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Our God is an awesome God! One of the attributes of God is that He is omnipotent – all powerful. As I looked at 1 Samuel 19 this morning, that was the thought I came away with.

As I have shared, Saul was rejected by God as king of Israel. His failure to obey and honor the Lord cost him his throne. So as the scripture says, the Spirit of the Lord left him. God then directed Samuel to anoint David as Saul’s successor. In the meantime, the conflict between Saul and David worsened. So much so that the Spirit of the Lord rested on David and it was evident to Saul.

In the process, David became best friends with Saul’s son, Jonathan. Because of David’s success against the Philistines, Saul rewarded him by making him commander over “the men of war”. 1 Samuel 18:5 (NLT) “Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.”

Just a couple of verses later, things bothered Saul again. Perhaps you are familiar with this passage of scripture. 18:6-8 (NLT) “When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!”

Interesting how Saul was conflicted. One moment he knew he needed David on “his side”. The next moment, jealousy and anger raged inside as David was being praised for his successes! 18:14-15 (NLT) “David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him.” 

As a result of David’s success, Saul became afraid. We begin to see a plot unfold to kill David – to remove the threat to Saul’s throne.

A new plan is devised in chapter 19. Saul’s “Plan A” failed (chapter 18:17-30), so he moved to “Plan B”. This time Saul sent troops to watch David’s house. It looked like the perfect plan. During the night David’s wife, Michal, gave David a ‘heads up’ and helped him escape out a window. Funny thing, she herself was Saul’s daughter and an idol-worshipping woman.

When the men came to David’s home to kill him, Michal had a story and staged the scene. David had already escaped in the night and was far out of town. He went to find refuge with the prophet Samuel.

Now what happens next is very odd. At least to me. When the troops found out where David went, they pursued him. When they arrived, they found Samuel prophesying. At that moment, the scripture says in 19:20b-21 (NLT) “the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men, and they also began to prophesy. When Saul heard what had happened, he sent other troops, but they, too, prophesied! The same thing happened a third time.”

Crazy! Saul’s attempts at killing David would not succeed! Actually, Saul then went himself and the Spirit of God came even upon him! A most unusual way of stopping the opposition.

Can you see what this passage tells us about our amazing, awesome God? His plans and purposes will go forward and nothing or no one can stop them! No human effort or attempt can change or overpower our God! He is sovereign and omnipotent over all!

I am not sure about you, but this comforts me. The God I serve will not be overtaken by the enemy. His plans and purposes will go forward. As His child we can rest in that truth!

Proverbs 21:30 (NLT) “No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.”

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

We are starting our third week facing a “giant” challenge. Most of us have been confined to our homes and encouraged to stay there as our country faces an unseen enemy – a coronavirus. Over the past couple weeks, I have talked to many of you by phone and I am encouraged to hear that you are not fearful. That you are trusting in the Lord.

Meanwhile, many around us have responded differently. Fear has gripped them – their reactions are extreme. As I read through 1 Samuel 17 this weekend, I saw some lessons we can take from the story of David and Goliath.

Let’s remember that at this time, Saul is the King of Israel. The scripture tells us he was ‘tall, dark, and handsome.’  But what you find is, he lacks courage. He also has a tendency to ‘take matters into his own hands.’

As we saw in chapter 13, Saul failed to obey what he was told. In chapter 15, the same thing happens again. He had good intentions, but he did not obey what he was told.

1 Samuel 15:20-22 (NLT) “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and plunder to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

As a result, God rejected him as king of Israel.

God then led Samuel to the one who would later replace Saul as king of Israel. The young son of Jesse, David. We know the story well. We heard it when we were children in Sunday School – the story of David and Goliath. We often heard the story about how David slayed the giant with “one little stone” and a sling shot. It’s a great story that we can visualize! The underdog wins!

But this story also gives us a picture of two responses to facing the giants – the threats of Goliath. One was how Saul responded and the other was how David responded. Saul’s response – 17:11 (NLT) “When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.” For 40 days Saul and the army of Israel faced Goliath and the Philistine’s threats.

One day, David was sent by his father, Jesse, to the front lines with food for his brothers. As a curious boy would be, David wanted to know what was going on. While there, Goliath again came out and threatened the Israelites. David’s response was much different than Saul’s had been.  17:26 (NLT) “David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?  David goes on, v. 32 (NLT) “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”

Wow! Is this arrogance or confidence in the Lord? I would suggest confidence in the Lord.

Over the past few chapters, we have seen the tale of two kings. One who did not walk by faith in God and one who did. No, David wasn’t king yet, but soon would be. One was fearful and one was fearless in the face of opposition. The difference? The object of their faith. David knew God could be trusted and was powerful because He had known that to be true in His life. That is why he acted in faith against the enemy. Saul did not know or fear God and therefore did not trust His ability to deliver. That is why he was paralyzed with fear. He saw facing the enemy in his own strength instead of the strength of the Lord.

Where are you today? Where is your faith? Are you resting in the greatness of God or are you “terrified” by all you see in front of you?

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

 

Continuing to look at lessons from 1 Samuel, chapter 13 includes the beginning of Saul’s reign as king of Israel. In the first part of the chapter, Saul puts together an army and his son, Jonathan, leads them to a victory over their nemesis, the Philistines. As a result of this smaller scale battle, it stirred the broader, larger Philistine army and the ‘sleeping giant’ was awakened and begins to respond. Take a look at verse 5.

1 Samuel 13:5 (ESV) “And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven.”

 

In the meantime, Saul was at Gilgal. The trumpet was blown, and it was made known that they had a victory! But now the Philistines were awakened, and an even greater battle was ahead. Look at verse 8. “He (Saul) waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him.” What is going on here? Go back to chapter 10:6-8. This passage tells us that Samuel had given Saul instruction to wait for Him at Gilgal. There Samuel would “offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings.” Over in chapter 13:8, 9 we read that Saul did wait – seven days. Instead of waiting for Samuel to come and make the burnt offerings and peace offerings, Saul took it upon himself to make them. Just as he finished making the offerings, Samuel arrived and asked, “What have you done?” 

 

What can we take away from this scene? The obvious sin of Saul was that he made a sacrifice without authority to do so. Only an ordained priest could make burnt offerings that would secure God’s favor. (Numbers 18:7) 

 

This was a test for Saul. Would he as king honor and obey God? If he had, he would have gained the help of Almighty God. Remember that when the people demanded a king to lead them, Samuel exhorted them to still fear and honor the Lord. Saul had failed to trust God and obey. He had taken the situation into his own hands. He justified his decision because Samuel was a bit late. The pending battle was in front of Him and he did not fear God enough to obey. Honoring God did not matter most to Him.

 

How often do we become impatient when God does not answer when we want Him to? How often do we take a situation into our own hands and justify our decisions? When we are faced with the temptation to ‘just do it’ even though we know it is wrong, we are saying to God “I know better. I don’t care what You say.”

 

We have all heard the Bible verses Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” We love to quote them, but do we let the truth guide us? Sometimes we choose to take things into our own hands because we want our way. We really don’t trust God. We can learn from Saul, that when we do not honor and obey God, there are consequences. 1 Samuel 13:13, 14 tells us the results of Saul’s disobedience. The consequences were severe and had lasting impact on the nation of Israel.

 

Let me remind you again: trust, seek, listen, obey, and devote yourselves to the Lord. He is worthy and He matters most!

 

Walking with you,

 

Pastor Brian

Church family,

I have been reading through the book of 1 Samuel the past couple weeks. Today I was reading through chapter 12, Samuel’s farewell address. Prior to this chapter, Samuel the prophet was the one who spoke to the people the Word of the Lord.

In time, the people became restless and wanted a king “like other nations” (8:5). As Samuel spoke with the Lord, the Lord told him “it is me they are rejecting, not you” (8:7). The Lord told him to warn the people of what it would mean to have a king. In response, the people did not heed Samuel’s word and wanted a king anyway.

As 1 Samuel records, the Lord gave them king. That king was Saul – the first king of Israel. Yes, God gave them what they asked for – even if it meant rejecting Him.

Let’s move to chapter 12. Your Bible probably titles this chapter “Samuel’s Farewell Address”. Let’s pick up at verse 14 – “Now if you fear and worship the LORD and listen to his voice, and if you do not rebel against the LORD’s commands, then both you and your king will show that you recognize the LORD as your God.  But if you rebel against the LORD’s commands and refuse to listen to him, then his hand will be as heavy upon you as it was upon your ancestors (12:14-15 NLT).

Yes, they had sinned by asking for a king. In spite of that choice, Samuel reminds them that they must fear, worship, listen, and obey the Lord. Why? The consequences? The second part of verse 15 tells us – “Then his hand will be as heavy upon you as it was upon your ancestors”

What does this passage say to us? The principle is this: when we have chosen our own way instead of God’s way, God graciously allows us to humbly return and seek His forgiveness. Look at Samuel’s words – Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! The LORD will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the LORD to make you his very own people (12:20-22 NLT).

 When you find yourself wandering away from the Lord, return to Him. When you have chosen poorly and ignored the Lord’s Word, return to Him. If you have stepped outside His will in pursuit of the ‘things of this world,’ return to Him. Samuel gives his final exhortation at the close of the chapter – But be sure to fear the LORD and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away” (2:24-25 NLT).

God gives you a choice. I trust you chose to confess, repent, trust, seek, listen, obey, and devote yourself to the Lord! You will find grace and hope for you when you return to the Lord! 

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

This morning I am sitting in my study, reading the scriptures and reflecting upon these times we are living in. As you know, I have been preaching through the gospel of Mark over the past weeks. This coming Sunday, we will look at Mark 4:1-20.

While studying, I typically read beyond the specific passage that I am going to preach. That is the case today as well. As I “read ahead” I am especially drawn to verses 35-41 of chapter 4. We know the scene. Jesus and the disciples get in a boat to cross the sea of Galilee. Jesus falls asleep, a fierce storm comes up, the disciples panic, they wake Jesus, and He calms the storm. Perhaps you can remember your childhood Sunday School teacher putting up those flannelgraph cutout figures on the felt board! I can envision the setting!

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV) On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

 While I won’t dig too deep today (after all, I will be preaching on this passage in a couple of weeks), I want to draw your attention to one truth here.

Take note of who the disciples turned to in the storm. The clear answer – Jesus. Remember, this is early in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus had recently called these men to “Follow Him”. I am not sure how you are, but it often takes time to develop trust in someone. Especially someone you have recently met. For most of us, trust is built over time. We talk to, spend time with, and observe people before we decide to trust them. It is typically a process and not often a quick one. It takes an intentional investment and being vulnerable at some point to actually trust someone with your personal struggles or crisis. In other words, action.

Do you find it interesting how the disciples trusted Jesus so quickly? I would say that their response to call on Jesus was because of what they had seen Him do prior. After all, they saw Him heal the sick, cast out demons, cleanse the leper, and heal a man with the withered hand. John chapter 2 tells us they also saw Jesus turn water into wine at a wedding! At this point it had not been revealed to them who Jesus really was, but they had seen Him do amazing things.

What’s my point? They believed Jesus could “do something” about their crisis – about their struggle. They didn’t just have a mental belief about Jesus’ ability. They acted on that belief.

In these uncertain days, in the midst of your questions, trust Jesus. Actively, call upon Him for your need. Rest in Him. Abide in Him. He may not always calm the physical storm around you, but He will calm the ‘storms’ in your heart.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

In my perusing through news and ministry articles, this one caught my eye – Infographic – How Is Your Phone Changing You?  I wanted to share it with you. I assume many of you would agree with most of what is being said. Sadly I believe the findings of the survey are actually not completely accurate. Why? I believe cell phone ‘idolatry’ is much worse than these findings show.

Have you ever been out to eat and looked at other folks at the tables around you? Have you ever been in a waiting room with others, waiting for your appointment? Have you ever had family over to the house – children, grandchildren, etc.? Interesting how many people are attached to their phone when they are “waiting” or “bored”. Funny thing, I know someone who told his family that they wouldn’t be coming to the family Thanksgiving gathering. When asked, he replied “The past few years there has been more time spent on cell phones when we get together than interacting with family!”

Yes, we have a cell phone addiction. Honestly, it is idolatry. People are not talking face to face as much anymore. Nor are there actual conversations on phones. As a result, one of the consequences has been the lack of genuine relationships. Oh yes, and also the genuine expression of affection to one another.

I could go on, but most of you ‘get this.’ I have personally made some changes in my cell phone ‘behavior’ as well. Let me encourage you to be honest with yourself and make changes as well. We will all be the better for it!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Dear Church family,

Ephesians 4:1-6 (NLT) “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.”

In this day and time, there are more churches than ever before. Often new churches start up as a result of Christians not seeing ‘eye to eye’ on something. One group of people decides they don’t agree with another group. As it pertains to holding true to the Word of God, I can see a valid reason to consider leaving a church. Too often though, people leave for ‘lesser’ reasons. Or let’s say, our personal preferences become the reason we leave, or a new church starts.

Too often what is happening is an internal struggle to let ‘God matter more’. Our preferences trump God’s desires. Wanting things to be “my way” ends up taking priority over wanting things God’s way.

Now, does this mean God has a favorite church? Does He have a flooring preference? Does He prefer a rich red over a royal blue color? Does He secretly enjoy the organ over the guitar? Does He prefer a lecture format in discipleship or an interactive approach? I could go on. Actually, God doesn’t give us any indication of His preferences on these things.

Sadly, too often these things become what divide a church. Why? Because they are really personal preferences. We all have them. How do I know this? If I were to go to each of your homes and walk in the front door, I would immediately start to see what matters to you. Some things would make me smile. Some would leave me wondering. We all have personal preferences. Even if we believe so, our preferences are not more “right” than other’s preferences.

I share these insights with you to remind you to always keep in mind that as we come together as the body of Christ each week, unity matters. Unity doesn’t mean we all prefer royal blue, the guitar, or the lecture format of discipleship. It also doesn’t mean we all live in homes that are decorated exactly the same. What it means is that we don’t make personal preferences the main thing. We keep Jesus as the ‘main thing’.

Paul says to the church in Ephesus “Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” This isn’t just outside the church, but inside. His glory matters more than our preferences. Paul then tells us what that looks like: “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Paul then ends the passage with mentioning what unites us.

You have heard me say this for the past 8 months – He matters more! If that is to be true in each of our lives and in our church, then how we treat each other when we have differences, matters. When colors, music, and discipleship formats don’t match your preferences, will the unity of the body and the glory of God matter more? I hope so.

I share this exhortation to keep preferences in perspective. I share this exhortation because those without Christ who watch our lives, must see a people who live as though Jesus matters more!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

In my reading of God’s Word this morning, I read through 1 Timothy 4 & 5. Several things caught my attention and caused reflection. Let me share one with you.

1 Timothy 4:7-10 (NLT) Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

Paul is writing to a young pastor, Timothy. In these verses, I see two concerns that Paul is bringing up: the value of godless arguments and the value of physical upkeep. Have you ever gotten sidetracked? In the church, people can often get focused on things that don’t really matter. It could be anything from false teaching seen or heard that is contrary to God’s Word or worldviews that are trending in culture. Our enemy, Satan, loves it when Christians get sidetracked with pointless, godless issues. He loves it when our focus shifts to issues that are meaningless and harmful.

Paul also mentions physical training here. Is physical training beneficial? Yes. We are to take care of the physical body that God has given us. After all, neglect of care will seriously limit how we function and live the life we are given. But hear this point: physical care is temporal. It has no eternal value. Too often people are so consumed with physical care that they neglect what has eternal value – godliness. Paul says, “training for godliness is better.” Our focus ought to be on what matters more.

So how is your spiritual diet? Are you prioritizing your spiritual health? How are you pursing a better relationship with Jesus? Are the effects of your spiritual diet impacting how you live and love? Or are your priorities all messed up? Are you settling for ‘junk food?’

Take some time for honest reflection. Ask the Lord to make the change in you!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

It is a chilly morning here in northwest Ohio and my day is getting started. Much of my family will be coming here for Christmas. It is one of the things I look forward to the most during Christmas. The receiving of gifts has lost its appeal over the years. After all, what else do I really need? Perhaps age does that to you. Or perhaps man-made things just lose their value or attraction.

In my times reading and reflecting in the Word lately, I am reminded once again what matters most. I am reminded, as we used to say years ago, “Jesus is the reason for the season” – that He matters most. In the scriptures, the word “idol” is used often. Actually, in the ESV Bible translation, forms of the word are used over 140 times. Often when we hear the word, images come to mind of carved or molded creations made of wood or stone. In history, we know that “idols” were made in various sizes, images, and shapes. Someone along the way decided to make something, believing there to be power worthy of worship. Typically, it was the result of an experience someone had. We see this in many cases throughout history. It comes down to elevating the created over the Creator Himself.

This morning, as I was reading the Word, the devotional led me to Psalm 115. The psalm reflects upon man-made idols as “merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.”  Psalm 115:4-8 (NLT)

In this psalm, the writer contrasts the idols made by man with the God of Israel. Often, man tries to find in idols (created things) what only can be found in God (the Creator). Simply put, there is no life, no power, no hope in the created.

As I shared last Sunday, Colossians 1:15-20 gives an amazing description of Jesus! He wasn’t just a “special baby” who grew into a wise teacher who created a following. NO! He is the Son of the living God! God became flesh. He brought hope to sinful man. As Paul says, “He is the visible image of the invisible God!”

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the midst of all the “shiny” and temporal gifts you will receive, do not lose sight of the greatest gift ever given to man – Jesus, the Son of the living God. He matters most!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Dear Church family,

As we approach the fall holiday season, what runs through my mind is “Wow, another year is almost over!” I am sure many of you have thought the same thing!

This coming Sunday morning we will take time in the worship service to praise and express thanks to the Lord. It is clearly much easier to be thankful and praise the Lord for “the good” things we have been through. Let me challenge you to be thankful for the ‘scars’ – the hard things you went through.

During the past year, the song Scars by I Am They has often ministered to me. Yep, you could have found me driving my car with this song ‘cranked up’. The lyrics contrast the scars we get from life in this fallen world, with the scars that are upon the body of Christ who suffered for us. In light of that, I can say with the songwriter, “I am thankful for the scars.”

Scars
Verse 1
Waking up to a new sunrise
Looking back from the other side
I can see now with open eyes
Darkest water and deepest pain
I wouldn’t trade it for anything
‘Cause my brokenness brought me to You
And these wounds are a story You’ll use

Chorus 1
(So) I’m thankful for the scars
‘Cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart
And I know they’ll always tell of who You are
So forever I am thankful for the scars

Verse 2
Now I’m standing in confidence
With the strength of Your faithfulness
And I’m not who I was before
No I don’t have to fear anymore

Chorus 1

Bridge
I can see I can see
How You delivered me
In Your hands In Your feet
I found my victory

Chorus 2
I’m thankful for Your scars
‘Cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart
And with my life I’ll tell of who You are
So forever I am thankful

CCLI Song # 7106244 Ethan Hulse | Jon McConnell | Matthew Armstrong | Matthew Hein © Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) EGH Music Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) I Am “They” Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Curb Wordspring Music (Admin. by W.C.M. Music Corp.) Eyes Up Songs (Admin. by W.C.M. Music Corp.) For use solely with the SongSelect®. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 81262

If you wonder how you can pray for your pastor, take a moment to read this article, How to Pray for Your Pastor by Jeramie Rinne.

I do value your prayers as I seek to be who God has called me to as His child and as your pastor. Both are completely impossible in my flesh. My prayer is often, “Lord, I am desperate. I need you.”

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian