Pastor’s Ponderings

“Look at the Bright Side”

With every storm cloud there is a silver lining.” “Is the glass half full or half empty?” “Look on the bright side.” We have heard these phrases all our lives. They all encourage us to see the good that is happening rather than focus on the bad. Sometimes that is very difficult.

It can be difficult while looking at the state of our nation to see anything good. Crime is rising, especially murder, while foolish politicians speak of defunding the police (which is the desire of every criminal). On the bright side, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor is a former police officer who will fight against defunding the police.

Some of you saw the third place finisher in the hammer throw for the U.S. Olympic Trials turn sideways during the national anthem. On the bright side, the first place finisher proudly waved the Stars and Stripes. In fact many of the U.S. Olympians have publicly stated their faith in Jesus Christ.

We live in perilous times with fewer and fewer Americans going to church or believing in God. On the bright side, Paul said that times would get worse as we draw near to the return of Christ. I will leave you with this thought. Rather than look around, “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

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We apologize for the lateness of this issue. A “perfect storm” occurred that prevented this newsletter from getting to you by July 1.

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I want to thank all of you, again, for the continued prayers for my wife and me. Her entire article concerns her multiple myeloma and the treatments that begin July 8. It is a blessing to be part of this great fellowship and experience the love and kindness directed toward us.

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Have I mentioned that I love the Gospel of Mark? The book is filled with marvelous stories, messages, and people. It also has some recurring themes, including the opposition of the religious leaders. We see again and again that the very ones who should be welcoming the Messiah instead reject Him and eventually have a major role in His crucifixion.

In a recent message we saw the tragedy of these leaders as they held their own beliefs on a higher plane than even the Word of God. The progression is frightening.

It began with distant hearts, as Christ proclaimed, “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (7:6). We DO need to honor God with our lips, but we must make sure our hearts are part of our worship.

In fact, empty worship is the next downward step as they worshipped God in vain (7:7). Is our worship empty? Do we mean it when we sing praises to God in church or is it all empty words and meaningless gestures?

Since their hearts were distant and their worship empty, they began substituting their own doctrine for Biblical doctrine. Jesus said they were “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (7:7) While we need some man-made rules, and while we have many books explaining Scripture, these should never be substituted for the actual Word of God.

These religious leaders then began to lay aside Scripture. “For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.” (7:8) Scripture, which to the scribes and Pharisees was sacred, was actually pushed out the door so they could teach and preach their own traditions.

Amazingly this led to the outright rejection of Scripture in verse 9 and the destruction of Scripture in verse 13. God’s Word had no effect on the people because of the traditions substituted for the Law.

While none of us would purposely harm God’s Word, it is frightening to think that it all started with distant hearts during worship. The next Sunday you worship in person, come with an expectant attitude, ready to worship in Spirit and truth, and ready to receive God’s Word in your heart.

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I am overwhelmed with the generosity of Calvary members. We surpassed our Building Fund goal by almost $10,000, and many graciously gave for camp. Thanks!

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I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have:

1) Courage

2) Wisdom

3) Strength

4) Victory

5) Vision