---

Weekly Devotionals

“So I said to them, ‘Let any who have gold take it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf”
Exodus 32:24

     The dictionary defines a “lie” as an intentional deviation from the truth. Lying is emphatically condemned in the Bible. Nonetheless, there are several instances of individuals telling lies in scripture. Scripture records lies told by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Hebrew midwives and King David. Yet none of their lies compares, at least in my estimation, to what we read in Exodus thirty-two.
     Let me set the stage for you. Exodus thirty-two describes what the people said to Aaron in light of Moses’ “delay to come down from the mountain”. The people became anxious in Moses’ absence. They said, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Aaron responded by telling the people to “take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons and your daughters and bring them to me.” The passage goes on to describe how Aaron took the gold, fashioned a golden calf and set it before the people.
     When Moses returned to the people he said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?” Aaron’s response is unbelievable. In essence he said, “Moses I took the gold they gave me, threw it into the fire and out came this calf.”
     There are lies, and then there are LIES. Aaron’s lie qualifies as a whopper, don’t you agree? He tried to take the blame off himself and place it on the people and a semi-miraculous occurrence. The Lord’s response was predictable. Verse thirty-five says that the Lord “sent a plague on the people because they made the calf”.
     I believe there is an important principle for us to derive from this set of circumstances. God will not compromise His glory; and further, although we might not have a literal “golden calf” in our lives, each of us is prone, if left unchecked, to elevate things to the status of a golden calf. Aaron sought to justify what he did by seeking to fool himself and Moses. We do the same thing. How many of us allow golden calves to appear in our lives? We have all types of excuses when we do so. Things such as work, leisure, television, sports, the computer, even our children can be elevated to the status of a “golden calf”. It doesn’t happen overnight, but rather in a slow, almost imperceptible way. Might I ask you to look intently into your heart and ask God to identify any “golden calves” you might have unwittingly created? God is a jealous God and He will not compromise His glory. Aaron and the Hebrew people learned that lesson the hard way.

Pastor Lou

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength…Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord.’”
Jeremiah 17:5, 7

     The above words from the prophet Jeremiah place before us a very sharp contrast, do they not? Jeremiah got right to the heart of the matter. To paraphrase his words, he asked a very pointed question. Who do you trust? Further, he minced no words in telling us that if we trust in men we are cursed. On the other hand, if we trust in the Lord we are blessed. Cursed verses blessed; it all depends upon who we trust.
     I don’t think it would take much at all for me to convince you of the plenteous advice available to us. Books, television, radio, church friends, and others stand ever ready to provide us with a steady stream of advice. Some of it is good; much of it is bad. I speak with Christians regularly who have heeded the advice of others without seeking to determine the degree to which the advice they received was firmly based on the counsel and wisdom of the Lord. The result is often disaster. King David understood this quite well. In Psalm 84:12 he wrote, “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You.”
     There is scarcely a week that goes by when I don’t have the opportunity to sit with someone who is seeking advice. The range of issues is limitless. We all need wisdom on issues such as marriage, parenting, relationships, finances, employment, etc. There will always be times when we come to the point of saying, “I don’t know what to do.” Can I suggest to you that such times are precious in God’s estimation, especially if we turn to Him throughout our decision making?
      In the original language (Hebrew), the word “trust” means “to be confident in, sure of, or to place one’s hope in something or someone”. Jeremiah is telling us that God’s blessings flow to us when we express confidence and certainty in the Lord. In sharp contrast, curses follow when we rely upon any source of wisdom that does not consider God’s perspective. The word “cursed” means to “declare as contemptible”. Jeremiah wants us to know that when we place our confidence in anyone other than the Lord, we become contemptible in His sight. We will also reap the consequences.
     There is no way I can ever be aware of all the life issues you are facing. Yet nonetheless, I can state with full assurance that there is a source of wisdom available to you. It is a source of counsel that can always be trusted; always. Further, when you trust in the Lord during the perplexing times of life, He promises that blessings will flow to you. James put it very well; “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” Yes indeed, God is a generous giver who brings blessings our way when we trust in Him above all other sources of wisdom.

Pastor Lou

“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts. . .”
James 5:8

     I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “big things come in little packages.” That’s true in many ways, is it not? I’ve found it to be particularly applicable when it comes to the Bible. God, in His wisdom, has a way of presenting to us things of enormous importance in “little packages”. Such is certainly the case in the passage cited above. James tells us to “establish our hearts”. What does that mean?  What does an established heart look like? I’ve spent a good deal of time this week thinking about that very topic, and the best answer I can come up with reflects the wisdom of someone who lived long ago.
     Jonathan Edwards benefited the church in a tremendous manner when he wrote “The Religious Affections”. In it he identified twelve marks of the person who is truly saved. Of these twelve, two caught my attention as I returned to his words this week. Let me cite them for you. First he noted that an established (saved) heart is a heart that hungers for more and more of God; and second, an established heart is one that bears the fruit of holiness in daily practice. In other words, if we are to take James’ admonition and apply it to our lives, an established heart is a heart that hungers after God and hungers after personal holiness. How are you doing in these areas?
     I’ve come to see that one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves daily is this: “Do I hunger after God today, or is there something else that I hunger for?” If in all honesty our hunger is for more and more of God, then it’s only natural that the choices we make will reflect growth in personal holiness. The simple reality is that we become what we hunger for. If we hunger after God, holiness will result. If we hunger after other things, over time our hearts will reflect it.            
     Can you agree that whatever we submit to again and again has the potential to reveal the weakness of our hunger for God? Another of my favorite authors puts it this way; “If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things and there is no room for great things.” Can you see that hungering after “great things” will serve to establish our hearts? One of my most fervent prayers for us is that we will grow in our hunger for God with the result being personal holiness. That’s what an established heart looks like! And note; nothing worth pursuing comes quickly. James told his readers to be patient. Don’t be discouraged or disheartened if the process appears to be long. God is at work for His glory and our good as we patiently wait upon Him to “establish our hearts”.

Pastor Lou
    

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” II Timothy 1:5

     Mothers, on this your special day, what would you like your children to remember you for? It would be impossible to list the multiple ways in which you serve your families. The process of caring for your family day in and day out is substantial. Your self-sacrificing labor for those whom you love represents a wonderful demonstration of your care and devotion to the special people God has brought into your life. Yet as important as your labors of love are for your children, is that the primary way you wish to be remembered?
     There is something Paul made reference to in the verse quoted above that’s even more important. I’m speaking of the manner in which you live a life of faith before your children. It’s obvious from Paul’s words that he observed such faith in three generations of people; Lois, Eunice and Timothy. We know virtually nothing about Timothy’s father. It was the women in his life who had the biggest impact upon him. Frankly, what Paul saw in Timothy (his sincere faith) was passed on to Timothy by his grandmother and mother. That’s something worth emulating in your role as a mother, don’t you think?
     In a culture in which the family is devalued, in which the role of mothers is underappreciated, and where children are exposed to all manner of things that can never equip them in faith, who better that mothers to live out a life of faith designed to show children how to do the same?
     I know the mothers of this congregation well enough to know that faith of that nature is exactly what you desire. What mother wouldn’t? Yet, can I tell you that such faith does not come without effort. It takes energy to live daily with the type of faith that is observable to those closest to you. But the good news is this; what God demands He also provides. When God tells us to fight the good fight of faith, He doesn’t expect us to do so in our own strength. He stands ready to give us the resources we need to do what He asks us to do. What a comfort to know that where He leads, He also guides and provides.
     Mothers, please know how highly we esteem you! We honor you on this Mother’s Day. Your faith has made a significant impact upon the lives of many. When I see your children living in a Christ-honoring manner, I know that your faith is being lived out in their lives. Make no mistake; there are generations that will arise after you who will be blessed by your faith, who will rise and “call you blessed”. Timothy was the beneficiary of his grandmother’s and mother’s faith. I can think of no better thing to celebrate on this special day than the faithfulness of mothers!

Pastor  Lou

“For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.”
Isaiah 61:11

     I had the wonderful privilege of leading all of our newly assigned district missionaries in communion last week. You met several of them during our Sunday morning worship service one week ago. They are a wonderful group of young couples and singles headed for the “tough places” of missionary service. As I spent time with them and heard how God called them as missionaries, I was repeatedly encouraged by the way God finds, calls, prepares and sends His ambassadors for the gospel to the furthest parts of the earth.
     In preparation for leading them in communion, I asked the Lord to give me a passage of scripture that would be appropriate for them, particularly in these last weeks before they depart. The passage I settled on is Isaiah 61:11. In it God provides an analogy that all of us might identify with. We have all been exposed to the manner in which newly planted seeds sprout forth once planted. This is certainly an example that the people in Isaiah’s day could readily identify with.
     Yet in this passage, Isaiah had something other than seeds in mind. He spoke of God’s righteousness and praise sprouting up before all the nations. As I stood before our missionaries, I could not help but think that these young people are God’s chosen instruments for planting the seeds of the gospel that God will cause to sprout. The result, for His glory, will be His righteousness and praise before all the nations. It was a distinct privilege to lead them in communion and to consider how they will be used by God to sow seeds of righteousness that God will cause to sprout, for His praise.
     Can you see, however, how this passage speaks to us as well? Not all of us are called to the “tough places” of missionary service. Nonetheless, we are all called to spread the seeds of the gospel so that God’s righteousness and praise might sprout. Your neighborhood, workplace, family and friends represent your unique field of missionary service. Have you taken the time to consider that, whereas you may not be called to the other side of the world, you are just as certainly called to your exclusive mission field? Such thinking places a burden of responsibility upon each of us, a burden I pray that each of us takes seriously.
     I can’t imagine a Christian not wanting to see God’s righteousness and praise spread to all the nations, including Wausau! Our missionaries are leaving the country soon. We aren’t. Nonetheless, our assignment is the same as theirs. My prayer is that God would place us (continually) in situations where we can speak a word about Jesus, the only way to salvation!

Pastor Lou

 "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
 (Genesis 22:14)

 There is an entire philosophy of life contained in these few words. Let me set the context for you. Abraham was asked by the Lord to sacrifice his son Isaac. I know of no other place in scripture where a father was asked to sacrifice his son. In obedience Abraham and Isaac journeyed to the place of sacrifice. Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood. He bound Isaac, placed him on the altar, and raised his hand to slay him. At that moment the Lord called out, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing that you have not withheld you son from me.”

 The Bible goes on to describe that “Abraham lifted his eyes and looked. . . behind him there was a ram caught in a thicket. . .so Abraham took the ram and offered it up instead of his son.” As was the custom of that day Abraham gave the place of sacrifice a name. He called it “The Lord will provide.”  He went on to say, “On the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”

 The lesson for us in our day is simple, but it requires faith on a regular basis. You see, when we are where God wants us to be doing what He wants us to do God will always provide the necessary resources. The history of missions and ministry is overflowing with examples of God’s provision. The key is to be where God wants, doing what God wants. He will always take care of the rest.

 As individuals and as a church, one of our primary goals must be to seek God’s wisdom for the ministry He has for us and the best manner in which to fulfill the ministry He desires. Can each of us say as individuals that we are where God wants us to be? Are we as far along in our walk with the Lord as we should be? Are we involved in the ministries He desires for us? Whatever you feel may be lacking in your walk with the Lord or in your service to others will be wonderfully provided once we get in line with God’s place and ministry.

 On one occasion a young man’s (John Patton’s) family was without sufficient food for all 11 children. After a time of family prayer, Mrs. Patton put the children to sleep trusting that the Lord would provide. To their great surprise the next morning a package arrived that contained more than enough to see them through. Mrs. Patton gathered the children and said, “O my children, love your Heavenly Father, tell Him in faith and prayer all your needs, and He will supply your needs so far as it shall be for your good and His glory.” The Patton family was where God desired and doing what He desired. Can you say the same?

Pastor Lou

“Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of
 body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the
fear of God” (II Corinthians 7:1).

     The word “holy” or “holiness” appears over six hundred times in the Bible. “Holy” literally means to be pure. In its fullest sense it applies to God alone, for He is completely holy. God is worthy of our supreme praise because He is absolutely pure. With that as a reference point, Paul’s words in II Corinthians urge us as followers of Christ to “bring holiness to completion”. As I found myself meditating on Paul’s words this week, I sought to understand what he meant.
     In this passage Paul admonishes us to cleanse ourselves from defilement. To cleanse means to “prune”. The word “defilement” refers to that which pollutes; physically, morally, mentally or spiritually. Paul is telling us is that we are to prune from our lives anything that tends to corrupt or pollute our bodies, our minds, our values, or our spiritual relationship with God. That’s a tall order, especially in the polluted culture we live in day in and day out. Sources of physical, mental, and spiritual pollution are all around us. We are bombarded by polluting influences, are we not? It’s discouraging, to say the least, to acknowledge how susceptible we are to the polluting influences we come into contact with on a regular basis.
     I found the words of an unknown author from the early seventeenth century to be of help to me as I thought about “cleansing myself from every defilement”. Here’s what he wrote in the form of a prayer:

“O Lord, never allow me to limit my devotion to You to particular seasons. Never allow me to confine my religion to extraordinary occasions. Never allow me to be godly only on the Sabbath.
Never allow me to make piety a dress but help me make it a habit. Allow me to make piety not only a habit but a nature, not only a nature but a life.”

     Powerful words, don’t you think? The author was aware that the pursuit of holiness comes one step at a time as we seek to make holiness a habit, then a lifestyle. The key to the process is to recall what Paul said two chapters earlier. Apart from Paul’s words in II Corinthians 5:17, cleansing ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit is not possible. Paul wrote, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come.” Bringing holiness to completion comes only as we embrace and live out the newness of life we have in Jesus Christ. As the “old passes away” the newness of holiness becomes our reality. I trust that you do desire to make piety a lifestyle.

Pastor Lou

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?”
(Galatians 3:1)

     I am amazed every time I read what Paul wrote to the Galatians in chapter three. His words are strong, don’t you think? He called them foolish and bewitched; both interesting words. The literal translation of foolish is, “without reason; lacking sanity or understanding” and bewitched means “to mislead with an evil intent.” In essence, Paul was asking them if they’ve lost their minds by reason of being misled by evil people. What is it that he has in mind when he accuses them of being foolish and misled?
     The rest of chapter three makes it quite clear. Paul was concerned because they were on the edge of rejecting salvation by grace alone in favor of salvation through works of the law. Later he wrote, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Paul’s question is one that applies to everyone.
     I’ve come to see that people are wired so as to feel better about “earning” salvation as opposed to it being the free gift of God through faith. Why is that the case? I think the answer is simple. We like the idea of getting something as a result of our human effort; which is another way of saying we are prideful to the core. There is no pride when we receive an unmerited gift. On the other hand, when we earn something, we’re more apt to feel a sense of accomplishment, pride if you will. The distinction between what we earn and what God freely gives is at the core of Paul’s question. The Galatians initially accepted God’s free gift only to resort back to a works-based system of spirituality. Paul wanted them to know that you can’t have it both ways. Salvation is either free or it’s unavailable, because in the eyes of God no amount of human effort might ever overcome the wretched sinfulness of men.
     These truths apply to our lives in a very direct manner. By what means are you seeking to become acceptable in God’s sight? You can’t earn God’s favor; that’s clear. His acceptance of us comes through faith alone in Christ alone. Yet, be honest with yourself. It’s more comforting to our foolish and bewitched way of thinking to believe that we deserve God’s favor because of our effort. Wrong! Such thinking results in an eternity separated from God. Luke put it best when he wrote, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  Don’t allow yourself to be bewitched by anything less that the whole truth. Salvation is in Christ alone!

Pastor Lou

“Until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence”
(Unknown Puritan author).

     There are few groups throughout the history of the church who prayed like the Puritans. Frankly, there are few groups throughout the history of the church who exalted Christ and sought God’s glory as passionately as the Puritans. As I was praying for you earlier this week, I came across a Puritan prayer that expresses my desire for us as a church family. Read it carefully and let it be the cry of your heart as well.

“O God, praise waiteth for thee,
and to render it is my noblest exercise.
This is thy due from all thy creatures.
For all thy works display thy attributes and fulfill thy designs.
The sea, dry land, winter cold, summer heat, morning light,
evening shade are full of thee,
and thou givest me them richly to enjoy.
Thou are King of kings and Lord of lords.
At thy pleasure empires rise and fall.
All thy works praise thee and thy saints bless thee.
Let me be numbered with thy holy ones,
resemble them in character and condition,
sit with them at Jesus’ feet.
May my religion be always firmly rooted in thy word,
my understanding divinely informed,
my affections holy and heavenly,
my motives simple and pure,
my heart never wrong with thee.
Deliver me from the natural darkness of my own mind,
from the corruptions of my heart,
from the temptations to which I am exposed,
from the daily snares that attend to me.
I am in constant danger while I am in this life.
Let thy watchful eye ever be upon me for my defense.
Save me from the power of my worldly and spiritual enemies
and from all painful evils to which I have exposed myself.
Until the day of life dawns above let there be
unrestrained fellowship with Jesus.
Until fruition comes, may I enjoy the earnest of my inheritance
and the first fruits of the Spirit.
Until I finish my course with joy may I pursue it with diligence,
in every part display the resources of the Christian,
and adorn the doctrine of thee my God in all things.”

Pastor Lou

“If my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes…then let what grows for me be rooted out” (Job 31:7).

     The words cited above were uttered by Job while he was in the midst of his worst pain. He was doing what any of us might do when we are struggling with difficult circumstances. He was asking God what he did to deserve such treatment. Frankly, the entirety of chapter thirty-one represents Job’s attempt to show that his life had been spotless, hence his perplexity at the dire circumstances he faced. I am particularly struck by the phrase, “If my heart has gone after my eyes...” I believe there is something in those words that we might learn from.
     Job, at least according to his account, had lived a righteous life. He was intent on not allowing any sinful influences to overcome him and cause him to sin. As part of his desire to live in an upright manner, he was careful to protect his eyes from leading his heart into anything that might compromise his desire to live in a God-glorifying manner. In other words, Job learned that what he looked at had the potential to pollute and lead his heart astray. He did not want that to happen. He was not about to put his heart at risk by allowing his eyes to dwell on things that might affect his heart in a negative way.
     Here’s how Job’s words apply to us. I’ve come to see in my own life that where my eyes dwell serves as a good indicator of the condition of my heart. If my eyes dwell on things that are harmful, it is only a matter of time before my heart will show the negative effects of my eyes dwelling on the wrong things. There is therefore an important question each of us should be prepared to answer. Where do your eyes dwell? If in print, at the movies, on the television, or on the computer screen our eyes dwell on the wrong things, it is inevitable that our hearts will be affected. Need I remind you of the first step in Eve’s sin? In Genesis chapter three we read, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food…she took of its fruit and ate.” Sin entered Eve’s heart through her eyes. I believe that’s something of incredible importance for each of us to remember.
     Perhaps David said it best: “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” That’s a lofty goal, but well worth it, don’t you think? Might I ask you to set a goal of not intentionally allowing anything to enter your eyes that might serve to set your heart on a path to sin? God is glorified and we are blessed when we do so.

Pastor Lou

 3/2/08

Growing older is not the same thing as growing up.

 As we all know, growing older is not an option. Yet growing up is an option. Spiritual growth in Christ is not automatic. It comes as a result of conscious choices we make on a daily basis. If we make the right choices, we grow. If we make the wrong choices, we remain immature baby Christians for our entire lives. I see far too many baby Christians who are growing older year after year, yet who never grow up.

 Perhaps Peter said it best when he said “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3:18) There are two parts to Peter’s command. First we are to grow in grace.  Simply put, we are to be consciously aware that God’s grace is enough for any and every situation in which we find ourselves. His grace sought us; His grace saved us; His grace sustains us; and it is in His grace that we stand moment by moment. Grace is His operating principle in our lives. Live in it and half of Peter’s command is fulfilled.

 Yet there is more to what Peter said about growing up. We are to “grow in knowledge” as well. This is where we must exercise our option to follow Peter’s instructions once again.  In I Peter 2:1 he tells us to “long for pure spiritual milk”.  Babies crave nourishment. We are to crave the type of nourishment that comes only through regularly feeding ourselves the Word of God.  Many “older” Christians I know simply snack on God’s Word instead of eating richly and drinking deeply.  The choice is ours to make. Snack and stay anemic. Eat richly, live in grace, and the result is that we will grow up.

 Now here comes the fun part. In I Corinthians 3:6 Paul tells us that “God gives the growth”.  In other words, I don’t have to strive for growth. The growth is God’s job.   The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God. That’s what I call growing up!  I don’t know about you, but growing up is certainly the desire of my heart. It is a wonderful comfort to know that as long as I live in grace and feed on God’s nourishment, God will effect the growth.  God wants us to grow up! Let’s partner together in taking Peter’s command seriously. 

Pastor Lou

“There is a powerful dynamic at work in the experience of genuine gracious affections in which the more one tastes the activity of the Holy Spirit, the hungrier one becomes”
(Jonathan Edwards).

      Last week I watched with great sadness the story of a young woman’s descent into a life consumed by drugs. She came from a Christian family. She was a successful student and athlete. In fact, she was a two time collegiate champion in the shot put and discus. In her own words, “Once I tasted meth I was hooked. All I wanted was more and more meth.” How tragic. Her life is a mess. She is alone, broke, estranged from her family, and perhaps headed toward an early death. She’s a hopeless addict with a bleak future at best.
     I want you to think for a moment of her words, “I was hooked.” Let me ask you, “What are you hooked on?” Jonathan Edwards described the right kind of addiction, an addiction that will not ruin your life. I’m speaking of an “addiction” that results in deep joy and contentment. Listen to the manner in which he describes the right kind of “addiction”. He wrote, “The more one tastes the activity of the Holy Spirit, the hungrier one becomes.” How might you and I know if we are becoming more and more “addicted” to the things of God in our lives? Edwards provides six markers that I find helpful in my life:

1.  The more one drinks from the well of Christ’s beauty, the thirstier he is.
2. The more a true saint loves God with gracious love, the more he desires to love him.
3. The more he hates sin, the more he desires to hate it and laments that he has so much remaining in
    him.
4. The more he mourns for sin, the more he longs to mourn for sin.
5. The more his heart is broken, the more he desires it should be broken.
6. The more he thirsts and longs after God and holiness, the more he longs to long.

     Edwards went on to say, “The greatest eminency and perfection that saints arrive to in this world, has no tendency to satiety, or to abate their desires after more; but on the contrary, makes them more eager to press forward. Once you have tasted the spiritual sweetness of Christ and the soul-satisfying pleasure He imparts, you are ruined for anything else.” Let me repeat an earlier question I asked. “What are you hooked on?” What are you “ruined for?” If you answer includes anything other than Christ, you are settling for something that will never bring you soul-satisfying joy. I want to be “ruined” for Christ. How about you?

Pastor Lou

1/27/08

“This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in
remembrance of Me”
Luke 22:19

     Today, being the last Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. As I reflected on this over the past week and as I reviewed the scriptures describing communion, I was struck once again by the seriousness of what we do each month. One of my concerns is that communion does not become something that loses its significance or meaning for us as a church family.
     The demand of Jesus, “Do this in remembrance of Me” assumes something, namely that there would be a church worshipping Jesus after He was gone. Thus, if Jesus assumed that the church would exist for all ages after His departure, He must likewise have made provision for its survival and safety. That strikes me as quite comforting, because Jesus would not institute something to be carried out by His church unless He determined that there would be a church to carry out His command. How did Jesus provide for His church, thereby enabling it to carry out His command to “Do this in remembrance of me”? There are several things to consider in answering this question.
     First, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as the agent through whom truth would be preserved. The entire Bible was inspired by God; you know that. Yet have you stopped to consider that the New Testament was uniquely given by God through the Holy Spirit to preserve the church? Jesus knew He would be leaving His disciples shortly after He instituted communion. Who would teach them? By what means would they be protected and guided? That’s why Jesus told them, “I will not leave you as orphans.” That was Jesus’ way of assuring them that He would send the Holy Spirit as their counselor, protector, and guide in His absence. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the New Testament to bring to Christ’s church the power of God through the written Word of God.
     A second way in which Jesus guarantees that the church would always be preserved is through what He said just prior to leaving His disciples. In Matthew chapter twenty-eight Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me…I am with you to the end of the age.” Earlier in the book Jesus said, “I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Have you stopped to consider that being here this morning is proof of Jesus’ promise to preserve His church?
     As we come to communion this morning, might I encourage you to consider that the Holy Spirit and the promises of Jesus are the reasons why you are here as part of His church? He has indeed built His church; that’s you and me. When considered in such terms, communion takes on a whole different meaning, does it not?

Pastor Lou

1/20/08

“So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits”
(Matthew 7:17-20).

     Chapters five through seven in the book of Matthew represent one of the longest discourses by Jesus contained anywhere in the gospels. In these chapters Jesus spoke about variety of very practical things. He mentioned topics such as anger, lust, divorce, truthfulness, vengeance, loving our enemies, giving to the needy, how to pray, fasting, laying up treasures in heaven, anxiety, judging others, prayer, treating others as we wish to be treated, and building our lives on a solid foundation. It is no coincidence that near the end of His discussion He provided us with the best way to determine if we are heeding His commands in each of these areas.
     Jesus said, “…every healthy tree bears good fruit.” In other words, if we are growing in each of the areas He talked about, we should see good fruit emanating from our lives. The reason why Jesus’ words are so important to us in our day is that, for many Christians, there remains a “disconnect” between what we know to be true and how we live on a daily basis.
     Coming to faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing anyone might do. The decision to cry out to Jesus as Savior is literally a life or death decision, as heaven or hell are at stake; yet having said that, God expects us to live in this life in a manner that reflects our eternal home, heaven. That means that the way to validate our future heavenly home is to bear good fruit now. The “good fruit” we bear does not purchase a heavenly home for us. Rather, it serves to authenticate the reality that heaven is our final home. Hence, “good fruit” is a sure indication of saving faith in Christ.
      All of this leads to an important question I believe each of us must ask on a regular basis. It’s as simple as asking “What’s the status of my fruit?” If you can’t identify some measure of fruit in the areas mentioned above, there is obviously something wrong, perhaps a “disconnect” between what you know and how you live.  No one is perfect, yet we should all be producing fruit, according to Jesus. Let me encourage you to do something later this week. Take some time to ask the Lord to show you the status of your fruit. He will certainly do so, for He wants you to live in a manner that glorifies His name. Remember, good trees produce good fruit!

Pastor Lou  

“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man”
(Acts 24:16).
     
        For those of you who have been part of the Sunday school class I am teaching, you know that we have been working our way through Jonathan Edwards book The Religions Affections. In his book, Edwards identified and examined what he sees as direct evidence of a genuine salvation experience. He listed twelve “authentic signs.” The ninth sign is stated in the following manner: “True and authentic affections soften the heart and produce a tenderness of spirit and sensitivity toward sin.” Isn’t that exactly what the Apostle Paul gave evidence of in the passage cited above? Paul was concerned that his conscience towards God and man was always clear.     
        
        The conscience is a funny thing, is it not? I tried to find a good definition of conscience as I meditated on this verse earlier this week. Here’s the best definition I came across. Conscience may be defined as a “Spirit-imparted ability to apprehend the will of God; a sense of guiltiness before God. It is the process of thought which distinguishes that which is morally good from morally bad.” Now let’s apply that definition to Paul’s desire to have a “clear conscience toward both God and man.”    
      
        I believe what Paul is saying is that he makes it a point to listen to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit as it relates to his relationship with God and men. He “takes pains” to be certain that there is nothing in his speech, conduct, love, faith or purity that violates his Spirit-imparted ability to hear God’s voice and discern good from bad. Everyone to be sure has a conscience, both Christians and non-Christians. Yet for the Christian, the conscience is to be the barometer by which we judge our lives. And further, our conscience is to be growing more and more sensitive to the presence of indwelling sin in our lives. Edwards went on to say, “The Spirit is always at work to soften and tenderize the heart, making it more aware of sin, ever filled with a dread of sin and anything that might displease or offend God.”    
       
         In light of Paul’s words and Edwards’ comments, might I ask you what the state of your conscience might be? Is it growing increasingly tender and soft, or is it hardened because you haven’t heeded it for a period of time? One of the great Puritans once prayed, “Give me a deeper repentance, a horror of sin, a dread of its approach. Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water.”    
        
I’m glad that God has given me a conscience. At times it pains me. It is always honest, and sometimes harsh. Yet I’m learning that God is good is giving each of us a Spirit-imparted ability, a divine inner voice, to protect, guide and call us to holiness. Take time this week to check your conscience. Have you been “taking pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man?”

Pastor Lou

12/30/07

 "Speak, for your servant hears." (I Samuel 3:10)

            We are all poor listeners. If you doubt it, just see how easily your thoughts wander during conversations with others. There are times when we have to force ourselves to listen to what others are saying. If we are such poor listeners with one another, can you imagine how frustrated God becomes when we will not hear what He says?

            Yet listening to God is of utmost importance. He is always speaking, either through His Word, circumstances, or other people. The question is, are we listening? The health of our spiritual lives depends on our willingness to "hear" God. What hinders us from hearing God is that we are so easily distracted by other things, things that demand our immediate attention. Oswald Chambers said, "If I have not cultivated this devotion of hearing, I can only hear God's voice at certain times; at other times I am taken up with things, things which I say I must do, and I become deaf to Him." Good hearing and listening come when we are silent.

            This realization gives rise to an important question each of us must answer, and it is this. Do we cultivate the discipline of silence before the Lord? You see, if we do not cultivate the discipline of silence, we will not be able to hear God when He speaks.

            In my own life, this is the single area in which I struggle the most. I long to "hear" from God. Yet remaining silent long enough to hear Him is a constant battle for me. I am growing in this area, yet it is a struggle at times.  There are several things I have learned as I cultivate my ability to listen to God.               

            First, tell God that you want to listen to Him. Second, memorize scripture. God often uses memorized scripture to speak to us at times we least expect. Third, practice silence before the Lord. Silence prepares the way for us to hear the quiet voice of the Spirit. The question is, are we silent enough to hear? Silence is mandatory if we want to move ourselves away from the lure of the world and into the presence of the Father. And finally, expect to hear something because God is always speaking. Start now. Start small, but by all means "Be silent before the Lord."

Pastor Lou

12/23/07

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past." (Micah 5:2)

          There have been people who, the minute they were born, were destined for greatness. For example, in 1500 A.D. a baby was born that everyone expected great things from. His name was Charles. His father was Duke Philip, his mother was Joanna, the daughter of Queen Ferdinand of Spain, and he belonged to the famous Hapsburg family who ruled the German Empire. So when Charles was only a day old he was a very powerful and famous person. On the day he was born he became the future ruler of part of France, most of Germany, some of Italy, and all of Spain. This Charles became Charles V, one of the most powerful rulers in Europe. But this did not surprise anyone, because ever since his birth everyone expected him to become great.

            There was another baby who was destined for greatness the moment He was born. When Jesus was born of Mary, not only did the world know that He was going to be great, but the world also knew many of the details of His life. That is because God caused these details to be recorded in the Old Testament.

            There are incredible differences between Jesus and Charles. Charles was born into wealth; Jesus was born into poverty. Charles' parents were powerful; Mary and Joseph were simple. Charles was born in a palace; Jesus was born in a stable. Charles' birth was announced to the rulers of the world; Jesus' birth was announced to shepherds. Charles was wrapped in fine silk; Jesus was wrapped in plain cloth. Charles was greeted by important people; Jesus was greeted by animals in a manger. Charles was born into safety; Jesus had to flee to Egypt. Charles ruled by might; Jesus ruled by example. Charles was born in a famous city; Jesus was born in a small village. Charles lived in opulence and splendor; Jesus lived in poverty without a permanent home. Charles was surrounded by servants; Jesus came to serve. Charles died rich and famous; Jesus died as a criminal. Charles was born to rule; Jesus was born to die. Charles died for himself; Jesus died for you and for me.

            But beyond all of these comparisons, there is one that must be stressed above all others. Charles is dead; Jesus is ALIVE! This is the perfect time of year to recall the full meaning and significance of Jesus' birth. Let me encourage you to ask yourself a crucially important question. This Jesus is more than a baby; He is a king. And because He is a king, He demands our allegiance. Have you come under the kingdom of Jesus Christ? If not, it is a simple thing to do. First, acknowledge that you are a sinner and in need of a savior. Second, ask Jesus Christ to become your Savior and King, and place your faith in Him who died in your place. Third, thank Him for what He has done in dying for you. And finally, live for Him and joyfully submit yourself to His rule and dominion. If you do, this will become the best Christmas of your life.

Pastor Lou

12/16/07

"And every work that he undertook in the service of God. . .he did with all his heart" (II Chronicles 31:21).

     It's hard to imagine something more meaningful being said about an individual than what we read in the above passage of scripture. The above words were spoken about King Hezekiah. He reigned as king in Judah for twenty-nine years. During his reign he made a number of significant changes, all of which were designed to turn the hearts of his people toward the Lord. What strikes me the most is the phrase "the work he undertook. . .he did with all his heart." I can't help but wonder how many of us serve the Lord with such single-minded purpose and devotion.

     Well, I'm aware of at least one group of people in our church who serve the Lord with similar passion and purpose. There are others as well, but one group came most readily to mind as I read about King Hezekiah. I'm referring specifically to those who minister to our kids each week. Those who serve our children do so "with all their hearts". I know because I have the wonderful opportunity to see and feel their singular passion for the spiritual welfare of our children. If I were to summarize what I see in them, it's this. They view what they do week in and week out, not as a job, but rather as their unique calling of God to serve. They are not simply filling needs, but rather expending themselves for the sake of ministry; there is a huge difference between these. So with that in mind, let me ask you to take the time to thank those who volunteer their time to serve us so well. At the risk forgetting someone, I'm going to list names. Here are those who I'm asking you to go out of your way to thank:

Polly Swartz                        Jessica Szitta
Erin Salamone                      Eileen Thao
Rose Markofski                    Robyn Troxell
Kathy Piquette                    Chris Benes
Dale Fritzel                          Kathy Zillman
Pete Strycharske                 Ally Bedard
Kyle Von Rueden                  Katie Nutting
Nina Kidney                         Lynn Walter
Pat Mytton                         Doug Baxter

     Watching the above individuals serve each week constantly blesses my heart because they do what they do for a singular purpose, to glorify God in serving you, His people. You and I are the beneficiaries of their faithful service. My prayer for us is that we might all learn from the example of Hezekiah and others; that as we serve the Lord with all our hearts, God is glorified and we are blessed.

Pastor Lou

12/9/07

 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

     The demand that we let our light shine before the world has a goal: that we might glorify God who is in heaven by the way we live in the here and now. This demand of Jesus is simple and direct. The way we live is meant to glorify God by our being the light of the world.

     Think of it this way. Jesus displayed the glory of God in accomplishing what God had given Him to do. The Gospel of John is filled with references to Jesus' acts taking place for the purpose of fulfilling what His Father asked Him to do, thereby glorifying God. Jesus Himself said in John 17:4, "I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work that You gave Me to do." Jesus' pattern of glorifying God by accomplishing the Father's work is meant to be a pattern for us as well. We are to glorify God by being the "light" of the earth. How are we to do this? I think you know the answer. The most effective and direct manner for us to be the light of the world, thereby glorifying the Father, is to live daily in accord with His Word.

     Let me share with you a very convicting verse in this regard. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves." How do we "examine" and "test" ourselves? The simplest way I know to do so is to determine if we are truly living in a manner that suggests we are the light of the world. In other words, our life must match our beliefs, glorifying God in the way we live on a day in and day out basis. As difficult as it may be for us to hear this, verbally professing Jesus Christ as Savior is not enough. It must be matched by a life that brings glory to God, a life that serves as the light of the world. I speak with people weekly who profess Jesus as their Savior, yet their lives suggest otherwise. Listen to what Jesus said in this regard; "If you love Me you will keep My commandments...whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me...if anyone loves Me he will keep My Word...whoever does not love Me does not keep My words."

     Professing Jesus Christ as your Savior is wonderful, but the Bible makes it clear that such a profession must be followed by "light", that is by glorifying God in the way one lives. As painful as it might be, might I ask you to take some time this week to determine how bright your light is shining, how faithfully you are glorifying God in the way you live? The way we live either validates or invalidates our faith. What does your life say about your faith?

Pastor Lou

12/02/07

"When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord. . " (II Chronicles 12:1). 

Hindsight is always perfect, is it not? It's so easy to look back and see the mistakes we've made. It's also easy to cast blame on others for their past mistakes, without recalling how we are prone to repeat the mistakes of others. These thoughts came to me this week as I read the story of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. 

Rehoboam became king of Judah after the united kingdom his father ruled came apart due to a very bad choice Rehoboam made. There was a brief time when he was at risk of losing his share of the divided kingdom, Judah. During the time his rule was threatened it appeared that he "kept the law of the Lord." However, once his rule was "established" he abandoned the law of the Lord. Now you might read that and think, "how could he suppose that God would bless him, after establishing his rule, if he turned his back on God?" None the less, that's exactly what transpired. Rehoboam's rebellion cost many generations of kings after him the blessings of God. 

As I read his story I began to wonder if we are much different from Rehoboam. Here's what I mean. Who doesn't turn to God when things get rough? It's as someone once said "There are no atheists when the bullets are flying." Yet I wonder how many of us remain steadfast in our commitment to the Lord following tough times, when we become "established and strong." 

The word "steadfast" is used throughout the Psalms. For example, in Psalm 57:7 David wrote, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast." He wrote those words while he was hiding from Saul in a cave. Later, during a time of praise the Psalmist wrote, "Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord. . .his heart is steadfast." It appears as though the word "steadfast" applies equally to times of trial and times of praise. The word itself means "firm; stable; well established. 

Here's what I take from this. I want my heart to remain steadfast during times of trial and times of praise. I don't want to look to the Lord as my last resort (as Rehoboam did). Rather I want my heart to remain firm and established toward the Lord. Rehoboam fled to God in trials, yet abandoned God when he no longer felt the need of God's help. I want to learn from Rehoboam's lack of steadfastness. In other words, I don't want to be like Rehoboam. How about you?

Pastor Lou

11/25/07

"For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. .all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own" (I Chronicles 29:14, 16). 

I have read and re-read the words of David and Solomon, both before the temple was built and after it was dedicated. Although there are many things to learn from their words, I am struck by their constant awareness that the building of the temple, and especially the resources needed to build it, flowed from God to his people who gave freely to make the temple a reality. David said, "Now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you." 

I like the phrase "offering freely and joyously." What is the key to offering "freely and joyously?" I think the answer is inherent in their words. Free and joyful giving flows naturally from our awareness that everything we have is first and foremost a gift from God. That is particularly appropriate on this Thanksgiving weekend, is it not? 

Listen to the words of James and Paul on this; "What do you have that you did not receive. . .every good gift and every perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father. . ." David, Solomon, Paul and James understood something that we must work at. Simply put, we deserve nothing from God, not even our next heartbeat. The more we think upon that, the greater the degree to which we can cultivate humble and thankful hearts, thereby enabling us to give freely and joyously. 

What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving weekend? Have you intentionally set aside time to recall the "good gifts" God has brought into your life? No matter how many trials you have known over the past twelve months, is there anyone among us who cannot say "O taste and see that the Lord is good?" In another place David and Solomon said, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you. . .a joyful and thankful heart is good medicine." 

The best way to bring joy into your heart this Thanksgiving is to acknowledge that all of the good gifts you have originated with God. Have you done so? Have you sat down with your entire family to thank God for his goodness? If not, why not? It's not too late to set aside time yet today to "taste and see that the Lord is good." I am reminded of the words of a television commercial of the past several years. Just do it!

Pastor Lou

11/18/07

"When will believers understand that they are primarily responsible for the preaching which they hear. . .preaching the word is a function and activity of the church (believers) not the function and specialty of a man?" (Pierre Marcel, 1963).

You have heard me say on multiple occasions over the past five years that I devote the best of my time and effort during the week towards preaching. That will never change. I make no apology for that. I believe with all my heart that it is preaching that the church in our day needs above anything else, bar nothing. Yet having said that, I wonder how many congregations pay as much attention to preparing themselves as listeners as I pray their pastors might do in preparing themselves to preach. That's where the above quote becomes relevant. Read again the last phrase of Marcel's words; "preaching the word is a function and activity of the church, not the function and specialty of a man." That's simply another way of saying that the effectiveness of preaching, the ministry of the Holy Spirit that comes through preaching, is quenched if the hearts of God's people are not properly prepared.

How is it that the power of preaching is diminished through a lack of preparedness on the part of the listeners? There are at least two things that come to my mind. First, the congregation must "consciously refrain from any kind of attitude or activity that might contribute to a withholding of the effects of the Holy Spirit."  Number one on the list of things that contribute to a withholding of the effects of the Holy Spirit is sins of the tongue. Spurgeon said, "God the Spirit does not bless a collection of quarreling professors." Difficult attitudes toward one another will quench the Spirit. 

Another way in which the Holy Spirit is quenched is when there is unresolved sin in the lives of God's people. God does not intend for the gathering of his people to be a collection of perfect saints. Yet having said that it certainly quenches the Spirit if we come to church week after week in a rebellious and sinful state.

Finally, the Spirit is quenched in the absence of prayer. How fervently do we ask the Holy Spirit to open our ears and soften our hearts to hear and appropriate the truths of God's words? 

Think of it this way. The ministry of the Holy Spirit through the process of preaching is as dependent upon you as it is upon me. That's a partnership I take very seriously. God is at work in our midst. Let's partner together in doing all we can to release the power of the Holy Spirit as we gather each week to hear the Word of God, for His glory and our good!

Pastor Lou

11/11/07

"How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9).

Genesis 39:9 represents, at least for me, one of the most clear, concise and penetrating descriptions of the essence of sin to be found anywhere in the bible. Joseph described sin as "wickedness against God." The above words were spoken when Joseph was tempted to compromise his moral principles with another man's wife. I can't help but wonder how many of us think of sin in such terms. Take some time and let the power of the phrase "wickedness against God" sink in. 

Often when I am speaking with someone who is struggling with an area of sin in their life (don't kid yourself-that includes all of us to one degree or another) I like to phrase the situation in this manner. God has not left us without direct and specific instructions as to how we are to live as Christians. His instructions are found in his word, the bible. When we intentionally violate what we know to be God's directions for how we are to live we are in essence engaging in "wickedness against God." Another way of thinking about it is in this manner. Wickedness against God is looking him straight in the face and saying, "No, I will  not obey what you have told me to do." Can I say this to you gently; don't ever look God in the eye and say "no" to his commands? Having said that, however, I am constantly amazed at how many people do just that.

Let me turn your attention to another portion of scripture that I've been meditating on recently. It goes hand in hand with Joseph's words. In Hebrews chapter ten the writer uses some very strong language to describe those who "go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth." At the end of verse twenty nine he tells us that to go on sinning when we know better is to "outrage the Spirit of grace." Wow, that phrase certainly catches my attention. How about you? 

The practical application of these two passages tells us very clearly that sin is a direct offense against God; and to go on sinning knowingly is to outrage the Spirit of grace. Taken together these passages form a very strong basis upon which Christians must flee from anything that pits us against God or outrages his grace. Would you join me in praying that we might never outrage the Spirit of grace nor commit wickedness against God? Let's seek to live in a manner that exalts the name of Jesus Christ in front of a world that needs to see "Christ in us the hope of glory."

Pastor Lou

11/4/07

"But Diotrephes. .likes to put himself first" (3 John 9).

It should come as no surprise that the church of John's day faced many of the same issues the church in our day faces. I'm referring to John's reference to an individual who had one agenda; himself. We don't know much about Diotrephes; but what we do know is that he was trouble for several reasons. He liked to put himself first; he would not submit to or acknowledge the authority of his spiritual leaders; he was judgmental of other Christians and he rejected those who did not agree with him. Based on what John said about him, he represents every pastor's worst nightmare. Would you agree?

Now before you jump to conclusions and assume that I'm bringing  him up because we have a Diotrephes in our midst, let me set your mind at ease. I'm bringing  him up for the exact opposite reason. You as a congregation have been anything but a pastor's worst nightmare! Frankly, if I were asked to identify a passage of scripture that best describes you as a congregation it would be Hebrews 13:17;  "Follow your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Notice the sharp contrast between the words "joy" and "groaning."  The word "groaning" might also be translated as "grief." Can you imagine having to shepherd the people of God with grief as the overwhelming characteristic of the process? By God's grace and for the good of his people the congregation of Wausau Alliance Church has fulfilled the mandate we see in Hebrews, which leads me to my main purpose in bringing this up. 

In light of our rapid growth over the past two years, Hebrews thirteen is not something that will be a reality in our midst apart from prayer, singleness of purpose as a church, and wholehearted dependence upon the Holy Spirit as our guide. In every area of our ministry we must devote ourselves to the pursuit of God's glory, nothing less is acceptable. What this means for each of us is that Hebrews thirteen must be our goal over the long haul. We must not be content with what God has done in the past. We must set our minds towards fulfilling all of Hebrews thirteen for the future as well. 

As I review our visitors' cards each week I have yet to see "Diotrephes" name. That's good! Let's partner together in seeking God's protection, blessings and grace as we seek to honor his name in the manner in which we reach our community with the wonderful message of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Lou