Announcement: Pastor’s Ponderings – “Perspectives”

I hope the new year is treating you well and that you know the rich blessings of the resurrected Christ!

I wanted to let you know of something very exciting taking place here on this site in the coming months. I have asked various writers, speakers and thinkers to contribute to this site in what will be called “Perspectives”. This wonderful segment will be posted at the end of each month with a featured writer/pastor. I would like to invite you to join us and offer support as well as be nourished under their very talented words.

It’s coming…are you ready for it?

January 2, 2014 0

Faith – A Rules Changer

My daughter is five years old, and already she is very clever. If you ever cross her, I don’t envy your position because she is the most cunning strategist that I know at the age of five.

It all began with a game. Actually it started when she wanted something that her twin brother had, and she was determined to have it and get it her way. So she played a game with him. It was a kicking game, and she made up the rules right then and there. In a very commanding voice she told her brother, “If I kick you I win, and if you kick me I win and I will win the mask“. -the mask was what she wanted from her brother. She had devised a game with rules in place in which the outcomes would benefit her either way. At no point in this game would her twin brother, who is taller and quicker than she is, have an edge or even a chance to win.

My daughter’s cleverness made me laugh. In part I was proud of her for being quick on her feet, yet surprised at the lengths at which she would go just to obtain what she wanted most. She had devised a strategy in which she could outsmart her brother even though she knew that she was no match for his physicality.

Sometimes life is kind of like that isn’t it? We are greatly outmatched and the thing(s) that we want so badly are just beyond our reach. We want our families to be closer, our health or the health of loved ones/friends to be better, our financial situation more profitable, our jobs more enjoyable, love and respect that goes unfulfilled. Life can sometimes be like that cruel master which dangles a carrot in from of a donkey just to get it to work and be productive. We want so desperately to change the rules, to make a life more to our advantage…to win. But what do we really desire to win? Will we truly be happy? Can we really change the rules in life?

How does faith play into this thing called life? Is faith important? The simple answer is YES, absolutely! Despite how much we might plan for every contingency and strategize for every positive outcome, life doesn’t play according to our rules. Life can sometimes be unpredictable and we can find ourselves grossly out of winning options. But faith isn’t some wild card or last resort. The key is the source behind our faith. If our source is simply our own powers and motivations we will eventually face disappointment and discouragement. But if our source is God, in whom made all things and our faith takes us to the understanding that we are indeed loved and important to the Creator then regardless of what happens to us we can have this immeasurable unending faith.

Faith is a rules changer. Faith can propel us from self-sufficiency to something much more sustainable and everlasting…if we allow it to grow in us. Are you willing to let this kind of everlasting faith take root in you? Give it a try and perhaps you will begin to see life in a whole new perspective.

-Just a thought.

December 31, 2013 0

Fragile Gift (a poem)

Life is candy glass
In the hands of children
Imperfecta to a dreamer.
Why is it bestowed upon
we, the undeserved,
The frivolous, the vain?
It is un-recycled, unrepentant
Far more than we can preserve.

These tears are not my own
I am but a poor reflection
A shadow of the genuine
Only less refined, impure.
Why waste His time on this
If not for pure love?
A creature as I am – dirt and mud…
Yes, granted the greatest gift,
This inhalation, this pulse,
This and every other new beginning…
I am candy glass
Yet built to endure eternity.

December 30, 2013 0

O Bethlehem (A Poem)

In Bethlehem, O Bethlehem

what sights you must have seen

with manger bed where sheep had fed

and yonder pastures green.

A Savior came, O Bethlehem

the One whom prophets foretold

yet most were blind, they could not find

The God-man soft, yet bold.

Yet Shepherds came, Oh Bethlehem

the unclean keepers of the sheep.

A song they heard, they spread the word

while Jesus was fast asleep.

O Bethlehem, O Bethlehem

His name is ever true!

To all who hear, He drives out fear

Salvation comes to you!

S.E. Strissel ’13’

December 19, 2013 0

Deserters and Grumblers

John 6:61-69 (NIV)
“Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus’ words are stuck in my head, “You do not want to leave too, do you?“. I envision Jesus looking at Simon Peter with drawn face of sadness and a heavy heart as the dust cloud of the deserters slowly cleared the air. People Jesus had spent time with, people with whom He had invested Himself in, they were gone and would never return to the fold. They were AWOL and some where in the minds of the disciples perhaps there was this lingering decision whether or not to follow them. Many who had heard Jesus teach that day had trouble swallowing the teaching. They wrestled over His words, which led to the dispersal of some.

Still today, there are those in our churches who come listening for the sweetness of the Word, but run quickly away when its truth finally sinks in. Pastors are also included in this group. Every person who encounters the truth of Jesus must face this, and He looks at each of us as the dust is slowly clearing and says, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Some of us hesitate, many wishing to walk away also. Dare I say that there have been days, in which I’m ashamed to admit that I have wrestled over His truths also. But read again the words of Simon Peter and imagine yourself saying these words to Jesus as well, “”Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Can such certainty come from your heart today? Do you have this assurance in your walk with Him? It doesn’t matter if you are preaching to a congregation of 5 or 500, is His truth still on your lips, in your words and in your heart today?

Some will walk away from your church because they simply cannot fully commit to Him. It is just as tragic as the day it happened to Jesus so long ago. Some, who have been in the pews for years, may one day come to this conclusion as well. Others, perhaps the light will come on and they will experience a deeper sense of Christ as they take such steps to a deeper faith in Him. But it matters little whether people hate you and the consistency of Christ in you, remember what Jesus Himself said to his disciples; “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18) Be consistent in your faith! Be persistent in the need for others to receive this faith as well! Be unrelenting in this love of Christ, even when it comes at the cost of friendships, loved ones, and even fellow pew dwellers. Don’t be haughty or prideful either with His truths. Don’t lord it over anyone or feel as if you are better than anyone either. Remember Christ wants servants to love and to shine, not tyrants and judgmental hypocrites.

Desertions will take place, grumblers will come and go, but remain faithful to Him and declare as Simon Peter once did, “”Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

-Just an encouraging thought for you today…keep on fighting the good fight!

December 9, 2013 0

Just how important is Intercessory Prayer?

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” -Romans 8:26

Just how important is praying for one another? It is vital! Each of us have needs that must to be brought into the very throne room of heaven and placed at Jesus’ feet. Sometimes though we have difficulty in articulating these concerns. Have you ever been to the place of sheer and utter weakness? Have you been to that dark place of loneliness and fear? Brothers and sisters in Christ, our love and care for one another isn’t solely meant for Sundays in the pews alone! No! We have been given this vital task of praying for each other daily. We, are to exercise these prayers of intercession for one another daily!

Perhaps you may say to yourself, “Well I’m not much of a pray-er, there are much better Christians out there who could do a better job!” This may be true, but God has called YOU to pray today for someone in need. You don’t have to be “good” at it. You just have to be diligent and faithful. We are all called to this task and we need to be in prayer for the body of Christ. There will be times when you need prayer and others will surround you. It will be in those moments when this vital intercessory prayer circle will make complete sense to a doubting heart of the vitality and power of such a discipline.

Brothers and sisters, say a prayer for each other today. The Holy Spirit can help you articulate it for you. He guides us in our prayer discoveries and in those dry moments when nothing comes forth. You don’t have to have all the elegant and “right” words, you just have to show up. Say to the Lord, “Here I am, send me!” in an attitude of prayer and He will allow your mind to be “sent” upon those people and situations in which need crucial intercessors.

Commit to it today. Prayer for one another, give thanks for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and pray through intercessory prayer.

-Just a thought for today.

November 26, 2013 6

“Catching Fire”…at Pentecost

“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” -Acts 2:3

The sequel to “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins hits theaters this weekend. Some, who have already seen it, call it epic and amazing. I’ve read the books and the tension and suspense within this story is truly heart pounding. Without including any spoilers for movie goers, just know that Katnis Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are once again thrust into the famous, yet brutal “hunger games” because President Snow fears that a revolution is at hand if these two champions continue to live.

Readers of the trilogy and critics alike have proclaimed this to be the new standard of fiction literature for young readers. Though the themes are dark there is an underlying message of hope, resurrection and love.

The first to catch fire:

The disciples were unsure of what to do next, and so they prayed. They prayed for the Lord to guide them. They had witnessed His brutal death on the cross. They had witnessed his marvelous resurrection and frequent appearances after his return. But they had also been heart broken when they had witnessed his ascension into heaven. He was no longer physically with them. At times they felt alone and unsure of what to do next…and so they prayed. They prayed in earnest. They prayed out of desperation and uncertainty. But they also prayed with sincere and utter faith.

Then, something remarkable took place. On the day of Pentecost, a religious holiday which invited religious travelers from all over the world to Jerusalem, fire broke out. Not a literal fire with flame and smoke and destruction, but an unquenchable fire of the Holy Spirit. The disciples had prayed to God for what would happen next and when it came, it changed the world.

Those who gathered to witness this amazing event were awe struck that simple fishermen and blue collared workers could speak foreign languages that they neither knew or had the resources to learn before. But the most astounding thing wasn’t the languages but the message that was being preached. It was a simulcast message declaring this good news of Messiah!

The disciples may have witnessed the Holy Spirit descend upon them like tongues of fire upon their heads, but it hadn’t stopped just at their heads, but it penetrated the very fibers of their hearts and minds! God was speaking to the world so that the world would finally hear the truth and the life! Simple men were chosen to be His conduit, his chosen prophets of a new age. Fire spread that day…and people were catching it! Jesus may have left them physically, but within their hearts God’s very breath by way of the Holy Spirit, ignited a revolution unparalleled by any other revolution know to humankind.

We can also catch fire:

This flame has not died. This fire of the Holy Spirit will not be quenched. But God is still seeking Soldiers of His army who are willing to step up and fight in this spiritual battle! Isaiah 54:17 say, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” Our God will show up to those who are earnestly seeking! He will bring the fire to engulf us, purify us and prepare us to declare His divine and holy message! Are you ready to catch fire?

November 22, 2013 1

Me, the Prodigal (Poem)

There are days, dear Lord, when I fear

and I let go of your mighty hand

when all around me danger looms here

I am weak and deaf to your commands.

Yet your loving hand never strays from me

How could I have ever taken my eyes away

from your strength and presence free

while I begin to sink beneath this deadly fray?

It is at my worst that I turn again to You

how could I have let go of your strength and might?

Your love shines and pierces all the way through

my heart and within this sinking darkest of night.

Though I, the fool, am ashamed of my misgivings

You clothe me in riches beyond my deserving

Such love I cannot express to you in serving

all my days, all my efforts will I devote into your keeping.

-Amen.

November 15, 2013 0

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

This passage of scripture is written by a prisoner and an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul had learned a secret that each and every Christian ought to grasp; the secret of being content in any and every situation of life. Consider being in a cold dark prison cell for a moment. The comforts of home are not provided nor are the home cooked meals, nor the nice cozy bed that you used to sleep in…it’s all gone. You are locked in a cell of stone and metal where rats are constantly running over you and the floor is your only resting place. This image of being in prison isn’t a glorious one. It is stark, threatening and claustrophobic…how can Paul even proclaim to being content while locked away in a prison cell?

Contentment ultimately isn’t found in our surroundings or comforts. Sure at times we sit back and sigh and take in the moments of relaxation or familial enjoyments but eventually our contentment will evaporate. True lasting contentment isn’t found in things, people or places. We may experience momentary contentment but eventually our hearts, minds and bodies require more.

So how do we find, as Paul once did in a prison cell, this “secret of being content in any and every situation“? How does that happen? Is there a secret phrase we have to utter and then “poof” we are content? Is there some formula by which we consume in order to find contentment? The answer to both of those questions is “no”. There is nothing physical that we can do in order to achieve a lasting presence of contentment within us. You see, all of our efforts, which are man made, come from our own human portions of strength and wisdom. Our attempts to remain content are of our own making. These are external by design. For example, if we grow tired of our morning routine we might shake things up a little bit by taking a different route to work or formulate a different pattern of getting our children ready for school…these are externally our choices and strengths at play. We make the notion and we follow through with it in our own strength, thereby finding a jolt of contentment within old boring routines of life.

But there is another, better way to find complete and lasting contentment that I believe the Apostle Paul is talking about in this portion of Philippians. The secret to lasting contentment isn’t found in the external designs which are propelled by our own power and fortitude, the lasting contentment is found internally. Let me clarify though because this internal contentment isn’t an original part of our human DNA (that is post-fall of man). At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. He prompts us, strengths us, gives us this hunger to learn more about Him. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to become Holy people of God. Without this internal indwelling we cannot hold onto this grace that has been given to us through Jesus Christ.

Finding contentment is found in finding our source and hope of salvation. Once found, we feast on Him, we savor His fellowship, we thrive on His unending love and mercy and it becomes our focal point instead of the current location of our earthly bodies. This doesn’t mean that we neglect our earthly responsibilities or ignore our bodies but it does mean that our priorities and our perception of life becomes broader as the Holy Spirit stretches and renew us daily in our fellowship with Him. I believe Paul found this to be true. I believe that as His relationship with the Holy Spirit grew and he understood that it didn’t matter any longer if he had all of the comforts of life or none of them. It didn’t matter any longer if he achieved a certain portion of status in life. Those human achievements became an after thought as God’s Holy mission on his life took over and propelled to share and further Christ’s story. Paul understood that no matter where people placed him or where he was imprisoned God would use Him to share this vital message to the world!

Are you in a place right now that feels like a prison? Are you finding that your human contentment has run thin or has now completely evaporated? We can run from one thing to another chasing these fickle moments of contentment through job titles and achievements, but eventually we will find that none of it makes us happy any longer. We could keep running from place to place, from job to job, or we could allow the Holy Spirit to administer within us His Holy presence of contentment. By doing so we shift our focal point from human achievements and prestige to God’s perspectives which are always fulfilling. The journey to Holy contentment begins through discipline of the body soul and mind. This isn’t some kind of new age mumbo-jumbo, but rather a better way, a holy way that will lead us to contentment no matter where we are placed or end up.

Are you in need of contentment? Ask the Lord, begin there…feast on Him daily and slowly you will begin to find His perspectives and vision bringing a contentment like you’ve never experienced before.

I’m reminded of a chorus in closing:

Where He leads me, I will follow
Where He leads me, I will follow
Where He leads me, I will follow
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way

Find real lasting contentment today!

November 12, 2013 4

Before my day (a Poem)

In the waning hours before the sunrise

when soft light wisps through curtained window panes

and before the sounds of busy lives begin again

I renew my conversation with my God.

In blankets wrapped and pillow propped

before these feet place themselves into gravity

and as my eyes have yet to batten a lash in focus

I find again my deep connection with my God.

And in my counting of as many breaths

these lungs are filled with countless blessings

all my hopes and needs begin and end

with these early morning times of confessions.

So, dear Lord before I begin

and the world with all of its chaos ensues

allow me one more moment here with You

let me linger but for another and then…

come with me into the fray.

-Amen.

November 11, 2013 0

Category: Christ