Taking a break from all your worries...

I just completed a week of vacation during which my wife and I returned to Michigan to spend some time with family and friends and camp up at St. Ignace during Labor Day weekend.  It was a needed respite for me from the daily requirements of the ministry, a chance to set aside for a while the cares and concerns for God's flock that can seem never-ending to those in pastoral ministry.
Of course, there are plenty of people whose jobs and family responsibilities make my work seem like a cake-walk, but we all need to take some time away from our regular routine now and again in order to gain perspective and remain fresh in our pursuits.
One of the things that pastors miss out on is the ability to attend church as a participant and not a leader.  Our Sunday mornings, and other occasions in which we gather to worship, revolve around preparation and delivery of spiritual food and nourishment for others, but this same nourishment can be difficult to partake of when you're busy working to make it happen. 
My pastoral mentor, Pastor James Frank, once told me that in sermon preparation one has to "preach the sermon to yourself first".  The same holds true in preparing a lesson for Sunday school or getting ready to lead a Bible study; those of us in leadership need to teach ourselves the lesson that is to be learned before we try to teach it to others.  There is another point to remember: we also need to be open to the chance to learn a lesson during the delivery of the message itself.  It may take the form of an insight that you never saw until this moment, or perhaps be in the form of a question or comment from someone afterwards, but those who minister God's Word should always be ready for that preaching/teaching to rebound.
In the end, our vacation was a good one, we spent time with loved ones and enjoyed God's wondrous creation.  Now, as I prepare this week's sermon I can do so with a heart that is refreshed and ready to be taught once more.

Sermon Video: "no prophet is honored in his hometown" - Luke 4:22-30

As Jesus begins his public ministry he proclaims his calling in his hometown by reading a passage from Isaiah concerning the Messiah.  Those who knew him best were perplexed because his wisdom was obvious, but they were unwilling to accept such a claim by "Joseph's son".  The double mistake of being judgmental and unwilling to recognize error leads Jesus to tell the fellow Israelites of his hometown that God is willing to go to the Gentiles if his people reject their chance.  Rather than respond with repentance, the people attempt to kill Jesus, but he simply walks through the crowd and goes on his way.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Is being a Christian hard?

At our Bible study today we were talking about I Peter 4:17-19 which lent itself to the question: Is it hard to be a Christian?  The answer is a bit of a paradox until you understand it.  On the one hand, it is exceedingly easy to BECOME a Christian.  It is after all, a free gift of God given by grace.  Jesus accomplished all the work that was necessary on the cross and confirmed his victory over sin through the empty grave.  For us to accept what God has already done for us requires a simple act of faith; it's easier than a lot of people assume.  On the other hand, it is exceedingly difficult to BE a Christian.  It is after all, a calling to live a holy and righteous life in which our example to imitate is Christ.  If that wasn't difficult enough, we also can expect to face persecution precisely because we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as well as the refining "fire" of God's will that helps us to become more useful Christians.  God is indeed looking for servants who can do his will, not fans to sit in the stands and cheer him on.
Is it hard to be a Christian?  Yes, yes it is, the more so when you take your faith seriously.
Is it hard to become a Christian?  No, no it isn't, all you need to do is accept God's gift of grace.

Sermon Video: The Temptation of the Son of Man - Luke 4:1-13

Nobody enjoys being tested.  We especially don't apprecaite being tested when we're already tired, sick, or weak.  Jesus, as a demonstration of his loyalty to his Father's will and an example to us all, underwent three tests delivered by Satan himself.  In each test, Jesus responds by correctly quoting Scripture and relying upon the promises of God.  Because Jesus stood by the Spirit's power, and not his own, he becomes an example to us all when we face trials and tribulations.  Jesus stood firm on the Word of God, we can too.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Where are you going?

Yesterday my wife and I took a road trip to see a waterfall and find a Geo-cache (one of her hobbies).  The trip should have taken 45 minutes or so of scenic driving along the Allegheny river.  As we neared the destination we came upon a large bridge spanning the river.  There was only one problem, the bridge was closed for repair.  If you've ever driven around western Pennsylvania you know the problem we faced.  The only way across was to go back the way we came, work our way back away from the river until we can to a parallel route and then proceed.  In the end, the trip to the waterfall took an hour and a half instead of 45 minutes because of that one obstacle.
Is there a lesson here?  If you know where you're going, and are determined to get there, obstacles cannot keep you from finding your goal.  That's not bad, how about this as well, that which is worth doing is worth doing even if it costs you more than you'd hoped.  It was certainly a lesson in patience as well.
As we finally neared our destination, the TomTom told us to proceed down a dirt road that led to the falls.  After about 100 feet, the "road" took an exceedingly steep nose dive and we clearly no road, but rather a four-wheeler track at best.  At that point I put the car in reverse and backed on out of there.  We ended up getting good directions to an easier approach to the falls from the guy whose property bordered our would be "road" and made it there just fine.

Is there a lesson here?  Just because you think you know the way, it doesn't mean that you should throw yourself off of a cliff to get there.  I've heard of people whose GPS devices lead them into Death Valley where they become stranded (and their lives in danger from the heat) because they don't stop and think whether or not the advice they're getting is wise.  Thankfully, I decided before it was too late that reverse was the wise choice.
I thought we were just going for a ride, little did I know there were life lessons on the way there.  By the way, the waterfall was beautiful and I helped Nicole find the Geo-cache too.