November 16, 2016 – 38 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or
Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord…and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” James 5:13-16

Well, I guess this reindeer isn’t suffering anymore. But really, who would think this is funny? Not me…..heh heh heh. I am encouraged by the creativity shown by some of our fellow Americans during the holidays. Of course, you know what I am thinking, right? I am wondering if this decoration turns around like a real “spit”? “Reindeer roasting on an open fire……” Again, this is not funny…..lol.

I don’t think that it is too hard to believe that those who are suffering are inclined to pray. I have heard it said that there are no atheists in fox holes…. I think the most difficult spiritual exercise is to pray when we are in the midst of the average days of our lives. It is conceivable to pray when suffering – it is understandable to pray when things are really great. But, when life gets the better of us or things happen that bewilder us, then we need to pray — to stop, take time, and pray. Obviously, during the very early hours of Wednesday, November 9th, there were people who were very encouraged by the election of President Elect Donald Trump, and others were very, very discouraged. So in these times of transition, we need to pray often. Here are five categories to guide your prayers and find a prayer partner to join you in this most important endeavor:

1. President Obama
2. President-Elect Trump
3. The New Congress
4. Concerns For Our Economy
5. Our Nation’s Moral Compass

Pastor Dave

November 15, 2016 – 39 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or
Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:13-15

Yoda says “A Christmas of Merry, have you will.” Yes, a Christian’s strength from the Spirit comes, we know. Anger, fear, aggression: of the devil are they. Easily they flow, but soon to get you into trouble. Once you start down the path of evil, too easily it will dominate your day, your actions – consume you it will. A song of Advent, let me with you leave: “A Very Yoda Christmas”

Christ, the skies, whose glory fills
true the light, it only Light,
Righteousness of sun, it rise!
Give it Triumph shades of night:
High on Top, Dayspring, be near;
Daystar, in my heart appear

We should learn to be confident in our faith, as Abraham was confident in the promise made by G-d. As such, our faith in the salvation that comes through the cross of Jesus gives us the same confidence – which Jesus did on our behalf. Jesus is like us, being fully human. He stepped into our shoes and lived like we do. He knows what it feels like to be human. And He knows us – each one of us. Even though He is not on the earth anymore, Jesus still remembers, and has compassion when we are weak and need help. In terms that Yoda would understand, Jesus is “the Force” that sustains us, and gives us power through the Holy Spirit.

How have you tried to earn your way into heaven, or felt like you had to make yourself better before you could approach God? How have you tried to justify what you do, because you want to do the good thing? Be confident in Jesus Christ, who has done it all for you. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will have the force you need to be a powerful witness for Jesus.

Pastor Dave