Blog Posts

Christians Dealing With Stress – Part 2

6/26/2021

As I mentioned in my last post, Christians are not immune to the pressures of life. Everyone deals with stress at some point in their life.

When we realize we may have a problem or something is seriously wrong, the fastest way to the solution is to admit that we have a problem. Sometimes it's not easy to admit we are just barely hanging on by a thread, and can't seem to manage our own life.

When we recognize the problem, it requires an honest self-evaluation and our humble confession. Psalm 32:2 (ESV) tells us, “Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Once we can deal honestly with our problem, we can begin to get the help we need.”

If we are at our wits end, we have to stop beating ourself up. We’re human, we live in a fallen world where problems are inevitable. We can’t do it on our own, so must turn to God and to others for help.

If we're not getting enough rest, we need to take time to restore our physical body. Eat a proper diet, get regular exercise, and start learning how to balance work, ministry, and family time. We may need to find a support system of a Christian friend(s) who understand what we're going through. If we're sick, or working through a loss or tragedy, we may need to step back from our normal responsibilities. Give ourself time and space to heal, and allow God to help us deal with the circumstances in life.

This may be a practical way to eliminate stress in our lives. But we also need to remember not to neglect the spiritual side of the matter.

Stay Calm, breathe deep, talk to God and live in His Peace that passes all our understanding.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

Christians Dealing With Stress – Part 1

6/15/2021

Christians are not immune to the pressures of life. Everyone deals with stress at some point in their life.

Stress tends to hit us when we're overtired, when we're sick, and when we're outside of our safe and familiar environment. When we've taken on too many responsibilities, during times of grief and tragedy, when our circumstances spin out of control, we feel stressed. And when our basic needs are not being met, we feel threatened and anxious.

Most Christians share the belief in the truth that the Bible tells us, that God is sovereign and in control of our lives. We believe he has given us everything we need for living. When stress tries to dominate our lives, it could mean that somewhere along the way we have lost our ability to trust in God. It doesn’t mean that we will live in a stress-free existence in Christ. No, far from it.

Stress and anxiety for a Christian can take on many different shapes and forms. Stress will wear us down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So, we need to arm ourselves with a plan for dealing with it.

Let me make a suggestion on how Christians can deal with stress in a healthy way. First, turn to God in prayer. By talking to the Lord about our situations, helps us from being overwhelmed.

When we're overcome with anxiety, stress, and loss, more than ever, we need to turn to God. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. The Bible recommends taking everything to him in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse in Philippians offers the comforting promise that as we pray, our minds will be protected by an inexplicable peace.

God also promises to give us peace beyond our ability to understand. He promises to create beauty from the ashes of our lives as we discover that hope comes from loss and joy springs from times of brokenness and suffering. (See Isaiah 61:1-4).

Stay Calm, breathe deep, talk to God and live in His Peace that passes all our understanding.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

Praying For Our Unsaved Love Ones

6/6/2021

Today, more than ever, we need to pray for our unsaved loved ones. In these days of uncertainty, fast-paced changes in the culture, and events of the end times rolling out right before our eyes, there is a quickening of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, waiting on the Lord to act is sometimes hard to do, but we must realize that He is the one in charge, and He always has the perfect timing for all things. So, what do we do, about reaching our loved ones? We have to admit that we can’t do it, because it’s God’s job to save them, and we pray. I want to give you some very important things to do if we want to see their lives transformed.

We need to pray that God draws them to Himself. In John 6:44 (ESV), Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” Salvation is the work of God, not man. No one can come unless the Holy Spirit first draws him or her. We need to pray that God initiates regeneration in the life of the unbelievers by drawing them to Himself.

Next, we need to pray that our loved ones would seek to know God. Matthew 7:7 shows us Jesus promised that those who seek will find Him. God promises us that He’s not far from anyone, including the lost.

Then, we need pray that God would send someone to reach out to our unsaved family and friends. Jesus explicitly tells us to pray for laborers. Matthew 9:37–38 (ESV) says, “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Our prayers, can mobilize the feet of fresh witnesses, to reach our loved ones, because sometimes they may need to hear the Gospel from someone else besides us.

We also need to pray that Satan would be prevented from blinding them to the truth. There is a real spiritual battle going on. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul warns, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” The minds of the unbelievers need a refreshing so they can come to understand and accept the truth.

Romans 10:1 (ESV) says, “Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” As we pray, for them to believe in Christ as their Savior, we can trust in Jesus to extended an offer of salvation to whomever would believe.

Remember, John 5:24 (ESV), tells us, “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.”

So, please begin to pray (I know many of you have been praying all along) that our unsaved loved ones would hear the word and believe.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

Discovering Our Christian Values – Being Kind

5/19/2021

As we continue to spend time discovering the Christian values that change our lives, let’s look at “Being Kind.”

Colossians 3:12 (ESV) says, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

Today, we live in a culture that increasingly emphasizes self, instead of pleasing God with all our hearts. It’s easy to lose sight of the important role that kindness plays in our interaction with others. Along with loving others comes the Christian principle of caring for them, and of being compassionate.

From helping the poor and those in need to holding the door for someone, kindness is simple. It’s one of the values of a Christ-filled heart.

The Bible tells us to be kind because God is kind to us. In Ephesians 4:32 (ESV), “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Did you notice in this passage that it mentions to be kind first. This is because Paul explicitly tells the church in Ephesus to be kind and focus not merely on being helpful but being kind-hearted to everyone.

We can also read other passages in the Bible that remind us to be kind to one another. In Galatians 5:22 (ESV), it says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Kindness is listed here as the fruit of the Spirit alongside love, joy, peace, patience/forbearance, goodness, and faithfulness. This means that it is a very important gift that God has given to us and it also means we should follow because Jesus Christ has all these traits, Himself.

We are reminded that Jesus Christ is kind as we read the Bible, specifically in Matthew 8:1-4 when Jesus heals a man with leprosy. The man had not felt the touch of another human being with love or kindness in a very long time. The character of Jesus shows that He extended His kindness without hesitation. We, too, should react the same way.

We should be willing to be kind to our neighbors even if they are not kind to us. We should show the character of kindness just like our Lord Jesus Christ does in our daily actions.

Stay Safe And God Bless You,

Pastor Chuck

Living With Patience

5/14/2021

Patience and forbearance, is an important value we need to have and maintain in our Christian lives. Being in control of emotions (even our temper) and having patience when provoked is important. This is especially essential in a culture that is dominated by divisive debates and anger. It’s also important to be patient when waiting on God for the answer to our questions in life. With Jesus, the Christian core values of self-restraint and patience are absolutely attainable.

The Bible says in Psalm 75:2 (NASB), “When I select an appointed time, It is I who judge fairly.”

Waiting on God’s timing can be difficult at times. His timeline is not always aligned with the one we desire. Yet, his timing is always perfect, even though it can be hard to wait for it. We know God has a plan for our life, but we sometimes become anxious to move about it because it seems that God is taking His own time about it.

Waiting on God’s plans requires patience and faith. It’s in the waiting that our faith is forged in the fires of trials. In the waiting, we discover that God’s in charge and we can’t really make it on our own, or stay in His will.

Waiting is difficult, but the wait has a purpose for us, and God never does things accidentally. Everything He does has a purpose. So, it sometimes takes waiting on God to align the other pieces of His plan together and for us to get our hearts in the right place so we are ready to receive from Him.

There are some things we can do when we find ourselves in a season of waiting. Patience is really needed and God can help us with that very thing (it is a lesson He teaches us to do).

First, we need to pray. The number one way to find more patience in the wait is to pray. Approach God in prayer first and let prayer be your foundation and your guide. It might be difficult to go to prayer when you’re frustrated in the wait, but as you develop the dependence of prayer, you’ll find the waiting becomes easier. Please read Philippians 4:6-7.

Second, read your Bible. Maintaining a habit of staying in scripture keeps us grounded in God’s plans and promises. When you’re in that season of waiting, daily reminders of God’s faithfulness will sustain you and fill us with hope. Please read Romans 15:4.

Third, we need to surrender to God’s process of patience. My dear late friend Richard Barber used to tell me quite frequently that “Change is a Process,” and the only way to see change is to wait on God. When God is working a change in our life or carrying us through a particular challenge, it may take time to fully work through the process. We need to stop battling against the process and surrender to God’s work in our heart by submitting to His timeline and process. Please read Psalm 37:5-8.

Fourth, we need to consider the lessons we are learning during the times of waiting. What are we learn? What is God showing us? Are there sins that need repentance? Are there stubborn habits we need to get rid of or change? When realize there may be things that God wants us to reflect on, good and bad, the waiting period is a good time to set our house in order. Please read Romans 5:3-5.

Fifth, remember to focus on the blessings. Concentrate on finding joy and blessing where we are right now. Find the blessings that already surround us, even when things seem hard, because the blessings are there. Be encouraged. Please read Philippians 4:8.

Please have patience and lean into God more than ever during your waiting seasons. Remember to trust in God, and be thankful for His faithfulness as He leads us into where and what is next for each of us, and to find the answers to our questions.

Stay Safe And God Bless You,

Pastor Chuck

Discovering Our Christian Values - Peace

4/7/2021

As we continue to look at Christian values that change our lives, today I want to focus on Peace. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Peace is something talked about by the world but there never seems to be a secular solution to the issue. We can look around at the unrest in countries all around the globe and can see that the world doesn’t offer much peace. The world can’t give it to us because the world doesn’t know the One who is peace.

But for those who have the Spirit of peace within us, the peace of Christ is possible, no matter our circumstances. John 14:27 (ESV) tells us, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”

We can reject the chaos the world brings and embrace God’s peace. I’m sure that all of us, at one time or another have been in situations that are highly stressful and peace is not reigning in the moment. Have you ever said a prayer or cried out to God and a peace comes in and settles your heart right in the midst of the trouble? You find yourself calm while the storm is raging all around and you are amazed about the quiet feeling you’re experiencing. This has happened many times in my life.

This is exactly what Philippians 4:7-9 (ESV) is talking about, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Jesus proclaims a peace to us that goes beyond our human intellect and understanding. We need to choose to rejoice in God and who He is, and tell Him all our worries, fears, and concerns in prayer. Then we can fill our minds with God’s truth and choose to think about the things of God. Let peace reign in your heart and mind today; God has got you covered.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

Experiencing Joy In Our Christian Life - Part 2

3/27/2021

In my last I post said, Have you ever asked yourself the question: "How can I experience joy in my Christian life?" I have repeatedly been asked that question by many people over the years and it is a valid question. Well, the answer is Yes.”

We experience joy by communing with God through prayer. We experience joy by keeping our focus on God and godly concepts rather than on difficult circumstances or discontentment.

Jesus also gave us some instructions regarding joy. In John chapter 15 He talked about abiding in Him and obeying Him.

He said in John 15:9–11 (ESV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

One of the keys to joy is living in obedience to God. Some people think that obedience to God means a loss of freedom and fun, but that is the devil’s lie. Obedience from the heart to our gracious God results in great joy. As the Apostle John put it in 1 John 4:3 (ESV), “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

Another way to experience joy in the Christian life is through community by working together. God gave Elijah rest and then sent a man, Elisha, to help him in 1 Kings 19:19–21. We also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with us as it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.

With our fellow believers, we hold firm to our faith, trusting in the character of God. We also encourage one another. Other Christians help remind us of truth, carry our burdens with us, and strengthen us to continue on. Life can be lonely and discouraging without people to share it with, but it is especially so when God is lacking in the equation.

Joy is meant to be a trademark of the Christian life. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a gift of God. The best way we can receive this gift is when we focus on the truth of who God is, commune with Him through prayer, and rely on the community of believers He has provided.

Blessings and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Experiencing Joy In Our Christian Life – Part 1

3/3/2021

The Bible has a lot to say about joy. The Apostle Paul tells us that one of the most important Judeo-Christian values is “joy.” Merriam-Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.”

More specifically, though, joy is a contentedness that comes from having faith in God, even as chaos and difficulties rage. Only Jesus is enough and this is one of the Christian core values that sustains believers even in their time of need.

When I think of joy in my life (besides my sister Joy of course, (sorry I had to say it), I think of rejoicing. In Philippians 4:4 (ESV) we are told to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Have you ever asked yourself the question: "How can I experience joy in my Christian life?"

I have repeatedly been asked that question by many people over the years and it is a valid question. Well, the answer is Yes.”

Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be a part of every Christian’s life. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, produced by God’s work in us, and it is part of God’s will for us.

We know that even the most mature of God’s people experience periods of joylessness.

For instance, Job wished he had never been born in Job 3:11 (ESV), “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire?”

In Psalm 55:6–8, David prayed to be taken away to a place where he would not have to deal with reality.

Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from heaven in 1 Kings 18:16–46. Then in 1 Kings 19:3–5, he fled into the desert and asked God to take his life.

If these men struggled, how can we experience consistent joy in the Christian life?

The first thing is to realize that joy is a gift from God. The root word for joy in the Greek is “chara,” which is closely related with the Greek “charis” for “grace.” Joy is both a gift of God as well as a response to the gifts of God. Joy comes when we are aware of God’s grace and delight in His favor.

With this in mind, it’s evident that one way to experience joy is to focus on God. Rather than dwelling on our difficulties or those things robbing our contentment, we can dwell on God. This is not to say we should deny our discontent or stuff negative emotions.

If we follow the example of many of the psalmists, we can pour out our hearts to God. We can tell Him bluntly all the things that ail us. But then we submit those things to Him, remember who He is, and are happy in Him because we find real joy.

To help you further look at our joy, take some time today and read Psalms 3, 13, 18, 43, and 103 are good examples. Also read Philippians 4:4–8 and remember that the book of Philippians has much to say about joy, even though Paul wrote the epistle from prison. Even in prison Paul was able to truly rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ.

So remember to rejoice and gain the joy of the Lord starting today.

We will look at Part 2 of Experiencing Joy In Our Christian Life next week as we continue to our study on “Discovering Our Christian Values.”

Blessings and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Discovering Our Christian Values

2/20/2021

I want to spend a little time looking at Christian values that change our lives. Jesus makes it clear in the Bible that the two most essential commandments are to love God and love others. These Christian values are at the center of the New Testament and serve as a general guide for how Christians should live and behave. But beyond these general parameters, Paul writes in Galatians about Judeo Christian values worth exploring.

Galatians chapter five explains the most essential and core Christian values in detail. Galatians 5:22-26 (ESV) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a Christian. Having Christ in our life and heart should yield noticeable changes in the lives of believers. Today, let’s explore the Christian value of Love.

Romans 12:9-10 (ESV) reads, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

When we’re looking at Christian values, we first want to discuss one that Jesus himself calls us to is “love.” Love for God and love for others is not only evidence for the presence of Christ in one’s life, but it also holds the power to transform a person’s existence.

Love is selfless and it includes caring for others and their wellbeing. It’s also an emotion that people express for one another in different ways, such as for family, friends, and most importantly for God. It’s also one that He expresses back to us, His creation.

Remember to find time in your busy schedule to share true Love with others in your life and let God know how much you love Him.

Blessings And Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Daily Miracles

2/10/2021

When we think about the Apostle Paul’s conversion to Christ it was definitely a great example of the gospel’s power.

His transformation was so complete that his life totally changed. At the core of his being, Paul moved from an enemy of the cross to an advocate for Jesus. Besides writing about two-thirds of the New Testament, several missionary journeys, and facing all types of adversity, the Lord used him as a great worker of miracles.

Look at what Acts 19:11-12 (ESV) says about Paul, “And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.”

When we hear about miraculous healing or hear testimonies about them today, let’s remember that they advance the gospel and bring spiritual healing at the same time as physical, mental, and emotional healing. As we pray for miracles of healing and other needs, and rebuking the enemy’s forces in the lives of individuals, pray for both the person and the gospel to be advanced. Because these things will always go hand-in-hand with what God has called us to do.

Blessings And Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

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