Monthly Archives: February 2015

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:49 am on February 2, 2015  

His Only Son – Rev. David J. Schreffler

February 2, 2015

“Abraham!”, G*d said. “Here I am.” said Abraham. “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you. So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac…” Genesis 22:1-3

Abraham had a son – an only son – His only son. G*d asks Abraham to sacrifice his son, his only son, to the Lord. Abraham leaves with His only son Isaac and they travel to the Mountain of G*d. Abraham had to have a heavy heart – because he waited so long for this son – His only son – and now G*d asked him to sacrifice that son. Abraham and Isaac climbed the Mountain of G*d. Abraham tied up His only son, laid him on the altar – raised the knife – and before he could plunge the knife into his chest, G*d stopped Abraham and said “Now I know that you fear G*d since you did not withhold your only son.”

What testing was G*d doing with this faithful servant Abraham? Isaac was Abraham’s only son – yes he also had Ishmael – but Isaac was his only son through his wife Sarah. Isaac was the son of the promise. Isaac was a possession Abraham held in his heart. Abraham saw Isaac as his focus for the completion of the promise from G*d. He concentrated his whole being on Isaac. G*d took that away – by going into the very center of Abraham’s heart and asking him to remove the one possession that remained – so that only G*d could be possessed in Abraham’s heart. Even though Abraham had everything, being that he was wealthy, if he could give up Isaac, then, though he possessed so much, he would be “possessed” by nothing – nothing would “own” him.

We are often hindered from giving up our treasures to the Lord – this is especially true when we speak of our loved ones. But we need not fear, because everything we commit to G*d is safe. When we turn over everything to the Lord – our gifts, talents, even our loved ones – we will be richer people – because we will have recognized that everything we have is on loan from G*d.

What possesses you that you need to be released from? Can you give it to G*d? Will you give it to G*d? When we give everything to G*d – our possessions, our loved ones, our very hearts – then we are the wealthiest and the richest of all – because our hearts will be possessed by nothing and no one – except G*d – which opens us up to G*d’s riches and blessings.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 5:10 am on February 1, 2015  

Sigh – Rev. David J. Schreffler

February 1, 2015
Super Bowl Sunday

“But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9

Another Super Bowl, another time the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots each have reached the pinnacle of NFL achievement, and another time that controversy hangs over the dome of sports in America. But I am not going to talk about “DeflateGate” today – because in the whole scheme of life, it really doesn’t matter. The Patriots and the Seahawks have made it to “The Big Game” and that is that. So what if they cheated – either team, right? Most football purists and analysts would say something like “Any edge you can get against your opponent is justified” or “It isn’t illegal until you are caught”. In my mind they will have once again missed the point – the fact that this is another example, for the youth of America about the danger of our “win at all costs” mentality – or as the above text would suggest, it is one more “stumbling block” for our youth.

Now, I also do not care about the commercials, mostly because they show so many of them on the internet before Super Bowl Sunday so that it takes away the mystery, and the fun. So today I say “No Thanks” to the Superbowl. Spoiler alert – I saw a porcupine on TV who has correctly picked the winner of the Super Bowl for the last three years, and he picked…..(wait for it)….the Seahawks to win – so – no need to watch.

In this era of “anything goes” living, we often throw up our hands and accept the outcome of whatever it is we have devoted our money, our time, and our allegiances – even if we suspect something just wasn’t right – that can’t “take the air out of”, or yes I will say it, “deflate” our support. In fact, during a recent worship event at my congregation, the good people were engaged in a heated discussion, some using the argument that “everyone cheats, so we need to stop complaining.” As a parent and a pastor, I am constantly aware of and constantly fighting the battle of the numerous, often conflicting and even damaging messages that our society sends to our youth. Our society places such high value on sports participation and viewing, that we must take the opportunities that present themselves when a situation that is a potential “stumbling block” occurs. So this does give me the opportunity to discuss with my nine-year old daughter the complications of living in 21st century America – as if this is an easy time, after witnessing the shootings in Paris; the airplane crashes in the Java Sea and surrounding area; and the daily stories regarding Movie, Television, Political and Sports figures who succeed and fail in spectacular fashion – which thanks to the 24 hour television cycle is broadcast relentlessly. I can talk with her about the many stumbling blocks that living a life of faith will throw at her. We always need to take advantage of those teachable moments.

So, Happy Super Bowl Sunday. I think I will go to the bowling alley – at least there the “pin heads” are easier to knock down.

Pastor Dave