Often, when I’m asked “How are you doing?” or “How are you feeling?” the answer that comes to my mind is “It depends on what I thinking about!” It’s kind of like flicking through the channels with the remote control…some channels make you laugh…some are boring…some make you angry…some make you worry…some lift your spirits…you know, it depends on what channel you’re tuned in on. When my mind is on unresolved problems or potential conflicts, well I tend to feel worried, even discouraged. When my mind is on the ministries that seem to be doing well right now, obviously I’m encouraged and optimistic.

When my mind is on me…well, it can either be a moment of deluding pride or more likely the burden of “in my flesh dwells no good thing.” Obviously, when my mind is on the Lord, it’s a completely different feeling. I’m reminded of what the prophet Isaiah wrote in 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” The old hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” puts it this way, “Thou my best thought, by day or by night.”

Some of my “best thoughts” right now are God’s great and gracious blessing to me in my family. Watching God do great things in and through the lives of our children and grandchildren is among the sweetest of joys. When the “channel” of my mind turns to the many new believers in our church family and the many unbelievers who are open, searching, and learning right now…well, that’s certainly one of those “best thoughts.” I’m really looking forward to this Sunday as new believers follow the Lord in baptism and unite with our church family to worship, serve, and grow together…another “best thought.” I’m looking forward to meeting the new visitors that God is bringing to us each week in increasing numbers. Oh, and I’m also looking forward to vacation in a couple of weeks! So, right now my heart and mind are on the encouraging “channels” for which I’m grateful and praising the Lord. See you in church, Lord willing.

In Him,

Pastor Tim

Well, two weeks and two blogs. Two in a row is not a record of great accomplishment, BUT it’s twice as long as my first record…one in a row! Well, as most weeks are, this was a very full week. Full of studying God’s Word, full of prayer, full of counseling, full of teaching and leading Bible studies, full of learning, full of planning, full of family, and obviously full of God’s blessing. My personal Bible reading is taking me through the life of David right now as I’m reading I Samuel. This is one of the places in scripture where I find myself reading more than I was planning, just because each time I find myself getting caught up in the story.

One passage that caught my attention in particular this week was chapter 17:46-47 when David speaks to Goliath,
“This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

It’s a great and timely reminder that when we compare the size of our strength against our challenges, problems, and enemies we have little or no reason for hope, BUT, when we compare their size to the size of God’s wisdom and strength…well, that’s a completely different result! “For the battle is the LORD’S.” I’ve really never been one who was looking for a fight, but since life gives us no choice at times, it’s great to know that we are in this together with each other and with Him. That changes everything!

In Him,

Pastor Tim

Can you believe it? A profoundly techno-challenged guy like me writing a blog…who could have imagined it? While I’m not very interested in technology, I am deeply interested in finding more and more effective ways of improving communication between pastor and people and between our church and the community around us. So, while this method of communication is quite a bit outside of my comfort zone, improved communication is a passion I’m committed to pursue, even when it demands teaching an old dog new tricks.

I am planning to take a few moments each week to jot down a few thoughts to share with you. They may be specific personal blessings or prayer requests. They may be lessons that God is teaching me through His Word or interesting quotes from books or articles that I read. At times I may encourage you to read certain passages of scripture or pray in a certain way to prepare your hearts for Sunday’s worship. As we “speak the truth in love” to each other, we will all grow to be more like our great and gracious Savior…and won’t that be great!

In Him,

Your pastor.