Pastor Mark’s Devotions, May 27

Posted on 2020-05-27 in BLOG, Devotions, Pastor's Notes, pastors pen | Tags: , , , ,

“God on Display”

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14

 

God delivered the people of Israel from Egypt by performing miracles of great power. God delivered 10 plagues that put God’s power on display for all to see. This displayed power led to Israel’s freedom.

In Psalm 77, King David recalls God’s great power. He writes, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (77:11). He goes on to say, “Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” (77:13)

God’s power can be seen on display in the past. His power can also be seen on display in creation. Paul writes in Romans 1:20, “Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”

Beyond creation, God’s power can be seen on display through the cross. Even though the world considers the cross foolishness, Paul says that it is the power of God for all who are saved. He says that the Jews seek miraculous signs and the Greek look for wisdom but they are ignorant of God’s ways. Paul states, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”

God’s power is even displayed in Paul’s weakness. Paul learns more about God’s power as he prays for healing. He describes pleading with God, 3 times regarding a “thorn in his flesh.” But God wants Paul to understand the perfect display of God’s power. Paul records God’s reply, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Additionally, Jesus tells his disciples that God’s power will be put on display when the promised gift of the Father comes upon them. Jesus states, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Jesus describes that they will put God’s power on display when they have received the Holy Spirit and witness about the truth. This takes place when Peter and John heal a lame man in the temple courts. They are brought before the Sanhedrin and asked by what power this man was healed. Peter responds, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” (Acts 4:10)

Peter and John put God on display in front of a powerful group of men, in a mighty way.

But this week, I watched a news story about Monica Salinas. Monica displayed God in a mighty yet very ordinary, unassuming way.

Monica is a delivery driver for Amazon. She was bringing a delivery to the home of Lucas Pearson. Lucas is an 8-month old baby with a critical heart condition. His health makes him extremely vulnerable to Covid19. Because of this vulnerability, Lucas’ parents have only been ordering food and supplies to the house throughout this pandemic. That day, when Monica delivered the supplies to Lucas’ family, something special happened. Something special was recorded; unbeknownst to Monica. When Lucas’ mom looked through the doorbell camera, she realized that Monica was doing something besides delivering the order. In a wonderful, simple, yet mighty way, God was put on display. For Monica paused and prayed to God for little Lucas and his family. This small gesture was caught on camera and has allowed millions of people to see God displayed through a loving, humble believer.   

Thank you, Monica for your humble, quiet, faithful example that has set God on a platter for so many to see.  

Let us Pray:

“Thank you, Father, for being worthy of all our praise! Thank you for being our Provider and Protector! Guide us, that we may put you on display in simple ways, in ordinary ways, in any way that will lift you up. In Jesus’ Name.” Amen.

God Bless You All!

Pastor Mark     


Pastor Mark’s Devotions, April 4

Posted on 2020-04-04 in BLOG, Devotions, Pastor's Notes, pastors pen | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

“Stay Humble”

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” 1 Peter 5:6

When Dr. Fauci was asked how long this Covid19 crisis will last and how far this virus will spread, he responded, “We must stay humble!” He continued to express our need to stay open, flexible and teachable because there are so many moving parts to this pandemic. Watching our fair share of alpha males wrestling on the mat of our government these past few weeks, it’s a wonder where humility can find its place.

Peter encourages the young and the old in 1 Peter 5:5, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” Humility has a hard time finding its way among us because it is seen as weakness. In our society of winners and champions, often at whatever cost, humility is something to be crushed and destroyed. Yet the Bible tells us that the ultimate victor is the humble of heart – he/she is the one who will rise and be honored.

Does anyone even know how to define humility in a healthy way? Someone might toss out a picture of one who is needy and has low self-esteem. Yes, it can be defined as someone who thinks of themselves as insignificant, but it’s not that simple. Healthy humility holds a tension between; not thinking to highly of oneself, while also not thinking too lowly of oneself. Humility can be described as one who honestly understands that they are in need, yet not needy. Humility requires the ability to take an honest, inward assessment. A person of deep character has humility but it requires raw honesty. Many humble people have found their way the hard way. Hitting rock bottom through some kind of addiction or crisis they are forced to do that kind of honest investigation. Most of us don’t want to look too closely because we are afraid of what we might find – it’s human nature.

Peter encourages us to take an honest inventory without the crisis. He tells us that we will receive grace from God when we recognize our honest need for him. Maybe the picture that needs to pop up in our mind is that of the Prodigal Son. The humbled son, who recognizes his need and acknowledges being unworthy, returns to his Father. The Father receives him with grace. Not only that, but the Father lifts him up as his son and restores him to honor. Peter affirms this picture as he writes, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

Yes, the Prodigal Son is a picture of humility but then again, it is just a parable. St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, gives us a picture of a person who is the real deal. Humility is found in chapter 2, in its ultimate form. Paul writes,

               “Jesus, who being in very nature God; did not count equality with God something to be grasped (selfishly held on to) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man (human), he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name.”  

Jesus humbled himself. Jesus became fully human. Jesus became fully in need of God; but not needy. Jesus became in need of God for our sake. He let go of eternity and took on flesh. This is why he understands human battles and struggles. Jesus, himself, at times, needed encouragement, help, strength, guidance -and that can be seen as he returns from the temptations in the wilderness and as he climbs the mount of Transfiguration. His Father meets him in his time of need, sends ministering angels, and strengthens him. In due time, Jesus is lifted up and exalted after the humility of the cross.

Healthy humility is waiting for us. It passes through recognizing our need for God and hits the bullseye  in the person of Jesus Christ.  We don’t have to be needy. Let us not be arrogant. But let us truly acknowledge the sacrifice made on our behalf. This picture of Jesus Christ, in our mind’s eye, will keep us humble. And in due time, He will lift us up!

Humbly,

Pastor Mark