NCHS Class of '56 - Newton, Illinois

Date:	Sun Sep 7 06:54:11 2008
Today's Commentary When Missy started her new job in the factory, she was determined to let her light shine for the Lord. But as soon as she met Louise, her work partner, she knew it wasn't going to be easy. Brassy, defensive, and crude, Louise ridiculed everything Missy did. When Missy tried to befriend her and tell her about Jesus, she was rejected. Louise said, "I tried that. It didn't work." Missy asked God for help. She opened her Bible to John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you." So Missy kept trying to show love. But all she met was hardness. After a particularly rough day at work, Missy opened her Bible and cried out to God. Again, her eyes fell on John 13:34. "But I don't even like her!" Missy complained. One day Louise sat beside Missy at break and said, "You're the only person who cares." Then she poured out a story of heartache and trouble. Missy put her arms around her and they became friends. Louise attended church with Missy and, after a struggle, opened her heart to Jesus. This true story has a happy ending, but not all do. Even so, as faithful followers of Jesus, we are to let His light shine brightly through our love. - David C. Egner
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Sep 6 14:57:24 2008
Today's Commentary Four starving lepers, in quarantine outside Jerusalem, decided to surrender to the enemy soldiers who were besieging the city (2 Ki. 7:3-4). But they found the Syrian camp empty of men and full of provisions, evidence of a terror-stricken flight. They ate to their fill and stashed away gold, silver, and clothing. But then feelings of guilt mixed with fear of punishment moved them to share the good news with the hungry people in Jerusalem. Sharing helpful and encouraging information is something in which we usually find delight. We enjoy telling a person who is ill about a doctor who successfully treated us for the same ailment. We eagerly let others know about a mechanic we have found who is skilled and honest. Many of us, though, are less eager to share the best news in all the world with others--that Christ can satisfy their spiritual hunger. But Jesus commanded us to do so (Mt. 28:19; Acts 1:8), and He will hold us accountable for our obedience to Him when we stand before Him (2 Cor. 5:10). Although your first motivation to tell the good news may be one of obligation, you'll soon discover the joy of sharing the gospel out of a heart of love. - Herbert Vander Lugt
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Sep 5 08:34:21 2008
Today's Commentary The secret to plowing a straight furrow or mowing a straight path is to look ahead. That is, you fix your eye on something up in the distance, and then move toward it. If you look around at what is close by, you sometimes see things that will throw you off the path and keep you from going straight. Keep your eyes trained on the goal that is ahead, and it will help you to stay on the course. I knew this the first time I climbed into a combine. I had run a mower before, and I had plowed a field before, and used this principle. However, for some reason, being put into a new piece of equipment that I had never used before caused me to forget what I knew to be true. I have no idea how many people passed by that field afterwards and got a good laugh at my expense. Proverbs 4:25 tells us, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." We need to, as the author of Hebrews tells us, "fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). This helps us to avoid the pitfalls that are around us - the temptations that are there, the circumstances that call to us and try to keep us from moving ahead, the "bumps in the road" that would throw us off track if we concentrate on them instead of focusing on our goal. Keep looking ahead! This will keep you going in the right path. This will help you avoid the pitfalls that are in your path. This will help you from shifting your attention to matters that might cause you to swerve. The way to keep a straight path through life is to keep our eyes focused on God.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Sep 5 08:34:21 2008
Today's Commentary
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Sep 4 16:15:42 2008
Today's Commentary The old saying "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" is true. We can't prove the quality of something until we've tried it. If we find it to be superior, we become spoiled and can never again be satisfied with less. That's the discovery the Samaritan woman made as she talked with Jesus (Jn. 4). When He offered her "living water" (v.10), she thought He was referring to better drinking water. She was convinced that the water from the well was the best available--until she met the One who offered her spiritual water. Her testimony led many others to put their trust in Christ (v.39). The late Malcolm Muggeridge, English journalist and broadcaster, made a similar discovery. Before meeting Christ, he had been drinking from the finest earthly fountains--fame, success, pleasure, and fulfillment. "Yet I say to you," he once testified, "and I beg of you to believe me, multiply these tiny triumphs by a million, add them all together, and they are nothing, less than nothing, measured against one draught of that living water that is offered to the spiritually hungry." Are you drinking from earthly fountains and still feeling thirsty? Turn to Christ, and drink so deeply that you'll be spoiled forever from wanting anything less. - Joanie Yoder
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Sep 3 12:39:30 2008
Today's Commentary Just as the sun can be blotted out by an eclipse, so moods of pessimism and doubt can plunge us into spiritual darkness. At times our situation may seem so desperate that we think even God Almighty can't carry us through. That was the gloomy attitude of Robert Cushman, who recorded his despair on the Mayflower in 1620. He wrote, "If we ever make a plantation in New England, God works a miracle! Especially considering how scant we shall be of victuals [vittles], and (worst of all) ununited amongst ourselves. If I should write you of all the things that foretell our ruin, I should overcharge my weak head and grieve your tender heart. Only this I pray you. Prepare for evil tidings of us every day. I see not in reason how we can escape. Pray for us instantly." In spite of Cushman's fears, God brought the pilgrims to their destination and enabled them to establish a home in the wilderness. The author of Psalm 85 praised that same providence of God. He knew how the Lord had provided for Israel in the past (vv.1-3). Now he called on God to deliver His repentant people from the present evil (vv.4-7), and he confidently anticipated the answer to that prayer (vv.8-13). Let's not doubt God's all-sufficient enablement. He will carry us through life's darkest hours. - Vernon C. Grounds
Pastor Steve

Date:	Tue Sep 2 09:03:43 2008
Today's Commentary Another college football game, another late-game comeback. Last night UCLA got the ball with only 1:50 left on the clock. Eighteenth-ranked Tennessee had just scored a touchdown and was ahead by 4 points. The quarterback from UCLA had thrown 4 interceptions in the game. But that was in the first half. Now, it was the end of the game and time was running out. So, what did he do? Did he remember his 4 interceptions, one that was run back for a touchdown as the first half expired? No, I think not. Instead, he knew what was before him was what counted the most now. So, he led his team down the field for a touchdown. Now, the game did go into overtime, but UCLA eventually prevailed largely because the quarterback was able to put the past behind and focus on what was ahead. That is sometimes what we need to do in life. We should learn from past events, whether they are failures or successes, but what we need to focus on is what is before us. Paul makes this clear in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Christ has much he wants us to do. So we should not spend too much time languishing over past mistakes or gloating over past successes. UCLA won a ball game in tremendous fashion. So, how long should they bask in this victory? Not very long - they have another task ahead of them. There is a game coming up against Brigham Young on September 13th. So, they need to begin focusing on what they need to do to be successful in that game. Keep your eyes looking ahead - Christ has much for you to do. If you are constantly looking backwards, you are bound to either miss something good you should have seen, or crash into some obstacle that you failed to notice. On to the next challenge!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Sep 1 13:01:02 2008
Today's Commentary Today is Labor Day, a holiday of dual significance, similar to Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have died and Memorial Day weekend is usually considered the beginning of summer. Labor Day is a day set aside to honor labor, and is Labor Day weekend is usually considered the last weekend of summer, even though summer still has about 3 more weeks. The U.S. Department of Labor's website has this to say about Labor Day: "More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those 'who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.' But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country. " Gradually, the idea of celebrating Labor Day caught on all across the United States and legislation was enacted to make it a national holiday. The scripture has a lot to say about work. Much of this is from the "negative" perspective; that is, chiding those who don't work and those who are "lazy." Proverbs 6:6-11 is one of these passages: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." In other words, don't be lazy! Enjoy your day off, if you have one, but be ready to get back to work tomorrow!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Aug 31 08:58:00 2008
Today's Commentary If you are looking for a praise and worship pattern, look no further than Exodus 15. There you find the Israelites heaping honor on God. The people were just hours removed from one of the greatest rescues in history. The Lord had protected them from the rampaging Egyptians, and their praises reflected the renewed trust in God that this event brought them. It's appropriate to pour out our unbridled praise on God when we see Him work in great and miraculous ways. But those aren't the only times He deserves our adoration. Too often we wait for God to perform a big answer to prayer before we feel like singing His praises. But think about this: God doesn't owe us any miracles. He doesn't need to do anything to prove His greatness. He has already given us an incredible display of His power in His creation. He has made the ultimate sacrifice to purchase our redemption. Through His power, He has conducted the most miraculous transaction known to mankind--He brought us from spiritual death to spiritual life. Waiting for a miracle? God's done plenty of them already. Recalling what He has done and echoing the praise in Exodus 15, let's give God our unconditional worship. - Dave Branon
Pastor Steve Willis

Date:	Sat Aug 30 08:28:07 2008
Today's Commentary A recently widowed woman wants to remain in the house where she and her husband raised their children. Because she lives alone, she purchased a home alarm system. Now she feels hypocritical when she prays for protection. But she need not feel guilty. In the Bible, wise planning and humble dependence on God go hand-in-hand. Nehemiah provides us with a biblical illustration of how to combine planning with prayer. He was a Jew far from home, working as cupbearer to the king of Persia. After the nation of Israel had been in captivity for 70 years, Cyrus, the first Persian king, allowed a number of Jews to go back home. Later, Ezra took more Jews back to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple. In the first chapter of Nehemiah, though, we read that the returned captives were having a terrible time, and the walls of the once great city of Jerusalem lay in ruins (v.3). Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed when he heard about the distress of the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem from exile. But he also acted, making careful plans and taking a great risk in asking the king for permission to help the Jews. So too, if we maintain a humble dependence on God, it's wise to do what we can. So pray--and plan! - Herbert Vander Lugt
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Aug 29 09:11:32 2008
Today's Commentary Money is an issue for most families. There are very few of us who simply don't have to think about money because we have enough, well, we could be considered "loaded." It really is interesting to see how much the scripture speaks of money. Even Jesus spoke about money quite a bit in his teaching. So, it is obviously an important topic. What seems to be the key is to realize that money is something you need to take care of - or it will take care of you. You need to have a plan regarding how you are going to spend your money, how much to save and invest, and what you need to take care of obligations and necessities. You need to see that you give to God what is His. Christ speaks of the proper attitude about money in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." He speaks about investing through a parable he tells in Matthew 25:15-27. Make sure you handle your money wisely. Take some time to think through what you have and what you need to do with what you have. Speak to others who seem to have some wisdom regarding money. You will be glad that you did.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Aug 27 10:14:15 2008
Today's Commentary Yesterday I mentioned the name of Cecelia Dillon in my article as an individual who "took a risk" and stepped out on faith. I would imagine there are very few of you who might recognize her name, as she has not received the widespread recognition that some have. However, for those of us who knew her, I am sure you are in hearty agreement with me when I put her down as one who "took risks" and stepped out on faith. Cecelia was raised in the Ohio river town of Coal Grove, Ohio. She was the next to the youngest of 10 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Dillon. She answered God's call to ministry and went to Niger in West Africa before World War II. Never married, she spent the rest of her life there ministering to the people she loved until her death in 1974. She died when the Jeep in which she was riding overturned. This was rather ironic as I remember some of her stories of close brushes with death during her many years in Niger. She survived malaria outbreaks, violence among tribal peoples, other diseases. One night she awoke to find a man standing over her bed with a machete drawn back, ready to deliver a fatal blow. The man simply put the machete down and walked away. After her death, she was buried in her adopted homeland. I have never forgotten her. I remember listening attentively to the stories of her ministry that she would share during her visits to our church, Zoar Baptist Church, her home church in Coal Grove. She truly was one who had taken risks, to step out on faith, in order to accomplish God's will. God may not be calling you to take the same type of risk, but he does want you to obey him and follow him. Psalm 103:17-18 says, "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Obeying God may at times mean "taking a risk," but it will always be a risk worth taking.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Tue Aug 26 08:59:06 2008
Today's Commentary Yesterday I wrote about "passing the flag." As I reread the article and came to that phrase, I remembered a game we used to play at church camp called "Capture the Flag." Maybe you've played it. You have an area for the game - doesn't matter what size, but the bigger the better, especially if you have large teams. It also doesn't matter how many players you have. You divide the area into two parts. You then place a flag, or some object in each area as far away from the dividing line as possible. The object is for team members to pass into the opponent's area, get the "flag", and return to their side of the playing field. You have to do this without being captured yourself. If you are captured, you are sent to "jail," where you will languish until someone rescues you, or the game is over. The game is all about taking the risk to try to go get the flag. If you aren't willing to take the risk, you won't get the flag. Life is that way at times. Granted, there are certain risks that shouldn't be taken. Sometimes taking a risk would be unwise. Obviously, there are certain activities that are illegal or immoral and taking risks to pursue these activities is foolish. However, there are times when taking a risk, or perhaps a better statement would be "stepping out on faith," is the thing to do. If Abraham had not taken a risk, would there be a Jewish people today? If David had not taken a risk, he wouldn't have slain Goliath. If Joseph had not taken risks, Egypt would not have survived, nor would his family. If Paul had not taken risks, many would not have heard the gospel. There are so many modern examples of "risk takers" - Don Richardson, Jim Elliot, Chet Bitterman, Cecelia Dillon. "Cecelia Dillon," you may ask, who is she? Well - I'll write more about her tomorrow. Sometimes we are called upon to "step out on faith," to take risks in order for the Good News of Christ to go forward. Another good example is Caleb. You need to read the entire story in Joshua 14 - here some of it from verses 11 - 15, "'I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.' Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance." Any obstacles in your way? Maybe it's time to take a risk.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Aug 25 10:59:28 2008
Today's Commentary Well, they are over - the Olympic games finished with a flourish. After we got home from church last night, we watched a bit of the closing ceremonies. The "flag" was passed from China to England as the 2012 games will be held in London. I believe this is the first time the games have been there in almost 100 years. I know it will be a great venue. Watching the "passing of the flag" reminded me of a story from the Old Testament where Elijah passes on his leadership position to Elisha. We read in II Kings 2:13-15, "He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, 'The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha. And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him." This is simply the normal course of events. Things change. Leadership changes. People change. The torch is passed to succeeding generations. This is the way it is in the church, as in all institutions. Paul knew this and wrote, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (II Timothy 2:2) He knew that preparation must be made for the church to continue to grow in ministry. Do you have a position of leadership in the church or maybe in another facet? What are you doing to ensure that when your time is over there will be a capable person (or persons) capable of taking over and making the transition smooth? This is an important part of what we should be doing - so, work on �passing the flag!"
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Aug 24 08:03:02 2008
Today's Commentary I wrote about Eric Liddell a few days ago. Liddell, "The Flying Scotsman," won a gold medal in the 400 meter run during the 1924 Olympics. What was amazing is that he had never run the 400 in competition. He ran the 400 because he would not run in the 100 since it was being contested on a Sunday. This, however, is not the end of the story for Liddell. He returned to Scotland after the games, finished his education at Edinburgh University (for some of you who know my youngest daughter, Megan, this is the same school she is attending now), got married, and then moved to China as a missionary. While in China, he found himself being involved in much more than preaching and teaching. He found himself helping the people whom he served survive first a bitter civil war, then Japanese occupation, and finally the devastation of World War II. He refused to leave China when Japanese officials ordered all foreign missionaries to go home. Instead, he sent his wife and 3 children to her family in Canada, staying with the people in the town where he ministered. He eventually was captured, along with many Chinese nationals, and sent to a concentration camp. His work among the people there, helping to keep up their spirits and doing what he could, is attested by many of those who survived. Some who were younger during this experience and are still alive spoke during a recent NBC segment on his exploits. One man told of how he remembered Liddell, his teacher at the time, leading them in songs as they were herded into vehicles and taken to the camp. Liddell died in 1945 as a result of a brain tumor. The Chinese honored him with a monument erected in the town where he served. What was it that gave Liddell such drive and courage? It was his sustaining faith in God. God tells us he will help us at times when we might be afraid. Psalm 27:1 says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?" Liddell believed in such promises as are found in Psalm 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Do you have fears? Put your trust in God - he will help you to lose your fear!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Aug 23 09:20:32 2008
Today's Commentary Imagine having a financial advisor whose stock-market predictions were 100-percent accurate. Wall Street would soon put you on easy street. Or suppose your livelihood was fishing and you had a friend who could always lead you to just the right spot at just the right time. Every day you could have a money-making catch. I wonder, did the appeal of such prosperity flash across the minds of the four seasoned fishermen who took Jesus' advice? After working all night with no success, they let down their nets at His command, and the catch nearly sank two boats (Lk. 5:6-7). Many people today seem to be drawn to Jesus by those who proclaim that God wants them healthy and wealthy. Without question, Jesus showed concern for the sick and the poor. It is not wrong to make health and material needs the objects of our prayers, for our heavenly Father cares deeply about us (Mt. 7:7-11). But His greatest concern and delight is not to "fill our nets with fish." He wants to fill our hearts with His love so we will become fishers of men. And He can do that only when we recognize, as Peter did (Lk. 5:8), how spiritually needy we are. The richest people are those who have experienced the love of Christ and want to share it with others. That's true prosperity! - Dennis J. De Haan
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Aug 22 09:03:33 2008
Today's Commentary Much has been said about the age of some of the members of the Chinese women's gymnastics team. Supposedly, some of them are too young to compete. There have been others who have tested positive for performance enhancing substances and have lost their medals as a result. Supposedly, many steps were taken to try to keep these Olympic games free from "cheating." Unfortunately, these steps were not totally successful. Why is it that we feel the need to cheat? What is it that makes some willing to take the risk of being caught in order to try to improve their standing? Well, one simple answer is contained in this statement - people want to enhance their performance so they can win. A "win at all costs" mentality lends to doing things that shouldn't be done in order to come out on top. Of course, this just doesn't happen at the Olympics, it happens in so many other areas. A NASCAR racing team was caught recently trying to "hide their horsepower." Cheating also happens in everyday life - maybe you are guilty of cheating on some level. Maybe you were the victim of a cheating incident. Cheating is wrong and it demonstrates a problem mankind has - we are sinful people who sometimes cheat. Paul comments on this in I Corinthians 6:7-8 where he writes, 'Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers." Even people in the church were guilty of cheating other people in the church! Being aware if this tendency, we need to do all we can to not do it. Allow God to help you to overcome the temptation to cheat. Reduce your 'competitive' desire that sometimes is the cause of a desire to cheat. Remember that even if you don't get caught cheating - God knows who you are and what you do. Live fairly - treat others fairly, and you will feel a good deal better about you!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Aug 21 14:50:39 2008
Today's Commentary It was hard to watch if you are a fan of the U.S. Softball team. They had won the gold medal in each Olympics since softball was introduced in 1996. They were 51-1 since 2000 in international competition. They dominated their games, tested only recently in a 4-1 win over Japan. Because of this dominance the IOC voted out softball for the 2012 Olympics by a 52-52 vote. This decision now seems premature as the U.S. team lost in the gold medal game to Japan by a 3-1 score. Disappointment abounded among the U.S. players. The gold was there for the taking, but it was not to be. Disappointment is part of life. You do not go through life without being disappointed about something or someone at sometime. So, an important life-skill is learning how to handle disappointment. Thomas Edison had about 10,000 disappointments before breaking through with a victory in his quest to perfect the incandescent light bulb. Athletes who experience disappointment continue to keep themselves in shape, keep true to their goals, and wait patiently for another opportunity to succeed. Joseph had to be disappointed when he landed in jail after being falsely accused by his master's wife. You can read the entire story in Genesis 39. Verses 19-20 tell us, "When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, 'This is how your slave treated me,' he burned with anger. Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined." He had done everything right, yet still was accused of attempted rape. However, Joseph did not lose heart. He remained faithful, kept himself in good "shape", kept true to God, and waited patiently for another opportunity to succeed. And succeed he did (you really should read the rest of the story in Genesis if you are not familiar with it). So, when you experience disappointment, don't use this as an excuse to not press forward. Keep faithful, keep in "shape," and wait patiently for a chance at success!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Aug 20 09:53:48 2008
Today's Commentary The Olympics continue and with them all the drama and excitement for the victors, and the heartbreak and dismay for those who fall short. One of my favorite Olympic stories is that of Jim Thorpe, who came to know all of the emotions mentioned in my opening sentence. Of Native American descent, Jacobus Franciscus Thorpe was raised and went to school in Oklahoma. His early life was difficult, to say the least. He lost a brother to pneumonia and his father when he was still quite young. He caught the eye of legendary football coach Glenn "Pop" Warner as a young lad, and this would lead to great things later in his life. However, before his football heroics would take place, he would make a great splash on the world athletic stage at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. There he experienced the excitement of victory when he won both the pentathlon and the decathlon, the latter by over 700 points. He was awarded 2 gold medals and a special Challenger's Award from the King of Sweden who said, "You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world." Thorpe's exultation was short-lived, however, as he experienced the heartbreak of having his two medals stripped from him in 1913 when it was disclosed that he had participated in minor league baseball. This made him a "professional." Pro athletes were not allowed to participate in the Olympics until 1988, even then only on a limited basis. Full inclusion did not come until 1992. Thorpe was never able to regain his medals in his lifetime. They were restored posthumously in 1982 to members of his family. However, he didn't let this setback keep him from pursuing other goals. He played professionally in three sports - baseball, football, and basketball. His greatest achievements were on the gridiron which led to his being named the "Greatest Football Player of the First Half of the 20th Century." Sometimes we experience setbacks in life, and sometimes those setbacks are unjust. We should take a lesson from people such as Jim Thorpe and not let these setbacks determine how we will live. Habbakuk was having a problem with the injustice he was witnessing. We read part of his complaint in Habbakuk 1:3. "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." God's answer to him is for him to continue to live faithfully and leave the conclusion to God. God will indeed set things right. God says in 2:3, "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." Don't let injustice keep you from doing right - whether it is a personal injustice, or injustice on a bigger scale. Remain faithful - pursue what you know to be right, and let God deal with the problem of injustice.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Tue Aug 19 09:30:36 2008
Today's Commentary Today is the first day of school for the students in our local school district. Summer is still with us, but summer vacation has come to an end for our students, and they are returning to classes. When I was growing up, I always looked at this day from two perspectives. On the one hand, I was sad that summer was over and my days of "freedom" had come to an end. On the other hand, I looked forward to getting together with friends I hadn't seen for awhile and, if the truth be known, I really enjoyed school. I enjoyed learning new things. Each grade brought its own challenges. It was exciting to be introduced to new ideas. I simply was excited about learning. We need to have this same excitement when it comes to learning new things about God and our relationship with God. God is really excited about showing us new things and teaching us new lessons. He says in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." God wants to turn "desert" and "wasteland" areas of our lives to areas where springs well up and the soil is fertile. This can only happen if we let him work in our lives - we need to be excited about learning new things from God and doing new things for him. So, be excited about returning to "school." You probably are going to learn some really great new things!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Aug 18 10:11:53 2008
Today's Commentary We really had a great weekend here at the church. We held a Back to School Bash and a Rummage Giveaway. This is always a great experience for us because it is truly a time when the church works together. Most of the folks who attend this event are unknown to us. This is as it should be - the church working together for a common goal, even for folks you don't know. III John 5 - 8 tells us, "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." Working together is the way to get things done, to see goals met, to see ministry accomplished. There is so much said about this in the scripture. It really is simply a "common sense" type of thing, but we often fail to use common sense. I remember a story about a little boy and a dad walking along a path when they encountered a fairly good sized rock. Try as he might, the boy couldn't move the rock. The father asked, "Have you done all you can?" The little boy replied, "Yes, I have!" The Dad said, "Well, I don't really think you have - you haven't asked me to help." Together they moved the stone. Working together is always a better way to get things done!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Aug 17 08:20:33 2008
Today's Commentary Well, he did it. Along with some help from his teammates, USA swimmer Michael Phelps won the gold medal for each event he entered in this year's Olympics. Winning 8 golds, he surpassed the record of Mark Spitz by one. Spitz set the mark at 7 in the 1972 Games for the most gold medals in a single Olympics. Phelps, efforts were really something - one might say that he achieved "perfection," although I am sure some would argue against this notion. I won't take sides in this issue, but I will acknowledge that this was quite an achievement. Perfection is hard to attain - and actually is impossible to attain in most circumstances in any given venue. Yet, according to Matthew 5:48, this is what God asks of us in order for us to be pleasing to him. This verse says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." How in the world can we ever do this? We can't go a day without doing something wrong, why is perfection the standard and how can we ever hope to achieve perfection? Well, we can't, and the standard of perfection is there because God is perfect. This is why God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us and make a way to take care of our imperfection. It doesn�t matter how good we are, or how much we are able to accomplish in this life. Even winning 8 gold medals is still not enough to be considered perfect in God's eyes. It is only through developing a relationship with God through faith in His Son, Christ, that we can ever hope to be made perfect. There is no need to strive for perfection - you can never do it. Christ made a way for you to be counted as perfect in God's eyes. Through Christ, you can indeed win the gold!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Aug 16 16:48:09 2008
Today's Commentary In a day when we are bombarded with dire warnings about over-population, we must remind ourselves that God, who created and sustains everything, is a God of abundance. The psalmist praised Him for His generous provision for His creatures. A report from the Harvard Center for Population Studies attests to the earth's enormous potential to sustain life. The report estimates that about one-fourth of the ice-free land areas of the world can produce food sufficient for 40 billion people. So how are we to explain the fierce hunger and starvation that so many people endure? Is this tragedy due to God's failure to provide? No! Such hunger is the result of social and political structures that ignore God's principles for the care of the earth and its inhabitants. Christians should join the psalmist in praising God for the way He provides. Because of Him the "pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain" (Ps. 65:13). He gives our lives meaning and fulfillment. Our hearts should be filled with praise and thanksgiving for all that God has given to us! Since He provides so abundantly for His creatures, let's show our gratitude by our willingness to meet the needs of those around us. Herbert Vander Lugt
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Aug 15 09:44:29 2008
Today's Commentary The safest place in South Florida during the hurricane season may be the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The $5 million structure boasts 10-inch concrete walls designed to withstand the force of 130 mph winds. Because the fierce storms come every year, the Center is there to provide a safe working environment for the people who monitor the weather and issue the warnings. When other residents leave, they must stay. Just like hurricanes, the storms of our lives arrive with unnerving regularity. Often they strike without warning and linger without welcome, testing the limits of our faith and endurance. But God has given us a place of safety in the midst of our circumstances. The prophet Nahum wrote, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him" (1:7). And the psalmist confidently stated, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed" (Ps. 46:1-2). God Himself is our center of safety. It is not our strength but His that shields us from the whirling winds of circumstance and change. - David C. McCasland
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Aug 13 09:52:34 2008
Today's Commentary One of the most incredible stories in Olympic history is that of Wilma Rudolph. Born in 1940 to a poor family in Georgia, she overcame incredible obstacles on her way to Olympic glory. She was the 20th of 22 children in the family. As a child she was diagnosed with polio and spent much of her childhood in braces. She somehow was able to shed those braces at 13 and was able to compete in athletics in high school, first basketball, then track where she of course made her mark in history. She competed on the track team at Tennessee State. She was chosen for the 1956 Olympic team at the age of 16 (she won a bronze as a member of the 4X400 relay team), competed in the 1960 games where she won 3 gold medals (100, 200, and 4X4 relay), and now has her name permanently emblazoned among those who have achieved Olympic greatness. She died of cancer in 1994 at the age of 54. What can you say about a person whose life screams out "perseverance" in every way imaginable? Wilma was also a committed believer and was chosen by Dr. Billy Graham as a Baptist Christian Athlete in Japan in 1963. She had 4 children who attest to their mother's courage and tenacity. Paul writes in Romans 5:3-5, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." The next time you feel like giving up on something because of the obstacles in your path - remember what Paul tells us in Romans 5, and remember Wilma Rudolph. Hopefully these sources of encouragement will help you work through the problems and achieve the goal for which you are striving.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Tue Aug 12 08:50:05 2008
Today's Commentary The 1981 movie "Chariots of Fire" follows the exploits of two men from Britain in the 1924 Olympics, Harold Abraham and Eric Liddell. Eric is a devout Christian who later becomes a Presbyterian missionary to China. One of the more memorable lines from the movie is when Eric says to his sister, "God made me to love others, but he also made me fast." And fast he was. Refusing to run in the 100 in the Olympic games because it was to be run on a Sunday, he ran in the 400, a race in which he had never competed, and won the gold medal. Abraham won the gold in the 100. My line would have to be, "God made me to love others, but he also made me slow." I was never a runner, although I tried. I almost got lapped in a mile run in my first (and only) competitive race. I really admired those who could run well. Since I found out I couldn't run well, did this mean I was off the team? No. I switched to throwing discus and shot put. There I won several ribbons and was able to do some scoring which helped our team win a number of meets. We sometimes marvel at the abilities of others and say, "If only I could do that. . ." Well, maybe you can't do that. However, you can do something else - and we should know that it takes a lot of people doing what they are able to do to grow a healthy church. Paul reminds us of this in I Corinthians 12:14-19: "Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. . .If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body." God may not have made you fast, but he made you to do something. Find out what that is, thank God for your gift, and use it to his glory! In this way, we can help to grow a healthy church.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Aug 11 09:38:19 2008
Today's Commentary As you well know, the Olympics started this past Friday, 8/8/08, at 8 p.m. Already several events have completed and a number of medals have been awarded. No contest could have been more exciting than the men's 4 X 100 freestyle final last night. The U.S. touched the wall .9 seconds ahead of the French to give them a gold over the favored French. As a matter of fact, one of the French swimmers had �guaranteed� a French victory. Well, that wasn�t to be. The Olympics offer a great deal of competition and drama. I hesitate to think how many hours of preparation go into these games both by the athletes who will compete and those who work to prepare venues for the competition. A great deal of money is also spent. According to news sources, China spent $100 million on the opening ceremony alone. These games go back a long way. As a matter of fact, Paul alludes to competitions that could have been the ancient Olympics in his writings. In I Corinthians 9:24-27 we read, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." There seems to be 2 emphases here. First, the prize for which you strive. That is an important component of competition, and Paul says one way the Christian experience can be viewed is as a competition � we want to do our best. This leads to the second emphasis - the training that is necessary in order to be competitive. We don�t strive for the prize to be a Christian, but as a Christian we should strive to please God much as an athlete strives to be successful. How much effort do you put into pleasing your heavenly Father? Take a lesson from the Olympics � do all you can to do your best!
Pastgr Steve

Date:	Sun Aug 10 08:12:57 2008
Today's Commentary Solomon warned us not to lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). That implies we are prone to make mistakes in judgment. And how we hate having our mistakes corrected! Some people detest correction so much that their main goal in life seems to be attempting to avoid or hide all their mistakes. But let's be practical. Correction, if well received, can save us a lot of grief. A personal experience told by Eugene Peterson illustrates the value of correction. With his lawn mower tipped on its side, Eugene struggled to remove the blade so he could sharpen it. When his biggest wrench wouldn't budge the nut, he slipped a 4-foot length of pipe over the wrench handle for more leverage. When that failed, he started banging on the pipe with a huge rock. Finally his neighbor pointed out that the threads on the bolt went the other way. When Eugene reversed his exertions, the nut turned easily. He said, "I was saved from frustration and failure." Are you forcing your life in the wrong direction? Welcome the correction of your heavenly Father, who delights in you. Trust His wisdom instead of your own, and He will redirect your life. That's a promise! (Prov. 3:6). - Joanie Yoder
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Aug 9 21:30:06 2008
Today's Commentary What if suddenly one day all followers of Christ disappeared? What if we all just vanished? I'm not talking about Christians being removed from planet Earth. I'm talking about something that we can control. What if suddenly all the Christians vanished from places of entertainment where we, as children of the heavenly Father, didn't belong? For instance, what if Christians refused to watch TV programs in which immorality masquerades as entertainment? What if we all vanished from the Nielsen ratings? And what if we no longer watched movies that are ungodly or whose characters use God's name in vain and take God's standards so lightly? Would our absence make a difference? Would the people in Hollywood notice that we were gone? I think so, but that's not really the point. Our duty in life is to live each moment in fellowship with God. That means we don't let anything in our lives interrupt that fellowship. Our close relationship with God is at stake. Let's vanish from the hordes who are being influenced by ungodly entertainment. And even if nobody notices but God, that's really all that matters. - Dave Branon
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Aug 8 11:01:57 2008
Today's Commentary Athletes hate slumps. They'll try anything to get out of those times when they can't hit the baseball or make a free throw or catch a pass. Baseball players change bats. Basketball players change shoes. Football players change their routine. They'll do whatever they can to find success. Christians should hate slumps too. We should try anything to get out of those dry spells when we can't seem to pray past the ceiling, or when reading the Bible seems more frustrating than not winning a game all season. A spiritual slump can make us feel forsaken by God. We struggle with troubling thoughts. Our hearts become sorrowful. We're sure that we're fighting a losing battle. That was the position David found himself in as he described his situation in Psalm 13:1-2. His spiritual slump came, it seems, from a delayed response to his request for help. Yet David knew how to work his way out of the slump. First, he appealed to God (vv.3-4), the true source of spiritual refreshment in dry times. Second, he trusted God (v.5), the only One who knows the way out. Third, he sang God's praises (v.6), knowing how important worship is. In a slump? Plead with God, trust Him, and praise His name. Then get back in the game! - Dave Branon
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Aug 7 13:17:25 2008
Today's Commentary Pastor and author A. W. Tozer wrote, "Human nature is not fixed, and for this we should thank God day and night! We are still capable of change. We can become something other than what we are." The priority of our lives should be to let God change us. But what should be our attitude toward believers who have shown little or no change over the years? Too often we develop a critical spirit, which only reinforces their problems and may hinder God's work in changing them. Here are three such accusing attitudes: "They never do anything right." (No one does everything wrong!) "They've always been the way they are." (Maybe, but God is powerful and able to change them.) "They'll never change." (We can't know that. We can only trust God, who knows their hearts.) Sometimes we even have these attitudes about ourselves: "I can't do anything right. I've always been this way. I'll never change." We may not be able to change the attitudes and actions of others, but with God's help we can take charge of our own-if we're willing. We can choose to "walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8). - Joanie Yoder
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Aug 6 16:28:39 2008
Today's Commentary Have you ever struggled with wondering how you can make a difference in the world? There are over 6 billion folks inhabiting our planet. How can I make a difference when there are so many needs? In "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley, we read the following: "At night I walked along the shore where so many spend the day gathering shells for their collections. A woman walked among the starfishes that waves and tide had stranded on the beach, picking up each tenderly and casting it out to sea. I caught up to her and asked, 'With so many millions left dying along these sands night after night after night, what difference can you possibly make?' She scooped up another and arched it high over the water. 'I made a difference for that one.' Silently I sought and picked up a still-living star, spinning it far out into the waves." This is how you can make a difference - one small deed at a time. This is how we can serve God and serve others. The little boy who brought a lunch to a big gathering didn't know that what he did by being willing to share his lunch with the teacher would have such a big impact (read Matthew 14:17-21). Allowing God to use what we might consider a "small" act can lead to a bit impact in the hands of God. Want to make a difference in the world? What can you do to help out one other person? What act of kindness can you perform that would make a difference to a few? This is how we make a difference - one step at a time.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Tue Aug 5 10:52:09 2008
Today's Commentary Troublemakers seem to be everywhere - even in the church. There just seem to be people who like to "stir the pot" and cause agitation, sometimes it seems just for the sake of causing agitation. Are you one of them? Well, if you are, you need to stop! Contention and strife is not a good thing, so we need to ask ourselves hard questions about what we are doing and make sure we have the right motives rather than just doing things to create dissension. Believers should be known as peacemakers, not troublemakers. Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." James 3:17-18 states, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." Being a peacemaker is a better way to emulate Christ as opposed to being a troublemaker. So, what is it that you are bringing to the table? Are you bringing dissension, or are you working for peace? You know which one God prefers - but the decision is yours.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Aug 4 09:28:34 2008
Today's Commentary A number of my family members went to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, for a few days this past July. One day while we were there, a number of us hit the local links while some of the group decided to go "banana boating." Wave runners pull banana-shaped boats around the water while folks try to hang on as best they can. The only problem was, what started out to be a day of fun recreation turned into an exercise of endurance. A tropical storm out in the ocean had whipped up the surf. Waves were crashing down over the wave runners and the boats. The crew said they should not have taken the group out. Finally, with much struggle, they managed to get the entire party back to shore safely. Banana boating is not in the immediate plans of any of this party. Sometimes life feels like this - what starts out to be an enjoyable experience changes suddenly into a struggle. Waves whipped up by unforeseen circumstances start crashing over us, and we feel like we need to hang on for dear life. We do have one advantage in these times - we know that God is there with us, no matter how tumultuous the surf might become. Ray Boltz has written and sings a song entitled "The Anchor Holds." This is certainly true for us. So many of the Psalms echo the truth that God is there for us in tumultuous times. David says in Psalm 31:10, "My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak." This is the cry of a desparate man - and to whom does he cry? Let's read on in 31:14-16, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love." God would not let the waves overcome him - he would bring him to safety, as he will all those who trust him. When waves are making your "banana boat" rock - let God take care of the controls. He is there for you.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Aug 3 08:00:18 2008
Today's Commentary A black hole is a swirling mass deep in outer space that like a ravenous beast swallows any bit of matter that comes close to it. The human heart is like that. Professor Diogenes Allen of Princeton Seminary states, "There is an emptiness at our core that is like a black hole. . . . There is an emptiness in us which threatens to suck us down as well, although what it is actually doing is dispelling an illusion. It is not destroying us, but revealing to us that we are already a dead thing trying to give itself life by taking all within its reach. But the core of us remains an emptiness." What can satisfy the black hole of the human heart? Wealth, pleasure, travel, fame, learning, art? These can no more fill that inner void than a fistful of pebbles can fill the Grand Canyon. In an attempt to find peace for his soul, King Solomon experimented with every resource imaginable. He wrote, "I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure" (Eccl. 2:10). But what was the result of his search? He concluded, "All is vanity and grasping for the wind" (v.17). Solomon's ultimate realization was that fulfillment can be found only in knowing and living for God (12:13). Where are you looking for peace and fulfillment? - Vernon C. Grounds
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Aug 2 10:53:47 2008
Today's Commentary Herman Melville published his classic novel Moby Dick on August 1, 1819. This was one of my favorite books when I was younger. In the book, Melville writes: "With this sin of disobedience...Jonah flouts at God...He thinks that a ship made by men will carry him into countries where God does not reign." Of course, there is nowhere we can go where God doesn't reign. We often read the story of Jonah and marvel at his skewed thinking - how in the world does he think he can run from God? Yet, we often demonstrate the same skewed thinking in our lives. We do this when we do things we know we shouldn't and think we can get by with it. We "run from God" in the sense that we think we can pull something over on him. Well, we can't. Don't try to run from God - you will not be successful. Whether it is something you do that you think you can get by him, or avoiding something you know God wants you to do - you cannot get away from God. Isaiah 29:15 says, "Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, 'Who sees us? Who will know?'" Who will know? Well, God will know even if no one else does. We cannot think that "a ship made by men will carry (us) into countries where God does not reign." This is not possible - so walk with God!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Aug 1 11:18:03 2008
Today's Commentary William Federer shares the following story: On his third voyage, Columbus sailed south along the west coast of Africa and was caught in the doldrums, a notorious condition of no winds and intense heat. After drifting aimlessly for eight days and running low on water, Columbus vowed if the winds returned, he would name the first land he saw after the Holy Trinity. The winds returned and on JULY 31, 1498, he sighted an island off the coast of Venezuela which coincidentally had three peaks. He named it Trinidad. Columbus obtained fresh water for his sailors and in the process was the first European to see South America. A person without God is much like Columbus was before the winds arrived - adrift and in danger of perishing. It is only when one commits his or her life to Christ that you receive purpose and direction. Are you caught in the "doldrums" of life? Without Christ in your life, you are. Commit your life to him, and you will receive living water. Christ said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38) Don't delay - receive God's gift of living water today!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Jul 31 11:58:07 2008
Today's Commentary Saul hated Christians. He did all he could to hurt the cause of Christ when he launched his intense persecution of the early followers of Jesus. But when they fled Jerusalem to escape persecution, they proclaimed the gospel everywhere they went (Acts 8:4). This caused the church to grow more rapidly--just the opposite of what Saul intended. Joseph Stalin didn't plan to assist the church in Russia during his purge of political and religious dissidents. But he did help it when he sent some pastors and Christian leaders to the labor camps of Siberia. From Magadan, where they got off the ships, the prisoners were sent in work gangs to forests and mines and remote areas to clear land, dig out vital ore, and cut roads through remote areas. It was grueling work that many did not survive. But those believers were not silent. They banded together, and as they were sent from place to place they witnessed and taught, leaving behind clusters of believers. In many communities of Eastern Siberia, strong churches still stand and groups of Christians witness to the faith and courage of those dedicated servants. If God has sent you to a new job, neighborhood, or environment, ask yourself, "To whom can I witness here?" - David C. Egner
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Jul 30 09:11:48 2008
Today's Commentary The story is told of a child psychologist who spent many hours constructing a new driveway at his home. Just after he smoothed the surface of the freshly poured concrete, his small children chased a ball across the driveway, leaving deep footprints. The man yelled after them with a torrent of angry words. His shocked wife said, "You're a psychologist who's supposed to love children." The fuming man shouted, "I love children in the abstract, not in the concrete!" I chuckled at the alleged incident and groaned at the play on words, but the story rang true for me. While I agree in principle with the concept of self-giving love, I find myself failing to express it to the people I live and work with each day. First Corinthians 13 describes Christian love in terms of its tangible expression: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil" (vv.4-5). As a theory, love isn't worth much; as a practice, it is the world's greatest treasure. When footprints are in the driveway, people discover whether our love exists in the abstract or in the concrete. - David C. McCasland
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Jul 28 08:24:10 2008
Today's Commentary A former commander of the Imperial Russian Navy said that he went to London during World War I for training. There he learned how to fly one of three dirigibles that Russia had bought from England. But first he had to learn to fly a balloon. He recalled getting into the gondola and seeing all four sides covered with sandbags. To begin the ascent, sand was released until the huge balloon slowly lifted off the ground. As more sand went over the side, the craft ascended higher. The man then applied this to our relationship with the Lord: "Now that I'm a Christian, I understand that when God begins to clean up my heart, I get closer and closer to Him." Hebrews 12:1 and 1 John 2:15 express that same spiritual truth. Carrying this world's weight hampers our fellowship with the Lord and keeps our hearts from rising in love for Him. John wrote that we cannot love the world and love God at the same time. How often we have proven from experience just how true that is! Selfish attitudes, besetting sins, and worldly cares keep us from getting off the ground spiritually. But when we lay them aside, we experience the uplifting joy of fellowship with the Father. - Mart De Haan
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Jul 27 08:46:42 2008
Today's Commentary Kemmons Wilson, founder of an international motel chain, quoted some advice for planting a "garden" that would enhance our work skills: * Five rows of "peas" - prayer, preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness. * Three rows of "squash" - squash gossip, criticism, and indifference. * Five rows of "lettuce" - let us love one another, let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us be truthful. * Three rows of "turnips" - turn up for church, turn up with a new idea, turn up with the determination to do a better job today than you did yesterday. Today let's evaluate our attitude toward our work. Do we see it as a necessary evil that deserves the least possible effort? As an unfortunate prerequisite to retirement? Or do we see it as an opportunity to serve God? "Whatever you do," wrote Paul, "do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:23-24). With that attitude, we can work enthusiastically and wholeheartedly, not just for a paycheck but for the glory of God. David C. McCasland
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Jul 26 09:50:14 2008
Today's Commentary Yesterday I wrote about the desire of many folks that God would reveal more of his power to us. The idea here is that if God would do this, more people would believe, or at least make our faith in God stronger. I want to continue this theme today. I came across an article written by Woodrow Kroll that addresses this: A popular definition of faith is "believing something without proof." Someone else said that faith "is believing something you know isn't true." Yet neither of these is the kind of faith the Bible talks about. When God prepared to speak to Moses, He came in a thick cloud, something that would be obvious to everyone. This was not for God's benefit; He chose to manifest Himself in this way so that everyone would have undeniable proof that He truly had spoken to Moses and they would believe him forever. Throughout history, God has left a record of these undeniable proofs. No one needs to take the Christian faith merely on the basis that "someone says so." Instead, God has provided such evidence as changed lives, the inerrant Word and, most important, the empty tomb. The apostle John wrote near the end of his Gospel: "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). And Luke wrote near the beginning of the Acts that Jesus "presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3). During those times when doubts arise, quench them with a healthy dose of proof. Read your Bible and you'll be filled with confidence. God doesnt ask us to take a leap into the unknown. Instead, He says, "Come now, and let us reason together" (Isa. 1:18). Don't be afraid to take God up on His offer. He will leave no room for doubt. Our faith is based on facts, not fiction.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Jul 25 08:56:30 2008
Today's Commentary We often wonder why God doesn't reveal himself to us in a way different than how he has revealed himself to us. We sometimes wish he would display more power, make things a little plainer, show his omnipotence. In response to this, Philip Yancey, author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 as well as many other books, writes: In Dostoevsky's novel The Brothers Karamazov, Ivan Karamazov refers to "the miracle of restraint" - God's choice to curb His own power. The more I get to know Jesus, the more that observation impresses me. The miracles Satan suggested to Jesus (Luke 4:3,9-11), the signs the Pharisees demanded (Matt. 12:38; 16:1), the final proofs I yearn for offer no obstacle to an omnipotent God. More amazing is His refusal to perform, to overwhelm. God's terrible insistence on human freedom is so absolute that He granted us the power to live as though He does not exist. Jesus must have known this as He faced the tempter in the desert, focusing His power on the energy of restraint. I believe God insists on such restraint because no pyrotechnic displays of omnipotence will achieve the response He desires. Only love can summon a response of love. "I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself," Jesus said (John 12:32). He said this to show the kind of death He would die. God's nature is self-giving. Why does God content Himself with the slow, mysterious way of making righteousness grow rather than avenging it? That's how love is. Love has its own power�the only power capable of conquering the human heart.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Jul 24 09:47:20 2008
Today's Commentary We just returned from a vacation in the south. We visited, and actually stayed near, Charleston, South Carolina. This is a city that is steeped in history from the earliest days of the founding of our country. You can walk downtown and see buildings dating from the late 17th to the early 18th century. Most of us look at these buildings and think, "My, how old!" But put in the perspective of the world's scene, and they are quite young. My daughter is moving to Scotland. There she will be living near structures dating from the 12th century A.D. You can go to places in Asia and Africa and view structures dating from before the time of Christ. So, it is all a matter of perspective. And then, when you think of these "old" structures from the perspective of God's time, they really aren't old at all. God has been around from eternity past. And he will always be around. Psalm 90:1-2 says, "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." We have a God who has been around for awhile. There is nothing he hasn't seen. He can't be surprised or tricked. He knows what has taken place and will take place. Isn't it comforting to know we have someone like Him watching over us? He has not and never will change. There should not be a question of his trustworthiness, as he had show himself faithful in any circumstance. "From everlasting to everlasting (He) is God." That is why we should place our faith in Him.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Jul 21 09:41:27 2008
Today's Commentary An unmarried missionary had been disparaging herself. She was unhappy with her life in general, but she was especially displeased with what she felt was her low level of spiritual growth. One morning she looked searchingly at herself in the mirror. Then, very slowly, she said, "God, I thank You that I am myself and can never be anybody else." That was her moment of liberating self-acceptance. She realized that by God's design she was an absolutely unique person, a Christ-redeemed human being who could never be replaced or duplicated. Do you condemn yourself because you aren't as spiritual as you think you ought to be? Do you see yourself as a second-rate disciple, lacking the gifts and graces possessed by fellow believers who seem to be models of prayer, witness, and service? We can rise above the mood of self-rejection and enjoy grateful self-acceptance when we put our lives into the nail-pierced hands of Jesus. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, [and] the forgiveness of sins" (Eph. 1:7). We are accepted and chosen by Him (vv.4-6). If the Lord has accepted us, surely we can accept ourselves! That's the liberating truth.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Jul 20 08:13:03 2008
Today's Commentary When Cristine Bouwkamp and Kyle Kramer got married in the spring of 2007, they did something most of us wouldn't think of doing. Instead of hosting a "sit-down dinner," they held a simple reception at the church and invited their guests to help distribute food to people in need. They bought a truckload of food and had it delivered to the church parking lot. Then they and their wedding guests served the people of the neighborhood. Cristine and Kyle said the first thing they wished to do as a married couple was to serve others. Because God had changed their lives so radically, they wanted to "bless God for blessing us with each other." The Kramers chose a great start for their new marriage-blessing God by serving others. The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians of Galatia: "Through love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13). Some of them believed that the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the church. So Paul wrote that salvation is by grace through faith. It is by faith we live out our new life in Christ. He reminded them that the law was fulfilled in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (v.14). As followers of Jesus, we're here to serve Him out of love-to "bless God for blessing us."
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Jul 19 08:32:30 2008
Today's Commentary Comedian Henny Youngman used to say, "I've got two wonderful children-and two out of five isn't bad." When children reach adulthood, most parents have an opinion about how their offspring have "turned out." Some are proud of everything their kids have done, while other parents express misgivings or disappointment about the choices their children have made. How can we continue a positive parenting role after the birds have left our nest? In 1 Corinthians 13, often called "the love chapter" of the Bible, Paul writes that the greatest gifts of speaking, understanding, and sacrificial service are worthless without love (vv.1-3). Love itself is the foundation of winsome behavior, and its influence never ends. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (vv.4-8). When our children no longer seek our advice, they still value our love. In every stage of parenting, it's not only what we say but what we do that counts.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Jul 18 11:42:12 2008
Today's Commentary The high school commencement speaker was the president of a large corporation. He was chosen for the occasion because of his success. Yet his speech came with a most unusual wish for the graduates. The speaker told the students sitting before him in their graduation gowns, "If I could have one hope for you as you go out into the world, it would be this: I hope you fail. I hope that you fail at something that is important to you." He went on to say how his own early life had been one failure after another, until he learned to see failure as an effective teacher. Many of the songs of Israel were born in seasons of failure. Out of desperation came the cry, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Ps. 42:1-2). Sometimes we are not ready to see the wonder of God's wisdom and strength until we are gasping for breath in the exhaustion of our own strength. A recurring story of the Bible is that mountains of faith rise from the valleys of failure. Before discovering the high ground we are looking for, we may need to see the failure of the dreams we hold in our hearts and trust instead in the love, wisdom, and guidance of our God.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Jul 17 12:31:18 2008
Today's Commentary In his book Lessons Learned Early, Jerry Jenkins tells a story about his freshman year in college. It was 1968, a year of tremendous political and social upheaval in the US. Riots had broken out in many major cities. From the rooftop of his dorm in Chicago, Jerry heard sirens and saw fires burning. Students had been told to stay on campus, but Jerry wanted to see what was happening. As he ran toward a store that was blazing a few blocks away, a police car pulled up beside him. "Don't go down there," the officer warned. Jerry waited till the car pulled away and then kept walking. The officer returned. This time he made it more clear as he repeated, "Don't go down there"-and leveled a shotgun out the window. Our rebellious or willful streaks often lead to unhappy outcomes. In anger, Moses struck the rock to get water rather than just speak to it as God had commanded. He forfeited the privilege of entering the Promised Land with his people (Num. 20:7-12). Jonah disobeyed an order to go to Nineveh and was given 3 days to think about his choice-inside a big fish (Jonah 1). What does it take for us to obey Him? Will we obey simply because we love Him? (John 14:15,21).
Pastor Steve

Date:	Wed Jul 16 08:48:16 2008
Today's Commentary A trial has just ended, and the reactions to the verdict could not be more different. The family of the alleged murderer celebrates the declaration of a mistrial due to a legal technicality. Meanwhile, the grieving parents whose daughter has died wonder about a justice system that would allow such a decision. As they stand weeping before a mass of microphones and cameras, they exclaim: "Where is the justice in this? Where is the justice?" We've seen this scenario played out in the news or on TV crime dramas. We instinctively long for justice but cannot seem to find it. The wisest man of his day, Solomon, faced a similar frustration and disappointment. He saw that imperfect human beings could never administer perfect justice. He wrote: "I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there" (Eccl. 3:16). If all we trusted in were imperfect people, we would lose all hope. But Solomon wisely added in verse 17: "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work." The search for justice can be satisfied only by trusting the God who is always just.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Tue Jul 15 07:53:54 2008
Today's Commentary Denis Boyles knew it would be challenging to interview a man on a roller coaster�especially when the interview took place during an attempt to set a world's record for continuous riding. After several times around the track, Denis was so overcome with fear he could hardly talk. Then the man showed him how to use his body and feet to lean into the loops, twists, and turns. Writing in AARP Magazine, Boyles explained how that took away the terror. It also taught him a lesson about risk and fear. The roller coaster felt risky though it was quite safe. But driving his car to the amusement park posed a far greater risk of injury. Risk and fear are easily confused. As Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, a storm came up and waves swept over their boat. Incredibly, Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him and said, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" (Matt. 8:25). In a gentle rebuke, Jesus asked, "'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm" (v.26). Like the disciples, the more we learn about Jesus, the more we trust Him. Our greatest risk is failing to depend on Him when life seems out of control.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Mon Jul 14 08:40:53 2008
Today's Commentary Today I would like to share a devotion with you that was written by one of the greatest preachers of the 19th century, Charles Spurgeon. Over the next few days, the devotions will be from the Radio Bible Class website. I hope you enjoy them. Pastor Steve "As it began to dawn, came Magdalene, to see the sepulchre." --Matthew 28:1 Let us learn from Mary Magdalene how to obtain fellowship with the Lord Jesus. Notice how she sought. She sought the Saviour very early in the morning. If thou canst wait for Christ, and be patient in the hope of having fellowship with Him at some distant season, thou wilt never have fellowship at all; for the heart that is fitted for communion is a hungering and a thirsting heart. She sought Him also with very great boldness. Other disciples fled from the sepulchre, for they trembled and were amazed; but Mary, it is said, "stood" at the sepulchre. If you would have Christ with you, seek Him boldly. Let nothing hold you back. Defy the world. Press on where others flee. She sought Christ faithfully--she stood at the sepulchre. Some find it hard to stand by a living Saviour, but she stood by a dead one. Let us seek Christ after this mode, cleaving to the very least thing that has to do with Him, remaining faithful though all others should forsake Him. Note further, she sought Jesus earnestly--she stood "weeping." Those tear-droppings were as spells that led the Saviour captive, and made Him come forth and show Himself to her. If you desire Jesus' presence, weep after it! If you cannot be happy unless He come and say to you, "Thou art My beloved," you will soon hear His voice. Lastly, she sought the Saviour only. What cared she for angels, she turned herself back from them; her search was only for her Lord. If Christ be your one and only love, if your heart has cast out all rivals, you will not long lack the comfort of His presence. Mary Magdalene sought thus because she loved much. Let us arouse ourselves to the same intensity of affection; let our heart, like Mary's, be full of Christ, and our love, like hers, will be satisfied with nothing short of Himself. O Lord, reveal Thyself to us this evening!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sun Jul 13 08:00:20 2008
Today's Commentary I don't know if you are familiar with Elisabeth Elliot or not, but you need to be. Her book, Through Gates of Splendor, needs to be on every believer's must-read list. Her story of redemptive love and forgiveness which led her back to minister among the very people who took her husband's life is convicting and challenging. She writes about Christ's love: "As I have loved you, so you are to love one another. If there is this love among you, then all will know that you are my disciples" (Jn 13:34,35 NEB). The love of Jesus for his disciples was unsentimental. As a man, He fully entered into their experience of being men, with all the feelings that entails, yet his love for them was not a feeling. It was decisive, both as attitude and act. He honored their dignity as men by treating them with trust, speaking honestly and straightforwardly, never "tiptoeing" to spare their weaker feelings, never dissimulating. At times He hurt them in order to save them. There was no care for Himself in that kind of love. He had the courage to face their anger and misunderstanding. "If there is this love among you..." what a difference it will make in the world!
Pastor Steve

Date:	Sat Jul 12 09:09:05 2008
Today's Commentary Born a slave around JULY 12, 1864, George Washington Carver became a scientist of international renown. On January 21, 1921, Carver addressed the United States House Ways and Means Committee on behalf of the United Peanut Growers Association on the use of peanuts to improve Southern economy. Initially given ten minutes to speak, the committee was so captivated, his time was extended. Explaining the many products derived from the peanut, including milk, mock beef and mock chicken, George Washington Carver stated: "If you go to the first chapter of Genesis, we can interpret very clearly, I think, what God intended when he said 'Behold, I have given you every herb that bears seed. To you it shall be meat.' This is what He means about it. It shall be meat. There is everything there to strengthen and nourish and keep the body alive and healthy." After nearly two hours, the chairman asked: "Dr. Carver, how did you learn all of these things?" Carver answered: "From an old book" " What book?" asked the Chairman. Carver replied, "The Bible." The Chairman inquired, "Does the Bible tell about peanuts?" "No, Sir" Dr. Carver replied, "It tells about the God who made the peanut. I asked Him to show me what to do with the peanut and He did." From the American Minute
Pastor Steve

Date:	Fri Jul 11 10:04:28 2008
Today's Commentary Woodrow Kroll of Back to the Bible shares the following: In 24 hours the average adult accomplishes much: his heart beats 103,689 times, his blood travels 168 million miles, he breathes 23,040 times, he inhales 438 cubic feet of air, he eats 3 1/2 pounds of food and drinks 2.9 quarts of liquid, he speaks 4,800 words, he moves 750 muscles, his nails grow .000046 inch, and he exercises 7 million brain cells. It's no wonder we need rest! When God established the laws governing the lives of the Israelite people, He built into their schedule a time for rest. Physically it enabled their bodies to recuperate. Spiritually it reminded them that their salvation was not complete. They needed a spiritual "rest" that would come only when the Messiah would take away their sins. The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that even though the Jewish people practiced Sabbath-keeping, the real "rest" was a future event. He declared, "For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Heb. 4:8-9). In the New Testament the command to "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" is the only one of the Ten Commandments not repeated-and for good reason. The spiritual rest that the Old Testament saints looked forward to and which the Sabbath represented is now a reality. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Taking a day to rest is still an important part of maintaining a healthy body. But it's a physical necessity, not a spiritual law. Now we can rejoice in the true rest that comes in Christ. Rest is a matter of wisdom, not law.
Pastor Steve

Date:	Thu Jul 10 15:23:10 2008
Today's Commentary The following is from the American Minute website: The Liberty Bell got its name from being rung JULY 8, 1776, to call the citizens of Philadelphia together to hear the Declaration of Independence read out loud for the first time. Made in England in 1752, this massive bell, weighing over 2000 pounds, was rung on each anniversary, until JULY 8, 1835, when it cracked tolling at the funeral of the famous Supreme Court Justice John Marshall. Inscribed on the Liberty Bell is a verse from the Old Testament Book of Leviticus, chapter 25, verse 10: "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." At the 150th anniversary of the Declaration, 1926, President Calvin Coolidge stated: "People at home and abroad consider Independence Hall as hallowed ground and revere the Liberty Bell as a sacred relic. That pile of bricks and mortar, that mass of metal, might appear as only the outgrown meeting place and the shattered bell...but to those who know, they have become consecrated. They are the framework of a spiritual event." Calvin Coolidge continued: "The world looks upon them because of their associations of 150 years ago, as it looks upon the Holy Land because of what took place there nineteen hundred years ago."
Pastor Steve

Date:

Wed Jul 9 11:47:56 2008

Today's Commentary
    While I am on vacation, I will be running some columns from other writers. The following in a devotional from Theodore Epp of Back to the Bible:

     The Bible is filled with remarkable contrasts between people. For example, consider Samuel and the sons of Eli. Samuel, who was not Eli's son but was nurtured in the Lord by Eli, was a young man who found favor in the eyes of God. Hophni and Phinehas, who were Eli's sons but were not nurtured in the Lord by Eli, found nothing but shame in the eyes of God.

     Born in answer to prayer and dedicated at birth by his mother to the service of the Lord, Samuel was trained at Shiloh by Eli the priest. His heart was tender toward the Lord and his ears were open to hear God's voice. Eli's sons were "sons of Belial" and instead of being content with that portion of the sacrifices allotted to them by law, they devised devious means of obtaining greater portions of the sacrifice. Moreover, they profaned the Tabernacle with their licentious practices at the very door of the house of God.

     1 Samuel 3:13 correctly describes the attitude which led to the downfall of Hophni and Phinehas. Speaking of Eli's sons the Bible says, "His sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not." Here is a classic case of a man so involved in his ministry that he neglected his family. Someone has said, perhaps with tongue in cheek, that if a man sees his sons going down the wrong track, probably it's because he did not switch them soon enough. Eli certainly failed to "switch" his sons and keep them on track for God.

     During those days of crisis God had been strangely silent. "The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision." But God decided to speak face to face with Samuel and in the middle of the night called out to him. The young child's immediate response was, "Here am I." Samuel ran to the bedside of Eli, assuming the voice was his. The priest sent him back to bed, perhaps thinking that the young lad was only dreaming. Twice again this strange phenomenon occurred, and finally Eli recognized this to be the voice of God. His advice to Samuel was that the next time the voice called he should answer, "Speak LORD; for thy servant heareth." The boy returned to bed.

     When the Lord called him again, Samuel answered as Eli had instructed, "And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." Jehovah was about to judge Eli and his family for their failure to heed His word and for the sons' unrighteousness at the temple door. Being the bearer of such informat