The Gift of Prayer

Message from Pastor Tom:

Just like most pastors this time of year with our attention turning to Christmas, our thoughts form around preparing that perfect Christmas sermon, blog, Bible study or story. It also turns of course to the excitement of celebrating our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s birth in worship, exchanging gifts and sending out Christmas cards containing the special message of Christ’s love and how much they mean to us. There is so much excitement in the air, a sense of wonder and expectation that has never changed from when I was a young boy.

All this in mind, I was surprised some weeks ago by a special gift sent from God through the working of His people, with the Holy Spirit providing the direction. Now before I explain my “early” Christmas gift, let me go back almost fifteen years ago to set the stage for why you should never give up, keep praying and trust in the Lord, just as Luke 18:1-8 the "The Parable of the Persistent Widow” teaches. Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!  And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’” As Christians we are taught how to pray for our own needs and for the needs of other hurting souls. However most of us give up if we do not get the results quickly or get what we expect, especially during a time like Christmas.

Now let me get back to my story. It was summer, almost fifteen years ago when Heidi and I came upon this perfectly quant little house on a wooded acre and bought it from the owner. We found it shared an easement between our acre and the one next door, to yet again another land-locked acre stretching behind both our properties. Well, the last thing we wanted was a road running that close beside us, if you know what I mean? But because we felt the Lord led us to this place, we bought it anyway and figured we would address this at a later date. So in October of that year, I sent a letter to the owner inquiring about purchasing property, but never heard back. I prayed silently and let my wishes be known hopefully to the right people, but still no acknowledgment.

About nine years passed when out of the blue, the owner of the property showed up in our driveway. She’d been in the neighborhood and stopped when she saw us outside and asked if we were the ones who inquired about buying the property. She explained her son was going to own it all one day and it would be left up to him. We ended up talking about my then very recent miraculous recovery from stage four-throat cancer. How God took me on this most incredible journey and then healed me less than six months later as if it had never been there. She invited me to give my testimony at a revival she was holding at her church and I was honored to do so. After that night, we never saw her again, but still I prayed she might talk to her son and one day we could buy the property.

A few more years passed before we searched again and found the title transferred to her son. So I wrote another letter, basically asking if he ever wanted to sell the property to please let me know. I continued to pray now and then, but after four years or so just assumed he either had no intention of selling or had lost my letter, chalking it up to yet again another unanswered prayer. Boy was I wrong! You would think at my age, and my walk with Christ I would know better! Sound familiar?

I am here to tell you, in His time, when God answers prayer, you better sit down and be ready to hold on. In His time… did you get it? In HIS time of answered prayer, it will always turn out better then you can ask for. Never cease praying! In the first part of last month I received a surprise e-mail stating, "I know this is a cold call, but I kept your letter in thinking that one day I may want to sell this property and now is the time." Wow… finally answered prayer! But then, and I’m sure you can relate to this in some form, "But God, this is not exactly the best time for us to be buying property." Then doubt turns to certainty, if this is God willed, He is going to make it happen. And happen it did. It turns out the son is a Law Enforcement Officer in Florida and a devoted Christian. He sold it for an affordable price, with terms we know without a doubt were God driven. Then thinking now that was handled, I would still need to pay closing costs, taxes and whatever other expenses. My thoughts were running wild, I need a realtor and an attorney, and how much is this all going to cost? Where is all that money going to come from?

But, not to worry, we’re talking God here. A friend we know, who happens to be in real estate, offered to draw up the contract for us, which helped financially and then she led us to the closing attorney. Nevertheless this story doesn’t end here. I truly believe God places his children together for a reason, whether for a moment, a day, a season or a lifetime. The attorney we used for closing was part of God’s plan as well. The closing on the property was in her hands for almost a month. We all worried this was a little longer than normal as it was only an undeveloped acre and communication was a bit slow. I soon found out why and she gave me permission to repeat her story.

Our attorney’s father was very ill and days were short before he would soon be with our Heavenly Father. She needed to be close. She shared her family with me and I got to see the love of God in her father's life as he chose to serve the Lord and raise his family to do the same. I want to also share with you the most gracious and humbling discussion she had with her father where she brought me into their conversation, saying "My daddy’s words over and over these past few days are, and I quote… ‘Daughter, it’s not what you do for God that counts, it’s what you do that God tells you to do that counts.’”  So she then goes on to say, “God has told me to remove the seller’s closing cost and lower your attorney fees. Use the money for his Glory as God has told you what to do for him!” When she told me this I lost it. Here is a daughter and father going through one of the hardest times in ones life and they show God's Love and mercy to an almost total stranger. My prayers were answered. In God’s time, every prayer was answered and I get to carry in my heart the humble reminder of God’s love having the privilege of sharing a special moment in someone’s life. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4. And YES… I will use it to the Glory of God.

Remember what I said about never stop praying? Be ready to grab a seat and hold on, for when it is God's timing, there is no mountain tall enough He won't climb for you, or big enough He won’t move for you. Your prayer life can become effective and dynamic if you’ll approach the Lord with a clean heart. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18). Prayer is the primary means by which we talk to God, and it is also His way to teach us. When we pray, we’re petitioning the Lord and trusting Him for the answer. In doing so, we draw closer to God, learning to listen to Him, just as we learn to wait for His response. He loves for us to honor Him through this spiritual act of worship called prayer and faith.

Heidi and I pray you experience a most joyous Christmas filled with the wonder of the birth of Christ, the warmth of the Holiday Spirit and the love of family and friends. May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful Loving gift of Jesus, and the joy He brings to our life. I pray together we have the opportunity to show a watching world something truly hopeful and sincerely beautiful this Christmas season. I thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope it spiritually enriches you.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14 NIV

The Wisdom to be Thankful

Message from Pastor Tom:

I have been sitting here looking out the window watching the rain after a long dry spell here in the Carolinas. I started reflecting on past seasons of my life, in how my schooling, ministry and this blog has come to pass. I hope and pray the blog is being read in a positive way. This inspired me to begin writing November’s blog and wonder how many really do take the time to read it, or even know of its existence. Hopefully, some do. So I pray and leave all this in God's hands, for even if only one person actually reads it, I firmly believe it is well worth the time it takes to share God's wisdom and Good News.

As the days are now getting shorter, the holidays are rapidly coming upon us, and we will be so involved in the holidays we may tend to forget the true meaning of the Holyday. Did you get it, Holyday! (not Holiday). Yes Christmas Day, and even though it's a celebration of the birth of Christ, we will worry more about what others are thinking and saying about us. Will I get the right presents, will the meals be good, and of course, the last biggie, will it fit? Yes, sometimes I don’t even understand where the pieces of our lives will fit together around the holidays, but it should be all about being thankful to God for His many blessings. 

So how do we go about focusing on Jesus and what we are truly thankful for when the holidays can be so stress-filled and busy? I have learned wisdom is of the utmost importance in knowing how to apply the truths God has given us through His Scriptures and understanding the blessings of  His never-ending unconditional Love and Grace. How we can really apply this knowledge to our lives in times of sorrow, pain, and loneliness, let alone how it affects us during the holidays is by having faith in Him. In reading Job 28: 23-28, verse 28 clearly states, “And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’” True wisdom may bring material reward, but its value far exceeds earthly riches. To those who receive it, it opens a path to life and security and equips for leadership and right conduct. Yes, you can find wisdom, by getting your eyes off yourself and look at Jesus. Think of what He did for you. Think about how He went to the cross for you. He’s the one who will give you the strength to endure.

Godly wisdom is the ability to view things as the Lord does and to respond according to biblical principles. The secret to this is to really do it. This discernment isn't automatic. God's Holy Spirit is living inside all believers prompting us to do right. However, each individual chooses whether or not to follow the wise way. To walk wisely, a person must commit to remaining on the right path. That is to determine in our hearts to follow God no matter what. “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:33.  

Pleasing the Lord and conforming to His likeness is always the right thing to do. Yet I find myself falling short, the same as most others do. We cannot stop what is thrown our way in this world, for what we must endure, but we can choose where our focus will be. All we can do is focus on Him, pray and know it is in God's hands, and keep striving to be Christ-like. Love like Jesus loves.

As we prepare this month for Thanksgiving, may our thanksgiving be directed to God for the blessings we have received because He is the source of all good things. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" James 1:17.

Heidi and I pray this will be your most thankful Thanksgiving. May you and yours enjoy happiness, peace, love, joy, and God’s wisdom as you spend time with your family and friends. I thank you for taking the time to read this and hope it spiritually enriches you in some way this thanksgiving.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

God's Gift of Autumn

September 2019

Message from Pastor Tom,

It’s October already… can you believe that! This year is going by so fast. The leaves are starting to change, the holidays are just around the corner, and it’s harvest time again. I know we will soon be so wrapped up in the coming holidays sharing fellowship with family and friends, Trick-or-Treating, then thoughts of turkeys baking in the oven for Thanksgiving dinner, all that Christmas shopping, so many more holiday memories to make. What grand fun there is to be had by all.

Now on the other hand, I would like to ask you this. Are you taking the time to enrich your life as well by spending time with God? It has been proven over the centuries we can make better decisions knowing regardless of what we face, God can and will redeem our experiences for our ultimate good. The only way to do this however, is to make the time to do so. I know you are asking me how do you expect me to do that with my family to take care of? I already have a daily schedule which is full and then there is all the volunteering I do for church and my community. Christians believe me, I fully understand. However, who has given you the time to do all this? The answer is simple, Our lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have known people who go to church, bow their heads to pray and hear sermons, but many are not growing spiritually. Every growing believer should sense a deepening hunger for Christ. As we experience more of Jesus, who is the bread of life (John 6:35), our desire for Him will increase. Believers dwelling closely with the Savior will notice their discernment of sin sharpens. Faulty teaching and thinking become more obvious as we accumulate truth within our spirit. Our area of love should continuously expand. In time, the Holy Spirit enables us to care for people who previously were either unnoticed or difficult to accept.

Christians sometimes often don’t stop to think how their choices can hurt or destroy someone else’s faith. They try to justify their behavior, saying God doesn’t convict them for it, and we all know this is not true. While they don’t necessarily indulge in sinful acts, their spiritual defenses have grown strong enough to let them do things they wouldn’t have done in the early stages of their spiritual walk. These believers fail to realize younger Christians are watching how they live out their faith. When “weaker” ones follow their example, they see their ship of faith may capsize because of a conscience that becomes troubled or confused, rather than strengthened. Paul confirms this when he blames the “stronger” Christian for these shipwrecks. He says we are responsible not only for our actions, but also for the effect of those actions. In the end, we are to care more about the, “brother for whose sake Christ died” than about our own wants or desires, "So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ” 1 Corinthians 8:11-12.

I ask you this family, do you have a hunger for God and have an increasing awareness of sin? Is your love available only for those who match your personal standard of performance? As I said earlier, some people go to church, bow their heads to pray and hear sermons, but many are not growing spiritually. Do you really find yourself caring about them, or for the difficult people who do not know Christ? Does your unwavering devotion to Christ lead others to trust our Savior? These are important questions to ask when evaluating your spiritual growth. Too many Christians have a commitment of convenience. They’ll stay faithful as long as it’s safe and doesn’t involve risk, rejection, or criticism. God loves us and He gracefully and gently builds our confidence in Him. Our trust grows when we realize how faithful He truly is, which makes our assurance even greater as we mature and our faith deepens.

So let’s take time to relish God’s gift of Autumn by drinking in the splendor and beauty of the changing colors while we enjoy the crisp cooler temperatures, and become refreshed and renewed. As a result we can grow together as stronger Christians and practice our commitment to Christ both privately and publicly. The time you spend alone with God will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then your integrity and godly behavior in an unbelieving world will make others long to know the Lord.

Heidi and I pray God will richly bless you and your family this October. I truly thank you for taking the time to read this message and hope it spiritually enriches you.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife. 

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” Psalms 96:3 NIV

Focus On God

September 2019

Message from Pastor Tom,

Summer is quickly coming to a close and will soon be behind us. School has started and most parents are breathing a sigh of relief. Soon the brilliant colors of autumn and the smell of fall will be in the air. This is the perfect time for us to turn our Focus on God. As the world is growing darker and darker, God needs our attention now more than ever. In a message I once gave, I spoke about how first and foremost everything in our life needs to be centered on Christ. Jesus deserves our attention and should be our sole object of worship. Whether you worship God or golf, or some sort of collectable, whatever you treasure most defines your life.

A famous preacher once said a successful man is one who finds out what God wants him to accomplish with his life, and then fulfills it. This is a very profound statement. I believe the true measure of a person’s success is not social status, a bank account balance, influence, or fame. It is simple obedience, doing what God wants us to do. We affirm Jesus Christ is the only proper object of our deepest devotion. We want to declare like the Psalmist, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:25-26.

Christian, if we want to be prepared for the unexpected in this chaotic world, then we must discipline ourselves to seek God every day, acknowledging both His Lordship and our dependence upon Him. By examining our habits and reflecting on our life, we can know whether our attention is on the Lord or on other things. If we start our day thinking about God instead of our own plans, regularly reading and applying Scripture, then we demonstrate a heart that is pursuing Him. Of this you can be certain, the stories and principles we find in the Gospels are just as applicable today as they were in Jesus' day. It takes God’s divine power to live the Lord’s way. In order to draw on His strength, believers need to develop an attitude of humility, trust and determination. As the Lord wants us to trust and depend on Him, He may at times ask us to remain in an uncomfortable situation or take on a task that seems far beyond our capability. While God knows how to solve your problem, He may choose to require your cooperation, possibly even asking you to do something that seems unreasonable. In either circumstance, relying on God will bring us the inner courage to choose His way. 

I’m sure most of you would agree the disciple Peter is an inspiration for all of us right now in today's time, God does not choose servants who are solid rocks with no cracks or crevices. Instead, He selects people who have weaknesses, faults and failings, (preaching here to myself) who need to be forgiven repeatedly. The Lord looks for believers who are teachable, willing to repent, and prepared to surrender to His greater will. So now is the time to Focus on God, as God has gone to great lengths to put His truth into written form and protect it down through the ages so we can spend eternity with Him. It is foolishness to ignore His Words. We must remember the goal is not to focus on the path or try to find our own way. Instead, we are to fix our eyes on the One who is not only our guide, but also our destination. It will be Jesus who welcomes us home with open arms when we finish the race and cross into eternity.

Heidi and I pray God richly blesses you and your family. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and hope it spiritually enriches you.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife,

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in

God's hands, that I still possess.”                                                                

 Martin Luther