Blog Posts

Accepting Reality And Trusting In God As A Christian

1/20/2021

Many people are optimistic when they start their day, others are not. Those that are not, usually focus on themselves and their circumstance; not expecting anything different than the same old grind in life. Some find themselves questioning God on whether His hand is really over our lives, or are we just drifting through life without purpose, living in fear of the unexpected or unknown. I’ve even heard some people say, “Does God even really know what He’s doing?

When we take the focus off of ourselves, others and events, and place it on God, we allow God to use the current difficulties we face as a life lesson to learn what will benefit us. We need to accept the reality that we do not have control of the universe and trust that our Father in heaven does have control of the universe, and that He only wants good things for us. Then we can step back and look at what we are being called to do in order to find peace in the present.

Let’s look at some things that will help us to accept reality and to trust in God as a Christian.

First, we need to agree that God is in control and not man. Psalm 113:5-6 (NASB) says, Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who looks far down to the heavens and the earth?”

There are times when the Lord allows our plans to go off course to remind us that we aren’t in control. It’s easier to look at people and accuse them of messing with our agendas when this happens. I believe, that perhaps God is allowing difficulty to get our attention to the real work He is doing within us.

We should come to trust in God in spite of the circumstances around us. Remember what Romans 8:28 (NASB) tells us, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Feeling overwhelmed at our circumstances may cause us to doubt that God is really working on our behalf when life feels unpredictable. These are the times that God is most at work in our lives by building a relationship of trust with us. When we trust in God with all our hearts, even during our difficult times, and remain patient, we can learn to see the direction our lives are moving in.

James 1:2-3 (NASB) tell us to, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” This verse is telling us to expect our faith to be tested by God. It’s not usually a lot of fun to have our faith tested. We can find ourselves stretched beyond what we thought we could have ever done before. It’s sometimes hard to realize that we are human and cannot always understand God’s plan for our lives. When this happens, we need to draw strength from His word that the testing is building our perseverance and faith into a greater maturity in our Christian walk.

When we honestly confess our weaknesses to Jesus it can remind us that God is in control, and helps us to submit to his ways. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB) says, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” We trade out weakness for Christ’s strength.

When we pray according to the Word of God, our faith is strengthened so we can follow where the Lord is leading us. Hebrews 4:12 (NASB) explains, “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” It’s essential for believers in Christ to know that God’s Word purifies our hearts so we can understand and see the path He wants us to walk on, and how we should live.

When we begin our days, we should be ready with an attitude of expectancy that God is in control of every part of our day. This is a choice we make by allowing His will to direct our lives. As Christians we need to be ready and alert to switch to God’s plans for us each and every day. This will strengthen us in our weaknesses, grow us in the faith, and bring fresh grace as well as mercy for each new day.

Remember what Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB) says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” When we accept the reality that God is in control it drives us to trust in Him as a Christian.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

God Is In Control Of Everything And As Christians We Need Give God Control Of Our Lives.

1/16/2021

It seems like a simple thing to do, doesn’t it? Because when it comes down to it, God is in control of everything. But we often try to assert our own control and defy or disobey Him. Let me give you some ideas on how to relinquish that control and enrich our relationship with God.

1.         Talk To God.

God wants to spend time with us. Spend time talking to Him. Talk openly and freely about everything. Let Him know that you’re struggling to let go of control and invite Him to help you.

2.         Read The Bible.

When we read the scriptures, we get to know God. It makes perfect sense that the more we know someone, the more we learn their character. It’s easier to trust God when we know Him. Read the Bible. This is a great way to give God control of our lives because we learn more about Him and His nature.

3.         Listen To God.

The Lord speaks to us. However, it’s important that we listen to what He has to say. It’s important to hear the direction He will tell us through His Word and that still, small voice that He talks to us with. Sometimes He talks to us through the circumstances He brings into our lives. No matter what, listen to God.

4.         Remember To Thank God.

The Lord is so good. Even if we struggle with control, approach God with a thankful heart. Show Him gratitude for all He’s done for us. It’s easier to release control when we’re thankful for what He has done for us. Even if it’s the small things that we are not able to control; thank Him.

God loves us and He wants to help each one of us. Through reading the Bible, prayer, a listening ear, and a thankful heart, we can have victory over our need to control our lives. As we hand more over to Him, we will find peace and the clarity of God’s will for our life, and the amazing thing is He promises it.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

Opportunities For The New Year

1/9/2021

To encourage us for the New Year I want to share a few Christian quotes. Words that will help us live the year God has planned for us. May these words inspire you as much as they have inspired me.

“Let’s make one resolution this year: to anchor ourselves to God’s grace.”
Chuck Swindoll

“New Year’s Day is a good time to fix one’s eyes on the only One who knows what the year is to hold.”
Elisabeth Elliot

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”
Oswald Chambers

“This one simple act of beginning each day with God sets each day on the path of wisdom.”
Elizabeth George

“We’re most happy when we’re enjoying God and fulfilling His purpose for our life.”
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

“Enter the coming year with renewed hope in the power of God to do through you what you cannot.”
John MacArthur

“May your days ahead be greater than the days gone by. Wishing you all God’s best in the new year.”
Tony Evans

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
Jim Elliot

Blessings and Have a Safe and Blessed New Year,

Pastor Chuck

Looking Forward: Closing Out The Old – Opening Up The New

12/31/2020

As we close out 2020 and begin the 2021 New Year, it’s the time we begin to make all of our plans and set all of our goals for the upcoming year. This is also a time to tie up whatever loose ends we have. It’s always good to go into the new year with confidence, grace, and healed hearts.

One of the most difficult things about changing seasons is leaving the past behind us and moving forward to what lies ahead of us next. Philippians 3:13 (ESV) says. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”

This can be hard to do, especially if we’ve had a hard year and are struggling to feel positive about what might be next. And yet, even when things have been just as we like it, we can be uncertain of the coming season of life. A common question that comes to mind is, “Will the new year threaten the peace and happiness we’ve come to enjoy?” Looking forward to the future means looking into the unknown.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” So, instead of allowing anxiety to set in, remember that through Christ, all things are possible. That means that no matter what 2020 held for us, Christ is able to walk alongside us to help move our lives forward for whatever is in store for us next.

This doesn’t mean that we should push our feelings and thoughts aside in an attempt to hurry and get over them for the sake of a new year. We should be willing to let allow Christ to reign and rule over our lives. We can do this by submitting to his authority and His plan for us, and trusting in Him to help us in whatever way we need it.

This is a good time for us to think through our life in 2020. We can take note of the condition of our heart right now, and why it’s in the current shape that it’s in (good or bad). Then, ask God to make His survey of us. When we open our heart wide for Him, laying the year 2020 at His feet, we can walk with Him, to the place that He has for us in 2021.

Have A Happy New Year,

Pastor Chuck

A Christmas Present, Delayed

12/27/2020

I happened upon this story and thought I would include it in my blog this week. I can really see the importance of love and friend ship in the family God gives us.

A Quote: “Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.”

I was ten the summer my dad helped me buy my first ten-speed bicycle from Reverend Allen. I put up $60 of my grass cutting and snow shoveling money, and my dad put up the other half. I would pay him back in installments over the next six months. Although it was the kind of bike you’d expect a minister to have (dull silver, slightly worn, no baseball cards in the spokes), it was my ticket to the adult world.

I spent that summer and autumn riding as if to put Greg LeMond to shame. My sister Liz, a prisoner of her five-speed and banana seat, never had a chance to keep up. We’d always been stuck with hand-me-downs from our older brothers and sisters, a few of whom had notoriously bad taste in bikes. Now, however, I was able to ride to every corner of town, sometimes even as far as the beach. In those heady days before one acquires a driver’s license, a good bike is a magic carpet.

Just before the Christmas deadline to pay my dad back, we were hit with several snowstorms. This allowed me to shovel enough driveways to pay off my debt. I was now officially a bike owner; it was a feeling unlike any other.

It’s important to note that while my mom and dad were fantastic parents, they couldn’t be trusted with the awesome responsibility of buying appropriate Christmas presents. They were too quick to pass off gloves, sneakers, and shirts as “presents.” And while we might say a prayer over the Baby Jesus in the manger on our way to church, He seemed too busy at this time of year to leave presents under the tree. We outsourced our requests for the really good presents to Santa.

For her family of seven kids, my mom developed a system in which she decorated the outside of seven large boxes with different types of wallpaper. We each had our own box that contained six or so presents, and we’d close our eyes and reach in to grab one when it was our turn. This cut down on hours of wrapping and satisfied my dad’s Naval sense of order.

The downside was we opened one present at a time so everyone could “appreciate” each other’s gifts. Neither Liz nor I “appreciated” this system because we went last. After the obligatory “oohs” and “aahs,” each of us held up our present for family review, a process that averaged about five minutes or so. This meant Liz and I had to wait about forty-five minutes between each present, so patience was in short supply—when one of us pulled out a belt or package of underwear, we seethed the entire time.

My dad, a master showman, liked to keep a few of Santa’s better presents for the end. On that fateful Christmas morning, he gave me a used portable record player. I was ecstatic—I was finally untethered from the “family stereo” that all of us fought over.

Alas, my elation was short-lived after my dad called my sister to the kitchen. “We have one more gift for you,” he said as he opened the door that led to the garage. There, on the steps, stood a brand new ten-speed Schwinn. I didn’t hear her screams of joy—all I could hear was the sputtering engine of the lawnmower, the endless scraping of the metal snow shovel on concrete. I’d endured far too many hours of indentured servitude for my used bike; that Santa could give Liz this sparkling machine less than a week later was a sign that he was losing his touch. Could Mrs. Claus be putting something in his food?

I slumped onto the floor. My ten-speed chariot had turned into a pumpkin in the time it took my sister to hop on the gleaming leather seat.

“Let’s go for a ride, Rob!” she sang, my dad holding the bike upright as she put her feet on the pedals.

“Too snowy to ride,” I muttered, pushing the record player farther away from me. The symbolism seemed lost on my dad.

I seethed for the rest of the day, then the rest of the week. My dad was not someone to whom we complained about presents (not if we ever wanted to see another, anyway). Santa always seemed to lose interest after Christmas, rarely accepting returns or trade-ins. That left the Baby Jesus, but He wasn’t answering my prayers—I could tell because Liz’s bike had yet to crumble into a pile of rust flakes.

After a few weeks of watching me pout, my dad finally pulled me aside. “Everything okay?”

“It’s not fair,” I whined. “I worked so hard for my bike, and it’s not even new. Then Liz gets a brand new bike as soon as I make the final payment. She didn’t have to do anything for it.”

My dad smiled. “She didn’t have to do anything for it because it’s not really for her,” he said, and then left the room.

What did that mean? I didn’t want her bike—it had the girly bar that sloped down to the ground and a flowery white basket on the handlebars. I could turn it in for a new set of action figures, I figured, but she’d been on it every day since Christmas—no way they’d let me take it back now. I eventually got over it, chalking it up to elf error (the naughty and nice list can be cumbersome).

By spring Liz and I were riding all over town together now that she could keep up. Sure, I’d lose her on the steep slopes, but I always let her catch up when we went downhill. Initially, the youngest children in a large family form a bond out of necessity—older siblings can be taxing, and there are only so many locked doors one can hide behind. Sometimes, you need someone else in the foxhole with you.

As we grew, Liz and I became true friends. We biked down to swim at the local pool, then put in seven miles to take the free town tennis lessons together. We planned secret parties when my parents went on trips and played a game of “Who can leave less gas in the tank” when we finally got our drivers’ licenses. I relied on her to put names to faces when we were at parties, and she treated my best friends as her personal dating service. We ended up at the same college, and even graduated the same year.

Still, I wasn’t smart enough to figure out what my dad meant until years later. That brand new bike was not a gift for Liz—it was a gift for me. He’d given me the gift of my sister’s company, the ability to stay together rather than drift apart in the face of my ability to travel. He gave me my best friend.

It’s a gift I’ve treasured every day since.

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

Christmas Memories With My Mother

12/9/2020

I have always loved Christmas and everything about it. Growing up we didn’t have a lot of things and very little money. Mom raised the last five of her eight kids by herself, even after becoming disabled from working two jobs to support us.

Many of our gifts came from the secondhand stores and a few little things we could purchase for a dollar (per kid) at Kress’ Five and Dime Store. I love that old two-story building and a basement in downtown Stockton, California with its vast amounts of rich real wood paneling and polished staircases. The decorated city buses were all free to ride for shopping and blared Christmas music from speaker horns mounted on their tops.

We had an old, used artificial tree that was decorated with handmade items and a few bulbs and lights that mom picked up at Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul’s and the Salvation Army. We made popcorn garland, paper chain garland, tinsel made from strips of aluminum foil, and of course mom’s favorite “angel hair” made of spun glass. With all of those decorations it looked like a real tree.

On Christmas Eve, we would have Lipton Tea with little homemade cookies, watch Christmas movies on our little Black & White TV, and stay up until midnight. When it officially became Christmas mom would let us open our gifts.

There are so many stories I could tell you about those times, but what stands out in my mind is that mom loved us, she kept our family together, she took care of us, she sacrificed for us, and did everything she could possibly do to make our Christmas the best ever.

Plus, most of all, she always let us know that the reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus Christ left His home in Heaven and came down to this Earth, as a little baby, so that one day he could redeem us from the power of sin and death. Through mom’s sacrifice for us, we learned of Christ’s sacrifice for us and His great gift of Eternal Life.

Thank you, Mama for your love and gift of Life, and thank you Jesus for your gift of Eternal Life.

Merry Christmas, I Love You Mom, See You In Heaven Some Day,

Love, Chuck

The picture of Mom (B. Ellen Jones Seielstad Feemster) is from the early 1940's.

Christmas Fun Facts

12/5/2020

In starting off the month of December and the Christmas Holiday, I thought it would be interesting to share some Christmas season fun facts.

1.         Christmas Celebrates The Birth Of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is an annual Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The 25th day of December was chosen to mark His birthday many years after His death, resurrection and ascension. This important Christian holiday is celebrated by Christians all over the world.

2.         Christmas Trees Were First Used By Ancient Egyptians And Romans.

The origin or the use of Christmas trees goes way back to ancient Egyptians and Romans. They used evergreen trees like fir or pine trees, wreaths, and garlands. The use of modern Christmas trees started in Germany in the 16th century. The German tradition of candlelit Christmas trees was first brought to America in the 1800s. Instead of the beautiful decorations that we see on them today, they were decorated with fruits and nuts.

3.         The Baby Jesus Was The First To Receive Some Wonderful Gifts At Christmas
When He Was Born.

When Jesus was born, a bright star shone in the sky. Three kings followed this star and made a long journey to the birthplace of Jesus. They bore with them gifts of gold, frankincense (aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes), and Myrrh (a natural gum or resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species used for perfume, incense and medicine as an analgesic).

4.         The Christmas Wreath Is A Symbol Of Love And Eternal Life.

The Christmas wreath is representative of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. Eventually, the colors of Christmas: red, green, and gold were added. Red is said to represent the blood of Jesus, green is supposed to symbolize life, and gold stands for royalty and light. And the evergreen foliage used to make Christmas wreaths symbolizes the continuity of life and nature even in the darkest days of winters.

5.         Alabama Was The First State In The US To Have Recognized Christmas
As An Official Holiday.

Alabama was the first state in the US to recognize Christmas as a holiday in the year 1836. I imagine that you didn’t know this, but you know it now. If you are curious to know about the last state in the continental US to recognize the holiday, well here it is, it’s Oklahoma. Oklahoma recognized Christmas as a holiday in the year 1907.

6.         The Traditional Christmas Meal Is Not What You Think It Is.

The traditional Christmas meal in England before turkey or ham became the obvious choice of food for the holidays was a pig’s head covered with mustard. Wow, that's pretty wild.

Hope you enjoyed these fun facts.

Blessings and stay safe,

Pastor Chuck

What Are We Thankful For?

11/25/2020

What are we thankful for? What has God done for each of us that will cause us to show Him our gratitude? When I’ve asked those questions over the years in ministry I have received many different answers. The one answer that perplexes me and makes me concerned for individuals when they say, “I just can’t think of anything.”

I usually want to shout, “What are you saying?” But, instead I walk them through a conversation to help them remember what God has done.

Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-25 (ESV), “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”‬‬

If those verses can’t give us an answer, I don’t know what else will. We can be thankful that God is faithful to us and pours out His mercies on us.

Thanksgiving is the time of year that always brings me a sense of love, pride, humility and thankfulness. It’s a day set aside for us to spend time remembering and thanking the Lord for all that He has done for us in the past year, and actually our whole lives.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 (ESV), “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.”

In 1779 the United States Congress recognized this and proclaimed, “Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our forefathers to this western world…”

Despite all the craziness that has happened this year, we can still look back and be grateful for all that God has done for us. It has given us the opportunity to always remember to never neglect our gratitude towards the Lord during times of difficulty.

How often do we thank Him for what the different trials this year has brought? Do we find ourselves giving thanks to God during the tough times? Do we thank Him amidst the storms of life while we’re going through them?

Typically, we don’t, because we can tend to think only of ourselves. For example, just look at what happened to the disciples in Matthew 8:23-27.

Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV), “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

When we set aside special events or holidays and take one day to thank our Father and creator for His unwavering faithfulness and mercies; what are we doing the rest of the year?

This Thanksgiving season (as well as the whole next year) we all need to spend time in reflection on what the Lord has done for us. He has provided so much for us, and promises to continually do so, as long as we seek Him diligently. Matthew 6:33 (ESV) says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Also look at Romans 8:31-39.

God is an incredible and awe-inspiring God, so let’s live every day with that in mind. Over the next few days, I encourage each of us to spend some time in reflection, with a sense of gratitude for our Heavenly Father who has given us everything we need.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV), “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I am personally thankful each one of you and pray that God gives you a restful and peaceful holiday.

Stay safe and may God’s blessing pour out on you,

Pastor Chuck

Praying With The Names Of God – Part 2

11/14/2020

In my last blog post I mentioned the importance of praying the names of God.
Praying with the names of God, addressing Him personally, can be a wonderful reminder of His Holy attributes and a way of honoring and worshiping Him.

This week I want to share some additional reasons to pray with His names. Remember I’m not telling you how to pray, I’m just suggesting some ways to pray.

The second is Declaration.

Praying the names of God declares who He is and the mighty things He has done. When we feel weak, discouraged, or even tempted by the enemy, we can call upon the name of the Lord boldly, knowing He is mighty to save.

We can pray and declare who God is by addressing Him as the Lord God Almighty.
Tell Him there is no one like Him. Then go on to say “As Your word says, You are the great I AM. You are the Chief Cornerstone of my faith. There is no other foundation. There is no other way. For You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I worship You today and declare Your praise. In every area of my life, I know You are working to refine me and restore me. Thank You, Lord for being my Helper and my Friend. I will forever lift up Your name and declare who You are.”

The Third is Comfort.

Praying the names of God brings comfort to our weary souls. Just by speaking the names of the Lord aloud, a sense of peace washes over us by His Spirit. Throughout the Scriptures, we are given wonderful words of hope and joy. Turn your prayers into reminders of God’s steadfast love and be comforted today.

We can pray and remember the God of all comfort to heart, mind and spirit, Start by calling Him Father using words that bring us comfort. Let God know how we long to remain in His presence. Then say things like “In You, I find peace and rest. You truly are the God of all Comfort. You lead me to quiet pastures; You restore my soul. Please help me abide in You, the True Vine. I need Your loving protection to guard against the winds of change that blow. I need Your words of truth to settle my wandering heart. Thank You, Lord, for being my blessed hope. Thank You for being El-Roi, the God who sees. You are Faithful and True.”

The more we focus on praying God’s names the more comfortable it will feel for us and we will find ourselves praying more earnestly and relational.

Blessings and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Praying With The Names Of God - Part 1

11/7/2020

Whenever I’ve done a Bible study into the names of God, I’ve truly been amazed at all the awesome ways God is described throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. Each powerful and rich meaning makes it clear that the names of God not only point to who He is, but they also give us a clear picture of what He has done for us in the past, what He’s doing for us now, and He will do for us in the future.

I have always advocated for praying with the Scriptures to affirm what God has promised us. Praying with the names of God, addressing Him personally, can be a wonderful reminder of His Holy attributes. I have found it to be a way to honor and worship our Lord and it can bring real peace to our hearts. When we mention His different names in our prayers, it is both comforting and reassuring, especially in these times of uncertainty in the world.

Over the next several weeks I want to key in on this important time of our worship of God and give you some reasons why we should pray with His names. This isn’t just some pithy solution, its important to acknowledge the Savior of our souls and the things He has done for us.

I’ve been studying God’s names over the years, and recently I came across some really good reasons why we should pray with God’s name and some examples of how to do it, so please let me share them with you.

The first is Affirmation.

Praying the names of God brings affirmation (a confirmation) to our hearts, minds, and souls. As we all know, doubt creeps in and causes us to question the Lord we love. However, fear and doubt quickly dissipate when we focus on affirming our Lord and Savior.

Here is an example of how you can pray and affirm who God is:
“I know that You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. There is nothing that escapes your sovereignty. I can trust You in all things. Today, Lord, I bring all my fears and doubts to You. I lay them at Your feet. I ask that You affirm in my heart exactly who You are. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me the assurance that You are who You say you are. Forgive me of any doubts that I’ve allowed to enter my mind. I will continue to draw from your strength with a certainty that You are my Father in heaven. You are my Lord and Savior Lord Jesus. And You are my Prince of Peace.”

Continue to read your Bible, talk to God, and pour out your needs, questions, frustrations, and the desires of your heart.

Blessings and stay safe,

Pastor Chuck

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