Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness

Ephesians 1:7-10

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

This passage reminds me of two great quotes from two great men.  One is a paraphrase from Ernest Hemmingway, “all true stories end in death.”  The other is from Martin Luther King Jr.; "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that."   

Have you ever recorded a program or sports event only to have someone tell you the ending before you’ve had the chance to see it unfold for yourself.   If we are honest with ourselves and we face the reality of life, we know how our story ends.  We know how everyone’s story ends.  No matter how rich, successful, or fit we are, all our stories end at the grave.   Sitting in the darkness of the natural, that is so depressing. 

But this passage is not about the darkness.  This passage snatches us up out of the darkness by enlightening us and challenging us to see and accept the supernatural.   This passage is rich with the essence of what we believe that our story does not end at the grave which approaches with every single breath and heartbeat.  It is by the grace, mercy, and great love of our GOD that we have an eternity in front of us as well, beyond the grave and just as certain.  For those of us who believe we know the end of the story.  Yes the tomb is there but it is empty because of the ONE who wrote the ending before we drew our first breath. 

The love of our GOD and the sacrifice of our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST turned the end, our end, on its head.  That is the reason our Pastor leaps with joy and excitement during his messages as should we.  This is incredible news and it is all contained in this passage.   Redemption, wisdom, understanding, purpose, fulfillment!    

As a child watching my favorite TV shows which was usually a cop or cowboy show the hero always endured unspeakable horrors including beatings and shootings.  In virtually every episode the hero met his end and I agonized with him until the end.  But wait, somehow miraculously the hero would always survive.  Because of the love of GOD and the sacrifice of JESUS this is our story.  Because of HIS awesome unimaginable love for us we know how our story ends.  Because of our GOD we get to live happily ever after!

Great GOD of the universe, FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT, thank you so much for graciously and lovingly inviting us to share eternity with you.  Whenever we are tempted to doubt remind us that we know the end of the story and give us the courage and strength to live accordingly.

Jim L.

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture! What is it saying to you today? How does it relate to your life right now? How does it relate to the message from Sunday? Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;     all my inmost being, praise his holy name. ² Praise the Lord, my soul,     and forget not all his benefits— ³ who forgives all your sins     and heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit     and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things     so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?

1/17/14 "Glory and Praise to God"

Lord, quiet my mind and spirit this morning that I might fully comprehend the grace that you are extending to your church and to me in answer to these precious petitions of the apostle Paul. Amen. Philippians 1:9-11 (RSV)

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Here we have a wonderful prayer that the apostle Paul prays on behalf of all Christians including us.  He prays for three things. First he prays that our love for God will over flow in knowledge and wisdom. Second he prays that this wise love will lead to greater moral discernment. Third he prays that we might be filled to over-flowing with the fruit of right living.

As we give ourselves over to the love of God in Jesus Christ, He gives us insights into a world where moral issues have become blurred and distorted. So Paul is praying that as we gain in knowledge and wisdom concerning the things of God, we become better able to clearly distinguish between the ways of the world and the ways of God.

It is comforting to know that as we fix our eyes on Jesus, He empowers us to live, as He requires. It is through Jesus and Jesus alone that we can be filled with the fruit of right living for which Paul is praying.  That is one of the reasons that when we make choices pleasing to God, He gets all the glory and praise because all of it is His work and not ours.

Lord, thank you for blessing us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.  Thank you for hearing the wonderful prayer that the apostle Paul prayed that has echoed through time and that you still answer in our lives today.   Amen.

John

01.16.14 "There is Hope in the Power of the Cross!"

Father, please reveal to me what You want me to learn today. Please keep me attentive to Your Word by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Name of Jesus. Amen Ephesians 1: 17-20

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.

Ephesians is such an encouraging book.  Paul spends considerable time at the beginning of the book encouraging believers.  He describes the many “benefits” of salvation and the grace through which it is received.

In this passage he lists three things that are ours through Christ’s sacrifice:  hope, a glorious inheritance and power.

On Sunday we sang a song that said “there is hope in the power of the cross.”  I remember singing that line and wondering what that meant.  Why does the cross inspire hope?  I guess there are many reasons…the cross symbolizes forgiveness, a path to eternal life, a reminder that we are loved to the extent that someone literally died for us…probably several more at least.

Is that what the songwriter meant?

At different times in my life I’ve probably drawn encouragement from each of those truths.  But today, what calms me most is that amidst a chaotic and turbulent world, the cross…in it’s regal stability…reminds me that there is purpose, there is reason, there is order.  Even when it isn’t obvious…there is something mighty, something wise, something eternal…rising above the fray around me.  For whatever reason, that knowledge helps me relax.

Pastor Delton read a quote later on in the sermon that included the phrase, “All practical Christian living flows from…identity in Christ.”

It’s easy for me to become overwhelmed by my circumstances.  There’s just too much I can’t control.  And when I think about all of the things that I can’t control, I just become even more overwhelmed.  It’s in those moments that I need to be reminded of “the hope to which I’ve been called.” My job isn’t to control the uncontrollable…it’s to remember that I was worth dying for, I’m forgiven from all of my past and future mistakes and that no matter how badly I crash and burn...those two things will never change.

It’s weird how focusing on those things not only changes my perspective but reorients my direction. I don’t always find magical answers to all of my problems but I do feel compelled to love others.

I picture Paul in his prison cell, facing his own execution, writing this letter.  It seems like he’d have been fairly stressed.  But, in spite of his circumstances, and the chaos around him, he pours out love and encouragement on these young believers.

Peaceful and loving.  Seems like the right way to be.

Jon

1.15.14 "Commended to the Word of God's Grace"

Father, please guide me by Your Holy Spirit, teaching me from Your Word what You want me to learn today. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Acts 20:22-38

English Standard Version (ESV)

²² And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by^[a] the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. ²⁴ But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. ²⁵ And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. ²⁶ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. ²⁸ Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,^[b] which he obtained with his own blood.^[c] 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. ³¹ Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. ³² And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. ³³ I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. ³⁵ In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

³⁶ And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. ³⁷ And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, ³⁸ being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Please share how these verses have impacted your heart and life today!

1.14.14 "ME A DISCIPLE??—YES, ME A DISCIPLE!"

Acts 20:27-31

New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. ²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a] which he bought with his own blood.^{[b] 29} I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰ Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. ³¹ So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Paul is telling the Ephesians to go and be disciples of men.  Just as Jesus sent out His disciples, Paul is sending out the Ephesians.

Now just as Jesus called his disciples & Paul called the Ephesians, we are called to be God’s disciples.  We are called to” watch over ourselves and all the flock.”  Paul even warns us that there will be “wolves”-(doubters) that will question our motives.  Paul warns that there will be people that will “distort the truth”-gossipers that will draw away disciples.  I have witnessed this as people have left Point of Grace & other churches that I have attended because they were “offended” by something said or done.

My first thought when I read this is-Me, a disciple?  A Shepherd? Surely not me, I know there must be others more qualified, more knowledgeable, more versed in the scriptures.  Surely you don’t mean me?

But then I think back at Jesus’ disciples.  They weren’t the scholars or the church leaders.  They were fishermen, tax collectors.  Ordinary people just like me.  I look at Acts 20:24 “…complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace”.  There is my blueprint!  All I need to be a good shepherd or disciple is to be a witness.  I just need to quit being a fan cheering on the sideline & get on the field & proclaim that Jesus is my Lord & Savior and let everyone I come in contact with know the grace that He offers each & everyone of us.  Grace that is freely given for all to receive.

I don’t have to be a scholar!  I can just be a vessel of God’s Love & Grace.  Knowing that I have God’s Love & grace then the rest is easy.  All I have to do is offer that same love & grace to everyone I come in contact with.

That seems simple enough-I think I can handle that!  I can be a disciple!

Lord I come to you humbled that by Your grace I may have a new life.  Please use me as your willing & loving disciple reaching out to all as the light on the hill.  Please clear my mind & spirit as I listen to your words so that my words & actions become a symbol to all that I come into contact with today & in the future until I sit at the right hand of Jesus.   Amen.

Are you a disciple?  Can you be a disciple?  I would love to hear from you.

Jerry

Miraculous Turn-Around!

01.13.2014 Our Scripture for today is Ephesians 1: 1-3

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…

The Book of Ephesians gives us a “template” for the ideal Christian church; that in and of itself is reason enough to seriously study it, but when we dig into history a bit and discover who wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus things begin to look very, very different. We realize for this letter to have even been written is an act of God!

Paul, the writer of Ephesians, was not always so kind-hearted towards the followers of Jesus. The name he was given by his parents was Saul; he grew up to be a proud Jewish man, and actively opposed the early Christian church. In Galatians 1 and Acts 8, he admits openly that he was out to destroy the church. Acts 8 actually begins with, “And Saul approved of their killing him [Stephen].” Saul was not a very nice guy where Christ-followers were concerned. But God had a plan to turn the life that Saul had always known upside down!

Jesus got Saul’s attention in a startling encounter as Saul was headed to Damascus to round up some Christ followers (see Acts 9 for the whole incredible story). Saul was totally transformed by God into who we know today as one of the most faithful preachers of the salvation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. No one but God could bring about a change so profound!

So when we read Paul’s self-description, “…an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…” we can be truly in awe of the God Who has the power, and desire, to change us! He desires to give us a new identity in Him and Paul’s story is one we can look to for those times we may feel unworthy of God’s attention. God chose to the most unlikely man, got his attention & introduced Himself, then proceeded to turn Paul’s life upside right. Paul went on to share with Christians, both then and now, the Love of Jesus Christ and what it looks like to follow Him with complete abandon. Miraculous, no?

Father, Thank You for loving us and going all out to get our attention. Please forgive us when we withhold our attention and look for identity elsewhere. You are worthy of ALL praise! May we be molded by You into champions for Jesus! In His Name, amen!

Jennifer

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture! What is it saying to you today? How does it relate to your life right now? How does it relate to the message from Sunday? Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:

Psalm 27 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. 11 Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Share your thoughts! What is God saying to you today?

1.10.14 I Thank God for the verses before this section!

John 3:19-21 (NIV)“This is the verdict:  Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

(The Message) “This is the crisis we are in:  God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the world can be seen for the God-work it is.”

I must admit – I am having a lot of difficulty writing about this.   It is so….  dark…. and scary… and sad... and final…..

I have led quite a protected, safe life.  I have not been exposed to many people who make a practice of doing evil, or who hate God-light. I have been exposed to apathetic people.  I have known “luke-warm” people (who Jesus warns is even worse).  I have known people who are living their lives with the attitude of “I will think about that God-stuff later.”   I know “nice” people who live “nice” lives, but who have no relationship with the Savior. But again, I haven’t known truly evil people who openly hate God.

On Christmas Eve, I cried.  Scripture verses were read about the Light coming into the world – but the world did not recognize Him.  I thought of all the people who were shopping – wrapping gifts – preparing meals – traveling – yet not bothering to worship the New-Born King.  They completely missed the point of Christmas Eve.  Everything was just sooo important - and there wasn't time to go to church.    But, I had to pull myself together, because I had to get back up on stage after the Sermon and sing some more. Later, when I fell into bed – I cried.  I cried for God.  I cried because I thought of how sad He must have been – watching His world hustle and bustle – yet “missing” the Light of the World.  What more can He possibly do to catch His people’s attention?   I ached for Him.

I realize that this example is a little bit different than the verses above – but it is where my mind wandered.  There are those who hate the Light –   -there are those who don’t know the Light and there are those who are just too busy to notice the Light.  All of them are in darkness.  And all of them are lost.

So –  I am depressed.  I feel like the darkness is just too oppressive right now.   I must go read the verses before today’s reading – and find some Hope.  I Thank God for the verses before this section of Scripture!

Three short verses before this section of hopelessness, and darkness, and evil, is the most famous section of Scripture of all times….

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

"Thank You Father – for loving the whole world – even those who are still trapped in darkness – even those who are still trapped in evil – even those who are apathetic --  Thank You for Your infinite Grace and Mercy – that YOU still love them and desire that they should come to know You, repent, believe, and be saved.  Thank You for Your Salvation – for everyone.  Thank You for Your Redemption – for everyone.  Thank You that You have overcome evil and darkness.   Lord, have mercy.  I pray that those who hate Your God-Light will somehow, someday come to know You - before it's too late.  I pray that those of us reading this Scripture, would feel the incredible importance of doing something about those living in darkness.  Father, we hurt and cry over the lost people of this world – we pray for them, we lift them up to You - we pray for opportunities to tell them about You - we pray for more chances to share   Your Good News of Salvation with them.  Amen."

01.09.14 "Let's Shine!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog! John 8:12 (NIV)

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As I walk through life I’m perplexed by the differences in Light and Dark in the world. I know this is a simple thing to grasp, but when you really try to pay attention (which I’m so guilty of not doing enough!) you see things that make you understand in a different way.

When a child is scared at night, you turn on a light or provide a nightlight to them so they’re not so frightened.

When you walk into a dark room, do you leave the lights off and bump into things or do you turn on a light to see where you’re going?

When you’re driving at night, how do you navigate where you need to go? You use the moonlight, a flashlight, a street light, your cell phone, or even fire to help guide your way.

In Star Wars, all the bad guys are on the “Dark Side”! (OK, and in many, many other stories and movies as well, this one was just so obvious to me!)

Recently, my dad experienced a retinal detachment so much that it was like a curtain was closing in one of his eyes. One day he could see perfectly fine, the next day he felt as though he had an eyelash in his eye and the next day he could only see half of a person’s face. Luckily we got him to a doctor and in emergency surgery in time and he’s recovering well, but I can’t imagine what it feels like for one of your eyes to go completely dark. To start losing sight or having lost all sight.

Jesus tells us of a place we don’t have to fear the dark; in Him. He will guide us and show us the way, we just have to look for His guidance. In Him, not only do we follow His light, He also gives us light to help others. It’s like we’re flashlights to people in dark places. We are a flickering candle, a flashlight with everlasting batteries, and the sun on a dark and gloomy day. We GET to be these things to others because of Jesus’ love.

Let’s shine!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being light, for giving us light to shine for You. Please guide us to places where we can best use our light to illuminate You to those who don’t know You or who are in a fearful place and just need to see some good on this earth. Give us hearts of courage so we will not be intimidated to shine. We love You.  Amen

Toni

1.8.14 "ARISE!"

Thanks for checking out the blog today!  Our scripture is from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah! Isaiah 60 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

There is a great deal of hope in this passage.  Words of hope lift me.  I notice the tenses of the verbs.  Arise and Shine are present tense command verbs.  Do it now!   The light has (past tense) already come.  The Lord rises (present tense continuing action) upon you.  The nations will (future) come to your light.

The hope I see is that I get to arise and shine this morning because God's light has already come to me - its a done deal.  And as I do that by faith God's presence and reality will rise up and show forth in my life so that people are drawn to Him through me.  Sometimes I don't exactly feel like arising and shining!  Sometimes I feel like hiding, procrastinating or building up walls of anger, control or aloofness.  It takes no faith to do that.

The hope I am seeing in this word from God today is that God's Light has already come.  I don't bring Him to the situation I meet Him there.  I can step out in faith and Arise and Shine because He has already come and will meet me in those difficult or challenging situations I want to hide from or am angry about or am afraid of.  As I step into my day trusting that His light is leading me and preparing the way for me then each one of those encounters become opportunity for His glory to rise and be seen by people.

This might seem a little confusing - but that is the way my mind works sometimes.  I think there is something rich here.  I get to walk by faith that His Light has come so I can afford to Arise and Shine and then see what He does in every situation.

Enjoy this scripture!  How is God bringing light into your life through these words?

delton

01.07.14 "In the Middle of the Night!"

Thank you for checking out today’s PoG blog.  Before getting into the scripture for today, I recommend you take a moment to quiet yourself before God.  A great question you might want to ask our heavenly Father:  Lord, what is it you would like to say to me as I read your Word?  What words would you like to speak to me today? Matthew 2:13 - 18

¹³ When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

¹⁴ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, ¹⁵ where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”^[a]

¹⁶ When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. ¹⁷ Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

¹⁸ “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”^[b]

What great faith Joseph must have had!  I find it interesting that Joseph has a dream and is told that he should take his wife and child to Egypt.  Immediately, he wakes Mary, they pack up and they are on their way to Egypt.  No time spent notifying the relatives, having discussions with Mary or putting the house up for sale.  In fact, Joseph didn’t even roll over and catch a few extra winks before heading out in the morning.  No, in the middle of the night they pack up and get out of Dodge.  Joseph must have been so confident that he was hearing the voice of God that he dared not delay!

Have you ever had one of those times when you felt certain God was speaking to you?  I think of the way in which God moved us from St. Louis to Texas fourteen years ago.  At the time it seemed like somewhat of a risky move, but as I look back on it now I see how God was providing for us each step of the way.

As we move deeper into 2014, let’s commit, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to seeking the will of God in all aspects of life – whether it be in the “big things” like where we will live or in the smaller, more mundane, aspects of life.  God is always faithful and has promised to lead us.  Now, dear God, help us to be good listeners and followers!

Happy New Day!

Mark

01.06.14 "This King Jesus is for EVERYONE!"

Welcome to the POG Blog! Please begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal what He wants you to see! 2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:1-12

For some reason I can’t ever seem to read this story without getting a little emotional.  I’m not exactly sure why.  Maybe it’s because it is one that I was told over and over as a little girl around Christmas time….it elicits warm memories.  Or maybe it is the simple beauty of  the story.  We learned in church yesterday that the magi were probably pagan, worldy, and distinguished.  They would have been people who are successful according to the world.  They were in with the right people.

Yet some force (the pull of a star) lead them to find this child and worship him.  These guys weren’t schooled in Hebrew theology.  It seems like they didn’t even know of the prophecies about the Christ until they reached Jerusalem.  They just “saw his star and had come to worship him”.

Two different ideas strike me about this.  First, is that even from the very beginning, God chose unlikely people to play a role in his story.  Pagan, unchurched men.  It is if he is trying to make sure they we all understand that He is for EVERYONE!  Rich, poor, religious or not, sinner or saint.

The second is how these magi so single-mindedly followed this star. Even though they really didn’t understand the depth of meaning behind this King of the Jews.  I can’t imagine ever doing something so illogical.  After years of following the blue line on my GPS, I can’t imagine having the faith or patience to follow a star.  I wonder how many “wrong turns” they took.  Or how many days/months it took them to find Him.   Or how many times they all wondered if they were totally crazy and should probably turn around and go home.  I also wonder how that must have felt when they finally found Him and worshiped Him.  How God must have affirmed their hearts for their obedience.

So I think this passage is telling me today….that God wants to draw everyone to Himself…and that (according to our pastor) I am one of the ‘everyones’.  And that God wants me to follow Him and His will in my life with the same singular focus that the magis had when they were following that star.

Erin

1.4.14 "Saturday's Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!   What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 139: 1-10

¹ You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. ⁵ You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. ⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?

12.31.13 "Live as if each day is your last on this earth!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog!  

Please pray:  Lord God, I give you praise and glory!  As I prepare to see one year give way to another, may I be reminded that you have no beginning and no end.  You are constant and consistent; you never change.  Lord, please help me to walk with you throughout this New Year.  Please help me to reflect your never changing love to the people around me.  Guide and direct my head and my heart as I reflect on your Holy Word.  Amen!

Luke 2: 25 – 32

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,     you may now dismiss^[a] your servant in peace. ³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,     and the glory of your people Israel.”

Oh to live life with the attitude Simeon had - “I’ve seen your salvation…now I’m ready to go!”  As we think about the start of a New Year, we are reminded that each and every day (hour, minute, second) is a gift from God.  And each one of those days, hours, minutes, and seconds could be our last.

Since we as believers, along with Simeon, have seen the salvation bought with Jesus’ blood on the cross, we can and should live with the attitude Simeon had.  Live as if each day is your last on this earth!  We do that by loving God and loving others.

As we close out 2013 and begin another year, commit yourself to living with Simeon’s attitude: “…you may now dismiss your servant in peace”!

Happy New Day and Happy New Year!

Mark

12.28.13 "Saturday's Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog!

Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!   What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:   

John 1:1-14

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a]and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people[c] did not receive him.12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?

12.27.13 "Friday's Christmas Week Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! This is Christmas Week which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!   What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:   

Matthew 2:1-12

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Visit of the Wise Men

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold andfrankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?

12.26.13 "Thursday's Christmas Week Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! This is Christmas Week which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!   What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:   

Matthew 1:18-25

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed[b] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold,an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?

12.25.13 "Christmas Day Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today Christmas Day which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!   What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Revelation 5:9-13

Luke 2:1-20

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Birth of Jesus Christ

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the firstregistration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child.6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Forunto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[c]

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?

12.24.13 "Christmas Eve Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! This is Christmas Eve Day which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!   What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    

Luke 1:26-38

English Standard Version (ESV)

Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[b] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[c]

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you today?