Staying in One Place

Here is a quote for my fellow pastors. It is a charge Philips Brooks gave to his students. You can find it in Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry edited by Tom Ascol.

I bet you to remember them and apply them with all the wisdom God gives you. First. Have as few congregations as possible. Second. Know your congregation as thoroughly as you can. Third. Know your congregation so largely and deeply that in knowing it you shall know humanity.

Geoff Thomas also reminds us: “The future is as bright as God’s promises.”

My fellow pastors, let’s lean hard on God’s promises, allow Him to plant us in a local church, stay there laboring faithfully and wait faithfully for God to give the increase.

In Christ

Pastor Mike

Overcoming Evil with Good

In our worship service yesterday, I had the joy of preaching on Romans 12:14-21. It is a passage that always challenges me personally in my efforts to live as a peacemaker. I am encouraged by Romans 12:18 which reminds us that peace is not always possible. I am challenged by the efforts that God says our possible.

Here are the four key things this passage teaches about doing everything possible to be at peace with all men.

1. We bless instead of curse (12:14-15)
2. We humbly seek advice (12:16)
3. We do good instead of evil (12:17, 20-21)
4. We trust God’s vengeance instead of taking our own (12:19)

If you want to listen to the sermon you can find it on the March 11th — Overcoming Evil with Good link at the Heritage Valley Bible Church Website (click here).

I also found it interesting that in my daily Bible reading, I came across Exodus 23:4-5, which gives two examples of doing good to the one who hates us.

I pray that as you consider these scriptures, they will stimulate you to do everything possible to be at peace.

In Christ

Pastor Mike

Eyes Like Job’s

Job 31:1 is a very important verse in my battle for personal holiness. America is a society that is built around sex. It is used to market virtually everything. We have long abandoned any sense of modesty. For men, this makes Biblical obedience difficult. Jesus is clear that we are not to look at a woman with the goal or intention of lusting after her. So, we need to follow the advice of Job – make a commitment not to look! We also need to follow the example of Joseph – flee!

One thing that has helped me is an agreement my wife and I have. We never go to a movie unless we have carefully researched whether or not it has inappropriate sexuality or nudity. We use www.kids-in-mind.com. I highly recommend it. Although I wouldn’t check any reviews that have a 6 or greater for sexuality. The explanation of why it got the rating, while done as tastefully as possible, can get a little racy. You may want to set the bar even lower. My wife also helps me by drawing my attention to her when we pass certain stores in the mall. When she is not there, I make an effort to look away or towards the ground.

These are just a few habits I’ve developed over the years to covenant with my eyes in an effort to avoid lust.

In Christ

Pastor Mike

Eric Liddell’s March Devotions

Here is the link to my church website where you can find a word document of Eric Liddell’s March Devotion list.

In Christ

Pastor Mike