March 15, 2023 — “Giving is Spiritual”

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“We are chosen with a purpose. We are brought out of the darkness of sin and given the wonderful light of salvation so we can help others. You see, we are blessed to be a blessing and given light to shine to others. Most of all, we are called to point others to the one, true, never-interrupted light — Almighty God!” (heartlight website [heartlight.org])

Giving as a spiritual discipline becomes a way of life, not just a practice on Sunday. “Stewardship is God’s way of raising people, not man’s way of raising money.” (Dr. Wesley Wilmer and Martin Smith) Because giving should become a spiritual discipline in our lives as Christians, it requires a long-term commitment as well as a day-to-day practice if we are to become good stewards of our time, talents, and resources.

There is this voice in our heads that constantly reminds us that we do not want others to take advantage of us. The argument becomes “Well there are plenty of organizations that give groceries, rent assistance, and clothing to people – we should just send people to them.” And this is true. There are some organizations that provide those things but they are limited with resources, like all organizations, and they are limited with finances. Some limit how often a person or family can ask for assistance each month. Some limit their assistance to once every six months. So yes, there are organizations that assist those in need, but their resources are limited, and options for families and individuals are also limited. So, that is where churches and individuals come into play.

We can give donations to places like “LOVE, Inc” and “The Central PA Food Bank” – but often that is not enough. And it limits our contact with people with needs. When the church decides to offer programs that give out clothing, food, or other items, not only are we helping to fill in the gaps, but we are getting a chance to form relationships with people who need to hear some words of hope. My friends, giving can become contagious. If we determine that we will live a life of giving, or will begin a ministry at the church to give to those in need, this gives us opportunities to form relationships with organizations or churches who are looking to do the same – and it gives us opportunities to live out the Gospel.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, stir in me a profound and holy awareness of being a part of your holy nation, a child belonging to you. Use me today for your purposes – whatever that may be. Amen. 

Pastor Dave

March 14, 2023 — “Obey Responsibly”

“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:7-10

“Jesus learned obedience through suffering; He was always the Son, but He became King through the school of obedience; Suffering = the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship; Obedience teaches us trust; Jesus came to reign as King but He gained His:

1. Authority through obedience
2. Exaltation by humility
3. Ultimate victory through sacrifice”

(Suffering King: School Of Obedience, March 13, 2022; radiant.church)

Many people do not like the word obey. For many people to obey hearkens back to the idea of slavery, of women as property, and to the G-d of the Old Testament. But when we listen to and obey the Word of G-d, we can understand our obedience as the faithful proclamation and discipleship within G-d’s word. We acknowledge our faith and live out our faith in the gospel for the building up of the body of Christ. This kind of obedience takes courage. It involves our lifelong obedience, including the ways we treat our families, others, and ourselves.

The obedience of faith – it is a conundrum. We struggle to be independent and self-sufficient people. And yet G-d asks us to be obedient in our faith, which requires giving up our independence and our agendas. But when we finally agree that G-d is the captain of our “cruise ship of faith,” then we may take some time to determine what gifts we have to share with the other people in the congregation and community.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, when we allow you to captain our ship of faith, we live seeking to be good stewards and obedient believers. Amen.

Pastor Dave