good plan that WILL happen (even if I don't live to see it or recognize it). Isaiah 55:9 reminds us of the truth that "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." God is with us. God is for us. God is working. We may not see it; but it's not naive to believe it. In a world full of evil, there is a good God who is at work; and I'll take comfort in that truth. In Christ, Pastor Scott In football it's important to be on the same page, so the quarterback will often "huddle up" with his team to make sure everyone knows what to do on the next play. This involves getting all his players in a tight circle where nobody from the other team is allowed into their space.
Some churches tend to think the same way. We form a tight circle of who is "in" and who is "out" and spend our times in our "holy huddles" away from the evils of the world and its sinful ways. I get it, the world is pretty bad and it is tempting to want to hunker down and shut it all out, to protect ourselves and our children from the temptations and sin around us. But, when we do this, we also shut out those who need Jesus. Those people we shut out ARE the mission field we are called to. How can we love those we ignore? How can we serve those we hide from? How can we share the good news to our neighbors if we don't know our neighbors? Matthew 28:19 calls us to "go" and not to hide. The going isn't going to be easy. It will be messy, painful and sometimes full of temptation; but Jesus called us to go anyway. Hiding our light under a bushel isn't going to help anyone; we have to let it shine. So, we huddle up on Sundays or Wednesdays to encourage, worship, teach and prepare...but then we go out to do, love, serve and share. We have to break the huddle and get out on the field (the mission field of our lives) to where the people are who need Jesus. That's the plan, that's the call...and that's where Jesus wants us to be. So get out there...and, break! In Christ, Pastor Scott I love the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. You might remember that a few years ago we did a study of the book in worship and I highly encourage you to read it. Much attention is given (and rightly so) to the main character of Nehemiah and his leadership ability and how he is able to get the people to come together to do this great task of rebuilding the walls around the city. But maybe lost at the end is the most beautiful worship service and celebration in the whole of the Bible.
In chapter 8 the people of God come together to hear the word of God be read out loud and explained (a really good sermon) and they are so moved that they weep. This goes on for days and days and days. At the end of it, they celebrate with feasting and even take care to include those among them who don't have anything to bring to the massive pitch-in they threw. The chapter ends like this, "Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly." What a party! We Wesleyans could learn a thing or two from them about how to worship and how to celebrate! Our homecoming event was big, but not that big! But, in the next few weeks we are dedicating a bunch of children to the Lord and then the next week we are baptizing a TON of people (the most I've ever baptized in one day)...and that's a really good reason to celebrate!! So, let's follow the example of the Israelites and let's A) hear the word of the Lord well (and take it to heart) B) celebrate what God is doing! Amen! Pastor Scott There is an old Rich Mullins song (btw, I am a huge fan of his music...so deep and rich) called Elijah about the Old Testament prophet who famously was taken up to Heaven in a chariot of fire (and therefore never died). In the chorus he says, "when I leave I wanna go out like Elijah, with a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire."
I often joke that my dream is to be the second man ever to go out like Elijah. I mean how cool would it be to go to Heaven on a chariot of fire? Now, I realize this is unlikely. This has only happened one time ever (you can read the story in 2 Kings 2) and it's way more likely that I'll die a more normal death...but it would be cool. In fact, none of us get to know how or even when we will see our last day. We don't get to pick the method or the hour. We have to leave those things up to God who alone knows the number of our days. But we can work to use our days well. Each day is a gift and one we should honor by not wasting it. Recently it does seem like our church, and even my own personal life, has been visited by loss and grief more than its share. I've done and attended more funerals than I would like...and while that has been painful; it has also reminded me of the value of each day, each person, and even each moment. I remember the words of James 4 that reminds us how short life is "you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Our life is short, how short we do not know, but we can use each day well, love those around us, serve God with our whole hearts and at the end of our days know that we have given it our all. And hey, maybe, just maybe...I'll get to ride a chariot made of fire. You never know. In Christ, Pastor Scott Sometimes I wake up grumpy. Actually, until I get a few cups of coffee in me I am almost always a bit grumpy. But sometimes, even coffee doesn't do the trick. Maybe it's the weather or something someone said or a headache or who knows what...but I am just in a bad mood. Honestly, sometimes I don't even know why. Some days just aren't good, right?
On those days I have to be careful. On those days I am prone to get mad at my kids for small things. On those days I am prone to send an email I shouldn't send. On those days I am likely to say something I shouldn't say. My feelings get the better of me and I am prone to do or say something dumb. Feelings come and feelings go, but how I feel doesn't change the truth. The truth is that I love my kids, even when they drive me crazy. The truth is that the world isn't terrible, just because I am in a bad mood. My feelings can cloud my view of the world and even my view of God. The events of the world (hurricanes in Florida, mass shootings in schools, deaths of friends or family) can affect me emotionally (which is normal), and if left unchecked, that can lead to a place where I become angry with God or start to think He doesn't care about me or the world. My feelings can cloud my view of who God is or what He is like. But God doesn't change. His character isn't affected by how I feel. He is unchanging and He is good. Exodus 34:6 tells us that, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" and that is who God is. I may not feel it; but no matter how I feel, the truth is that God is who He is and who He is...is good. In Christ, Pastor Scott This week, if you were in church (or watching online), you got to witness Jim and Nancy Dalton, both in their 80's, rededicate their baptisms by immersion. It was a beautiful moment and one that I will never forget, as two senior saints decided to take a public step of faith and declare their obedience to God through this act of worship. Jim had called me and asked if it was ok to do this...and I said it was more than ok, it was exciting! God had put it on their hearts to do this and I was honored to be a part of it.
You see, it is never too late. Never to late to be baptized. Never to late to serve. Never to late to turn to God. Never too late. Abraham was an old man when God called him; it wasn't too late. And it isn't too late for you. You haven't missed your chance. If there is still breath in your lungs then there is still time for you to go, to serve, to turn to God or to do what God has called you to do. It is never too late. In Christ, Pastor Scott Several years ago my wife and I were able to visit friends who live on Sanibel Island and while we were there we went to church with them at their home church. It was a wonderful service and I remember thinking how lucky these people were to have such a solid Bible believing church in such a perfect place (beach, sun, palm trees)...it must always be wonderful.
Well, as you know, last week Sanibel Island was devastated by Hurricane Ian. The Pastor of that church wrote a letter to his congregation and I wanted to share that letter with you today as my weekly encouragement. We never know what might happen to us, even those who live in seemingly perfect conditions might suffer harm, and our faith may be tested...and yet Christ is with us. I hope you will find this as encouraging as I did from Pastor Jeramie. Below is a letter from Pastor Jeramie to the church family today: Dear Sanibel Church Family, It’s Sunday morning, October 2, 4:30am. I’m writing this from a hotel bathroom so as not to wake my wife. I couldn’t have imagined a week ago that this is where I would be today. Normally on a Sunday morning, I would be waking up around 5:30am or so and head out for a beach walk with my poodle to pray and think through the sermon I had spent all week preparing. This Sunday in particular would have been the beginning of a new sermon series in Daniel, followed by the Lord’s Supper in our last one-service gathering. But instead, I’m sitting in a hotel bathroom. I don’t have a house. My earthly possessions can now fit in my truck. I can’t go to my favorite beach. I have no idea when I will preach again in my pulpit on Sanibel to my beloved congregation. And no, I didn’t get around to studying Daniel much this week. Where are you this morning? Some of you are also in hotels on the east coast. Some are staying with family and friends, wondering how long the arrangement will work. Others are up north watching this disaster from a distance, filled with more questions than answers, and plagued by a vexing sense of helplessness. Some are in the Ft. Myers area without power or internet or consistent cell service. They can’t even read this email. Some are stuck in shelters at Shell Point because the storm surge wiped out most of the cars there. Some . . . I don’t know where they are. Is it sinking in yet or are you still in shock? The feelings and thoughts come in waves. I haven’t had much time or capacity to reflect on the events of the past week. Most of my mental energy has been spent on trying to coordinate efforts, solve problems and find people. But this morning, sitting in my bathroom office unable to sleep, I find myself in a rare moment of contemplation. I’m thinking about Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. 2 Therefore we will not be afraid though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depth of the sea, 3 Though the water roars and foams and the mountains quake with turmoil. The Psalmist meant the roaring sea as a metaphor for turmoil and danger, particularly the danger of hostile nations around Israel. But this week we saw the literal reference for that metaphor. We saw the sea rise up and swallow homes, cars, bridges and lives. The storm cut the causeway islands in half. The incredible power of the sea flung boats and cars all over Iona. Ft. Myers beach is completely devastated. The Psalm describes an earth-shattering ocean storm. These verses will never again be an abstraction for us. Yet we must not forget how the Psalm begins. “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” God is our refuge. No storm touches God. God needs no insurance policy because he reigns above the flood. He is the only safe place. God is our strength. God never loses power or fuel. The Lord doesn’t feel anxious or perturbed and has no troubled thoughts about the future. Our heavenly Father is not passing through phases of shock, grief and despair. The Triune God dwells in perfect peace, joy and delight at all times. He is not exhausted or depleted. A helper who is always found. Unlike us, our God is not helpless. He isn’t stuck watching the news, imagining himself renting a boat so he can sneak onto the island and do something. He is our helper who is always found in times of trouble. Trouble comes and goes. Hurricanes pass. But our helper never changes or leaves us. Even when our future is uncertain and our lives have been completely overturned, we know these things about God. He is almighty, he is eternal and he loves us. No wonder the Psalmist can look into the tempest and say “Therefore we will not be afraid.” The psalmist is not in denial about the power of the storm. Rather, he beholds the greatness and power and lovingkindness of our Lord toward us. God is infinitely willing and able to help his storm-tossed people. The fury of hurricane Ian is a gentle breeze compared to the might of our savior God. And if the Psalmist knew these things about the Lord, how much more should we who live in light of the cross. Our Lord Jesus has rendered the ultimate aid. He bore the terrifying storm of God’s wrath to save us from our sins. The cross is our refuge. Jesus is our strength. He is risen and ever present to help us. Let us go to his throne boldly for mercy and grace. This faith in the Lord as our refuge, strength, and help gives us an internal strength that stands in stark contrast to the chaos of the storm: 4 There is a river—its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High. 5 God is within her, she will not be toppled, God will help her when the morning dawns. Yes, there is a raging ocean. But remember, there is also a river. From our Lord flows peace and life. We have been shaken but because the Lord is within us, we will not topple. Look to the Lord brothers and sisters. We won’t topple. We won’t collapse. Sanibel Community Church still stands—and I’m not talking about the building on Periwinkle. And this stream isn’t just for us. The Lord wants his living waters to flow out of our lives into the lives of others. I bet even in the pain and confusion of this past week, the thought has crossed your mind, “How will the Lord use this to advance the gospel and display his glory?” Keep asking that question. Turn it into a prayer. God’s calling on his people to be salt and light and to bear witness that Jesus has not changed. Our mission remains intact. We are still here to multiply maturing disciples of Jesus and healthy churches for the glory of God and the good of the world. All that has changed are the circumstances and contexts where God is calling our congregation to execute that mission. On Wednesday as the storm raged, I was sitting in a mall in Boca Raton trying to get internet. One of the stores had a TV with news coverage of the storm. Starved for information, I walked over to watch with a few others. We started talking and I told them I was a Sanibel refugee. The strangers around me stood in shock as I described what little I knew was happening on Sanibel, Captiva and Ft. Myers. The conversation ended, and I returned to my computer. A few minutes later one of the store employees came over and said, “I’m sorry but I just have to ask. Why are you so calm? You’re losing everything and yet you seem so nonchalant.” It was a funny question because I didn’t feel calm or nonchalant. Yet that’s what he perceived. So I started to explain, “Well, I’m a Christian, and I pastor a church…” I didn’t get to finish my sentence. His face lit up and he said, “Of course! You have God. I got it! It all makes sense.” And he walked away smiling. I bet there are lots of conversations like that waiting for us in the coming weeks and months. I pray today that wherever you are, you may take time to sit beside the river of God and be filled with his peace. And then take his Word, his gospel, and his love to a helpless and hopeless world that’s still sinking. Love in Christ, Pastor Jeramie |
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