Notes of Faith October 1, 2024

Notes of Faith October 1, 2024

A Thousand Years of Peace

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

Isaiah 2:4

During the height of the Cold War, the USSR gave a statue to the United Nations. Ironically, it was a depiction of Isaiah 2:4. The bronze sculpture depicts a man bringing a hammer down on a sword, forming it into a plow. Even Soviet Communists were yearning for the global peace promised by Isaiah. Some believed the United Nations could achieve it.

Isa 2:1-5

This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

2 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord's house

will be the highest of all—

the most important place on earth.

It will be raised above the other hills,

and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.

3 People from many nations will come and say,

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of Jacob's God.

There he will teach us his ways,

and we will walk in his paths."

For the Lord's teaching will go out from Zion;

his word will go out from Jerusalem.

4 The Lord will mediate between nations

and will settle international disputes.

They will hammer their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will no longer fight against nation,

nor train for war anymore.

5 Come, descendants of Jacob,

let us walk in the light of the Lord!

The wonderful vision of Isaiah will certainly be fulfilled—but not until Christ establishes His Kingdom on earth. Remember that when you hear of wars and rumors of wars on our little planet. It seems tragic that nations can’t get along, nor can individuals. The world is filled with frustration. But remember: It will not be like that forever. There is a coming thousand-year Kingdom in which Christ will reign and judge the nations. They shall learn of war no more.

Praise the Lord! One day we’ll experience the Coming Golden Age here on earth.

Much Scripture is devoted to stating the untold blessing and glory poured out upon the earth…in the kingdom…. National and individual peace is the fruit of [the] Messiah’s reign.

J. Dwight Pentecost

Do you understand the Scriptures prophesying of a future Kingdom of God on earth? Are you waiting expectantly for the return of Jesus? There are judgments to come on unbelievers and blessings overflowing upon believers that will be poured out just before and after the return of Jesus! I can’t wait! But I know that God has a certain group of chosen people that may not have even been born yet that will come to Him in faith and be saved, joining the rest of us awaiting His return.

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 30, 2024

Notes of Faith September 30, 2024

The Coming Kingdom

For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:9

What’s ahead for earth? Perhaps your first thoughts are the Rapture and the Tribulation. Let’s start thinking about the thousand-year reign of Christ, which begins when He returns at the end of the Tribulation.

Isaiah anticipated this period throughout his book. In chapter 2, he said many people will say to one another, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…He will teach us His ways,” and the nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares” (verses 3-4). He also avows that Jesus will reign on the throne of David (9:7), and even nature will be changed: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb” (11:6). And so much more!

One day the earth will be as it should be! The future reign of Christ on earth—followed by eternity in the new heavens, the new earth, and New Jerusalem—is what we need to keep our hearts hopeful today. We can rejoice in our future!

In Jesus Christ we have been chosen from eternity, accepted in time, and united for eternity.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Isa 2:1-5

The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Now it will come about that

In the last days

The mountain of the house of the Lord

Will be established as the chief of the mountains,

And will be raised above the hills;

And all the nations will stream to it.

3 And many peoples will come and say,

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

To the house of the God of Jacob;

That He may teach us concerning His ways

And that we may walk in His paths."

For the law will go forth from Zion

And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

4 And He will judge between the nations,

And will render decisions for many peoples;

And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will not lift up sword against nation,

And never again will they learn war.

5 Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

We might think that the 1,000 year kingdom of our Lord will be perfect. Indeed, the beauty of the earth will be restored as the beginning of creation. The wild animals will not devour one another, nor will mankind devour one another. We will live in peace with the true King of kings, Jesus Christ, ruling the earth. But mankind will still have his fallen nature that causes him to pursue things against God. There will be those that rebel and fight against God during this time. Sounds silly to fight against the Creator of everything that exists, but that is what will happen. Satan, who has been held captive for this time, will be released and gather hordes to battle the people of God. He will be defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire in eternal judgment. Let us pray as the Lord taught His disciples, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done one earth, as it is in heaven.” Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 29, 2024

Notes of Faith September 29, 2024

Work and My Identity

Created in His Image to Work

When we meet someone new and are asked to tell about ourselves, usually one of the first things we share is what we do for work. Our vocation helps define who we are and how we think about ourselves. And because our identity is tied closely with our work, our sense of self-worth is often linked to our success or failure at our jobs.

This is not entirely surprising because we were made to work. Adam and Eve were given work before sin entered the world (see Genesis 1:28), and work will continue into the new creation after Jesus returns (see Isaiah 65:21–22). We are made in God’s image, and He is a God at work (see John 5:17). We are sub-creators, following His example by cultivating and creating out of what He has made. It is an important part of who we are.

However, we place ourselves in a vulnerable position when we make our work the most important part of our identity. When our work becomes all-important, then we work to earn our place in the world or to make ourselves feel valuable. This, in turn, often leads to workaholism and feelings of despair or worthlessness if we become unemployed. Instead, we should first center our identity on the fact that we are children of God in Christ and see our work as an overflow of that relationship and a way to serve God and others with the work of our hands.

The Common Grace of Work

Our vocation makes up a large part of our sense of self, or our identity. While our work should not be the defining part of how we see ourselves, it is good to find meaning and joy in our work when it is done out of a love for God and others.

God is a worker.

He created the world in six days (see Genesis 1) and continues to work today (see Psalm 104:24–30). Jesus was a carpenter (see Mark 6:3), and He saw His ministry of teaching and healing as work (see John 5:17).

We are made in the image of God and, therefore, reflect His nature when we work.

Adam and Eve worked in the garden before the first sin was committed (see Genesis 1:28; 2:15, 20), and those redeemed by Christ will work after His return (see Isaiah 65:21–22). This means that working is part of what it means to be human. It always has been, and it always will be. Work is part of God’s design of humanity, not a result of the fall.

God empowers all who work (see Exodus 31:1–5) and has created the skills and abilities we use in our jobs so that we can serve one another in our vocations. Jesus instructed us to ask God for our daily bread (see Matthew 6:11), and God answers that prayer through the farmer, the baker, the trucker, and the grocer, and by giving us employment to earn money to purchase that bread.

No one should build their identity completely around their work, but work is good, and Christians are called to work hard at the labor God has given them, as if working for God Himself (see Colossians 3:23–24).

Excerpted from the Life in Christ Bible, copyright Thomas Nelson.

Most people choose to work to provide daily necessities for themselves and their family. It does not matter what this work is, and one can take pride in the doing of this work if it is done rightly.

Col 3:22-24

… with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 28, 2024

Notes of Faith September 28, 2024

The Prayer of a Hunted Man

Article by Greg Morse

Staff writer, Desiring God

Distress discloses who we really are. It wrings us, bleeds us, drags the soul to the surface to account for itself. I am the best me with a happy wife, obedient children, loyal friends, suitable bank account, and (as a pastor) humble sheep. But when the child screams inconsolably (again), when the wife is anxious, when friends and finances blow away, when sheep refuse to be shepherded, then who am I? Isn’t it easiest to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” when you don’t really feel any need to?

The devil thought so. In response to God’s celebrating Job, Satan sneers,

Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face. (Job 1:9–11)

In other words, prosperity props up his righteousness. That twisted spirit is always incredulous about integrity. What happens next will reveal the spirit; the squeeze will spill the juice.

Predators and Pray

David was a man squeezed repeatedly throughout his life — and aren’t we thankful? His psalms pour forth as sweetest wine pressed in adversity. As we (unwillingly) explore affliction and wander through nights of uncertainty, everywhere we go we seem to find the inscription: Here stood David. Travel into the valley of death, into utter despair, into conflicts of soul and with Satan — there he waits to sing to our griefs, name our sorrows, and point us to the light of hope in God. His music comforted the tormented Saul and many Sauls since.

Psalm 27 is another psalm juiced from the winepress. The exact circumstances remain unclear; all we know is that vultures circle overhead; he is being hunted.

When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27:2–3)

He knows men wish to murder him. If he pens this on the run from King Saul, his adversaries are mighty indeed. If he writes this later as king, he knows men would step over his carcass to hold his crown. He imagines his opponents, vast and cannibalistic: “when evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh . . .” These men are beasts, omnivorous, arrayed, teeth bared and lurking.

What emerges from the inner man? A defiant faith in God. “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?” (Psalm 27:1). Here is the shepherd boy who stared down the predator of Gath and returned with the head of the foe. And with the foul stench of death’s breath upon his neck, he pens next his life verse. As the black dogs chase, what man comes forth from the depths? A worshiper.

One Thing I Ask

Feel how supernatural this is: as assassins lurk in the corridor, David’s distracting desire, his consuming passion, is to be away with his God. The hounds gather at the base of his tree, yet see him gazing up at higher branches, longing to be nearer the heavens.

One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

When fear showed its crooked smile, he longed to gaze upon the beauty of his God. Here we find no atheist in the foxhole, nor even a mere monotheist, but a lover of God whose mind, even in this nightmare, daydreamed about seeing the King in his beauty. As Charles Spurgeon writes, “Under David’s painful circumstances we might have expected him to desire repose, safety, and a thousand other good things, but no, he has set his heart on the pearl, and leaves the rest.”

While his own life teeters in the balance, he teaches us what ours is about. As the Miner sifts him, the sand falls through; the one jewel remains. He longs “to enjoy the constant presence of God,” comments Derek Kidner:

Note the singleness of purpose (one thing) — the best answer to distracting fears (1–3) — and the priorities within that purpose: to behold and to inquire; a preoccupation with God’s Person and his will. It is the essence of worship; indeed of discipleship. (Psalms 1–72, 138)

To dwell with God all the days of his life, to see something — see Someone — “to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord” and to speak with him in his palace — this was everything to him. Life was not to rule, to slay giants, to marry and have children, to amass wealth, to eat, drink, or be merry — the continuance of these was not his one request. Worship was. As evil men swipe at the silver cord, he, like Mary after him, chooses the good portion that cannot be taken from him: to sit at the feet of his Lord.

Most of us will never have people try to kill us. But we can learn the priority of worship from the dark distresses of David. The object at the end of his soul’s longing was a glory to be gazed upon. Traveling back to David’s game of thrones — life hanging in the balance, his picture on the dartboard — we find a man not only after God’s own heart, but after God himself. On the caption to his own wanted poster, he scrawls, David, a man seeking the face of God, was here.

Summons Behind Our Seeking

I am convicted by the singularity of David’s request and marvel at the circumstances from which it arose. When offered one thing, Solomon asked for wisdom; David, like Moses, asked to see God’s face. What am I asking for? As I audit my life, what is the one thing I am seeking after? Is it to see my God’s majesty all the days of my life? Do my desires reach nearly that high?

My tepid heart warms to discover that this seeing that makes eternally happy is not just the man’s desire, but God’s desire for the man. David’s obsession to see God was in obedience to his command. David sings the secret later in the psalm:

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Hide not your face from me. (Psalm 27:8–9)

Our highest worship never climbs higher than a response. Behind our one request is always his command: “Seek my face.” Christianity is not about us scaling to the gods and invading their heaven, but about God descending to us and giving us his. Which means we do not persuade him to be seen; he persuades us to see. And at what price he makes his argument. When did Jesus intercede most ardently for David’s one request on our behalf? On the eve of his securing it at the cross: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).

Jesus Christ, David’s son and David’s desire, offers us more than a psalm or sympathy in our darkest moments. He gives himself. As we fumble in despair, he doesn’t just point us to God; he tabernacles among us as God.

“Christianity is not about us scaling to the gods and invading heaven, but about God descending to us and giving us heaven.”

And somehow, he too was hunted. Satan protested of him, “Does he fear God for no reason?” The armies of men arrested him by night, mocked him, flogged him, and crucified him. They did assail him to eat up his flesh. Strong bulls of Jerusalem surrounded him; they opened their mouths wide at him like a ravening lion (Psalm 22:12–13). And who was he then, crushed in the winepress of the Father’s wrath? “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Beneath the midnight of God’s wrath, in the valley of the second death, see inscribed upon a tree: The Son of God, the son of David, was here.

And he was there, Christian, so we could be where he is to behold his glory forever.

We Shall See Him

O saint, you will see him soon. How then shall we wait? Make David’s prayer your own so that when you see him you may have confidence before him and not shrink in shame at his coming (1 John 2:28). Imagine that coming. The sight of him will not only bless but beautify; you shall be like him, for you “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). And we will see him as he is, no longer as he once was in his agony. Let the prince of preachers heat your heart:

We shall see him, not with a reed in his hand, but grasping a golden sceptre. We shall see him, not as mocked and spit upon and insulted, not bone of our bone, in all our agonies, afflictions, and distresses; but we shall see him exalted; no longer Christ the man of sorrows, the acquaintance of grief, but Christ the Man-God, radiant with splendour, effulgent with light, clothed with rainbows, girded with clouds, wrapped in lightnings, crowned with stars, the sun beneath his feet.

O Lord our God, heaven’s Radiance and our Desire, one thing we ask of you and one thing will we seek after: to dwell in your kingdom all the days of our lives, to gaze upon your beauty and to inquire of you in a world remade. When our hearts are now tried and crushed, may what comes out be a song that begs to see more, that pleads to see, finally and forever, your face, unveiled but not unrecognized — your face, a heaven of beauty and the beauty of heaven.

I have prayed to see God since I was a very young child. At age 18 I was given a vision of Christ at a Bible study meeting in someone’s home. Time seemed to stand still as Jesus approached me with His arms open wide. This gave me comfort for my fear, strength for my weakness of faith, and a call to love and serve the One who loves me and gives me life. But this vision lasted only a very short time and my desire is to always be near Christ.

1 Peter 1:6-9

6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Though I do not see Him, I know He is with me, has chosen me to be His very own. He walks with me through joy and sorrow, bringing me day by day to fulfill His plan in my life. I know that I will live with Him forever one day because of the faith He has given me to believe in Him. I see Him now in my heart and mind. One day I will see Him face to face and His full glory will be revealed.

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 27, 2024

Notes of Faith September 27, 2024

Until He Appears

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

Epiphany is the English rendering of the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance or manifestation.” In Western Christendom, Epiphany commemorates the coming of the Magi—Christ’s first “appearance” to the Gentile world. In the East, Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus, also commemorating His appearance at the beginning of His public ministry.

1 Tim 6:11-16

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time — He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

Paul uses epiphany to refer to the first appearance of Jesus (Titus 2:11), but more often to refer to His Second Coming as in Titus 2:13. And he connects the two: The grace of God that appeared with Christ is the grace that teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live “soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” as we wait for His “glorious appearing” at the end of the age (Titus 2:12-13). Christ’s first appearing revealed the grace that teaches us how to live until He appears the second time.

We are saved by grace to be “zealous for good works” until the appearance of our Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:14).

I cannot think of even one lonely passage in the New Testament which speaks of Christ’s revelation, manifestation, appearing or coming that is not directly linked with moral conduct, faith and spiritual holiness. A.W. Tozer

Born in rural Pennsylvania, born again in Akron, Ohio, Aiden Wilson Tozer began his lifelong pursuit of God at the age of 17.

Walking home from work one day, he heard a street preacher say: "If you don't know how to be saved, just call on God." When young Tozer got home, he climbed into his attic and did just that. In many ways, that simple act would characterize Tozer's entire life and ministry.

In his early 20s, just after his ordination ceremony, he retreated to a quiet place in the woods and prayed what he later wrote down and titled, The Prayer of a Minor Prophet. In it he said:

“Give me a Vision to see and courage to report what I see faithfully. Make my voice so like thine own that even the sick sheep will recognize and follow thee.”

It seems God granted his request, for Tozer gave himself to three main tasks: prayer, study, and proclamation. He was known to arrive at his office in the early morning, change into a pair of old pants so he wouldn't wrinkle his slacks and pray for up to three hours at a time - beginning on the couch, but soon moving to the floor, face buried in the carpet.

He made time for sustained study as well, mostly meditating on Scripture, but also reading deeply of many authors – early church fathers, mystics, writers of the Middle Ages, Reformers, Puritans, philosophers, and even his contemporaries – impressive, considering his formal education ended at the sixth grade.

What Tozer heard from God through prayer and study he spoke to men through books and sermons. Tozer wrote The Pursuit of God, perhaps his most popular work, on an overnight train, equipped with just a Bible, notebook, and pencil. His books and sermons cut to the heart and healed many spiritual ills.

No doubt A. W. Tozer was unique. He had the grit of an early-century midwesterner and a shepherds heart.

His countenance was stern but his sense of humor was warm. His mind was steel and his rhetoric sharp. But these only made him a gifted man. It was his deep devotion, his abiding dependence on the Spirit - his painstaking attention to the beauty of Christ - that made him a servant of God.

A.W. Tozer ministered until his death in May 1963. His body rests in Akron, OH, under an epitath that simply reads:

“A. W. Tozer - A Man of God”

In his life and after his death, Tozer was regarded by many as a modern-day prophet, perhaps due to his prayer long ago in those woods.

The writings of this man are deep and filled with the wisdom of God, most likely from the time he spent in intimate closeness with God. My earnest prayer for you and me is that we would walk through this life in like manner, though we battle fiercely with our old nature, staying close to God, being obedient to His Word, as we await the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 26, 2024

Notes of Faith September 26, 2024

Every Deed a Seed

He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126:6

Try asking God to make your every deed a seed. Even our smallest actions can witness for Christ in these last days. The swift appearing of Jesus Christ has deepened the urgency of our times.

It was a farmer whistling hymns that prompted Jane Guinness to seek and find Christ. Another farmer offered to let a teenager named Billy Graham drive his truck if he’d attend the Mordecai Ham crusade, and Billy was saved. Ham himself felt God’s hand fall on him when he watched his grandfather on his death bed pointing upward as if seeing Jesus. An unknown saint donated a few dollars to provide the Gideon Bible that brought baseball player Orel Hershiser to Christ. Charles Spurgeon was converted when a layman quoted Isaiah 45:22: “Look to Me, and be saved.”

As we prepare for Christ’s return, we’re not all far-famed preachers, but God has many kinds of pulpits. Ask Him to bless everything you do and every word you say toward the progress of the Kingdom.

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Knowles Shaw

Ps 126

When the Lord brought us back to Jerusalem,

it was like a dream!

2 How we laughed, how we sang for joy!

Then the other nations said about us,

"The Lord did great things for them."

3 Indeed he did great things for us;

how happy we were!

4 Lord, make us prosperous again,

just as the rain brings water back to dry riverbeds.

5 Let those who wept as they planted their crops,

gather the harvest with joy!

6 Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed

will come back singing for joy,

as they bring in the harvest.

A smile, a kind word, fresh baked cookies for a neighbor, holding a door open, paying the check, quoting your favorite verse, wearing clothing that speaks of Jesus…all good ways to plant seeds that can lead to spiritual growth and salvation in Christ. Thanks to a fellow pastor, I share these words, “Go out and plant some seeds!” Pray for the Lord of the harvest to bring growth unto salvation and eternal life in those for whom we weep and plant seeds.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 25, 2024

Notes of Faith September 25, 2024

The Roaring Twenties

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be...? 2 Peter 3:11

The world decided to party it up in the 1920s. The Great War was over, and everyone was caught up in flappers, talkies, gangsters, speakeasies, bootleggers, jazz, new-fangled radios, and novel dances. But the mood didn’t last. The Roaring Twenties ran right into the Great Depression.

One hundred years later in the 2020s, it’s still hard to predict the twists and turns of the times. But the Lord has given us insights into the future. Much of the Bible is predictive prophecy. When we study these passages, it contributes to our Christian growth and godliness. We look around at the times, we look ahead at the prophecies, and we ask ourselves, “How should I then live?”

The apostle Peter said, “And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living! You should look forward to that day and hurry it along…. Looking forward to God’s promise of new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:11-13, TLB).

The best evidence that the Lord’s return has really gotten hold of us is when we occupy till He come, do business for God, buy up the opportunities.

Vance Havner

2 Peter 3:10-13

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t like gifts or rewards. We seek them from our first understanding of doing what someone wants and receiving that reward. It could be a thank you, a pat on the back, a paycheck, a raise, or a special gift from a friend. But the best reward of all is for believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving blessings beyond your imagination, things that God has prepared for those that love Him and are obedient to His commands. Do not be fooled. God will not be mocked. You may think that you are pleasing to God…examine yourself, repent of your sin, and yes, you will be forgiven, if you truly have a repentant heart. Pursue the holiness of God. Seek to do His will in all things. Your reward is waiting for you…

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 24, 2024

Notes of Faith September 24, 2024

Runaway Train?

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

A man once told his pastor, “I really don’t have much interest in studying prophecy.” His pastor said, “Oh my, that means you must be neglecting the books of Daniel, Zechariah, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Revelation, and vast portions of Isaiah and Ezekiel, along with Matthew 24 and 25. That’s a lot of Bible to ignore!”

After the apostle Paul wrote the predictions God gave him about the Rapture of the Church, he said, “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” The study of prophecy is tremendously comforting. It reminds us God controls the course of history and has a glorious conclusion for all His children. We’re not destined to crash with the hopelessness of a runaway train. Instead, God is the Conductor, and He will get us safely home. Just as the predictions of His first coming were perfectly fulfilled, so will be the prophecies about His Second Coming.

Hope is the anticipation of wonderful future events. The details of prophecy may seem daunting, but the basic outlines are pretty simple. Jesus is coming again, and heaven is our destiny. Let’s comfort one another with these truths.

Bible prophecy helps us to better understand the future…. And gives us hope in a hopeless age.

Tim LaHaye

1 Thess 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

This is one of the two directions that life leads when life on earth ends. Those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will go to live with Him forever, and all others will be condemned for their unbelief and judged with eternal separation from God, living in torment and pain.

Knowing God, His work through the history of mankind, the prophecies that have come true just as He said, gives us hope and comfort for the things that still lay ahead. We need not worry about what is to come, for God is in control and will bring about His divine plan!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 23, 2024

Notes of Faith September 23, 2024

Recurring Prayer

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

One of the shortest verses in the Bible is a mystery to some people: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). One rule for Bible study is comparing Scripture with Scripture, and here in 1 Thessalonians we have several clues as to how we can pray without ceasing. In chapter 1 Paul said, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith” (verses 2-3).

Notice the word “always”—We give thanks to God always for you. Then notice how Paul said he was remembering without ceasing your work of faith. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, he said, “We also thank God without ceasing.”

Paul obviously had other prayers and thanksgivings he offered and other things he remembered. He was telling them they were constantly coming up in his thoughts and prayers.

Praying without ceasing is something we do constantly, not necessarily continuously. In other words, prayer should be constantly recurring. This requires an attitude of diligence and trust. It also helps to have some regular habits of prayer. Perhaps you can devise some triggers and prompts that will remind you to pray at certain moments. Heaven-bound believers never say a final prayer. Our fellowship with God is eternal.

Prayer often avails where everything else fails.

R. A. Torrey

1 Thess 5:12-22

12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.

The Scriptures give us many examples and opportunities to pray. Our everyday circumstances provide many more. The love of God and others could keep us in prayer all day long… But all too often we pray as a last resort instead of taking things to God and seeking His wisdom and counsel. He will always lead us in the right direction and choice. And…if we love God and love others, we won’t be so tied up thinking about ourselves as the priority. God first, others second, and we will be secure in faith and action through doing those two!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith September 22, 2024

Notes of Faith September 22, 2024

The Prayer of a Hunted Man

Article by Greg Morse

Staff writer, desiringGod.org

Distress discloses who we really are. It wrings us, bleeds us, drags the soul to the surface to account for itself. I am the best me with a happy wife, obedient children, loyal friends, suitable bank account, and (as a pastor) humble sheep. But when the child screams inconsolably (again), when the wife is anxious, when friends and finances blow away, when sheep refuse to be shepherded, then who am I? Isn’t it easiest to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” when you don’t really feel any need to?

The devil thought so. In response to God’s celebrating Job, Satan sneers,

Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face. (Job 1:9–11)

In other words, prosperity props up his righteousness. That twisted spirit is always incredulous about integrity. What happens next will reveal the spirit; the squeeze will spill the juice.

Predators and Pray

David was a man squeezed repeatedly throughout his life — and aren’t we thankful? His psalms pour forth as sweetest wine pressed in adversity. As we (unwillingly) explore affliction and wander through nights of uncertainty, everywhere we go we seem to find the inscription: Here stood David. Travel into the valley of death, into utter despair, into conflicts of soul and with Satan — there he waits to sing to our griefs, name our sorrows, and point us to the light of hope in God. His music comforted the tormented Saul and many Sauls since.

Psalm 27 is another psalm juiced from the winepress. The exact circumstances remain unclear; all we know is that vultures circle overhead; he is being hunted.

When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27:2–3)

He knows men wish to murder him. If he pens this on the run from King Saul, his adversaries are mighty indeed. If he writes this later as king, he knows men would step over his carcass to hold his crown. He imagines his opponents, vast and cannibalistic: “when evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh . . .” These men are beasts, omnivorous, arrayed, teeth bared and lurking.

What emerges from the inner man? A defiant faith in God. “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?” (Psalm 27:1). Here is the shepherd boy who stared down the predator of Gath and returned with the head of the foe. And with the foul stench of death’s breath upon his neck, he pens next his life verse. As the black dogs chase, what man comes forth from the depths? A worshiper.

One Thing I Ask

Feel how supernatural this is: as assassins lurk in the corridor, David’s distracting desire, his consuming passion, is to be away with his God. The hounds gather at the base of his tree, yet see him gazing up at higher branches, longing to be nearer the heavens.

One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

When fear showed its crooked smile, he longed to gaze upon the beauty of his God. Here we find no atheist in the foxhole, nor even a mere monotheist, but a lover of God whose mind, even in this nightmare, daydreamed about seeing the King in his beauty. As Charles Spurgeon writes, “Under David’s painful circumstances we might have expected him to desire repose, safety, and a thousand other good things, but no, he has set his heart on the pearl, and leaves the rest.”

While his own life teeters in the balance, he teaches us what ours is about. As the Miner sifts him, the sand falls through; the one jewel remains. He longs “to enjoy the constant presence of God,” comments Derek Kidner:

Note the singleness of purpose (one thing) — the best answer to distracting fears (1–3) — and the priorities within that purpose: to behold and to inquire; a preoccupation with God’s Person and his will. It is the essence of worship; indeed of discipleship. (Psalms 1–72, 138)

To dwell with God all the days of his life, to see something — see Someone — “to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord” and to speak with him in his palace — this was everything to him. Life was not to rule, to slay giants, to marry and have children, to amass wealth, to eat, drink, or be merry — the continuance of these was not his one request. Worship was. As evil men swipe at the silver cord, he, like Mary after him, chooses the good portion that cannot be taken from him: to sit at the feet of his Lord.

Most of us will never have people try to kill us. But we can learn the priority of worship from the dark distresses of David. The object at the end of his soul’s longing was a glory to be gazed upon. Traveling back to David’s game of thrones — life hanging in the balance, his picture on the dartboard — we find a man not only after God’s own heart, but after God himself. On the caption to his own wanted poster, he scrawls, David, a man seeking the face of God, was here.

Summons Behind Our Seeking

I am convicted by the singularity of David’s request and marvel at the circumstances from which it arose. When offered one thing, Solomon asked for wisdom; David, like Moses, asked to see God’s face. What am I asking for? As I audit my life, what is the one thing I am seeking after? Is it to see my God’s majesty all the days of my life? Do my desires reach nearly that high?

My tepid heart warms to discover that this seeing that makes eternally happy is not just the man’s desire, but God’s desire for the man. David’s obsession to see God was in obedience to his command. David sings the secret later in the psalm:

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Hide not your face from me. (Psalm 27:8–9)

Our highest worship never climbs higher than a response. Behind our one request is always his command: “Seek my face.” Christianity is not about us scaling to the gods and invading their heaven, but about God descending to us and giving us his. Which means we do not persuade him to be seen; he persuades us to see. And at what price he makes his argument. When did Jesus intercede most ardently for David’s one request on our behalf? On the eve of his securing it at the cross: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).

Jesus Christ, David’s son and David’s desire, offers us more than a psalm or sympathy in our darkest moments. He gives himself. As we fumble in despair, he doesn’t just point us to God; he tabernacles among us as God.

“Christianity is not about us scaling to the gods and invading heaven, but about God descending to us and giving us heaven.”

And somehow, he too was hunted. Satan protested of him, “Does he fear God for no reason?” The armies of men arrested him by night, mocked him, flogged him, and crucified him. They did assail him to eat up his flesh. Strong bulls of Jerusalem surrounded him; they opened their mouths wide at him like a ravening lion (Psalm 22:12–13). And who was he then, crushed in the winepress of the Father’s wrath? “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Beneath the midnight of God’s wrath, in the valley of the second death, see inscribed upon a tree: The Son of God, the son of David, was here.

And he was there, Christian, so we could be where he is to behold his glory forever.

We Shall See Him

O saint, you will see him soon. How then shall we wait? Make David’s prayer your own so that when you see him you may have confidence before him and not shrink in shame at his coming (1 John 2:28). Imagine that coming. The sight of him will not only bless but beautify; you shall be like him, for you “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). And we will see him as he is, no longer as he once was in his agony. Let the prince of preachers heat your heart:

We shall see him, not with a reed in his hand, but grasping a golden sceptre. We shall see him, not as mocked and spit upon and insulted, not bone of our bone, in all our agonies, afflictions, and distresses; but we shall see him exalted; no longer Christ the man of sorrows, the acquaintance of grief, but Christ the Man-God, radiant with splendour, effulgent with light, clothed with rainbows, girded with clouds, wrapped in lightnings, crowned with stars, the sun beneath his feet.

O Lord our God, heaven’s Radiance and our Desire, one thing we ask of you and one thing will we seek after: to dwell in your kingdom all the days of our lives, to gaze upon your beauty and to inquire of you in a world remade. When our hearts are now tried and crushed, may what comes out be a song that begs to see more, that pleads to see, finally and forever, your face, unveiled but not unrecognized — your face, a heaven of beauty and the beauty of heaven.

God creates each one in His image, though each one be very different in looks, character, they are His creation. He pursues those that He has created to have relationship with them. In reality, only a few respond in truth to believe in Him and follow Him. May we be sensitive to His call, respond in repentance for our sin, receive forgiveness through His death and resurrection, and may we seek His face fervently, awaiting the day of His return to take us to be with Him forever!

Pastor Dale