Where has the time gone?

Think back with me for a few minutes to 2012

• Cost of a Gallon of Gas $3.91 
• Movie Ticket $8.20 
• Dozen Eggs $1.54 
• Loaf of Bread $1.88
• The film “ The Avengers" is released and becomes one of the highest-grossing films.
• Hurricane Sandy devastates the US East Coast and kills around two-hundred people on the US Coast and in the Caribbean in October.
• The end of the Mayan calendar, thought to be the end of the world, is observed with little to no consequence.
• The New England Patriots lost in the Super Bowl to New York Giants…Yes!
• And…on March 12th, Jer and I began our journey with the wonderful people of Deer Flat Church.

Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday we arrived in Caldwell.  I remember that it was indeed a step of both faith and obedience for us.  We moved into Jer’s step mother’s home, while we waited for our house in Oregon to sell.  We jumped in with both feet and began to get acquainted with the flock and appreciate the goodness of God to Deer Flat Church across the years.  We learned about the amazing history of the church and quickly fell in love with the people.

It’s now been 60 months!  That’s 6 zero… and, look what God has been doing!  We have enjoyed week after week, month after month, and year after year of amazing answers to prayer, many new people, a host of new believers, spiritual growth, new ministries and new ministers, some big undertakings, and so much more.  GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO DEER FLAT CHURCH!

Your heart for God, your compassion and care for people, and your deep generosity has combined to make a very significant congregation that is serious about advancing the Kingdom in our part of the Treasure Valley.  This is absolutely a Pastor’s delight.  How fortunate we feel to be shepherding the folks who make up the Deer Flat Family.  I have so many great memories that will last forever.

Thank you for making us part of YOU!  We love you more than words can say.  We hold each of you in our hearts, and we pray for you regularly. We are both looking forward to the days ahead, knowing that they will be even better than these recent years.  Deer Flat has amazing, God given potential.  Let’s go for it.  Let’s watch God pull off the greatest miracles we’ve ever seen and see the incredible number of people who will meet the God of Heaven as we hold out the Good News of the Gospel and love the new folks unconditionally.  I can’t wait to see all of you this Sunday!  I close with 2 Really Important Things:

1. Speaking of Time – Don’t forget to move your clock FORWARD one hour – It’s Spring Time
2. Did I mention that the Patriots lost in the Super Bowl in 2012?  It really was an OUTSTANDING YEAR!

Loving You and Him,
Pastor D and Jer

Tests... Don't You Just Love Em?

TESTS…DON’T YOU JUST LOVE EM?

Can you remember the last time you had to take a test?  How about this…can you remember the last time you were tested?  How did you do?  We’re trekking through a series entitled:  THE TEN TESTS OF ABRAHAM.  It’s pretty easy to see that Abraham finds himself in some situations that could make him bitter in a short order.  This is definitely one of the options we have when we find ourselves in a test:  “Will I allow this to make me bitter or better?”  (Choose wisely, Grasshopper)

Bitterness is that unresolved, unforgiven anger and resentment. It is the result of anger changing from an experience to a belief. Bitterness is seething and constant. Bitter people carry the same burdens as angry people, but to a greater extent.

Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison. Hebrews 12:15

Bitterness does not affect only you; it affects everyone with whom you come into contact. You’ve probably known people like this who, when you get around them, their bitterness and resentment spills over onto you.

Perhaps you struggle with the same thing. Sometimes people who have lost a child to illness or accident blame God for their loss. “God, how could you take my beloved child  from me? Don’t You know how much I loved him? How could You do this to  me?”

An abandoned spouse may become bitter as they wonder: “God, don’t You see how much I am struggling to raise these kids while he/she is out living the high life? How can you let him get away with this? I am the one who was faithful, and now I am the one who is miserable while he/she has it made! Don’t you care about me? Why aren’t you punishing them?” 

The honest businessman sees a crooked businessman prospering while he flounders. “God, how can You stand by and let this happen? I am an honest businessman, and  my business is failing! How can You let him get way with such thievery? I have a wife and kids to feed, God; why are you doing this to me?” 

The childless couple is bitter when they see families with several children and they cannot seem to have even one. “God, why don’t You let us have even one child when these other people have so many! It isn’t fair that we can’t have even one child to love while so many are being aborted and abandoned! God, why are You doing this to us?” 

You become bitter out of a belief that God will not punish the people who hurt you, that God does not hear your plea, or that He does not care about your plight. Since God is apparently not going to intervene in your circumstances, you stand in as judge, jury, and executioner in the lives of other people. 

It becomes a circular pattern. The more you dwell on what has been done to you, the injustice you have suffered, or the loss you have incurred, the deeper goes the root of bitterness. You already know that carrying around a load of bitterness is exhausting. 

Bitterness hardens your heart on the inside and your features on the outside. It also defiles those around you because it is contagious.

This Sunday, we’ll be looking at the 3^rd Test of Abraham.  It’s got all of the perfect ingredients for him to become resentful and bitter.  What will he choose?  I can’t wait to tell you about when we get together.  Why not invite someone to join you this weekend for some inspiration and a meaningful deposit of some truth and hope?   

I close with a great quote from Max Lucado.  He nails it: “Resentment is when you allow what’s eating you to eat you up.  Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist.  Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter.  And mercy is the choice that sets them all free.” 

See you Sunday!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - February 23, 2017

Hello Deer Flat

We wanted to give you a few updates on the building project.  First I have some exciting news in regards to finances.  This week we exceeded $.5 million and are now at $501,306!  Wow and to think we have not even broke ground yet.  You are all amazing and your support is not only necessary but greatly appreciated!  As a reminder, our original pledges were a little over $1.6 million and with a few that came in afterward, it increased to about $1.7 million.  In addition to this we have a number of people/companies who have committed products/services to the project totaling an estimated $300,000.  Not to mention those of you who have volunteered your time and skills through the process.  Once again thank you for your commitment to this project and our children.

The weather along with some challenges with septic system has delayed us some.  However, with the help of the architects and engineers we have avoided a couple of potentially very costly requirements.  With these issues now resolved we hope to get back on track soon.

Below I have outlined where we are in the project.

·         The majority of the architectural work is done

o   Awaiting final septic design

o   Awaiting final drawings on the engineered steel structure

o   We hope to submit for permits within about 3 weeks

o   Estimate mid-April for permits

o   Hopeful ground breaking in April

·         Storage building

o   Building and permit has been received

o   Foundation and concrete pad now underway

o   Construction will begin after concrete has cured sufficiently

o   If you are willing to help with assembling this building, please contact:

§  Tim Weber at timweber@deerflat.org or 208-867-1601

·         Existing building – we will be making a number of need updates or improvements to the existing building.  Here are some of the things we hope to accomplish

o   Insulate and heat existing shop for better year round use

o   Additional insulation in attic areas

o   Duct work repair/replacement

o   Old exterior doors replaced

o   New weather stripping on existing doors

o   Roof replacement/repair

o   Repainting exterior

Please visit the 2020 Vision page on our website to keep up with the latest information.

Thanks again and have a great rest of the week.  See you Sunday.

Rick Day
Executive Administrator

Sunday Reflections - February 18, 2017

BEHIND EVERY TEST LURKS THE BLESSING OF GOD

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:5

Across the years I’ve enjoyed reading a variety of Max Lucado’s books.  One of those books, The Eye Of The Storm, included the story of a parakeet that mirror’s a bit of life’s challenges…

 “CHIPPIE THE PARAKEET NEVER saw it coming. One second he was peacefully perched in his cage. The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over. The problems began when Chippie’s owner decided to clean Chippie’s cage with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage. The phone rang, and she turned to pick it up. She’d barely said ‘hello’ when ‘sssopp!’ Chippie got sucked in.

“The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie– still alive, but stunned. Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and held Chippie under the running water. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering, she did what any compassionate bird owner would do . . she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air.

“Poor Chippie never knew what hit him.

“A few days after the trauma, the reporter who’d initially written about the event contacted Chippie’s owner to see how the bird was recovering. ‘Well,’ she replied, ‘Chippie doesn’t sing much anymorc he just sits and stares.’

“It’s hard not to see why. Sucked in, washed up, and blown over . . . that’s enough to steal the song from the stoutest heart.”

Life includes times of testing for sure. All God’s Children get tested. What’s God’s purpose in that?  Why does He allow us to be tested?  Is God the One who always does the testing?  These are great questions and well worth our consideration.

Do you know what the number “10” represents all through the Bible?  TESTING! Let me give you a few examples. How may plagues were there in Egypt? Or, How many times did God test Pharaoh’s heart?  Ten.  How many commandments are there? Or, How many ways is our obedience tested?  Ten.  How many times did God test isreal while they were wandering in the wilderness? And how many times did God test Jacob’s heart

Do you know what the number 10 represents all through the Bible?  Testing. I’ll give you just a few examples.  How many plagues were there in Egypt? Or, how many times did God test Pharaoh’s heart?  The answer is 10.  How many commandments are there? Or another way to say it is, in how many ways is our obedience tested? The answer is 10.  How many times did God gest Israel while they were wandering in the wilderness?  And how many times did God test Jacob’s heart by allowing his wages to be changed when he was working for Laban?  How many days was Daniel tested in the first chapter of his book?  In each case, the answer is, of course, 10.

The pattern continues in the New Testament.  In Matthew 25, Ten Virgines had their preparedness tested.  Ten days of testing are mentioned in Revelation 2:10.  We can see from these examples in the Word that 10 is associated with testing.

We’re getting ready to begin a New Series this Sunday:  THE TEN TESTS OF ABRAHAM.  We’ll be walking with him through the tests he endured.  I’ve an idea that we will have a great chance to learn much from this seasoned saint.  I can’t wait to begin this next trek with you.  This is one of those times to include that friend or family member who is in the midst of life’s difficulties and doesn’t understand that there is an awesome experience for them to grow from.  Be bold enough to invite them.  They will end up thanking you!  I’ll close with this little prayer I read this week.

Dear God, bless my 2017 with turn arounds.  Turn my lack into plenty, my confusion into clarity, my tests into a testimony.  Lord bless my 2017 with breakthroughs, miracles, and change.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

I’ll see you tomorrow!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - February 9, 2017

   BREAKING NEWS…BREAKING NEWS…BREAKING NEWS

94% of Adult Christ Followers Made Their Decision BEFORE

The Age of 18

Got a minute? I’d like to chat with you about the kids - The Children of

Deer Flat.

According to The Barna Group, only 6% of adult Christians made their decision to follow God over the age of 18. That means 94% made decisions as children that follow with them throughout their life. Wow. That is encouraging. That means that there is no time like the present to be investing in their young lives.

I know that everyone must decide to follow Christ on their own and, as parents, we know we cannot make that decision for our children. We can, however, expose them to an outstanding environment (Deer Flat Children’s Ministries), where they learn the stories of Jesus, God and the Bible. We can also live a life for God that encourages our children in their own spiritual journey. 

A new study from LifeWay Research reveals that more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church for at least a year in high school will stop attending church regularly for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.  As students transition from high school into the workforce or college life, they are faced with many choices - including whether or not to stay connected to the church. This makes reaching people while they are children even more important.  Let me give you some of the Best Benefits of having a Vibrant Children’s Ministry:

It promotes their eternal happiness.

It helps them make sense out of life. Only understanding Who made the world, what went wrong and God’s plan to fix it can explain this world we all experience.

It’s their best chance to accept Christ. Research has proven that kids tend to be more receptive to the Gospel than any other age group.

It helps avoid some negative outcomes of sin.

It can help counter balance worldly influences. Everyone knows the harmful influences present in our society. Kids need positive influences to tip the scale.

It can help them learn to love others. The 2nd greatest commandment is to love your neighbor.

It is something fun to do. Do you know who invented fun? God did.

It helps kids want to come to church.

It helps them make new friends.

It helps children get to know their pastors and leaders.

It gives kids some great memories. Those VBS and Sunday School years provide unforgettable moments and truths that last for years to come.

It allows them to make friends with adult volunteers in a safe context. In our culture child safety is a constant concern, and rightly so. But there is still great value in kids finding adult mentors in the church.

There’s far more benefits for Children’s Ministries than these, but you get the idea.  NOW, HERE’S THE DEAL – we ALWAYS need capable volunteers, people who love children and are willing to give some time, love and investment in these little lives that God has entrusted to us at Deer Flat Church.

This is a GROWING group! How exciting! Would you be willing to prayerfully consider being a part of the Deer Flat Children’s Ministry team? We have some urgent needs in the first hour. The opportunities to serve come in a variety of categories. Not everyone who works with the Children are teachers. So, don’t count yourself out so fast. Why not contact our Children’s Ministry leader, Julie Walker?  You can call her or email her and let her know of your interest. You can mark your communication card this Sunday, and Julie will call you. The future of Deer Flat Church is very bright. We expect the church family to continue to grow throughout 2017. We can use some great volunteers. I encourage you to step up and watch what a blessing you’ll be and what a blessing you’ll get!

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday! We have an unforgettable morning prepared for you! I LOVE MY CHURCH!

Loving Him and Loving You!

Pastor D

juliewalker@deerflat.org

208.459.3845

Sunday Reflections - January 20, 2017

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S INAUGURATION

I awoke early this morning with the National events of the day on my mind.  I took the time to pray for both the outgoing President and the incoming President.  I began to catch the coverage at 4:30 am. I had a thousand thoughts go through my mind as I watched the day unfold, listened to the coverage, tolerated the commentary, and made a variety of requests to my Lord. Here’s a few of my thoughts as I consider this day:

The world needs hope like never before. Our hope is not in the government, and it will never come through a politician. Our Nation needs hope as well. As a society, we’ve done an extremely good job at pushing God out of the National conversation, banning Him from schools by banning the Bible and prayer and seeking to do so in every other possible area. When a Nation distances itself from God, it also pushes away hope. We see this clearly illustrated in the history of Israel.

Israel’s first king was Saul, who turned out to be a disaster. God rejected Saul and chose a new king, “a man after his own heart” (I Sam. 13:14). David was God’s choice. He was the greatest king Israel ever had and set the standard for all future kings. Next came Solomon who led Israel to her greatest splendor. But he also modeled a divided heart.

Solomon’s divided heart made possible a divided kingdom. Israel in the north (10 tribes) lasted about 200 years and had 19 kings from many dynasties. All of these kings “did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Judah in the south (2 tribes) lasted about 350 years and had 20 kings, all descendants of David. Eight of these kings “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

Important Lessons Worth Learning -

Over a period of about 350 years the Southern Kingdom of Judah had 20 different kings, all descendants of David. Only eight of these kings were responsive to God. The rest were evil. The stories of these kings introduces us to the historical reality that God’s people have always been led by leaders who are a strange mixture of good and evil.

1.   The summation of a person’s life in the Scriptures is based not upon professional success, wealth, or power but rather upon moral character.

2.   Though all of these kings were a composite of good and evil, Scripture dares to give a summary statement of their life. Ultimately a person’s life will be deemed either “good” or “evil.” The Bible speaks in terms of either/or .... not both/and.

3.   A person’s moral character is ultimately measured not by some human standard of conduct but rather “in the eyes of the Lord.”

With the election over, and a new president sworn in, the work has really just begun. The years ahead could easily produce anxiety, greater division and frustration. We’ve seen the questions: Will our country ever be united?  Will this political party destroy America?

The results mean good news for some, and bad news for others. It’s good to be involved and even concerned about the political climate of our country. As Christians, this burden for the nation should lead us from angst to prayer.

The Apostle Paul instructed the church to pray for leaders:  

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

In this passage, there is a clear calling for us to pray for kings and all people in high positions. That means we pray for our President and all governing officials regardless of their political ideology or conviction.

Our government will never live up to what it should. Our presidents will never be completely who they should be. But we can rest and trust in God now - there’s an eternal future awaiting us. Jesus is coming back, and nations will not stand in his way. We will not always need to submit to governing authorities led by sinful men and women, who, just like us, are in need of God’s grace. Until the day of Jesus’ return, we continue to pray and rest in God because we know he is ruling, and we have a beautiful inheritance awaiting us.

It ain’t over till Gabriel blows his trumpet.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. (Heb. 10:36‒39)

I encourage you to take some time to pray today for both of these first families. I especially encourage you to pray for our nations new leader. We all know, he’s going to need it!

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday.

Loving You and Loving Him,

Pastor D

PS – If you have any snow removal equipment - be it a shovel, a snowblower, a tractor or your gloved hands – and would like to help those in our congregation who are shut in or stranded, please contact Jessi at jessisams@deerflat.org or Rick at rickday@deerflat.org

Sunday Reflections - January 10, 2017

AN IMPORTANT ITEM I WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT

Dear Church Family,

I’m sending this to you today as I am flying to Washington DC.  I received a call this past week from Christians United For Israel (CUFI) letting me know that there was a decision made by the leadership that it was urgent to send a group of CUFI leaders to Washington DC.  The decision was based on the recent UN Resolution 2334 which was a very damning decision regarding Israel.  President Obama specifically directed our UN representative to abstain from the vote.  I’ve included the bullet points of the recent weeks leading up to and including this decision.  Thanks for our dear friend, Randy Neal, for mapping these out.  I’m asking you to be praying diligently for the next 24-36 hours for God’s favor to rest on those of us headed to Capitol Hill to meet with Senators.  Pray that God’s divine favor will precede us and that the reception will be nothing short of a “God thing.”  Take a look at these bullet points, and then I’ll have a closing note.

“Greetings friends, several have asked for bullet talking/prayer points on the most recent event that unfolded regarding Israel, the UN, and the US. I tried very hard to simply state the facts without commentary, but could not restrain myself on a couple. I hope this is helpful, Randy”.  Western Regional Director for CUFI

These bullet points regarding Israel are just the tip of the iceberg but will help connect the dots of actions and intentions. They can also be used as prayer points in this increasingly contentious time for the Jewish State.

* In October  2016, the United Nations Education Science and Culture Organization’s World Heritage Committee voted by secret ballot and passed a resolution on the status of the Old City of Jerusalem, concluding that there are no Jewish historical ties to the Temple Mount. UN entities, their printed materials, and their public comments will now only refer to the site by its Arabic name, The Noble Sanctuary, referring to the al-Aqsa Mosque area.

 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37697108

* Summer/Fall 2016 increasing evidence confirmed that UN, US, and EU aid to the Palestinian Authority is used to pay stipends to terrorists in jail for injuring or killing Jews, and to the families of terrorists killed in the act they were committing. 

US House members seek to cease payments to the UN until incitement for terrorism ends. 

http://freebeacon.com/national-security/palestinian-authority-pays-terrorists-families-140-million-year/

* December 23, 2016 (one day before Chanukah) the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 2334 with 14 of 15 voting yes, and the US, by order of President Barak Obama, to abstain rather than veto the resolution. The resolution affirms that all land Israel recaptured in the Six Day War in June 1967 is legally Palestinian territory and illegally occupied by Israel. 2334 calls for “a complete cease of all settlement activity and expansion.” In addition to east Jerusalem and zones in Judea and Samaria, aka the West Bank, long agreed in all past peace accords to remain part of Israel in the event of  two State solution was forged, the resolution denies Israel to possess the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, or the Jewish Quarter.

Full text of 2334:  http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/full-text-of-un-security-council-condemnation-of-israel-resolution-2334/2016/12/24/

http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Cognitive-bias-and-UNSC-Resolution-2334-477377

* Days following UNSC 2334 International dignitaries, including from the supporting UNSC member nations, denounce the resolution as biased, one-sided, and a road block to peace. They also denounce the abstention by the US to be malicious, shameful, damaging to the region, and politically motivated.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/choosing-not-to-veto-obama-lets-anti-settlement-resolution-pass-at-un-security-council/

* December 25, 2016 - Senator Lindsey Graham, followed by Senator Ted Cruz, committed to lead efforts for the US to withhold its $8 Billion dollar annual funding of the UN until it rescinds UNSC 2334. The US funds 22% of the UN annual budget, far more than any other country.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/24/politics/lindsey-graham-united-nations/

* December 28, 2016 Secretary of State John Kerry gave a 72 minute speech defending the US abstention and choice to not veto. The majority of the speech criticized Israel as blocking peace by occupying pre-1967 territory and expanding “settlements”. He had presented a detailed six-point plan initiate a two state solution. 

(It is important to know and to note that the cornerstone premise legitimizing Kerry’s Two State Peace Plan hinges on the notion that “there were no Jews living in these areas before 1967”. It sounds reasonable and compassionate to intervene after 50 years of illegal occupation . . . if it were true. Mr. Kerry failed to mention that Jews lived in these areas for thousands of years, until 1947 when Jordan attacked and captured them, expelling, imprisoning, or killing every Jew in east Jerusalem. Twenty years later Israel recaptured east Jerusalem, the Jewish quarter, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in 1967. 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/choosing-not-to-veto-obama-lets-anti-settlement-resolution-pass-at-un-security-council/

* January 15, 2017 - There are growing concerns that the Paris Peace Conference, at which dignitaries from seventy nations are set to assemble January 15, 2017 to discuss how the international community can assist in expediting a Two State Solution will result in a blue print based upon John Kerry’s proposal to the UN Security Council for a resolution that would include an implementation timeline and enforcement mechanisms, possibly resulting in sanctions against Israel. 

It is further concerning that such a resolution could be presented and voted on before the new US president is inaugurated to prevent a US veto.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-said-to-warn-of-more-anti-israel-un-activity/

Paris claims no plans at UN:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/222839

* January 4, 2017 - Senators Heller, Rubio, and Cruz seek Congressional mandate to relocate the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, an edict approved by Congress in 1995 but delayed by Executive Waiver by all US presidents since its passing.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/24/politics/lindsey-graham-united-nations/

* January 5, 2017 - US House condemns UNSC 2334.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/222839

* January 2017 - CUFI is preparing to launch a national campaign in DC and nationally at the grassroots level to support efforts to undo UNSC 2334 and significantly strengthen the US -Israel alliance - details are not public until January 11, 2017.

This is a whirlwind trip.  I will arrive in DC late this afternoon and spend the evening in a detailed briefing.  I will be given all of the behind the scenes happenings and hear the plan presented regarding going forward with these thoroughly thought through efforts at pulling down this recent resolution.  On Wednesday, some 200 of us will be lobbying every Senator on the Hill.  The appointments have already been made.  We are so fortunate to have both Idaho Senators, Risch and Crapo, be pro-Israel.  I will fly back home late Wednesday afternoon.

So many of the Deer Flat family share a heart for Israel and the Jewish people.  I couldn’t be more proud. I know you would want to know about this serious event happening this week.  I look forward to being with you this coming weekend.  Until then, I rest in your prayers and thank God for the privilege of serving such a great congregation!

Deeply Grateful,

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - January 5, 2017

I AM SNOW TIRED

So, we just had one of the heaviest snow storms in the past 30 years. A record breaker.  Probably like me, you’ve shoveled more than your share of snow.  I can now do it in my sleep, only to wake up to more inches of the white stuff.

Snow used to be this amazing magical thing that happened every year when you were a kid. It was synonymous with awesome. Imagine having a playground fall from the sky for you to play in.  You could build a snowman, igloos and forts. You had unlimited ammunition for the inevitable wars that would break out, and for some reason you used to have a much higher tolerance for the cold weather.

But now I’m an adult and I feel betrayed by the snow.  How could something that brought me so much joy as a child, be so annoying to deal with today? These days, I find myself thinking that snow is just a burden. Think about it, snow means:

Dangerous roads and nervous drivers.

Slipping on the sidewalk.

Shoveling.

Scraping car windows.

Ruining the bottom of your pants.

Shoveling.

Forcing you to move your car from one side of the street to the other for a snow plow that never shows up.

Losing your parking spot to a pile of snow.

Looking stupid in a big puffy jacket.

Having to leave your amazing shoes at home and shuffling around in ugly boots.

Having a runny nose.

Hat hair.

The fog in your glasses when you come back indoors.

Shoveling.

Never knowing if your windshield wipers are going to clean your window or turn into an icicle.

The way your hand smells after it’s been in a glove too long.

Talk about freezing and storms…On 31 July 2003, the adventurer Bear Grylls led a team of five across the North Atlantic Ocean in an inflatable rigid dinghy. They set out from Halifax, Nova Scotia, heading for John o’ Groats, Scotland. On 5 August, a great storm arose. There were 100-foot waves. They lost satellite contact. They feared for their lives. Thankfully they survived to tell the tale. You can read about this life threatening event at Facing the Frozen Ocean by Bear Grylls.

Here’s the great news: Not all of us will have to face physical storms of this kind. But Jesus said that we would all face the storms of life (Matthew 7:25–27). Life is not easy. The storms of life are many and varied. As we see in a variety of Biblical passages, Abraham, David and Jesus’ disciples all faced storms in their lives. What can we learn from their example?

1. Take up the shield of faith - Psalm 7:10-17

“My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day. If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows. Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads. I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

2. Put your trust in Jesus – He’s been there and faced it.  He has the power to calm any storm.

3. Thank God for His provision – I’ve got heat at my house. I had some food to eat. I own a snow shovel.  I had the physical ability to shovel snow – lots of it.  I had a warm coat and a pair of gloves.  I had a hot beverage waiting for me in the house.  God provides.  Be thankful that we never face the storm alone.

Here’s to great shoveling.  I can’t wait to see you this Sunday.  We’re back to our regular schedule.  BY THE WAY – We have the absolute best team and volunteers who clean the sidewalks and parking lots so that we can have easy access to enter the Church.  A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO ALL WHO MAKE A WAY THROUGH THE SNOW!

Loving You and Loving Him,

Pastor D