From Pastor Paul

Mark 4:23-25, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.' And he said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and for the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away'” (ESV).

John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (ESV).

The different contexts of the above passages is not what I would like to focus on for this devotional thought. What I do want us to focus on is the emphasis Jesus puts on hearing in both cases.

You know what I find interesting? How easy it is for us to remember the lyrics of songs from all genres. Whatever type of music we listen to it seems we absorb what we hear and can often name a song or remember lyrics as soon as we hear the first few notes. Just ask Lisa, this happens to me all the time. I was thinking about this recently and Jesus' phrase in our reading from Mark came to mind, “...anyone who as ears to hear, let him hear... Pay attention to what you hear.” The words made me stop and think for a moment: “Do I really listen to words from God as I should? Do I focus with as much intent and pay as much attention to Scripture, sermons, etc., as I do (whether consciously or subconsciously) to songs playing from my speakers? Why can I recite lyrics without a problem, yet Scripture memorization seems to be such a struggle?”

My intent is not to make anyone feel guilty, it's simply to point out the importance of hearing and listening to what God may be “saying” to us. This is vital because paying careful attention to Scripture, sermons, lessons, and the “whispers” of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds helps us immensely with growing in our faith and Christian Walk. If we devote as much of our attention to listening carefully to God, as many of us do with music, we will grow in our understanding and insight. Not only that, but we will also find ourselves growing in our relationship with Him as well. However, if we don't pay attention, we risk the chance of losing our perception of Christ and of God's kingdom. Not to mention possibly missing an area of God's will for our lives. If we dedicate ourselves to listening to God through his Word and Spirit with focused attention and eagerness, we will deepen and strengthen our faith.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Paul

From Pastor Paul

Mark 4:23-25, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.' And he said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and for the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away'” (ESV).

John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (ESV).

The different contexts of the above passages is not what I would like to focus on for this devotional thought. What I do want us to focus on is the emphasis Jesus puts on hearing in both cases.

You know what I find interesting? How easy it is for us to remember the lyrics of songs from all genres. Whatever type of music we listen to it seems we absorb what we hear and can often name a song or remember lyrics as soon as we hear the first few notes. Just ask Lisa, this happens to me all the time. I was thinking about this recently and Jesus' phrase in our reading from Mark came to mind, “...anyone who as ears to hear, let him hear... Pay attention to what you hear.” The words made me stop and think for a moment: “Do I really listen to words from God as I should? Do I focus with as much intent and pay as much attention to Scripture, sermons, etc., as I do (whether consciously or subconsciously) to songs playing from my speakers? Why can I recite lyrics without a problem, yet Scripture memorization seems to be such a struggle?”

My intent is not to make anyone feel guilty, it's simply to point out the importance of hearing and listening to what God may be “saying” to us. This is vital because paying careful attention to Scripture, sermons, lessons, and the “whispers” of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds helps us immensely with growing in our faith and Christian Walk. If we devote as much of our attention to listening carefully to God, as many of us do with music, we will grow in our understanding and insight. Not only that, but we will also find ourselves growing in our relationship with Him as well. However, if we don't pay attention, we risk the chance of losing our perception of Christ and of God's kingdom. Not to mention possibly missing an area of God's will for our lives. If we dedicate ourselves to listening to God through his Word and Spirit with focused attention and eagerness, we will deepen and strengthen our faith.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Paul

From Pastor Paul

Does fellowship with people at church make you happy? Does fellowship with God make you happy? The Apostle John says in his first letter to the Church that his goal in writing was to “make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:4) He says the means for finding this “complete joy” is through having fellowship with God, and with the community of followers of Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:6-7)

The word fellowship is defined as “companionship; friendly association; a mutual sharing; a group of people with the same interests.” (Webster Concise 2ed) Translated from the Greek, the word fellowship is koinonia: meaning -- a deep closeness and connection; a spiritual unity.

The common connection for Christians is our shared faith in Jesus Christ. This shared life in Christ is described as living in the light. Most of us would never choose to live in darkness if we had the choice. It is easier and more effective to live in light than in darkness. John says, “God is light.” (1 John 1:5) God wants us to choose to live in Him.

A joyful life is one that is lived continually in the light of God’s presence and God’s truth. A life of truth and moral integrity is a life that is positive, effective, and meaningful. Those who live in darkness are confused and cause harm to themselves and others as they stumble about trying to grasp at some unidentified happiness. We all are attracted to the darkness at times, but it is crucial to recognize that darkness really stands for everything that is the opposite of what is most cherished in life. God is light!

The Church is called to be a community of light. We share the light of the presence of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. We share the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ. We share the freedom of a God-directed morality. We share the truth of a worldview that is revealed by God in His eternal Word.

There is nothing in this world that gives greater joy than being in God’s flock and following Jesus the Good Shepherd. No matter what denomination or church a person belongs to, we still share a common central goal: to follow Jesus Christ in the way of light.

I am thankful to the Lord for having fellowship with all of us through Jesus Christ. and I am thankful for all of you having fellowship with me. I pray that the interior Light of God’s Spirit will give each of us an unshakeable joy.

See You Sunday,

Pastor Paul