Soft Answers 09.22.2023

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  Proverbs 15:1

I so wanted to give a particular individual a harsh word the other day.  I was certain the “company” or “person” was trying to scam me.  But I wasn’t going to fall for it.  I was ready with plenty of harsh words.

Let me explain.  It all started with a letter I received, which had my name but came to my mom’s address.  This was my first reason for suspicion.  The letter claimed that on August 22, last month, I had a toll violation.  I drove on the Dulles Greenway Tollway without paying the toll.  Umm…I’m pretty sure I’ve never been to Virginia or that part of the country.  Second reason for suspicion.  They also had the old license plate for the car.  We had to put on a new license plate in July.  So, the plate number listed wasn’t even on my car on August 22nd.  Three strikes…You’re out…this is a scam.  

I was ready to just throw the letter in the trash and ignore it.  However, I showed it to Nancy just for the fun of it.  She looked at it, read it, and then said, “This looks pretty legit.” My reply was, “Of course it does.  Scammers are getting really good.  They want it to look legit.”  Nancy gave the letter back to me but had that look in her eye that said, “You might want to dig into this deeper.”

I checked with the Better Business Bureau.  The company was listed but not accredited.  There were complaints listed but all had been resolved.  The customer service number on the BBB listing matched what was in the letter.  So, I decided I would call but I was ready for them.  I had all my arguments and proof that this was a scam laid out in my head.  

I called the number.  I actually got a person right away.  No recorded message or push this or dial that.  I calmly and politely said who I was and told the individual why I was calling.  Very pleasantly he said, “I can help you with that.”  Then he politely asked what the issue was.  I told him about the letter I received.  He asked for the license plate that was listed in the letter.  I gave it to him and before I could unload my “proof” of why this was a scam, he said, “I think I see the problem here.”  He said their camera scanner had misread the license plate.  It was actually a West Virginia license plate (same number as the old plate on my vehicle), but the scanner misread the state.  

Without my saying anything else, the customer service gentleman apologized for the mistake, totally admitting it was their error and he would correct it.  And he did…immediately.  In our ending conversation I admitted that I hoped to visit his area of the country sometime, to which he replied that I absolutely needed to, especially when the colors are changing.  

As I hung up the phone, I thought to myself, “Well, that went way better than I thought it would.”  And then this passage from the Bible came to mind.  A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. It struck me that this passage was just lived out.  I was ready with lots of harsh words.  However, the soft, personable, and even respectful answers I received turned away wrath….my wrath.

As we all go through our day, may we remember this proverb.  When we find ourselves in stressful and tense situations, may we remember that a soft answer can often turn away wrath, or hostility.  But a harsh word is likely to bring exactly what we don’t want, an angry response.  I’m going to strive to remember this experience when I sense angry words filling my mind.  A soft answer turns away wrath….  Good words from God’s word!!

Pastor Keith

Life Is Better With God 09.15.2023

Last Sunday was a great day (9.10.23).  It was the Sunday School Kick-Off Carnival.  It was a time of fun, games, music, good food, conversation, and just hanging out together as a church family as we launch into another Fall season…or another school year.  I was certainly sad to miss the Kick-off event, however I was certainly joy-filled to have the opportunity to participate in the spiritual journey of my grand or great niece by officiating her baptism.  It is always a wonderful thing to hold a precious child in my arms and claim them as God’s and to mark them for service in the Kingdom of God.  And yes, there are pictures if you’re interested. 😊

This Sunday is also going to be a great day because it is the first official day for children, youth, and adults to be back in the Sunday School classroom participating in this opportunity to learn and grow in one’s faith.  I hope to make it around to every class and welcome all the students and leaders back.  

But this has me thinking, why do we do Sunday School as a part of church activities?  At its origin Sunday School was not about Bible stories, fun songs, and learning about Jesus.  No, at its origin in the mid 1750’s in England, Sunday School was about providing children, who worked menial jobs to help provide for their families, a chance to better themselves through education.  These classes were not about things related to the Christian faith, it was about reading, writing, and arithmetic, as they say.  

Obviously, things have changed over the years since the 1750’s, but the question is still a good one.  Why do we do Sunday School?  There are a lot of ways we can answer this question…

Tradition – Some would say we do Sunday School because of tradition. It’s just something the church does.  I had Sunday School when I was a kid…so it’s something we should still do today.

Education – Others might say Sunday School is learning about faith and Jesus.  After all, church or Christianity is a significant part of our culture here in the Midwest (though it is declining rapidly) so it’s something we want to expose our children, youth, and even adults to.

Societal Change – There are some who see Sunday School, for both children and adults, as something that is necessary because of what is viewed as changes in society, and not necessarily positive changes.  The hope is Sunday School and faith will be a counter-balance to what we see happening around us.

Values – There are certain values that have tended to go along with those in the Christian Faith.  So, Sunday School is seen as a way of exposing those participating with the values that have traditionally been a part of our faith tradition.  (This relates directly to Societal Change)

Disciplines – Sunday School helps plant the seeds of spiritual disciplines, like prayer, Bible reading, service, etc. in a person’s life, no matter their age.  The earlier one starts utilizing the spiritual disciplines in life, the better.

These are all valid reasons that might be given for the “Why” of Sunday School.  For myself, there are two main reasons that I feel Sunday School is so important.

1. Because life is better with God in it.  Sunday School helps plant seeds of hope, love, and faith in a person’s life, no matter their age.  Even through the most basic of Bible stories, there is often the lesson learned that God is real and that God makes a positive difference in a person’s life.

   
   2. Our God Shaped Hole.  A well-known theologian from the mid 1600’s by the name of Blaise Pascal, made the statement that every person “Has a God shaped hole” in their heart that cannot be filled by any created thing, but can only be filled by the creator.  Or St. Augustine, another Christian theologian from days past said that our hearts are restless and will always be until we find our rest in God.  Our culture today is good at trying to fill the God shaped hole or the void within us but can’t.  Sunday School is a piece of helping us recognize the God-need within us and fill it with the Spirit and presence of God.

So, why Sunday School??  There’s lots of reasons!! The easiest way for me to put it is to say, “Life is better with God in it.”  I look forward to seeing many of you here for Sunday School and Worship on Sunday.  Both of these experiences provide the opportunity to allow the light and love of God into our lives…and then to shine through us into the darkness of the world around us.  Yes, Sunday School is about providing the spark of God’s love in our lives and helping the flame of God’s Spirit grow within us. So, my friends…let your light shine!!  I hope to see you on Sunday.

Pastor Keith

Memories 09.08.2023

In the course of my ministry, I have been invited into people’s lives to be a part of some incredibly beautiful and touching moments of families’ lives.  Some moments have been joy-filled…others have been tinged with tragedy.  In my role as a pastor, I have been a part of great celebrations and also incredible sadness.  This is what life is about and this is what ministry is about…being there with people.

Earlier this year there was a day that stood out with two very touching moments.  The first, I was with a family as one of their parents had to say goodbye to their spouse that had died.  They had shared life together for 60+ years.  It was so touching to see the tenderness of the moment and how the surviving spouse gently caressed and touched their life mate who had died.  The love was so very real.  The connection was so genuine.  It’s always such a sad thing to see when the words in the wedding vows “till parted by death” are lived out, especially in a couple who had celebrated so many anniversaries and experienced so much joy and love in those years together.  

The very same day, I was driving by one of the care facilities here in our community.  I could see two women walking down the sidewalk together.  The one was very elderly, kind of hunched over and slowly making her way.  The other was a much younger woman, maybe in her 20’s, who was wearing scrubs, so I assumed she was on staff there at the facility I was driving by. But this younger woman was patiently walking right beside the other.  As I drove by those two women out walking, I realized they were holding hands.  No, this wasn’t a professional way of holding hands to support or guide the one.  It was a loving holding hands.  Maybe it was a grandma and a granddaughter, or maybe a great grandma and a great granddaughter lovingly taking a late afternoon stroll together.  It didn’t appear that many words were being shared between them, but in that moment, there was love, there was connection, there was a memory being made.  

I was touched by both these scenes on that particular day. In a world in which it seems there is so much division, anger, and disconnection, it was great to see these situations and moments in which it seemed that love was so real.  One moment I was invited into because of my role.  The other I happened upon.  But like so many moments I’ve experienced, they were both holy and sacred moments.

As many of you read this Friday Reflection, maybe Friday afternoon or evening, I’ll be heading west.  I’ve been invited by my niece and her husband to baptize their nine-month-old daughter.  I am so honored to be asked to share in this holy moment.  I’ll admit, part of me hates being away from our church for our Kick-Off Sunday.   This will be a special Sunday! But then I decided, this is a family moment and opportunity to make a special memory.  One that doesn’t come around all that often.  

A friend of mine, whenever he posts a comment on Facebook for someone’s birthday, he always writes, “Make a Memory!”  I haven’t always appreciated or understood his words, but I’ve come to value what he is saying; take the time to connect, take the time to do something special, take the time to do something to create a holy moment that will last a lifetime. No one can take that away!  So, today I would encourage each of you to do something special with a family member, you never know when it might be your last time together.  Take a walk…hold a hand…don’t worry about words…watch a sunset…just be together.  Yes, go ahead and make a memory.  Later on you just might realize the holy moment that it was!!!

Pastor Keith

Reflection 09.01.2023

Have you ever caught yourself working at odds with yourself?  I know, this sounds like a crazy question, and you might be wondering what I mean.  Let me ask the question in a slightly different way.  Have you ever discovered a way that you were working against goals or purposes you have in life?  Just the other day I discovered such a place in my own life, and it literally made me laugh.

The other evening, I needed to finish mowing the lawn.  I had had an evening meeting at the church and with the days getting shorter the sun would soon be setting.  But I thought I’d have just enough time to finish the job.  So, I quickly changed clothes, grabbed some ear plugs and fired up the lawnmower.  

Now before I started the lawnmower, I took a moment to insert the earplugs.  These weren’t the usual earplugs I use, but they were on the counter by the back door, so I grabbed them because I was in a hurry.  Well, right away I noticed that they didn’t seem to go in very easily.  That was odd.  But I figured that maybe they were old, and the foam was less pliable…just making it hard to insert.  I finally thought I had them in place.  So, then I started the lawnmower.  Boy it seemed really loud.  I tried adjusting them, but nothing seemed to make any difference.  I just figured they were no longer effective.  However, since I was in a hurry and the sun was going down fast, I simply pressed on with the task at hand.  Get the lawn mowed!!  But I also made a mental note to throw these earplugs away when the task was completed.

I did accomplish the task.  The backyard got mowed while I still had a bit of light. After putting the lawnmower away in the garage, I reached up and pulled out one of the earplugs, preparing to throw them away.  Something else came out with it.  What…that’s one of my hearing aids.  I reached up and pulled out the other earplug…and yep, there was the other hearing aid, too.  So, while I was trying to muffle the noise of the lawnmower my hearing aids were doing their thing and making the sound louder.  So…talk about conflicting purposes.  

My first reaction was truly to laugh.  I’ve never done that before…with my hearing aids.  But as I stopped and thought about the irony of that moment, I realized that I have done a similar thing in other areas of my life.  I’m trying to drop a few pounds, yet every so often I make my way to Caseys for an apple fritter (they have the best ones in town).  Or, I do like my Dark Chocolate Mint M & M’s, etc.  

Another area where I’m working against myself is that I’m trying to develop some new spiritual practices, but I tend to mentally schedule those activities for the evening…and then I’m too tired, or I’m watching a TV show, or…well there’s lots of ways I can fill in that blank.  

This unexpected moment the other evening has me thinking and reflecting on other ways I may be, knowingly or unknowingly, working against myself.  How else am I trying to do one thing but sabotaging my efforts by other conflicting actions?  Asking this question, I feel, is an important part of our faith journey.  Part of our growth is being open to the voice or the presence of God pointing out those areas where we are working against ourselves and our desire to follow Jesus.  My hope for each of us today would be that we might take a few moments to talk with God and reflect on our lives and our spiritual practices, seeking out those places where we just might be working against ourselves and the desires we have for living a Christ-centered life.  

Pastor Keith

Open Your Heart and Mind 08.25.2023

One of the fun things about this time of year is seeing the first day of school pictures that are being taken in our neighborhood as I walk my dog.  The children are gathered on the front step or in the driveway of the home, sometimes with the family dog, and mom or dad has the cell phone in hand capturing a few pictures of the “first day” that will likely end up on Facebook.  

The younger children are usually full of energy with big smiles on their faces and the older youth may not have quite the big smile, but there’s usually some energy in their eyes revealing their eagerness to get back to school to be with friends, etc.  A part of the excitement of the morning, I hope, is the anticipation of what the children and youth will learn, the new experiences they’ll engage in, and the ways they’ll grow.  I’m sure those thoughts aren’t in their mind, but that’s always an aspect of new beginnings…and the first day of school is certainly a new beginning.

As I watch the children head off to school, it also makes me wonder, in what ways am I seeking to learn and grow in the coming year?  My belief is there is always something new to learn and ways to grow, so we as human beings should always be stretching, learning, and growing in life and also in our faith. 

For those of us who are Jesus followers, we realize Jesus was constantly stretching people to think in new ways.  In fact, Jesus tended to challenge the people of his day who seemed to act like they had all the answers.  After all, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and his Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6) are teachings in which Jesus is saying some pretty bold things and turning people’s world or understanding upside-down.  

One of the phrases Jesus speaks in Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the New Testament of the Bible, is “To the one who has ears, let them hear.”  In a sense it is Jesus’ way of challenging people to think in a new way, to gain some new life and faith truths, to hear something new that God might be saying to them.  Those words about one’s ears just might also be a way of Jesus gently, or not so gently, asking the question, “Is your mind and heart open to the whispers or the voice of God?”

As the children, youth, and even some adults from our community go back to the classroom to learn and grow, may we each reflect for ourselves on learning and growth in our lives.  After all, I believe Jesus is still speaking the words, even to us today, “Let the one who has ears, let them hear.”  In this upcoming school year may we pick up the Bible, may we connect with a church family, participate in a small group, or find an online class to take (this is the one I’m putting extra energy into, all to keep on learning and growing… and allowing God to speak into our lives.  

I suppose every day we could take a selfie and post it on social media, proclaiming it the first day of school because every day is an opportunity to learn.  As Jesus followers, there is always something new to learn or a new way to grow as we seek to live into God’s Kingdom here on earth.  To the one who has ears, let them hear!

Pastor Keith

God's Lessons 08.18.2023

It seems to me that God sometimes uses the most unexpected moments to make a point or teach a truth.  Such was the case for me while I was on vacation last week.  And of all the things God might use for an object lesson for me…God used a paddle board and some waves.  Let me tell you the lesson made real to me.

Some of you may not know what a paddle board is.  It basically looks like a surfboard, but a paddle board tends to be longer, wider, and thicker.  A surfboard is intended to be propelled forward by riding the movement of an ocean wave.  A paddle board is propelled forward by a person on the board using a paddle to stroke the water, thus moving the paddle board forward.  

Nancy and I started paddle boarding about 10 years ago when we were living in North Dakota.  We actually bought a couple of paddle boards and still have them.  So, whenever we go to the lake in Minnesota, a popular destination point for us each August, we always take our paddle boards along.  

Now paddle boarding is fun, but it also takes some balance, coordination, and experience.  One basically stands on a long and narrow piece of wood in the water and uses a long paddle to maneuver around on the water.  Paddle boarding can be a bit tricky because of the various forces upon the paddle board in the open water, such as the wind and other boats, jet skis, etc. that are also cruising around the lake creating ripples and waves that can impact the movement and the stability of the paddle board and the balance of the person on the paddle board.

So, last week there were several times Nancy and I were paddle boarding, cruising across the lake or around the island that we camp on.  On one of our trips a big boat zipped by us creating a big wave. “Oh, this could be trouble,” I thought to myself.  But I did what you’re supposed to do to handle waves on a paddle board; you flex your knees or get low on the board, and you head directly into the wave.  I did all that and was able to ride through the waves without too much problem.

Just a bit later I was standing up on the board, taking in all the beauty of God’s creation around me, when all the sudden my paddle board began to wobble.  I was totally caught off guard by a small wave or wake from a boat that was actually quite some distance from us.  But that small wave hit my board broadside, so there I was rocking on a three-foot-wide board in the middle of a lake.  I thought I was going in the water.  However, I managed to keep my balance and stay on the paddle board, but I was reminded to always keep an eye on the surface of the water and stay aware of what is going on around me…even at a distance.  

The object lesson I feel God was pointing out is that quite often it isn’t the “BIG” sins that trip us up in this journey of faith. You know, the big sins like murder, robbing a bank, stealing a car, something big like that.  Rather the things that most often trip us up and throw us (or at least me) off balance are the little things – the small unexpected “waves” in life, such as… My eyes lingering on something they shouldn’t.  My mind dwelling on something not appropriate.  Participating in an unhealthy discussion or saying something hurtful that didn’t need to be said. There are all sorts of “little things” that come along and if I/we aren’t diligent or staying alert, it is likely to be those small unexpected moments that throw us off track in our walk with God.  

Now that I’m home, the paddle boards are put away for the time being.  But the object lesson of the waves…that is still with me.  Maybe this is a principle that speaks to more than just me.  May we all beware and be aware of the little ripples and waves on the journey of life.  After all, many of the BIG sins in life quite often have their beginning in the little ripples of life-events that slowly pull us away from our connection with God.  Paul’s words to the Jesus Followers at Corinth are so fitting for us/me yet today.  “Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.”  I Corinthians 16:13 

Pastor Keith

The Wave 08.04.2023

God waved at me this morning!!  Seriously…I believe God waved at me!  OK…for sure a doe waved at me.  But since I believe God is a part of all creation, I’m still saying God waved at me this morning during my morning run.  Let me explain what took place.

Most weekday mornings at about 6:10 or so, you’ll find me running.  Since it’s summer, I’m usually running outside.  My usual route is to run along Indian Village Road.  I like this route, because it’s about the distance I want to run, but also because I usually get to see some wildlife along the way.  

So, this morning I’m running along by the Prehistoric Indian Village.  I’ve already seen several squirrels, a few rabbits, etc.  I notice some movement in the trees up ahead.  Yep, there’s several deer stepping into a clearing and heading toward the road. The doe that was in the lead noticed me and froze on the side of the road.  I could sense her thoughts… “Do I dash across the road and hide in the thicker brush along the golf course or do I just stand here hoping this human won’t notice me.”  At least that’s how I interpreted the moment. 

Well, the deer decided to just stand there frozen, unmoving, a perfect deer statue.  I didn’t change my pace, direction, or even where my face was looking.  I didn’t want to startle the deer.  I always feel it is so cool when I can run and be so close to other creatures.  I admit I did give the doe the side-eye as I was going by just to see that beautiful creature.  She simply stood there watching me go by.

When I was probably about 40-50 feet beyond the deer, I turned around, walking backwards so I was still moving away from her.  It was then that I waved at the deer.  I don’t know why…I just did.  Even as I was doing it, the thought was in my head, “That’s dumb Keith, the deer can’t wave back.”  

Those words were still rolling through my mind when it happened.  The deer waved at me.  No, she didn’t pick up a hoof and wave at me.  Her wave came through her tail.  No, the tail wasn’t up in a “caution” or “alert” position.  It was hanging down.  But then, she simply wagged her tail!  Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish.  I know, maybe there was a fly or some other insect flying around her hind quarters, I don’t know.  But that wag came just as I was finishing waving at her.  So, again, I take it that the deer waved at me, at the very least.  But also, maybe it was God’s way of waving at me and saying, “Thanks for noticing this beautiful creature.”  “Thanks for respecting her space and not intentionally startling her.”  “Thanks for taking a moment to greet my creation.”  And the words came to mind… “When you do it unto the least of these…you do it unto me.”

You know, I needed a God wave this morning.  Just some little way of God saying, “Hi Keith…I see you and I’m with you today.”  Thanks God!  I see you and I’m with you today too.”

I’ve heard of God Winks, Godincidents, God sightings, etc.  Now I’m claiming a God Wave.  Today and in the coming week, as we each make our way along this journey, may we be open to the presence of God in our midst.  May we see God all around us in nature and creation.  And may we see some little or big way that God is waving at each of us saying, “Hi there…I see you…I’m with you!!  Now, together, let’s make it a good day!”

Pastor Keith

God's Children 07.28.2023

There is a movie currently in theaters that is surprisingly taking our nation by storm, meaning it is drawing larger crowds than other big name – big star movies.  In our own community of Mitchell, I believe this movie started showing about the same time as the new Indiana Jones movie starring Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones has moved on from our community, but this other popular film I am speaking of is held over for another week.

This film (I’ll give you the name in just a moment) isn’t the new Barbie movie or the film called Oppenheimer, which details the people and events surrounding the development of the atomic bomb.  No, the film I’m writing about today is “Sound of Freedom.” This movie is also based on a true-to-life story of a US law enforcement officer who happened to get involved with a case of child trafficking, which then led him deeper into the “recruiting” side of this horrible criminal organization.  The main story line is that of one individual, with the help of others, how he makes a difference, risking his own life, and is able to rescue numerous children from what would have been a horrible life of being exploited in the child-sex industry.  

The name of the movie comes from a scene where children, who had been trapped in this ugly business, were rescued and were finally feeling comfortable and “free” enough to simply do “children” things…including playing.  

I have known that child-sex trafficking is an issue here in America and even in South Dakota.  The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the big events for this criminal activity in our state.  However, there are other events that draw human and child trafficking here to SD.  The unfortunate reality is that we don’t hear a lot about this dark business and activity.  

What really got my attention was to hear at the end of this movie, in a special message from actor Jim Caviezel, who is the main character in this film (He also famously played Jesus in the movie “The Passion of the Christ.”) is that America is the #1 destination for children who are kidnapped and trafficked in the sex industry.  THIS SHOULD NOT BE!!

A theme and saying that pops up in the story line of this film is, “God’s Children are not for sale!”  This simple saying, brought to life through this powerful film, is greatly resonating with people across our nation.  Angel Studios, that produced Sound of Freedom, had set a goal of selling 2,000,000 tickets.  The most recent information on their website states they have sold over 12,500,000 tickets.  

I encourage everyone to see this film.  It probably is not a film for young children, and if youth do see it, I feel there should be time set aside to discuss the film and the realities that it portrays on the screen.  Here in the Dakotas, we like to think this type of thing doesn’t happen here.  Maybe on the east coast or the west coast…but not here.  Unfortunately, that simply is not true.  Maybe this movie will be a wake-up call in our nation, in our homes, and even in our churches, to begin to see this ugly and dark reality, and find a way to somehow make a difference because…God’s Children are not for sale!!

Pastor Keith

Your Strength 07.21.2023

What is the source of your strength??  You know, the strength that helps you make it through the day.  The strength that keeps you going in difficult times.  The strength that gives you confidence to power through those moments when temptation is seeking to overwhelm you.  What is the source of your strength?  The second, and very closely related question is, what are you doing to guard your strength?  These are two very important questions that I believe we all need to be aware of in order to successfully, not necessarily perfectly, but successfully and faithfully walk as a follower of Jesus each and every day.  

 Now the reason I’m asking this question is because just a couple days ago I read the story of Sampson and Delilah from the book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible.  Reading this story again brought these powerful questions to mind.  Sampson was very much aware of the source of his strength, but he had a little difficulty guarding it or keeping it safe and away from his enemies.

Quick review if you don’t remember the story.  Sampson was born to a couple who for years had been unable to have children.  An angel of God appeared to Sampson’s mother and tells her that even though she has been barren she is about to have a baby.  But this isn’t just any baby, he will be a special child with a special purpose from God.  Sampson was to be raised as a “Nazarite,” meaning he wasn’t to cut his hair and he was to be very careful with what he consumed.  Sampson, as an adult, became a judge over Israel, meaning he helped provide some leadership for the people and tribes.  Sampson was also very strong, with the secret to his strength being in his long hair.  

Sampson married a Philistine woman (Philistines were the enemy of Israel) by the name of Delilah.  She proceeded to try to get Sampson to share the secret of his strength so the Philistine leaders could capture and conquer Sampson.  Sampson kept toying with the Philistines, giving them partials truths, or information that was getting them closer to the truth.  Finally, Sampson broke down and told Delilah the secret of his strength, which was the cutting of his hair.  

Shortly after this, Delilah cut Sampson’s hair while he slept, and the Philistine’s were able to capture and contain Sampson.  He was no longer a threat.  Sampson does have one final moment of glory for God, but I’ll let you read that for yourself.  The story can be found in Judges 13-16.  

Sampson knew the source of his strength…it was God.  But the symbol of his dedication and connection to God was in his uncut hair.  I believe after so many years of enjoying his strength and connection with God, Sampson began to take it for granted.   He was careless, even reckless with his special gift and connection, maybe even flaunting it a bit.  He kept giving hints that were getting his enemy closer to the truth of how he could lose his strength and connection with God.  And ultimately when his guard was down, he gave in, told the secret, and lost his connection, his strength, and ultimately his life.  

As disciples of Jesus, we too have a strength.  Our strength and hope is found in following Jesus.  Our strength is gained through trusting his teaching and seeking to do likewise.  Our strength is found in community dedicated to worshiping, serving, and doing life together.  But sometimes we take our connection and our strength for granted.  At times we can also hold our strength rather loosely or carelessly, just assuming it will always be there.  And, like Sampson, over time we might slowly give in and surrender bits and pieces of our strength and connection with God, until finally, the secret of our strength is claimed and used by the enemy against us.  It’s then we find ourselves, like Sampson, blinded and powerless, and controlled by the enemy or distractions we use to have victory over.  

May we learn from Sampson, to not only claim our strength and our connection to God, but may we also protect it and guard against anything that seeks to slowly steal it away.  And how do we guard our strength?  Paul gives us an answer in his letter to the Philippians.  In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul writes that we should rejoice in the Lord, remain gentle, not let anxiety get the best of us, and stay connected with God through our prayer life.  If we do that, Paul says, the “peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  

One other passage that speaks to this topic, this time from the Old Testament book of Psalm – “The Lord is my strength and shield, in him my heart trusts.”  Psalm 28:7.  This Psalm and Philippians 4:4-7 are great passages to memorize.  They are both great guardrails to rely on and help keep us safe as we journey through life. So, know your strength, guard your strength, and stay connected with our living God!

Pastor Keith

Hidden Potential 07.14.2023

Within every acorn is the potential for a giant oak tree which, when mature, can produce up to 10,000 acorns a year, though oak trees don’t necessarily produce acorns every year.  Within most watermelons is the potential for several hundred other watermelon plants found in the seeds and each seed has the potential to produce 3-5 watermelons.  Within every sunflower seed is the potential to produce a sunflower head that produces at least another 1,000 seeds.  

Wow, there is a lot of potential out there in nature in our world, and I’ve just barely scratched the surface of the often-hidden potential.  In the same way, within every person is a buried potential…just waiting to be released.  The question becomes, for each of us, “How is that potential discovered and released?”  That is a very good question with several different answers.  

One answer, I believe, is that hidden potential is discovered within each of us by trying different activities and experiences and not being afraid to fail.  An example is, I cannot draw.  I am not much of an artist with pen, pencil, or paints.  I have trouble drawing stick men that look decent.  Yet, I have been told that my creativity or artistic side is released in the words that I use for writing and speaking (giving sermons).  By the way, I can still remember the first children’s sermon I ever did.  It was awful…I hyperventilated in the midst of it all.  I have discovered that I don’t care much for putting puzzles together.  But I do enjoy riding my bicycle or hiking.  I find those two activities very relaxing.  

Another example, I don’t particularly enjoy jail ministry.  However, visiting people in the hospital or a care facility I do enjoy.  Or, I’m not much of a fan of custard.  But frozen custard…big fan!!!  I tried wrestling once…not good.  Later on I tried track/running…very good!!!  Trial and error has taught me things, and continues to teach me.

Another way of discovering the potential within us is through intentional choice.  Recently I was reading a book entitled “Lovingkindness.” Part of a paragraph really spoke to me.  It said, “Our potential to love is very real and is somehow not destroyed, no matter what we experience; all of the mistakes that we might make, all of the times that we are caught in reaction, all of the time we have caused pain, all of the times we have suffered.  Throughout everything, our potential to love remains intact and pure.  Through practicing lovingkindness in meditation and in daily life, we cultivate this potential.” Lovingkindness page 32-33

Did you catch that… “Through practicing lovingkindness…we cultivate this potential.”  In other words, through the intentional choice of doing something, in this case practicing lovingkindness, we cultivate, we nurture, we encourage, we harvest, we bring forth more of the potential of lovingkindness in our lives.  

During this season of summer, may we each try a few new things.  You never know what untapped buried seed or potential will be discovered by doing so.  And may we also be intentional about practicing even just one of the fruits of the spirit in our lives.  Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the list, which starts out with “love.”  The seeds, or the potential, of love is there…it’s just waiting to be practiced and cultivated.  Love is a good place to start in this world of ours.  And remember, Jesus’ new command to us, his followers, is to love one another.  

Now I’m off into the day to practice lovingkindness.  I know I’ve got some cultivating to do in this area.  Won’t you join me?

Pastor Keith