Midweek Message: This is The Way

Isaiah 30:21   Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

I love this verse from Isaiah. It was written at a crucial time in the history of the Jewish people. They were in the midst of political upheaval, and their leaders were guilty of causing the nation to morally stray. God felt disappointed by the people’s ambivalence and laid out the consequences of their rebellious ways. However, God also provided them with grace and urged them to hear God’s voice. If they did this, they would know the right direction to take, the course correction that they needed, as well as the godly instruction they required.

I think this verse encapsulates what we all need in our lives each day. We each go through times of trouble and anxiety, confusion and fear. We can find ourselves vulnerable and our confidence can be broken, leaving us spiritually and emotionally lost, as well as physically and mentally drained. We sometimes don’t know what to do or where to go for help, guidance, or support.

I believe this is why we should turn to the scriptures for counsel and advice. Although the words were written long ago, they can still build up our faith and give us inside knowledge about God’s words and ways. I think when we use the Bible for guidance, we are given a divine GPS – God’s Poignant Scriptures – that will often help us to overcome our fears, show us what to do, and help us fulfill our plans. If we make and take time to daily read and study the Bible, then I firmly believe that during critical times we will hear God’s voice in our hearts, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your Holy Book which has inspired and directed our people for many generations. Give us a heart for learning about Your ways and works. Enable us to embrace and be guided by Your sacred words. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

May God be with and bless you all.

Pastor John

 

Midweek Message: Local Pilot

Midweek Devotion – Local Pilots

Psalm 77:19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

                             One of the most fascinating things about being on a cruise ship was watching the passenger liner come into a new harbor. Just before this happened, a small speed boat would suddenly appear beside the ship in order to let the local pilot come aboard. The pilot’s knowledge of the water depth, harbor walls, and submerged rocks ensured the ship’s safety as we proceeded to dock or undock. Without the pilot, the ship’s captain would not dare to enter or leave the harbor. However, with the pilot’s presence, the ship docked safely each time.

                             This process reminded me of my role here at First Presbyterian. It has been almost two years since you invited me to be your part-time interim. My purpose has been to keep you on the right course as a congregation and thankfully we have managed this together. Hopefully, we are soon coming to a point on our journey where my work as your pastoral pilot will be completed, and you will have a new skipper to lead you to better and brighter things.

                             The presence of the local pilots on the cruise ship also reminded me that every one of us has Christ as our individual pilot to lead us safely through turbulent times and troubled waters. In today’s world, we can all be overwhelmed by the chaos and corruption, callousness and conceit that have damaged us as a people, or even personally as individuals. As Thomas Paine once remarked, “these are times that try men’s souls,” so the stress and sorrow that we have for the world can adversely affect our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. This is why we look to Christ to pilot us through these rough seas; this is why we need Him to guide us safely ashore.

May God bring you and your loved ones peace, hope, and faith to endure and overcome these troubled times.

Pastor John

Short Devotion: In God's Hands

Deuteronomy 33:3            Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction.

On Sunday mornings in many churches, young families come down to the front of the sanctuary to hear a story, sing a song, and say a prayer. One of the best family church songs is the old spiritual, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Kids love it and it’s always delightful to watch them with their parents sing together while doing the exaggerated actions to the words of this well-known simple song.

It's through those simple worship moments that the meaning, the unity, and the purpose of the church are experienced. We are called as a holy people, held in God's hands, worshiping His Son Jesus, and constantly guided by the Holy Spirit. We are made simply to enjoy God and to glorify the Lord forever. God’s words are spoken to every generation, and our faith is positively built up through the singing of simple songs that reach into our hearts and minds, our spirits and souls, which we will enjoy forevermore.

In my mind, I have this picture of everyone gathered together in glory, and we're all looking at the Earth, which is gently cupped in God's great hands. At that moment in eternity, wouldn't it be wonderful to sing the old spiritual and to truly experience it at the same time?

Sometimes, we feel isolated and all alone in this world. Sometimes, we just want the Earth to stop spinning, so that we can jump off. But in those moments of loneliness and vulnerability, we can also choose to remember that the Creator we worship loves people, just like us, holding them dearly in God’s hands.

Prayer:          Lord God, You are the One who created everything, and we live on such a tiny part of this gigantic universe. With all that is continually going on throughout the cosmos, we marvel that You love us so deeply and keep us in Your Holy Hands. Be with us this day and embrace us within Your everlasting arms. In Jesus' Name, we gladly pray. Amen.