Tag Archives: Word

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 10, 2016
Tags: , , , , Word   

Humble Beginnings — Rev. David J. Schreffler

                               January 10, 2016

One of the most powerful and astounding things to me about the Christmas story is the incredible humility of Mary and Joseph. Not only the humility they demonstrated, but the trust they put in G-d. This humility is confirmed and continued by the life of their baby, Jesus. Jesus never fought for position or fame. Rather, He continually baffled His followers by laying down His right to be lauded and honored. The story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus fleeing to Egypt simply confirms their trust, and their humility.

In addition to being a wonderful reminder of God’s amazing gift to us, the Christmas story also points to the kind of self-surrender and humility we are called to walk in as Christ’s followers. If the 1st century version of the “first family” is willing to leave everything as directed by G-d, is willing to listen and discern all that G-d puts in front of them, then shouldn’t we be willing to walk the same path? And how will we know what G-d calls us to do if we do not know what G-d directs through       G-d’s word? This culture constantly pushes us to fight for our rights, demand respect, know who you are and be confident in your identity. If then we call ourselves Christians, we better know what Christ says if we are to live our lives “In Christ”, which is counter to what our society demands. Instead of striving to be noticed and appreciated, we are to take an entirely different posture into every area of our lives, one of humility and self-denial. Whether we are recognized and applauded or disregarded and overlooked, it should make no difference to us. If we want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we will need to know how he lived, and how he calls us to live.

Paul reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. . . . Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God . . . made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. . . (Phil. 2:3-8). In other words, we do not read the bible so we can prove to others we know more, but so that we can prove to ourselves that we are aware of what it means to live “In Christ”.

In 2016, we are embarking on a quest of knowledge – to better understand G-d’s will for your life and for mine. Instead of fighting for your own recognition, chose the lowest place – the place of a humble servant – a humble servant who desires to know the word of G-d both on paper, and through the life of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 9, 2016
Tags: , , , Word   

Not a New Beginning, But a New Ending — Rev. David J. Schreffler

January 9, 2016

I recently saw this quote, “No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” (Unknown). I want you to remind yourself of this quote often as you continue reading G-d’s word. The upshot of the quote is this: we don’t start over; but we begin again right where we are, toward the ending Jesus has already worked out for us.

As a believer in Christ, it is not about saying I will do this and I won’t do that and then dropping the idea or falling short, for that is a “response/consequence” relationship that Jesus does not want. In other words, believing that “If I do this or don’t do that” Jesus will love me more, is the wrong kind of relationship that G-d wants with each one of us. It is more about asking the Lord to help us each and every day knowing that G-d’s love for us was demonstrated in the death of G-d’s Son, Jesus, and that kind of love is never earned. Because there is nothing we can do to have G-d love us more, if we accept that G-d loves us already, then our focus will be set on the things of heaven and not on all this earthly stuff.

If I were to make a New Year resolution, it would be to have a deeper commitment to praying and reading G-d’s word. This idea of focusing on the Word of G-d truly has been set in front of me this new year, I can only assume by G-d, and you have joined me in this journey in 2016. I believe the current times and trends in this world requires our undivided attention on G-d’s Word and the truth behind it so we can deal with the trials and tribulations that lie waiting around the corner.

How you will end this year will be determined by how you started it. Did you want to get deeper into understanding G-d’s word and G-d’s intent for your lives? Do you want a new ending this year? How do you want the ending of your life? If you’re not a Christian, please know that this could be the best New Year of your life. Your life can be filled with hope and peace. To know what the ending will be is an extra bonus, because Jesus has already worked out our individual ending. Why should every year be the same as the one before with nothing really changing?   If you are a Christian and you feel stagnate in your relationship with the Lord, then now is the time to rekindle that relationship – beginning with Word and Prayer. The real ending in our life will be when Jesus says well done my good and faithful servant. Wouldn’t it be nice for each one of us to know where Jesus said that and the love and intent behind what he meant?

Pastor Dave