THE PASTOR'S CORNER
Messages from our pastor:
"CONFRONTING TODAY"
Rarely does my bedside alarm sound a wakeup call. I'm an early riser (sleeping in for me is 7:00 AM). What annoys me is that occasional morning when, for whatever reason, I wake up on the wrong side of the bed. That's not to say that I don't know which side of the bed is mine; thus far, my morning start hasn't rudely awakened my peacefully sleeping, and unsuspecting, wife! I'm referring to the low level growl within me which results from an immediate mental inspection of the "have to's" that dot the calendar events of the day which lies ahead. And this from a guy who likes his job! I guess it happens to everybody now and then; as the words of the popular hit song from 1961 put it, "Momma Said, There'd Be Days Like This".
Does a remedy exist for this early morning joy robber? For me, I've found that, when this ouchy start is detected, an immediate "time out" works wonders. Just a few moments of lifting praises and thanksgiving to God provides a quick change of perspective. Mind and spirit are further cleared when I recall that God is the Author and Creator of each day. And no particular shirt or good luck charm will be required; it's sufficient to remember that God has promised his presence in every moment and detail.
Since we all happen to be human, and therefore subject to some of the same pitfalls and possibilities, we can all be confident that God's promise and presence are certainties. Even when all other 'certainties" disappear from view, God's assurances continue to prevail. Each day presents its own share of challenges and hardships, and none of us is immune to struggles. However, to forget God's reassurances in the midst of such trials is to deprive ourselves of God's amazing resources of transformation and power. Remember this, especially the next time "one of those days" comes along. The perspective of praise and gratitude won't lessen the day's agenda; it will, however, give you the strength to meet each item, one by one.
May God bless you in His Love and Spirit.
Pastor Barry
"A Vacation from Thanksgiving?"
I've always been a morning person. It's no wonder, then, that my expressed optimism in the early hours of the new day drives my wife and daughter crazy (you guessed it: They are night owls).
I mention this because our current economic climate has perhaps made some of us a bit less enthusiastic for a Thanksgiving celebration. And then, someone (such as the preacher) points out a curiously interesting passage of Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. (111 give you a minute to put down the Concerns and look up these verses; I guarantee that it won't take more than ten seconds to read them.) Now, don't be ashamed if your first reaction to this passage lacks appeal; in fact, some may ask, "Isn't this a little bit much to ask, especially in hard times? Isn't this attitude a bit too optimistic?" But before we settle for a vacation from thanksgiving, let's consider some spiritual facts and directions:
BE JOYFUL ALWAYS. More than an emotional high, Christ's joy, afforded to all believers, consists of an enduring peace and assurance which is not dependent on unpredictable stock market gyrations and gloomy possibilities. It is ever present, ever dependable.
PRAY CONTINUALLY. Prayer is never inappropriate. Even in the toughest of times, people of faith continue to pray, for they know the unlimited nature of God's faithfulness.
GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. And why? Because God's promises and provision cannot be lost. At times, we may be tested to the limit; we may need to learn creativity and resourcefulness. Despite our misgivings, we are perpetually blessed with something for which to be thankful.
A vacation from giving God thanks? No way! In the toughest of times, we are called to come closer to God, for his blessings never stop flowing.
May you enjoy a happy and memorable Thanksgiving.
Pastor Barry
"Time Alone with God"
In the decade of the 1960's, my parents got hooked on camping vacations. During the two weeks of my Dad's annual vacation from his job in the steel mill, we would head for Cook Forest in western Pennsylvania. This venture always met with mixed reviews on the part of my brother and me: No TV or telephone or playing rock 'n roll on the drums and guitar ... and no indoor bathroom in the cabin, either. My brother and I hoped that our folks wouldn't turn into real hermits while enjoying the woods and decide to stay there!
My father loved fishing and hiking. What he enjoyed most, however, was the solitude: An opportunity to turn off the everyday noise and clatter of traffic and deadlines and expectations. Dad could spend hours gazing at the birds through his binoculars, or watching the raccoons move about the forest area around the cabin. And III have to admit that all of us would leave for home at the end of the two?week period refreshed and grateful for everything that we had.
No matter what our tasks in life may be, it's good to "get away" for a time in order to recharge and refuel our emotions and thought processes. Vacations (for those to whom they apply) are great; what works wonders, though, is setting time aside to be alone with God. At these times, we may pray, or meditate, or simply wonder, and imagine the greatness of our Maker. The neat thing is: This may be accomplished on a daily basis; or, it may occur a few times in a given day. In fact, it should be an essential part of the life of every believer. In so doing, we reconnect with the Lord of our salvation. Our mind passages are cleared, our feelings are refreshed, our life's purpose is restored. Some may argue, "But I'm too busy for that" However, if we do not make available such alone time with God, we do ourselves a regrettable disservice, and are deprived of the very refreshment to our souls, which is better than such essentials as sleep and food.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience time alone with God. You won't regret having set the time aside.
Pastor Barry
"New Methods, Timeless Goals"
Well, it took several days and cost some stiff joints and muscles, but Kathy Stirbens successfully completed repairs to our riding lawn mower. Now, I couldn't tell you what thing-a-ma-jig came off of the whosey-whats-it, but Kathy knew. I'm awfully blessed to be married to someone with innate mechanical ability. During the repair time period, Kathy was trying to hurry: You see, the grass was inching upward in length and required cutting. Just imagine how far we have come in lawn trimming from the days of the old push mowers. It's not that they've stopped making hand or selfpropelled mowers; it's that the latest models of riding machines offer another method (with far less time commitment) of meeting the age-old goal of cutting the grass.
Similarly, Jesus' Great Commission to spread the good news about the Kingdom of heaven remains the principle mission of the church. Concerning this injunction, we all agree. To achieve this aim, a variety of methods (tools) have appeared throughout the generations: What began as primarily word of mouth and written letters has evolved to mass printing, radio and television broadcasts and, nowadays, the Internet.
I am pleased to promote Grace Church's new Web site: www.graceuccmassillon.org, designed not only as a means for members to be reminded of such things as upcoming events, but also as an excellent evangelistic tool. With more and more folks having access to the Internet, a church Web site is a terrific and powerful addition to a congregation's outreach resources. Perhaps our Web site will beckon newcomers to our community, and anyone searching for a church home, that Grace Church welcomes all to come and share in the joy and challenge of spreading the gospel message of Jesus. If you have access to the Internet, prepare to watch our Web site expand as more and more information is posted.
Now don't fear! Our Web site does not signal an end to more traditional methods of announcing the good news. Don't forget word of mouth, personal witness through deeds of love and mercy and a welcome handshake for visitors. Well simply add our Web site to the mix, and thank God for the opportunity to apply a new medium to our resources of gospel proclamation.
Meanwhile, I promise that I will leave both mower repair and lawn trimming to Kathy. After all, I want to maintain good relations with my neighbors.
May God bless us as we seek to do his mission, and welcome others into our fellowship.