Psalms 111, 112 and 113 are all related to each other. It makes for exciting reading when standing at the threshold of a new year contemplating what it may hold for us.
They each begin with Praise the Lord! Psalm 111 states basically that God is big and God is good. Psalm 112 goes on to declare that those who fear, understand and obey God in all of His bigness and goodness will be blessed with a big and good life; satisfied in every way. This fullness of life comes to all who seek Him in all of life's events without reservation or favoritism on God's part.
It seems that the psalmist, when realizing the greatness of God and the greatness of His provision to those [all] who fear Him, is compelled to write Psalm 113, an enthusiastic and passionate exposition of pure praise to the One who exalts the humble as they honor and exalt Him.
What encouraging words for us all in a new year and what a challenge to those who purpose to follow hard after Him and "greatly delights in His commandments." (Psalm 112:1b) We don't have to fear the unknown because of Him who is known. We can forget what lies behind and press forward to the prize with confidence. Adequacy, sufficiency and security is abundant to those who know and obey him. All anxiety cast aside we can joyously leave the irreparable past and move on into the irresistable future and it is guaranteed by His limitless bigness and goodness. And all we give is our humility and obedience.
God will prosper us, and consequently, with the psalmist, we can enthusiastically agree: "Praise the Lord...you servants of the Lord...now and forever...for who is like the Lord our God who rescues the needy?"
Trusting that your new year will be filled with all the bigness and goodness of God. Fear Him, humble yourself and obey Him, and it will.
Blessed,
Mitch
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
God In The Flesh...
John 1:14 states, "...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory....
God chose to reveal himself through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were callused and dusty. And his tears...oh, don't miss the tears...they came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.
People came to him. There is not a hint of one person who was afraid to draw near. There were those who mocked him. There were those who were envious of him. There were those who misunderstood him. There were those who revered him. But there was not one person who considered him too holy, too divine, or too celestial to touch. There was not one person who was reluctant to approach him for fear of being rejected. (Adapted from Max Lucado)
The One who came at Christmas continues to invite us to come. This One who was so inviting and lives in us, wants to invite men and women through you to Him. Simple, ordinary people can do this well. Callused feet, hands and warm welcoming hearts are so effective when empowered by the welcoming, approachable Jesus. In 2006, let's be Him here in all of His endearing splendor.
Love you guys!
Mitch
God chose to reveal himself through a human body. The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were callused and dusty. And his tears...oh, don't miss the tears...they came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.
People came to him. There is not a hint of one person who was afraid to draw near. There were those who mocked him. There were those who were envious of him. There were those who misunderstood him. There were those who revered him. But there was not one person who considered him too holy, too divine, or too celestial to touch. There was not one person who was reluctant to approach him for fear of being rejected. (Adapted from Max Lucado)
The One who came at Christmas continues to invite us to come. This One who was so inviting and lives in us, wants to invite men and women through you to Him. Simple, ordinary people can do this well. Callused feet, hands and warm welcoming hearts are so effective when empowered by the welcoming, approachable Jesus. In 2006, let's be Him here in all of His endearing splendor.
Love you guys!
Mitch
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Christmas
Many of the familiar stories and truths of scripture have become too familiar. We really can't help the fact that we've heard so much for so long. The privilege to hear as we have had is indeed rare and we are profoundly honored with this opportunity.
But familiarity can breed casual indifference, and desensitize us to things of great beauty, value and significance. A recent book entitled "On A Hill Too Far Away" the writer attempts to take us back to the cross; to face its pain, its benefits and essence in ways that familiarity has removed.
Christmas is much the same. The story we have enjoyed is too well known. The jewels of wonder in this miraculous story "have fallen on ears that hear the one miracle: His birth. But the greater truth is that He, in fact, came to birth miracles in all of us as a way of life!" For He has said: "I am come that they might have life and have it abundantly," Paul said: "He Who began a good work in you will perfect it...." ...And the scriptures encourge by reminding us that we have become new creatures (in Christ) and old things have passed away...all things have become (and keep on becoming) new!
SO, let's look again and again at this story. An old one, but with contemporary meaning, application and power; pregnant with truth that can bring the miraculous to us, in us and through us...enough to profoundly impact our sphere of influence...enough for a lifetime of miracles. The writer of the old carol understood this when he wrote: "O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in; Be born in us today." ...And tomorrow and the next and....
Merry Christmas!
Mitch
But familiarity can breed casual indifference, and desensitize us to things of great beauty, value and significance. A recent book entitled "On A Hill Too Far Away" the writer attempts to take us back to the cross; to face its pain, its benefits and essence in ways that familiarity has removed.
Christmas is much the same. The story we have enjoyed is too well known. The jewels of wonder in this miraculous story "have fallen on ears that hear the one miracle: His birth. But the greater truth is that He, in fact, came to birth miracles in all of us as a way of life!" For He has said: "I am come that they might have life and have it abundantly," Paul said: "He Who began a good work in you will perfect it...." ...And the scriptures encourge by reminding us that we have become new creatures (in Christ) and old things have passed away...all things have become (and keep on becoming) new!
SO, let's look again and again at this story. An old one, but with contemporary meaning, application and power; pregnant with truth that can bring the miraculous to us, in us and through us...enough to profoundly impact our sphere of influence...enough for a lifetime of miracles. The writer of the old carol understood this when he wrote: "O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in; Be born in us today." ...And tomorrow and the next and....
Merry Christmas!
Mitch
Monday, December 12, 2005
What A Weekend...
Final preparations were made, and Bethlehem came off beautifully! Praise the Lord!! The crowds were strong and God blessed us with great promotion from the local newspaper and television. The sense of comradery and unity filled the entire weekends efforts as different teams worked together.
Our leadership teams brought a impassioned plea to come together in a stronger way than ever before; to become the church God desires AND we have the privilege of voting this coming Sunday to affirm the leadership teams' recommendation of Rick Lawrence as our interim pastor.
This is a great "moment" in the life of Fellowship and encouraging signs for us all. Let's continue to pray and seek His face as we move through these exciting days. ..."Faithful is He Who has called us, who will also do it" (I Thessalonians 5:24), for "He is at work in us, both to will and do [work] of [for] His good pleasure." (Philipians 2:13)
Don't miss the opportunities of this coming Sunday...Bible Study (Embracing Forgiveness, a class for women begins), Worship and the Agape' Feast that night at 6:00.
Amazed,
Mitch
Our leadership teams brought a impassioned plea to come together in a stronger way than ever before; to become the church God desires AND we have the privilege of voting this coming Sunday to affirm the leadership teams' recommendation of Rick Lawrence as our interim pastor.
This is a great "moment" in the life of Fellowship and encouraging signs for us all. Let's continue to pray and seek His face as we move through these exciting days. ..."Faithful is He Who has called us, who will also do it" (I Thessalonians 5:24), for "He is at work in us, both to will and do [work] of [for] His good pleasure." (Philipians 2:13)
Don't miss the opportunities of this coming Sunday...Bible Study (Embracing Forgiveness, a class for women begins), Worship and the Agape' Feast that night at 6:00.
Amazed,
Mitch
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Jesus, The Messiah
The prophets declared:
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned...
And that...
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness says, prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God!
For...
Every valley shall be exalted and every hill made low; the crooked straight and the rough places plain...
Yes...
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it,
Because...
The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it!
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts:
Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth; the sea and the dry lands...I'll shake the nations AND...
The desire of all nations shall come! The Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple; even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in. Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts!
It is fulfilled, because HE said so! Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, Thou art very GREAT! (Psalm 104:1)
Uniquely Privileged,
Mitch
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned...
And that...
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness says, prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God!
For...
Every valley shall be exalted and every hill made low; the crooked straight and the rough places plain...
Yes...
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it,
Because...
The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it!
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts:
Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth; the sea and the dry lands...I'll shake the nations AND...
The desire of all nations shall come! The Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple; even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in. Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts!
Even so, Come Lord Jesus to us all this season in a fresh, new transformational way!
It is fulfilled, because HE said so! Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, Thou art very GREAT! (Psalm 104:1)
Uniquely Privileged,
Mitch
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Info...
Fellowship Family,
This Sunday, Rick Lawrence will preach. We'll also be hearing from the Leadership Team. Paul Clendenin and Boo Becker will bring us information from recent meetings. It should be a great day at Fellowship.
Don't forget...no Bible Study this Sunday. It resumes Sunday, December 18th.
See YOU at Bethlehem.
In Grace,
Mitch
This Sunday, Rick Lawrence will preach. We'll also be hearing from the Leadership Team. Paul Clendenin and Boo Becker will bring us information from recent meetings. It should be a great day at Fellowship.
Don't forget...no Bible Study this Sunday. It resumes Sunday, December 18th.
See YOU at Bethlehem.
In Grace,
Mitch
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
How Important Are You?
Anytime you begin to feel you aren't worth very much, consider this:
YOU are a "key" person.
XvXn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works vxry wxll xxcept for onx kxy.
You would think that with all thx other kxys functioning propxrly onx kxy not working would hardly bx noticxd, but just onx kxy out of whack sxxms to ruin thx wholx effort.
You may say to yoursxlf, "Wxll, I'm only onx pxrson, no onx will xvxn noticx if I don't do my bxst."
But it does makx a diffxrxncx bxcausx to bx xffxctivx, an organization nxxds activx participation by xvxry onx to thx bxst of his and hxr ability.
So thx nxxt timx you think you arx not important, rxmxmbxr my old typxwritxr.
You are a kxy pxrson!
...You are of more value than many sparrows! Matthew 10:29-31
You are loved and needed. See you Sunday!!
Mitch
YOU are a "key" person.
XvXn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works vxry wxll xxcept for onx kxy.
You would think that with all thx other kxys functioning propxrly onx kxy not working would hardly bx noticxd, but just onx kxy out of whack sxxms to ruin thx wholx effort.
You may say to yoursxlf, "Wxll, I'm only onx pxrson, no onx will xvxn noticx if I don't do my bxst."
But it does makx a diffxrxncx bxcausx to bx xffxctivx, an organization nxxds activx participation by xvxry onx to thx bxst of his and hxr ability.
So thx nxxt timx you think you arx not important, rxmxmbxr my old typxwritxr.
You are a kxy pxrson!
...You are of more value than many sparrows! Matthew 10:29-31
You are loved and needed. See you Sunday!!
Mitch
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
The Gift...
The gift for all people, the gift of a Savior, the Word becoming flesh all began in a manger. The most remarkable thing; the Omnipotent becoming flesh and blood, the One larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. He who sustains the universe became dependant upon the nourishment of a young girl. Heaven's treasure was entrusted to simple parents.
He looked anything but a king. The typical newborn face, red, wrinkled, helpless and vulnerable. Majesty among the mundane. Holiness in the filth of manure and sweat. The riches of heaven abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen.
This curious throne room had no tapestries, no scepter or shining crown. ...Surrounded by the sounds of cows munching, hooves crunching, a mother humming, a babe nursing.
It could have happened anywhere, but it began in a manger. Step into the doorway, peek through and see...He is here....
Adapted from "The Gift" by Max Lucado
Lets look in and marvel once again. Praise the Lord for His indescribable Gift.
Uniquely Privileged,
Mitch
He looked anything but a king. The typical newborn face, red, wrinkled, helpless and vulnerable. Majesty among the mundane. Holiness in the filth of manure and sweat. The riches of heaven abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen.
This curious throne room had no tapestries, no scepter or shining crown. ...Surrounded by the sounds of cows munching, hooves crunching, a mother humming, a babe nursing.
It could have happened anywhere, but it began in a manger. Step into the doorway, peek through and see...He is here....
Adapted from "The Gift" by Max Lucado
Lets look in and marvel once again. Praise the Lord for His indescribable Gift.
Uniquely Privileged,
Mitch
Monday, December 05, 2005
Bethlehem Week...
What an exciting week in the life of Fellowship as we anticipate this important ministry. Much work and final details have yet to be completed, but all appears to be on schedule. Thanks so much for your participation.
Please be in prayer about Saturday and Sunday night. ...O that the Power of God would especially empower our efforts and accomplish many eternal things in us and all who come.
The Deacons, Admin Team and Staff met with Rick Lawrence this past Thursday night and much progress was made. A report will be coming soon. Continue to pray for our teams as we seek to know the needs of Fellowship and hear the Heart of God. We have a great opportunity before us. Let's find the common ground that all true believers have and purpose to set our hands, together, to the God-revealed tasks presented to us. There are great days ahead. Let's do it for His Glory and renown!
In Grace,
Mitch
Please be in prayer about Saturday and Sunday night. ...O that the Power of God would especially empower our efforts and accomplish many eternal things in us and all who come.
The Deacons, Admin Team and Staff met with Rick Lawrence this past Thursday night and much progress was made. A report will be coming soon. Continue to pray for our teams as we seek to know the needs of Fellowship and hear the Heart of God. We have a great opportunity before us. Let's find the common ground that all true believers have and purpose to set our hands, together, to the God-revealed tasks presented to us. There are great days ahead. Let's do it for His Glory and renown!
In Grace,
Mitch
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Incarnation...
Incarnation...a big word simply meaning God with skin on Him; God in the flesh. Tangible God, that we can see, touch, hear and experience in this physical world with our physical senses. That is the essence of Christmas! God's plan, God's purpose, God's wisdom framed from the beginning, now revealed; once secret and hidden, now unwrapped.
I think that's where we got the idea of Christmas secrets, plans, gifts and things wrapped, to later be opened, given, for all to be surprised; love felt for others, disclosed on Christmas Day! Wow! What a gift was unwraped in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus...and for what purpose?
According to I Corinthians 2:6-10 (esp. vs. 7, 8) to bring us to our full glory, our greatest potential, to bring us back to God's intended best when He created us in the beginning, before sin came. Romans 8:29, 30 says it another way; that Jesus was God's firstborn who represented God's likeness and it is His intent that we be like Him, displaying God's likeness as well. That's incarnation, again. God's likeness in the person of Jesus and now, through Him, God's likeness shown clearly through you! That's Christmas and should be happening everyday in us all!
So, when you're looking at a manger this season, remember that first it was about God coming in the flesh through Jesus. But today, it's about God coming in the flesh through you. Yes, God's intent is to keep revealing himself in tangible ways to the world. He did it in Jesus and the story continues in you! May this be the greatest "Christmas" ever for you and yours.
Blessings,
Mitch
I think that's where we got the idea of Christmas secrets, plans, gifts and things wrapped, to later be opened, given, for all to be surprised; love felt for others, disclosed on Christmas Day! Wow! What a gift was unwraped in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus...and for what purpose?
According to I Corinthians 2:6-10 (esp. vs. 7, 8) to bring us to our full glory, our greatest potential, to bring us back to God's intended best when He created us in the beginning, before sin came. Romans 8:29, 30 says it another way; that Jesus was God's firstborn who represented God's likeness and it is His intent that we be like Him, displaying God's likeness as well. That's incarnation, again. God's likeness in the person of Jesus and now, through Him, God's likeness shown clearly through you! That's Christmas and should be happening everyday in us all!
So, when you're looking at a manger this season, remember that first it was about God coming in the flesh through Jesus. But today, it's about God coming in the flesh through you. Yes, God's intent is to keep revealing himself in tangible ways to the world. He did it in Jesus and the story continues in you! May this be the greatest "Christmas" ever for you and yours.
Blessings,
Mitch
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