Blog Posts

God Is Bigger Than Impossible Circumstances

7/26/2020

I know that some days the will to keep on fighting the battle of faith feels almost impossible. It seems that we face impossible circumstances that makes us wonder if we will come out on the other side unscathed, or at all. But two things can keep us in the fight:

The first is the finish line where the glory of Christ awaits us for eternity. We will receive the prize that comes with winning, and we have a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

The second is the amazing truth that Christ has already won this battle for us. As his children, we simply need to hold firmly to Jesus. Romans 8:37 (ESV), “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

I’ve heard some people ask: Even though we are assured of victory in Christ, how do we persevere day to day when the reality of our trials makes us feel far from victorious? What do we do when our circumstances seem more like a hindrance to serving the Lord and living our life to the fullest?

It makes me wonder if we sometimes feel that our life has taken a detour, derailing our plans and leaving us unsure, or even afraid, of what your future may hold. Or maybe we were pursuing a goal, dream, or ministry opportunity when a devastating diagnosis, or a strained relationship, or some crazy pandemic scare has temporarily shut the door on where we thought God was leading us.

Perhaps the loss of a loved one has sent us spiraling into unpredictable waves of grief, leaving us paralyzed and unsure of how to keep moving. There are countless circumstances that can leave us perplexed, afraid of the future, and feeling powerless to improve our situation.

However, despite how helpless we may feel in these moments, we are never truly helpless, and it’s never a surprise to God. In fact, it’s in these very moments that we are driven into a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty, goodness, faithfulness, and power, and have the opportunity to watch Him work in ways that only He can.

I believe these two Scripture passages will help us to remember that our God is bigger than any circumstance or impossible situation.

Psalm 18:6 (ESV), “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

Psalm 18:16-19 (ESV), “He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.”

God’s blessings on you, and remember He is bigger than any situation or hurt you will or may have faced.

Pastor Chuck

The God Of All Comfort

7/11/2020

Have you felt so overwhelmed with the situations in our lives that we just want to cry (and maybe we do cry)? Maybe it’s the loss of a job, or the loss of a loved one, or maybe you just feel lonely; there are many areas that cause us to need consideration. I know we have all experienced the feeling of being let down and we just need some loving comfort and compassion.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is called the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” In His mercy and love, God is eager to provide comfort to His children in any and all circumstances.

Whatever the trial we face, our Heavenly Father knows the situation and offers comfort as we need it. The fact that He is the God of all comfort teaches us that all comfort ultimately comes from Him. He is our source of peace and happiness and blessing.

2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV) says, “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

The comfort we Christians receive flows through us to others so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves have receive from God. Like grace, comfort is an active, powerful gift, to not merely be received, but to also actively share with others, supernaturally multiplied to advance God’s kingdom as it says in Matthew 25:14–30.

And so the Bible commends those who are with people in trouble, such as those who are sick or in prison, whether or not we can change their circumstances as it says in Matthew 25:36–40. In bringing comfort to those in trouble, we glorify God by giving a glimpse of how He comforts people who are in distress.

The Holy Spirit who is our Paraclete (also Parakletos, a verbal adjective) is rendered from the Greek as “Comforter,” “Counselor,” or “Helper” in different Bible translations. The Holy Spirit is who, and how Jesus keeps His promise to always be with us as the God of all comfort.

One meaning of the Greek root word “para” is “close beside.” All three Persons of the Trinity live with, and in believers, and is very close to us. See John 14:17, 22

As a result, no past, present, or future distress can separate us from God and His love for us in Christ as it says in Romans 8:35. We are not only comforted in our troubles, but we are “more than conquerors” in them. Also read Romans 8:30-39.

We need to turn our worries into prayers because the God of peace will be with us. He can heal the brokenhearted and calm the storms of our hearts and minds.

Next, read Philippians 4:6–9. I know I’m giving a lot of Scripture references today, but it is important that we hear this from God. He is the one who promises us, peace, victory, compassion and comfort and we see it in his Word.

In the end, when we finally leave the temporary troubles of this life and enter the permanent joy of the next, our Heavenly Father will forever comfort each one of us, and wiping away every tear as it says in Isaiah 25:8 and Revelation 21:4.

Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Jesus will welcome us into a world where comfort is no longer needed because there is no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. We will enjoy the God of all comfort forever.

Looking at the Scriptures I started off with, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) says, “Praise to the God of All Comfort Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Be comforted, be safe and may God richly bless you,

Pastor Chuck

God Desires To Transform Our Heart

6/28/2020

Why does our heart need to be transformed from our old sinful nature to seek after the heart of God? Our hearts need to be changed so we can have a relationship with Him. It causes a radical change within us. Only a transformed heart can help others desire to transform their hearts as well.

What will help us see this transformation take place is to pray confidently for our own hearts, knowing we are asking according to His will, and that He hears us, and will grant us our requests. Let me give you three things to pray and ask God for today.

1.         Please Give Us A Discerning Heart.

The human heart needs discernment between good and evil and truth and lies, but there’s a third area that’s also important, as John reminds us in 1 John 1:8-10. We need discernment to recognize our own sin. We’re often very good at pointing out the speck in others, while missing the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3-5). With a discerning heart, we humbly examine ourselves for faults and failures, knowing our propensity to overestimate our personal righteousness.

1 John 1:5-6 (ESV) says, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

2.         Please Give Us A Willing Heart.

God desires not only that we obey Him, but that we want to obey Him, so much so that He Himself gives us both the will and the ability to do what He asks us to do. Obedience is important to God because it reveals that our heart has been changed by His indwelling Spirit. Our formerly dead spirits have been brought to life (Ephesians 2:1-7).

A willing heart is only possible when we surrender our whole heart to the Lord, leaving no hidden corners or closed-off places where we are reluctant for Him to have full access and control. Full obedience comes from a fully surrendered heart, and full surrender is necessary for God to change our stubborn hearts into a willing heart.

What does a willing heart look like? Jesus gave us the perfect example as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion. He had humbly given up His heavenly glory to be born as a human (Philippians 2:6-8), experienced all the temptations of our world, yet without sinning Himself (Hebrews 4:15), and now faced a terrible physical death and separation from the Father as He took on our sin (1 Peter 3:18). In all of this, His prayer was, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). That’s a willing heart that only comes from the Spirit of God.

3.         Please Give Us A Loving Heart.

Love is a defining and compelling trait that sets Christians apart from the world. Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by the way we love one another as believers (John 13:35). Real love can only come from God, because God is love (1 John 4:7-8). Truly loving others is possible only as we ourselves know and experience God’s love for us. As we abide in His love, it spills out into our relationships with both other believers and the unsaved (1 John 4:16).

1 John 3:11 (ESV), “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”

Philippians 1:9-10 (ESV), “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

When we ask God to change the condition of our heart as needed in these three areas, He will do it. Pray confidently, knowing it is His will, because He hears us, and He will answer.

Reconciliation In Love

6/21/2020

Reconciliation results from remembering and obeying God’s Word. The entire Bible is a manual of relationships in life. It shows us how to live in right relationship with God and to other people, which also happens to be the two greatest commandments.

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV), “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Bible explains why we are alienated from God (our sin), and how we can be reconciled to God through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It tells us how to maintain a close walk with God through daily faith, obedience, and repentance.

It explains why we are alienated from one another (same reason: our sin) and how to be reconciled to one another through following God’s commandments in all our relationships. To reverse the cycle, we need to experience God’s love personally, and in our families as we submit to His Word by correcting our mindset and behavior.

There is a basic pattern that seems to apply to most broken relationships in one way or another. Remember, sometimes the hurt is done unintentionally. One person wrongs the other person. That person retaliates with anger or resentment, or in some other way to even the score. Instead of humbling themselves before God, asking for His forgiveness, and then asking forgiveness of the other party, both sides begin blaming each other. The increasing blame and anger create further distance and alienation.

When the break in relations is not reconciled, at the bottom of the whole cycle is the root sin of pride. Let me mention something here, sometimes relationships don’t get fixed, because someone is unwilling to forgive. Our goal as Christians is to have a ministry of reconciliation as it talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.

As we can be reconciled to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, we too can be reconciled with each other. I do want to encourage you that sometimes the other party is unwilling to make things right between the two of you. The most important thing to do is first reconcile with God, forgiving yourself and others in the situation, then God can work on their hearts.

Reconciliation will result from obedience to God love. When the bitterness of past alienation between fathers, mothers, children, brothers, sisters, other family members and friends is healed, their hearts are reunited in love.

If we obey God’s Word by dealing with our sin, our pride, our anger and hurts, we will be reconciled with others. When you begin to obey God by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit towards others, and by setting an example of walking with God, He will bring healing into your relationships. It may not happen all at once, but it will begin.

Ephesians 5:2 (ESV), “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Remember to walk in, and demonstrate God’s love to others.

Blessings and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Staying Calm In A Crisis - jesus calms the storms of life

6/13/2020

I just want to give you a word of encouragement today. Whatever you are facing, or struggling with right now, do your best to stay calm as you move through it.

Because at any moment, things come up that we don’t expect, so just remember, we can always trust in The Lord to be above all situations and pressures in this life. We can put our confidence in Jesus, even when the words and actions of others fail us. Jesus will never fail us.

In my life I have seen some huge storms that cause a lot of damage. People tend to find a safe place to hide when the weather turns bad. Can you imagine what happens to a ship that is out on the ocean or a boat that is on a lake and the wind begins to blow and the waves get so high there is a real danger of the vessel capsizing, and there is no place to hide? They have to ride out the storm and go through it.

What happens when the storms of life rise up and threaten to tear you away from your very foundation? The same thing happened to Jesus when he was on the Sea of Galilee. It says in Mark 4:39 (NIV), “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

This is so true; just like the storms on the sea of water, Jesus calms the storms in our lives. We can stay calm, in the midst of our fears, as we call out to God. When everything else is sinking sand, He is the only solid rock on which we can stand. We need to stay calm, and call out to Jesus. In the crazy times, it might feel like our lives are being shaken but He is not shaken. He’s the firm foundation and the strong tower into that which we can run.

The message of the Christian faith is actually that He calms us. Not that we calm ourselves down, but Christ is the one who does the calming. We can be calm not in our own merit but as we remind ourselves that we are already accepted and approved because of what He did for us on the cross.

He laid all our sins on Himself. On Him all of our guilt and shame was placed. We can be calm because as we remember that He’s done all of the work for us. The Gospel quiets our hearts and calms our minds because we know that we are accepted because of what He’s done.

Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV) tells us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

We can enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise to abide in a safe place while we move through our storms. Be brave, fear not, and push through until we get to the end. Because in the end there is God; just like in the beginning.

So, stay calm, and carry on.

God’s blessings on you!

Pastor Chuck

The Great And Awesome Promises Of God

5/30/2020

God promises those who are His people that they can depend upon Him in all circumstances and at all times. The Bible tells us that God does not change in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV), “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Since we know this, what makes us think that He will do anything less for us than He did for those of ancient times?

God told Jacob in Genesis 28:15 (ESV), “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

He told Moses when faced by the powerful Egyptian army in Exodus 14:13 (ESV), “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.”

He tells us today in Matthew 6:34 (ESV), “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

When we trust Him, believe what He tells us, and know with a certainty that God cares for us and that He will take care of us; we can be certain that He will do it, just like He did yesterday, just like He will do today, and just like He will tomorrow.

I have to tell you that I sometimes have anxiety about my needs and worry tries to creep in about the uncertainty of tomorrow. However, when these times come, we need to keep abiding in His Word and read about His great and awesome promises. When we see the history of His provisions for those in the past from Scripture, we can see and feel the stress just melt away. I know and believe beyond a shadow of doubt that God cares for us and will take care of us and our needs.

The promise of God is that He will not allow His children to beg for bread. He will care for our needs and that’s the promise you can claim. Since He took care of our greatest need at Calvary by giving us Christ, then you can be sure He will take care of everything else He considers important for us. Remember, God never leaves us or forsakes us, because He loves us.

Blessings and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Remember God Cares For Us

5/20/2020

When you read what Jesus said in Matthew 6:26-30 it becomes clear that God cares for His creation and all created things. There are many Bible verses in the Old and New Testament that show God does cares for His creation and cares for His creatures; the plants, birds, creeping things, animals, mammals, and the fish in the sea.

If you have been a Christian for even a short period of time you will realize that God provides for His creatures and cares for them. We also discover that we are of much greater value to Him than they are, and that we’re commanded to stop worrying about our needs.

We have no reason to be anxious about His care for us because Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:26 (ESV) “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

God cares for us more than His created creatures. Since He makes sure they are fed, don’t we believe He will care for us since we’re of a much higher value to Him than they are? I’ve said before that when we have anxieties come upon us, and we all will, then we are should be “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you,” as it says in 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV). This means “all” of our anxieties, not just some of them.

Let’s face it, it’s easier to say but so very hard to do. If you’re worried about anything at all try to think of the creatures of the earth. I was recently talking to someone who is living on their savings account right now because of the economy, but they are trusting in God. Trust me, I know what that is like.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 (ESV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Remember, God loves you and He will take care of you.

Blessings and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Breaking The Natural Tendency Toward Anxiety

5/13/2020

I understand that this is a stressful time in the world and many people are worried about what is going to happen next. Have you ever noticed that many people today have a natural tendency to look beyond today, and stress about tomorrow? The problem is, we can’t control or do anything about the issues of tomorrow. Jesus knew this when he said in Matthew 6:25 (ESV), “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”

I’ve read about several studies into anxiety, and one such study included more than 68,000 adults over age 35 from 1994 to 2004. Many studies have shown that an anxiety-prone tendency to always react to frustration, loss, or threat with negative emotions shortens a person’s lifespan.

Life’s issues can have a significant effect on long-term health and well-being, depending on how we deal with them. How you react today can predict your chronic health conditions ten years into the future. Research shows that overreacting, constantly worrying, and living in a state of perpetual anxiety can reduce life expectancy.

If our worry gets out of control, our mind places us into a fight or flight response (our bodies way of preparing us to survive), we can have a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and a slower digestion of food. When our body remains in that state of chronic stress, it can cause health conditions like high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases.

Now, look at the rhetorical question Jesus asks in Matthew 6:27 (ESV), “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

The obvious answer is we can’t add a single hour to our lives. But we can worry about things to a point of anxiety that it can shorten our lifespan as it creates stress and weakens our immune system.

If we want to obey Jesus, we need to do what His Word tells us to do and follow His command in Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV), “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

This “do not be anxious” is an imperative command and we could read it like this; “Stop being anxious about tomorrow.”

Jesus concludes this paragraph by commanding us all to do this in Matthew 6:34 (ESV), “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Remember to give your worries over to The Lord and allow Him to dissipate your stress into His peace that passes all our understanding.

Blessings,

Pastor Chuck

We Need God’s Perfect Peace

5/6/2020

No matter what the current crisis is in the world, there is usually an over-abundance of reporting and talk that can steal your joy and peace of mind. Well, with each new COVID-19 update that I receive seems to bring another wave of drastic change in the world and our society. Between school closings, business shutdowns, and alerts about infection rates, life has been completely turned upside-down in just a short time.

I’ve watched protests for and against the stay-at-home orders by state and local governments around the nation. It’s especially disheartening to see how some people are acting in unpeaceful ways, and say things they would not normally say in regular situations.

It’s difficult trying to navigate the uncharted waters through an ocean of information, and it’s quite difficult to focus on anything else. Regardless of the actual impact of what is going on, and what is reported, as Christians we need to act according to the Word of God. Colossians 3:17 (NASB) says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

It really hit home this weekend when a pastor friend of mine posted a picture of a lovely family in his Reno area church. The young mother in the picture died this past Friday from COVID-19 complications. Another friend let me know of three family friends who passed away due to the virus as well. Then, another friend just now told me that her mother just passed away on her birthday, but she can’t go visit her father because he has been exposed to the virus.

It can be very heart-wrenching, unsettling, and downright scary, but we can still have peace through all the storms of life. Remember, Jesus is a storm calmer (see Mark 4:35-41).

While you stay informed of world news, you also have an opportunity to read the latest updates from your Father God. His Word is filled with important news that can shape your day and change your life; for the better.

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) says, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Having “Perfect peace.” Doesn’t that sound great to you right now? I’m talking about a sense of peace that things will be okay even when the world says otherwise. To experience a calming serenity; to know, without a doubt, that we can find safety in the arms of a loving Father.

We need to trust in The Lord and God will give us His perfect peace. He patiently waits for us to ask Him for what we need. He desires to be acknowledged, sought after, and prioritized over everything else in this life, including the coronavirus.

He wants us to trust Him. You see, trust requires a shift in our focus. A “letting go” and surrendering of our worries to Him. Trust is a choice we make to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Trust is a decision to hear from God’s Word before tuning in to the distracting voices of the world.

Trusting God is a willingness to invest in our relationship with Him. There, in His presence, we will find perfect peace.

Unlike many of the news stories of the media. the Bible is filled with great news, like how to find perfect peace that can shape our day in a positive way. It’s news that equips us and guides us. News that gives us the wisdom we need to turn our lives right-side-up again. It’s daily news from God’s Word that will shape each day into a life-giving way.

Romans 12:2 (NASB) tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

God desires for us to be refreshed by Scripture and to trust in Him to provide everything we need. Accept the Perfect Peace of Jesus today and don’t be disheartened. John 14:27 (NIV), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Blessings, Peace, and Stay Safe,

Pastor Chuck

Grow Stronger In Your Life

5/2/2020

The coronavirus pandemic overwhelms all of our news outlets and consumes many of our thoughts.  It’s sad to say that the COVID-19 situation has affected nearly everything we do, which includes the ways we worship together as God’s people. However, not everything about these days has to be negative. There are some things we can do that will help us through this mess.

I have been thinking about some goals to help us grow stronger during these times. I encourage each of you to adopt some of these goals in the unsteady times ahead.
Allow God to strengthen you and consider doing some of these helpful hints:

1.         Grow Stronger In Your Bible Reading.
Much of our lives are full of things to do, and some things may be taking more time than it used to, but we may also have fewer interruptions today than we did two months ago, especially if you are quarantined at home. Most people have fewer outside duties right now as well. Spend extra time reading your Bible to grow stronger in your Bible intake.

2.         Grow Stronger In Your Bible Study.
As a result of so many live-streamed services and pre-recorded Bible studies, people can fill their time listening to other people. This is great that we have many the resources.

I do want to encourage you that it would also be a great idea to spend time doing your own deeper study into God’s Word. Pull out a commentary, look one up online if you don’t have one, and start studying on your own. You will be surprised what you learn.

3.         Grow Stronger In Your Family Commitment.
Because everything has shut down, many families have extra time to spend together. You may miss going to social events, but you’ve gain time to go for a walk, ride a bike, and read books together and discuss what you have just read. Something else you can do is call family members, send an email, or talk to your neighbors on the phone. Outside your family, remember social distancing (I know I don’t like that terms too well, but there is some wisdom in following it right now).  Don’t miss the privilege this crisis gives you to spend extra time with your family.

4.         Grow Stronger In Your Prayer Life.
Crises have a way of reminding us of the need to pray. But, this time of distancing also keeps us away from our church members, and when they are sick.  Spend extra time in prayer during these days as you cry to the Lord to protect and heal you, your family members, church members, friends, neighbors, the lost, and deliver our world from this pandemic.

Pray for me too. It’s challenging enough to prepare sermons and teaching lessons, but to also work, record the messages, etc.  Pray and God will strengthen your prayer life all the more.

5.         Grow Stronger Physically.
Commit to coming out of this time of shutdown in better physical condition than when we went into it.

This takes effort because people are cooking lots of good food in their house these days, and that can cause problems of its own. We should also make time to go for walks or run if you like doing that). Maybe look up some exercise videos (even walking videos in place) on the internet. Do something to keep your body fit because it helps your mind stay fit.

Remember, the Coronavirus is going to change things around us in many different ways. There is a lot about this time of distancing ourselves from others that is hard, and some of it has many people scared. You don’t have to give up. Make time to get stronger. You won’t regret it.  You can make sure some of the changes in your own life are positive and God will strengthen you.

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