God’s Divine Power

God’s Divine Power

Peter begins his second letter referring to those who have received the faith. So it is a letter to all those who have opened their lives to the power of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He writes, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:2-4

We are reminded that we have the greatest gift of all. Not only do we have life eternal, a hope to live in, and blessings straight from God’s hand, but we can participate in the divine nature of God. By participating in this divine nature we escape the corruption caused by our evil desires. Could it be that the more of God we have, the less the world lives in us? I think that is exactly what Peter is getting at. More of God, less corruption; more of God, less of me; more of God, less fall out. If we are being filled with the presence and knowledge of God, then the world will be pushed out of us.

My question for you today is this, “How much are you seeking to know God in this season of your life?” Let me encourage you to seek Him with your whole heart. Make it a priority to know Jesus more. When you do, you will be led by Him to participate in His divine nature. God has already given us all things necessary for life and godliness. All we need to do is accept them and faithfully use them. When we do then the lust of the eye and the pride of life will not overtake you.

Now read verses 3-4 again from a deep, fat book written by smart men called, “A Handbook on the Second Letter From Peter, by Daniel C. Arichea and Howard A. Hatton.”

“Jesus, through His own power, has given us everything we need to live as Christians really should. This is possible because we have come to know God. He is the one who has called us to have a part in His greatness and moral goodness. Through all this, God has given us the very great and precious gifts that He promised. By using these gifts we can escape from the evil desires in the world that destroy people, and may come to have a part in God’s own nature.”

Tonight will be our last session in preparation for, “Being a Matthew.” It has been rich as we have looked at how God wants to move in our life in order to move in the lives of lost people. Join us tonight at 6:45 p.m. in room 204 at the church. There is something for all age groups at Boost.

This Holiday weekend, we will be gathering on Sunday and continue our series on, “Going Deeper” with Moses. It is always good to worship the Lord together. I look forward to what God wants to do in our midst as we see God revealing Himself to Moses and the Israelites.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

Learning From Mistakes

Learning From Mistakes

I remember first going into ministry and wanting to do everything right. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to do it right. But I have learned over the years that things are not always going to be flawless. I have often said that I would much rather have a 300 batting average and succeed in some areas that I never dreamed would happen, than have a 1000 batting average and succeed in safe things. I know way too many people who play it safe and try to do things that are comfortable and easy. They may have a good track record but their track does not go very far. That may answer the question, “Why do some leaders thrive while others do not in the exact same circumstance?”

What would have happened if Joshua buckled under the pressure of following one of the greatest leaders of all times? In Deuteronomy 31, Moses is stepping down and handing the baton off to Joshua. In the midst of it he addresses Joshua and says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)” Moses knew that a young leader can be terrified with the thought of the unknown. Shrinking in times of uncertainty can tempt any leader. But the words ring loud and clear and Moses tells Joshua again in front of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

This principle can be applied to leadership and also our walk with Christ. Playing it safe can lead to mediocrity. Someone once said that the only mistakes you can learn from are the ones you survive. One of our fears is not surviving a mistake so we play is safe. Instead of living in fear, stay close to the Lord, own up to your mistakes, be consistent in your walk, and allow God to stretch you through it all. If you apply those, you will survive because of Christ’s love. I would much rather take some risks and try new things than not and accomplish less. Even baseball players make it in the hall of fame with a 300 batting average. That is 3 out of 10 hits. Why not make it in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11) by letting God to stretch you to new heights by following Him no matter what the risk?

It was so good to be together last Sunday afternoon and celebrate with the Body of Christ people’s profession of faith through Baptism. God is so good to us. I was blessed when I heard someone following the picnic say that they would not have missed it for the world. Good times!

May God remind you today, “Be Strong and Courageous!” Attempt things that further the Name of the Lord and make an impact for His Kingdom. Know that the Lord goes before us when we call His name. You will be blessed and so will others around you.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

The Living Word

The Living Word

I love reading and studying God’s Word. It brings life, healing, and encouragement. The Hebrew writer says that it is alive and active. It is alive in the form of Jesus and the activity He does through us. Timothy says it is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It should be the foundation from which every Nation, State, City, Church, Family, and individual receives daily strength. I, like the Apostle Paul, “have become Jesus’ servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people” (Colossians 1:25-26). We are so blessed to be a part of such a great church that stands on the promises of God. I am just praising the Lord today for His faithfulness and privilege to pastor wonderful, God-fearing people. To think that God has chosen to make Himself known to us is overwhelming. He is the hope of glory and lives in each one of us.

There are a few things I want to remind you of coming up in the life of our church. This Sunday is our last Summer picnic. It will be at the Morse’s home. Directions will be provided on Sunday so plan to come out following the morning services. It will begin at 1 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided. Bring a dish or snack items to share and join us for some great fellowship. We will also be baptizing a few people and praising the Lord for His saving power.

Come out on Wednesday nights for the “My Hope with Billy Graham” Matthew training at 6:45 p.m. We will learn how to effectively share our faith with those who need the hope of Christ. Materials will be provided for you to follow up and disciple those who have made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. There are activities for children and teens during that time. Tonight, elementary children are leaving at 6:30 to try their hand at archery. So bring them early for that event.

On Sunday, August 25, we're hosting a Sneak Peek at the FLC Renovation Project. Doughnuts will be provided between services as you view the renovations during this exciting time of seeing the Family Life Center progress. We are just $15,610 from reaching our goal. Not too far to go. Let’s rally together and see this project fully funded.

There are many great days ahead for Findlay First. God is doing a new and exciting work. “We proclaim Jesus, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29). I am energized…

May God reveal Himself through you today as you faithfully follow His lead.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

The Way God Works

The Way God Works

I want to be like Moses when he says, “Teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you” Exodus 33:13. So I thought I would spend some time looking at the ways of God. Let me start by saying that the way God works is too great for us to comprehend, but God does give us a glimpse in His Word of His ways in holiness and righteousness. When you look in the back of your Bible at the handy concordance under the word “ways,” you will find a few verses worth looking at. They begin to shed a lot of light on the ways of God versus our ways.

Psalm 25:10 reminds us that “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of His covenant.” David has learned that following God with his whole heart will reap a loving and faithful God who will provide and protect. In Psalm 51:13, David mentions that when a willing spirit was restored, “he would teach transgressors God’s ways so that sinners will turn back to Him.” There is power in the ways of God. They are able to turn a sinner from his sin.

In Isaiah 55:8, God says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.” Our ways apart from God are wicked and unrighteous. We have to intentionally turn from our ways and pursue the ways of God in order to be under His authority and watch care.

All through Scripture we see the principle of sowing and reaping at work. Paul tells the church of Galatia that a man reaps what he sows. “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:8-9.

So in a sense, God works by building current events on the foundation of past events (Barry, J.D., & Kruyswijk, R. 2012, Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional.). God gives us a window to see His ways clearly. As I begin to look at God’s work in my life, I begin to see a harmony between God’s ways and what is currently taking place. Not only is God at work today in the things that are transpiring, but He is also using them to prepare and put into place events that are to come. The pattern is just as important as the event. Praise God that He reveals Himself to us through His ways.

So, in essence, we have a part to play in the things God is doing. We are called to sow to please the Spirit. When we do we will reap eternal life and all the blessings that flow out of God’s grace.

I look forward to our Matthew training tonight (Wednesday) at 6:45 p.m. It will take place for the next 4 weeks. Come and intentionally prepare to impact your sphere of influence with the Hope only found in Jesus.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike