Finding Delight In the Word

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Pastor John

Psalms 1:1-2 ​1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the  path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.

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The verses I am thinking about this week are Psalm 1:1-2. I am specifically thinking about verse 2: “his delight is in the law of the Lord…” This verse makes me ask: what does that delight look like? I see in Psalm 119 (the Psalm all about the Word of God) the psalmist use words like delight, treasure and meditate all over the place. He isn’t quiet about this delighting in the Word of God that we see in Psalm 1. The Psalmist demands it.

Psalm 1 also demands it. As we look at the psalm, we see a simple and clear difference between the one who delights in God’s Word and the wicked. The wicked are like chaff. The one who delights in the Word is like a mighty tree. The wicked face God’s discipline. The one who delights in the Word receives God’s blessing. This is pretty clear stuff.

So then, what does it look like to delight in the Word of God?

  1. We read and think on the Word of God deeply enough for it to move us. The things we truly delight in are things that move us. They make us happy. They make us cry. The thing they don’t do is make us say, “Meh…” We should think deeply enough that it moves our affections and passions.
  2. We seek to understand and not just fill a quota. People talk about having a daily quiet time. That is great. However, if our devotional time is just something to check off our to do list, then we are not delighting in the Word. When I read, I want to understand the Word. I want to know what it has to do with me. I don’t want to ever just take it for granted.
  3. We always seek to apply God’s Word to our life. Yes, there are a few places in Scripture (genealogies, for example) where direct application will be more in the area of appreciation, but the Scripture has been given to teach, correct, rebuke and train us in righteousness. It wasn’t given to merely appreciate. It was given to change, challenge, comfort, and correct. Those who delight in God’s Word aren’t satisfied with simply reading it. They want to do it.

If this is what it looks like to delight in His Word, then how do we do it?

  1. Never read passively. When our brains and hearts are engaged, the Word’s truths naturally move us. We don’t have to manufacture feelings. A life intentionally given to understand God’s Word will be moved.
  2. Come to your personal time with God as worship, not just reading. Whether it is singing, praying, or thinking deeply – worship God as you spend personal time with Him. Read His Word with that same intensity.
  3. Fight lethargy and sporadic affection with the same intensity as you would in any relationship you value. Don’t be surprised by times of dryness, be ready for them with renewed fervency and time chasing after Jesus.
  4. After you understand the Word ask this question, “How can I live this out in my life today?”

It is easy to forget that loving God in Christ is all about getting to know more of Him. We like the emotional side of worship as we sing and pour our hearts out to Him. Yet, letting Him speak is just as important. His clearest speech comes through His Word. Let’s listen to Him with rapt attention!

Something to think about,

Pastor John

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At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?!

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Pastor John

Usually when we start a letter, we start gently and slowly warm up to any difficult issues we need to address. The letter in the Bible, James, doesn’t start that way. This week, Jeff, Ed and John begin a new series walking through the book of James. A book of practical instruction, James begins with the weighty matter of trials. He urges us to understand what big things God is doing through our various trials. Stick around and learn with us!

Looking for more? You can always find all of the episodes right here…

At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?! – At Calvary!

Usually when we start a letter, we start gently and slowly warm up to any difficult issues we need to address. The letter in the Bible, James, doesn’t start that way. This week, Jeff, Ed and John begin a new … Continue reading →
  1. At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?!
  2. At Calvary – Episode 92 – Think on These Things
  3. At Calvary – Episode 91 – New Year, New You
  4. At Calvary – Episode 90 – The Joy of the Lord is Jesus
  5. At Calvary – Episode 89 – The Word is Grace

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Those Never Ending Jobs

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Pastor John

Do you have any projects that never seem to end? They just seem to go on and on. Sometimes we get tired, don’t we? When that happens we are faced with a choice: 1) quit and leave the job undone OR 2) rest so that we can jump back in with both feet. When it comes to caring for the hurting, which shall we do?

Jesus said, “”For you always have the poor with you;

but you do not always have Me.” (Matthew 26:11)

Caring for the hurting and struggling is another one of those never ending tasks, isn’t it? Jesus said that we would always have the poor. His time on earth with the disciples was limited. Their time with those who struggle (and ours) is not. Yet, there is sometimes a struggle with ministry fatigue in the area of working with the hurting, isn’t there?

Think of this word for a minute: opportunity. That’s not always how we see helping others, is it? When it comes to helping others, we struggle with the never ending nature of it, don’t we? Yet, it is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to love. It is an opportunity to be a real friend to our fellow man. It is an opportunity to share the gospel.

In medical circles caregivers sometimes struggle with care-giving fatigue. When that happens, they are encouraged to take a break. They take the break so that they can come back to ministry with renewed energy and perspective. They care, but they just get worn out. However, they don’t take a break so they can quit. Their respite is to renew and refocus their desire to care.

Is this what happens to us when we think about helping others? Does the never-ending nature of the call to minister to the hurting get to us? Are we overwhelmed by the constancy of need? I am challenged by the words of Job as he questioned why he was suffering. He said:

If I have kept the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the orphan has not shared it (But from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And from infancy I guided her), If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering, If his loins have not thanked me, And if he has not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep, If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Because I saw I had support in the gate, Let my shoulder fall from the socket, And my arm be broken off at the elbow. (Job 31:16-22)

Yes, the need is constant; but our love can be even more constant. Job had lost his fortune, lost his children, and lost his health. And yet, he was still thinking about others who were struggling! I want that kind of heart. I want a heart that sees the needs of others and finds ways to meet them. No, I can’t solve every problem. I am not asked to solve every problem. However, I can meet the needs of some. Let me start there and see where God leads next. May we all see the opportunity that is open to us when we minister to others.

Something to think about,

Pastor John

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The Reality of Heaven

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Pastor John

Whenever I preach about what the Bible says about Hell, it is a heart wrenching topic. When I preach about Hell I want to think about Heaven. The great struggle in modern Christianity is that both of these great teachings of the Bible are minimized in our pulpits. We need to embrace both again.

Jesus said in John 14:2-3, 2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (ESV)

Now, for the purposes of this blog, we are going to be thinking together about our eternal home without separating Heaven from our eternal state in the new Heaven and new Earth. We can, at a future date, think about those wonders; but the focus of our time now is the reality of that future rather than the details of it.

Why focus on the reality of Heaven? Two reasons. First, the reality of the future that Jesus promises us is directly connected to His character. In other words, do we believe that Jesus is trustworthy? The passage above begins with these words, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1 ESV) Jesus asks his disciples (and us) to trust his testimony of the future just like we trust God. So, living with the confidence of Heaven is directly related to how much we believe we can trust the character of Jesus.

I heard Josh McDowell give this illustration. He was waiting at the airport for his family to pick him up. A passerby began talking with him. The passerby teased him that maybe his family wasn’t coming. Maybe they had forgotten him. With confidence, Josh replied that he knew they were coming. He had no worries. His family could be trusted. That is Jesus to us. He has given us his promise. We know that he can be trusted.

This leads to the second reason we need to embrace the reality of Heaven. Such a promise should change how we face each day. Sacrifice is easier when one knows that  reward is coming. Even death has less of a sting due to this reality. Paul declares, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) When a person has a sure promise of blessing, it changes how they see their present struggles. Likewise, if that promise is unsure or unknown then their perception of the struggles of life is different. Without Heaven, everything is harder. With Heaven, it isn’t that everything is easy – it is that the sacrifices and struggles we face are worth it.

Is Heaven real to us? Do we know enough about the promise Jesus gives to be excited about it? For centuries, the promise of Heaven has given missionaries and struggling believers (which is all of us) a bigger perspective on their struggles. It will do the same for us. Let’s think deeply upon what God’s truth says to us about our future with him. May we let it change us and how we think about each day.

Something to think about.

Pastor John

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At Calvary – Episode 92 – Think on These Things

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Pastor John

What does it mean to “think like Christ”? Does it make us all cookie cutters of one another? This week, Jeff, Ed and John examine Paul’s encouragement to think on certain things. Very quickly we discover that thinking like Christ has nothing to do with us looking like one another and everything to do with being inspired to live by a higher standard. What will we fill our minds with?

Looking for more? You can always find all of the episodes right here…

At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?! – At Calvary!

Usually when we start a letter, we start gently and slowly warm up to any difficult issues we need to address. The letter in the Bible, James, doesn’t start that way. This week, Jeff, Ed and John begin a new … Continue reading →
  1. At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?!
  2. At Calvary – Episode 92 – Think on These Things
  3. At Calvary – Episode 91 – New Year, New You
  4. At Calvary – Episode 90 – The Joy of the Lord is Jesus
  5. At Calvary – Episode 89 – The Word is Grace

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What is He Worth?

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Pastor John

Living His Worth

You know the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” We know that there is value in something we have to pay for. How do you show something is valuable to you when you got it for free?

Paul says, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV))

Paul is clear about what saves a person. In both the book of Romans and the book of Galatians he states emphatically that salvation is a free gift that we CANNOT earn. So, what is he saying here? He is saying the gift Jesus gives has excited Paul’s love. It has excited his love beyond a smile or even a thank you. It has excited Paul’s love to the point that he intentionally gives up the blessings of his natural life to know Jesus better. He wants to understand Christ’s humility so he gives up his position in his society. He wants to know the heart of Jesus that would make Him suffer and die for us so he gives up a right to be comfortable. In pursuit of that heart Paul embraces without bitterness the suffering that comes with persecution. Yes, Paul wants to know Jesus in the power of His resurrection. So, Paul is going to even trust Jesus with his death.

That is the secret of valuing something. It isn’t found in how much you pay for it. The secret of valuing something is what you are willing to pay to experience it in its fullness. Let me use a human example… in healthy families the members don’t have to earn each other’s love. Yet, Moms and Dads will spend money, sacrifice time, give up sleep, and miss personal opportunities so that they can spend time with their children and see them thrive. They aren’t doing these things because they want to earn their children’s love. Parents are willing to be spent for their children because they love them. Their love is excited for their children to the point that they will give of themselves freely for them. When others see that, they know that those parents love their children.

Is this us with Jesus? Is that the type of discipleship that you are living? Our life’s sacrifices should show what Jesus is worth to us. I want that to be my heart. I want to show the worth of Jesus not in mere dollars. I want his worth to so excite my heart that nothing is too great a sacrifice.

Something to think about,

Pastor John

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At Calvary – Episode 91 – New Year, New You

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Pastor John

News bulletin! We have just entered a new year. Folks all around us are making New Year’s resolutions and talking about the “new me.” Have you heard of the term new creation? Paul uses it in one of his letters. It is how he describes our change in perspective as Christians. We need this change today.

Looking for more? You can always find all of the episodes right here…

At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?! – At Calvary!

Usually when we start a letter, we start gently and slowly warm up to any difficult issues we need to address. The letter in the Bible, James, doesn’t start that way. This week, Jeff, Ed and John begin a new … Continue reading →
  1. At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?!
  2. At Calvary – Episode 92 – Think on These Things
  3. At Calvary – Episode 91 – New Year, New You
  4. At Calvary – Episode 90 – The Joy of the Lord is Jesus
  5. At Calvary – Episode 89 – The Word is Grace

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Is Being a Disciple too Radical For Us?

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Pastor John
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There are two words that are rattling around my head today: discipleship and radical. We are called by Jesus to follow Him. Followers of Jesus are called disciples. What type of disciple does Jesus call us to be?

Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” I think about those descriptions of a disciple, and each one challenges me. Denying self asks me to consciously and consistently make Jesus king. He is king of my actions. He gets to call the shots on how I respond when I feel strong emotions. I am called to deny my own rights and privileges and let Him decide when I avail myself of those rights and when I let them go to serve a higher good.

Wow. Taking up my cross daily hits me twice. First, I think of the cross. The cross is a burden. The cross is a sacrifice. Jesus calls us to embrace both. He calls us to embrace a consistent burden. He calls us to embrace sacrifice. The second thing that hits me about our Lord’s statement is that He calls us to embrace both daily. It is a lifestyle of sacrifice and burden.

It is after we have embraced these two descriptions of a disciple that Jesus then says that we can follow Him. This is where the radical part comes in. No, I am not talking about the type of radical that we hear used on TV. I am talking about the original meaning of the word. The word refers to a change (or a characteristic) that happens at the root or essence of something. In that way, Jesus’ call is supposed to be radical. It is supposed to change the root of who we are as people. In other words, disciples are people who are completely open to Jesus changing and challenging them from the inside out.

That is what I want. I don’t just want to be the old person I was. I don’t just want to join the “Jesus club.” I want to be changed. I want to be challenged. As Peter said to Jesus after a truly challenging teaching – Who else has the words of eternal life? Who else indeed? It is only Jesus. So if he wants to change me, I welcome that change. I don’t want to just watch Jesus. I don’t just want to learn facts about Him. The word in our culture is apprentice. I want to be an apprentice of Jesus. I want to be like Him. I want to follow Him!

Something to think about,

Pastor John

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Peoples is Peoples

Posted on December 26, 2022 by Pastor John
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My title for this week comes from an older Muppet movie. In the movie, Kermit has lost his memory and, as usual, Miss Piggy is angry a lot. The owner of a diner is sharing this wisdom to point out that we are all connected by our similarities, not divided by our differences.

I am pondering today if we see too many as “the enemy.” We have enemies of America. We have enemies of the cross. We have enemies in our communities. I really think that we need to reevaluate thinking of others as our enemies. Why? Because when we do, people become enemies instead of people.

When we treat those who believe differently than us as enemies, we create two roadblocks to reaching them. First, we create fear. Enemies want to curse us. Enemies want to hurt us. Enemies deserve fear. People might hurt us. However, when we see others as people there is just as much the possibility that they will welcome us. People may make mistakes, but they also can show great kindness. The second roadblock created when we see others as enemies is we see things instead of people. Things can be mocked and mistreated without guilt. Things can be ignored without consequences. People can’t be mistreated or ignored. People tug our heartstrings. We want to reach and touch people.

So, how do we treat those who believe differently that we do? How do we see them as people rather than our enemies? How can we reach them for Jesus? I have a few thoughts:

  1. Never assume that the ideas of a vocal leader are fully shared by their followers. I am a preacher. Those in my congregation do not walk lock-step with me. They are learning and growing just as I am. One on one, we are all that way.
  2. Never assume that what a person believes today will never change or fluctuate. Very few people never change what they think. Sure, there may be some foundational things that would require a transformation of thinking to change. We are all like that. However, there are many things that shift in us based upon who is talking to us and the argument they make. Those things change in us. They will change in others too.
  3. Stop pretending that sin, incorrect beliefs, or inconsistencies don’t plague you just like the person you disagree with. It is easy to think that “enemies” are worse than us. We all make mistakes. We all are inconsistent at times. Forgiveness and kindness are better answers than bitterness or condemnation. We all need forgiveness. We all need kindness. Those we disagree with need those things too.
  4. Acknowledge that everyone is capable of acting on feelings of love, devotion, fear, or hate. In other words, the person I disagree with and I have the same emotions. I suppose if we could honestly say that our emotions never get the best of us, then we could come down hard when someone acts out of anger or fear. That’s not reality, is it? So, when someone says words that they later regret, do we give them the ability to make it right? Do we leave the door open for change, remorse, and repentance?
  5. Make ministry about loving on people in the name of Jesus and not about getting your way or winning a spiritual argument. When it feels like someone just wants to win spiritual or emotional points, our defenses go up. When love is genuine, barriers come down. Love lets us listen to each other. In love we learn. Through love we grow.

Too many times we read Jesus’ words to be wise as serpents, and we forget the part about being harmless as doves. We read that people are, “enemies of the cross of Christ,” but forget that the same apostle said that we, “wrestle not against flesh and blood.” It is time for everyone to see in God’s people a lived out love that has no enemy but evil. People are loved. People are helped. People are always treated as people. When we do, we will reach out to those around us. When we do, others will see Jesus in us.

Something to think about,

Pastor John

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At Calvary – Episode 90 – The Joy of the Lord is Jesus

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Pastor John

Joy. We connect it so often with happiness. Happiness is temporary. Happiness is connected with our circumstances. Biblical joy is deeper. Jesus had joy when facing the cross. He offers to give us the same type of joy.

Looking for more? You can always find all of the episodes right here…

At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?! – At Calvary!

Usually when we start a letter, we start gently and slowly warm up to any difficult issues we need to address. The letter in the Bible, James, doesn’t start that way. This week, Jeff, Ed and John begin a new … Continue reading →
  1. At Calvary – Episode 93 – Trials, What are They Good For?!
  2. At Calvary – Episode 92 – Think on These Things
  3. At Calvary – Episode 91 – New Year, New You
  4. At Calvary – Episode 90 – The Joy of the Lord is Jesus
  5. At Calvary – Episode 89 – The Word is Grace

Posted in podcast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment