Wandering/Habits

I was part of the security team for the 2016 Salem First Baptist “Church in the Park”. One of the tasks of the security team is to ensure the safety and security of all those in attendance. We also have the opportunity to interact with people just “wandering by”. Quite often they ask, “What is going on?” We tell them and invite them to join us. One opportunity I had was to talk with a lady who was walking by and she decided to stay. I continued to wander around during the service and at the end of the service I went back to the lady and ensured her that we would love for her to stay for the picnic. She said that she needed to get home to her child. She continued by saying that this was exactly what she needed. At that point she began to cry. She said that there was a lot going on in her life and she really needed this. I gave her a hug and she just held on and cried. She thanked me for the hug and I asked if there was anything I could do for her. She said that she has never been to our church but that she will come. I am praying for her and I'm praying that she will come to church. Only the Lord knows if she will or when she will. After all, the Lord brought her to the service for a reason. Please pray for her that she will follow through by coming to church. Please also pray for the many others who wandered by and had opportunity to hear the music and the preaching of God’s Word. --Tracy Camillo Habits are hard to make or hard to break. They say that it takes 21 days to make a habit.  I have found that it takes a lot longer than that.  I have done many things for 21 days and then almost without notice I have stopped.  For years I memorized scripture and then it began to slip away.  I used to bike about 2000 miles a year and then my schedule got a little busier.  Habits are hard to make--stick.  But some habits are hard to break.  For those of you who have smoked you would say a hearty amen.  Or if you have a habit of going back to the refrigerator two or three times a night it is hard to stop those behaviors.  Some habits are hard to break. But habits are crucial because they are repetitious behaviors and over time they make a significant imprint on your life.  My prayer for you this year is that you will make connection a habit.  Stay connected to God in prayer and reading his word, stay connected to people by joining a Bible study or community group.  Stay connected with friends by scheduling regular lunch or walks together.  Stay connected, because connection gives you life.  Praying for you, Pastor Mark Good Book to Read Chase the Lion--Pastor and author Mark Batterson is a good read.  One of his first books In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, was fantastic. He has recently released Chase the Lion.  They read quick, but they last long.  7 Men by Eric Metaxas--Brothers this book will inspire you to a greater life.  I know they say men don't read, but they also say Jonah really didn't live in a whale for three days--#two wrongs don't make it right

Why Is It Good To Give Thanks?

Psalm 92:1-4 

We teach it to our kids.  We notice it when they don’t say it.  In fact we often time ourselves to see how long it might take them to recognize something we have done and see if they will say thank you.  We intrinsically know that it is good to say thank you.  Maybe that is the reason God says…“It is good to give thanks to the LORD…” Ps.92:1-2

1.   Giving thanks helps us recognize our dependence upon God

When we give thanks we are recognizing God’s life, His power, His love and how it affects us.  We are mindful all we have is due Him.  It is a way to affirm and strengthen our faith.  We are standing at the foot of the cross, or in front of the altar at the Jordan, we are circling Jericho.  Giving thanks to God causes us to remember His power, and affirm His love in our lives.

2.   Giving thanks matures our character 

-      It delights the inward soul

It centers our attention on our God which allows our anxiety to be replaced with faith.  Isaiah reminds us that when our hearts and minds are focused on the Lord we experience peace.  We focus on what is rather than what is not.  We celebrate what has been given versus being filled with fear and disappointment with what has been withheld.

-      It deepens our wisdom

Meditation on the great works and deep thoughts of God is the way to avoid sin and deepen wisdom ( Ps. 92:5–6).

3.   Giving thanks helps us establish a redemptive pattern

As we look back and give thanks we imprint on our memory a history of God’s work.  Psalm 107 repeats five times the call, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.”  Don’t forget what God has done.  Can you see a pattern of His faithfulness?  Do you see how He has led your life?  His past works will change the way you look at your present situation and your future path. 

4.   Giving thanks inspires others to trust in God

One last direction we need to consider.  Our thanks has an outward benefit.  The psalmist speaks of a declaration.  When we declare God’s faithfulness it helps the senseless man or the stupid man who has up to this point simply taken credit for what he has. 

The Bible describes a stupid man as one who has no idea of God’s plans.  He has no awareness of God’s power, His providence or His grace.  Giving thanks helps to get rid of stupidity in your midst.  How incredible is that!!! 
It is good to give thanks to the Lord.  Like a healing balm, like a refreshing brook is a grateful heart.  Tweet your thanks, Facebook your thanks, speak your thanks and watch stupidity flee.

Open Our Eyes

Do you remember the story of the blind servant of God?  His story is recorded in 2 Kings 6:15-17.  He had the ability to see the strength of the opposing enemy, but was blind to the army of God.  It was Elisha who prayed, “O Lord open his eyes so he may see.”  That is a great prayer.  I pray it for myself, my family and our church regularly.  When I see the power of God all else seems different—even the challenges.  Today’s Focus story helps us to see God which changes how we face the bumps in the road.   

 

This morning we received an email from our daughter-in-law that our son was laid off his armed security job he has held for 3 years.  On January 1 he would receive the highest wage and three weeks’ vacation. In spite of having high seniority and good working reports he was informed this Friday will be his last day.  I immediately prayed and asked our Lord how to best pray for my son and assist him in this trial. I talked to my son and let him know I would be praying for him.  In the meantime I was reading one of the three daily devotions I receive through email.  One of these devotions seemed very appropriate to send to my son.  I asked my wife if she had read this devotion.  Not only had she read it but had sent it to my son via email. This was the little devotion and small commentary:

 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.  Isaiah 41:10

Ever will the Lord raise up His people from their troubles!  Ever will He seek to heal their hurts!  Ever will He redeem His people from wickedness!  And ever will the Lord Almighty strengthen the resolve of His children that they might proclaim His mercies forever!  Praise His name forever all you His people!  Hallelujah!

 

Now some people would say this devotion was just a coincidence and I was reading into this situation.  That would be the devil talking.  At first I did not realize what had just occurred.  I asked my Father God how to best pray and help my son.  Soon after starting to read my daily devotions I realized how my first devotion would be quite useful to my son.  Then I realized my Lord also answered my prayer request through His magnificent Word.  The timing was impeccable.  Not only did my Lord answer my prayer, He also allowed the same message to minister to my son. Then my God went the extra mile.  My wife who was in deep sorrow over this incident was strengthened in the Lord and not only found peace in the Lord, but permitted to relay this powerful message to our son and his wife. Thus my wonderful God met four people who were in great distress with the same encouraging Word.  WOW!  What a great God and He is greatly to be praised.

Be encouraged, God sees you and is mighty to save. 

 

Thanks to a brother in the church who sent me this note and allowed our body to be encouraged as well. 

“O Lord open our eyes so we may see.” 

-Pastor Mark

Due to computer glitch - this message didn't  make it on January 10.  Trying again today 1/12

Happy Birthday, Pastor Mark!

 

Waiting…with open arms

Do you like to wait?  I do not find waiting easy.  I will come back on a different day and a different time if I don’t have to wait.  But sometimes we are called to wait.  We don’t get any other options, but to wait.  While we wait, however, we do get options.  We can wait impatiently, we can wait with an angry heart or we can wait with faith.  During this Advent season we are invited to anticipate the coming of our Lord.  We look forward to His return, but today we wait. 



I have often been drawn to Simeon, the president of the “waiting” club.  Simeon was asked to wait for the consolation of Israel.  He was waiting for the comfort of his nation, but with each day that passed he wondered when it would occur. But the scripture tells us how he waited.  He was told that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  Given that Israel had not heard from a prophet in over 400 years it took a lot of faith to believe that God was about to break His silence.  But he trusted in the Word that was given to him and therefore he waited—with open arms. 



When you wait with faith it creates two things.  First it creates the belief that God will act.  He had faith that God was going send His Christ.  His faith gave him the ability to go to the temple courts with anticipation.  His faith gave him the conviction that he would not die before he saw God’s promise.  But his faith also gave him open arms.  When Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms it says that he praised God saying:  “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.”  What did the Lord promise?  He promised that Simeon would receive the Christ.  It did not say that Simeon would receive a child who would be King.  He had faith to be open to God’s sovereign plan.  He was led by the Holy Spirit to recognize God’s sovereign promise.



God is going to call us to wait.  But His invitation is to wait with faith:  faith to believe that God will act and faith to receive with open arms His sovereign plan. 



“Almighty God, grant that we joyfully receive from You Your sovereign plan and that we, your children, will wait with open arms to receive it.”

-Pastor Mark

Stir up Thy Power, O Lord

For those of you who have been around Christian music for a few years you will remember the song El Shaddai which was made famous by Amy Grant.  Michael Card, one of my favorite writers and musicians, wrote that song about the unique power of God.   From Abraham to the cross, Card chronicles the displays of God’s power in his song.  He speaks of the power of God on display in the salvation of Isaac and the deliverance of a nation as God parted the Red Sea.  But in the song Card rightly crescendos with the most awesome display of God’s power in what He did through frailty:  the incarnate Son of God who would surrender Himself to flesh.  The Almighty God would hide His power so that He might use His power to save us.    



Frailty and power are not normally put together.  By definition frailty means something that is infirm or weak.  Since when are infirm and weak synonyms of power?  How does God take surrender and death and turn them into deliverance?  God once said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.” (Is. 55:8).  El Shaddai emptied Himself and took on the form of a man.  El Shaddai became a servant to the very people He created.  El Shaddai became man so that man might one day reside with God.  So God tells us that frailty is power.  Meekness is power.  Surrender is power.  Submission is power. 



During this advent season we anticipate the coming of God.  As we pray for His arrival we long for His power to be seen.  We long for El Shaddai to demonstrate His strength once again.  But like His first incarnation He will come in ways unsuspected; He will reveal His wisdom in ways that confound our logic.  Why?  Because He is El Shaddai, the Almighty God whose ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  The nativity is God’s message to the world, “I will come in power, but without faith you just might miss Me.” 



“Stir up Thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Almighty God, stir up Thy power once again and give us eyes to see it.”



For those who are now singing the song, enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXB1a3NBCw



For the purist that prefer Michael Card’s version: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dorEYyfuUQ

Cry Mercy!

Merciful God, who sent Your messengers the prophets, to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:  Give us grace to hear and heed their warnings and forsake our sins that we may greet you with joy. 



I witnessed the sheer terror in these two young ladies who, on this certain day were not looking forward to their father’s return home.  They had broken the rules and mom told them, “We will wait to deal with this when your father comes home.”  What was on most days a celebration marked by the grabbing of dad’s legs and being thrown up into the air, was today dread.  What made such a difference?  Sin.  It is ugly in how it reshapes our bodies and contaminates our relationships.  It must be dealt with or we never look forward to the coming of our Father.



The ancient fathers taught us to cry out to God, “Merciful God.”  It is God’s mercy that teaches us about the rich benefit of repentance.  It is God’s mercy that enables our repentance (Romans 2:4).  His tolerance and great patience was not to suggest sin did not matter.  His mercy is an expression of His commitment that He has another solution to care for our sin-stained hearts.  It’s called grace.   The gift of our Savior enables us to once again look forward to His coming. 



I realized the other day that if we view God like my little friends then Advent will bring no joy only sorrow.  If we are afraid of the retribution, His promised coming will touch us like the news of a paddle being raised to punish us.  But we cry out:   “Merciful God, teach us of the joy of repentance, the privilege of aligning our hearts and minds to You.  Grant to us today the ability to hear Your voice and to heed Your invitation so that through Your grace we may once again find delight in our relationship with You.”



Cry Mercy!

Immanuel

Over the next few weeks we will be taking a break from our focus stories which tell vignettes of God’s transforming work among us.  These next four weeks will be focused on God’s coming to this earth through the glorious gift of the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our prayer is that you will find encouragement and hope as we consider aspects of God’s Immanuel.



Darkness is never seen as good.  Darkness is connected to evil, to harm, and even destruction.  Matthew suggests darkness is a picture of hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  The Apostle Paul says darkness is similar to unrighteousness (Matt. 8:12; 2 Cor. 6:14).  So when Jesus came and was called Light (John 1:5; I John 1:5-7), He was to be everything opposite of darkness.  When He showed up He brought life, truth, hope and purity—that’s what light brings.  His life is the true light that gives light to every person who trusts Him (John 1:9).   



This Christmas you will see lights—lots of lights.  Some of us will drive around the city to take in the beauty of people’s creativity.  My neighbor even has music that entertains you as you look at his lights.  Lights are beautiful because they dispel darkness.  They are beautiful because they capture your eyes and give you something to look at rather than just darkness.  As you drive the city and see the lights ask Almighty God to help you be LIGHT—a dispeller of darkness. 

Because of the power of Christ in you, you in fact are light  (I Thessalonians 5:5).  You don’t have to become light—you are inherently light because of the indwelling Holy Spirit in you.  So here is your assignment:

·         Walk as children of the light (Eph. 5:8)

·         Reprove the darkness because of your presence (Eph. 5:11)

·         Put on the armor of light every day (Rom. 13:12)

·         Show the glory of God (I Peter 2:9)

·         Walk honestly (Rom. 13:13)

“Almighty God give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in humility through the power of the Holy Spirit in us—let us be light.”

 

Book Recomendation

Fully Alive--A Biblical Vision of Gender That Frees Men and Women to Live Beyond Stereotypes by Larry Crabb

Dr. Crabb has a biblical grasp on this issue of gender and sexuality.  He is clear and helpful when he defines masculinity and femininity.  If you want to engage on the cultural battle of  gender, this book is a great first step. 

REST Stop is a blessing

A local service organization takes on a project to serve someone else; they donate snacks and other items to SFBC’s REST Stop.  Included with the items are dozens of “Thank you” notes.  The officers are touched and blessed, affirmed in their service and reminded that there are grateful people that they serve.

In June officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance, which turned out to be just a very stressed family in a new city under trying circumstances (health issues from military deployment, a small baby, isolation). The officers gave the baby stuffed animals, from the REST Stop, and told the family they were provided by our church.  The officer’s note to us included a picture of their beautiful baby sleeping with the cuddly animals.

In July Salem Police dealt with a homeless family of seven.  From the provisions of the REST Stop, the officers shared granola bars with the children, and to show their appreciation Mom agreed to a picture of five smiling kids holding stuffed animals.  They were told about the church and the REST Stop.

There are currently over 20 business cards on the bulletin board in the REST Stop with words of gratitude and blessing from Salem PD.  The REST Stop that you equip and support is having an effect beyond what we know.  Thank you!

-Sherri Sperling

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

    For past Focus stories go to..
http://fbcsalem.blogspot.com/

 


Book Recomendation

A new touch to Focus.  Yes, I love to read so periodically I will write a few thoughts on a recent book I have finished.  This first time I will share about two books:

1. How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong. (Leslie Vernick)

No this is not a book Kerri wants you to read.  It was actually recommended by a person in our church.  If you find yourself in a difficult marriage then this book will help you.  It is insightful as well as practical.  Keep at your vow--

2. The Circle Maker--(Mark Batterson)

Classic good read by Batterson.  The auther of All In, gives us a helpful book on prayer.  I have long been challenged to pray bold, specific prayers so that we know God is in this journey with us.  Batterson will help to stretch your prayer life and grow your faith. 

- Enjoy your reading.  Pastor Mark

Spelling Masters and Impact Makers

I knew early on that reading was a great passion for me and spelling was never going to be one of my strengths.  Not sure why my love of reading never overhauled my spelling challenges—but it never has.  My spelling skill, or the lack thereof, was confirmed post-college.  When I became a teacher, Sarah Smith, a sixth grader, gently corrected a word I misspelled on the chalkboard.  Yes it was embarrassing.  But we poor spellers can develop a pretty intact self-esteem.  Last week Sonshine took ten of our brightest spellers to the ACSI spelling bee.  I was nervous and all I had to do was be a judge.  Imagine that I, a wonderfully challenged speller, was now judging a spelling bee.  I laughed.  I was proud of our ten students; six of the ten placed in the top four of their age groups.  Sonshine Christian School was strong and we were proud.  I had another proud moment.  I received this note from a parent not too long ago.  I will share it with you so that you can join with me in thanking God for the impact our school makes on many families.  “Sonshine has truly blessed my family in ways I cannot even begin to thank everyone for. My kids aren’t just in a private school, but an environment that I know because of their actions, is pointing them to Christ. That is a testament to the school, but even more so to the teachers and staff who are interacting with them on a day-to-day basis. Teaching them the things that I was scared they wouldn’t learn when I went to work. My heart is broken that I can’t spend more time with them and be the ‘stay at home mom’ I always dreamed of, but there could not be a better place for my children in our situation. So, thank you! Thank you for your guidance, thank you to those who financially help so we could have a scholarship, thank you to the teachers and staff who love my children with open arms and point them to the cross. I could not ask for more. Sonshine School has blessed this mom’s heart in more ways than everyone will ever know!” I add my thanks to the faithful saints at SFB who pray for and support Sonshine Christian School.  You are the best and you make a difference.  For the past four years I have attended our Sonshine Christian School Auction.  We have a blast.  We auction off a large number of items in the silent auction.  And then in the oral auction we will usually auction off 30 items.  Last year we raised over $25,000 at our auction.  It is our largest fundraiser and every year helps us to make a difference in the lives of families about whom you just read.  I hope you will join us this year for the dinner and auction on April 11.  More information will be coming.  A thankful pastor, Pastor Mark _____________ SOUND THE TRUMPET:  ASSEMBLING THE TROOPS FOR PRAYER The Bible says that we are stronger together.  That is nowhere more true than when it comes to prayer.  When we unite together in prayer God uniquely responds because He loves unity (Ps. 133:1-2).  So for the next seven weeks we are inviting you to unite in prayer.  On our website will be our own Prayer Wall.  We will be collecting your prayers and celebrations of God’s answers.  You can visit the prayer wall daily as a family or at the office and join our entire family as we Sound the Trumpet and assemble the troops for prayer. How do you get your prayer or praise to us?  prayer@fbcsalem.org or text to 62953 (put sfb in the message and then your request).                               First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org go to SFB prayer wall     For past Focus stories go to.. http://fbcsalem.blogspot.com/

I Love Being a Part of This Church

New Song Community Church released a song, “I Heart My Church.”  They are starting a wave of people who are speaking out about their love for the place they call home.  Let me add a few thoughts from the past few weeks to the growing people who say,  “I love my church.” I love your sacrificial giving. During our Christmas season the extravagance of your giving was remarkable.  From our Christmas offering we took a check for over $4,000 to Camp Attitude.  The delivery team was a young lady (Holly) who served at Camp Attitude, a young lady (Annie) who attended Camp Attitude and their respective parents.  The directors of the camp thought we were coming to talk about serving at the camp.  When they discovered we were there to give them a gift, they were quite taken back.  Admittedly they thought we were going to give them a check for a few hundred dollars.  When they opened the card and saw the amount—tears were next.  They had a need that the staff had been praying for over the past few months.  The amount of the check answered their prayer and now they can purchase their new check-in system.  How great is our God.  I love your concern for life and compassion for people. Last week we delivered our check to Father Taaffe House.  This home serves four young, single mothers and their children.  The house parents, Zach and Gemma, are incredible.  They act as parents to these young moms.  In the context of a loving home the young mothers are nurtured, taught life skills, encouraged spiritually, and guided with gracious wisdom.  Each of the moms is in an education program.  What a blessing to see such a significant investment of love into these young moms and their children.  Their futures look brighter because of the ministry and love from the Father Taaffe House.  I love your responsiveness. Last weekend I was chatting with some young kids in our church and they told me they were going home with someone other than their parents.  Mom had a baby and other church families were coming along-side to support this family.  I know this kind of thing happens weekly in our church.  I visited a brother in the hospital and so did you.  He was loved and cared for as he faced a significant medical issue.  Church members ought to treat one another like family members, but SFB goes beyond that.  In the past few weeks I have heard of people receiving help with moving, finances being provided, budget help given and a woman going with her friend to a counseling session for support.  I love being a part of this church. Pastor Mark _____________ SOUND THE TRUMPET:  ASSEMBLING THE TROOPS FOR PRAYER The Bible says that we are stronger together.  That is nowhere more true than when it comes to prayer.  When we unite together in prayer God uniquely responds because He loves unity (Ps. 133:1-2).  So for the next seven weeks we are inviting you to unite in prayer.  On our website will be our own Prayer Wall.  We will be collecting your prayers and celebrations of God’s answers.  You can visit the prayer wall daily as a family or at the office and join our entire family as we Sound the Trumpet and assemble the troops for prayer. How do you get your prayer or praise to us?  prayer@fbcsalem.org or text to 62953 (put sfb in the message and then your request).                               First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org go to SFB prayer wall     For past Focus stories go to.. http://fbcsalem.blogspot.com/