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

Be Like Matthew

Be Like Matthew

I just returned from vacation this week. Part of my vacation was on a Carnival Cruise Ship to Alaska. Vickie and I celebrated 25 years of a wonderful marriage. My family was able to enjoy some uninterrupted time together. We had lots of laughter and wonderful memories to store for years to come. We were stuck (in a good way) with each other because there was no way off the boat. As we were moving across the water and seeing icebergs float beside us, I couldn’t help but think about the Titanic. I didn’t share my thoughts because I didn’t want to alarm anyone. But it was an iceberg that took down the Titanic. What you see on the surface is really only 1/10^th of the whole iceberg. With all the mishaps that have conspired on Carnival Cruises in the past year, I didn’t want to speak my impending doom. I did pack a few extra plastic bags just in case, if you know what I mean. I am glad to report that nothing terrible happened. But those who were on the Titanic in the late hours of April 14, 1912, cannot say the same.

There were 1,517 who died on the Titanic. Why did many of those people drown that night? It was because those who were safe in the lifeboats would not go back. They were comfortable and safe and they did not want to risk their life for the sake of others.

Have you looked around lately? There are many people around who are drowning in their sin and despair every day. A startling statistic I read the other day says that 9 out of 10 Christians are not sharing their faith. Are you the one that is sharing your faith? If God didn’t want you to share your faith then He would have taken you to heaven after He saved you.

This fall, our church will participate in “My Hope with Billy Graham.” This is not like any of the past Billy Graham Crusades held in big stadiums. This will take place in our homes. Local churches are the focus of this event. Churches are encouraged to rally their people and train them to be effective evangelists in their local neighborhoods. It is not too difficult. It should be a natural overflow to what God is doing in our lives. Relationships are the foundation to which we are going to build upon.

I want to encourage you to attend our Wednesday Night Boost at the church in the month of August. We will have classes designed to help release the story you have within you. We will train you to be like Matthew, one of Jesus closest disciples. When Matthew came into relationship with Jesus, he couldn’t hold it in. He began to introduce Jesus to all of his friends. The first session will begin on August 7 and take place the following 3 weeks. It begins at 6:45 p.m. and there is a spot reserved for you. Children’s and Youth Ministry are available so you can know that meaningful ministry will positively impact your children.

We are called to be faithful and fruitful. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Allow Jesus to spill through you and let’s together prepare for a great harvest.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord

Psalm 148:13-14

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His faithful servants of Israel, the people close to His heart. Praise the Lord.

I want to encourage you to go to your Bible and read the whole chapter found in Psalm 148. It is commanding everything and everyone to praise the Lord. Notice it does not say when things are going the way you think they should. It doesn’t even say when you are feeling good. It is saying that He who knows the majesty of God is not only to acknowledge and submit to it, but to live and proclaim what He knows. Stop for a minute and count the many blessings God has given. It far outweighs the trials we face. God is our deliverer and our helper. He has redeemed us from the miry clay and set our feet on a rock to stay. He has put a new song in our heart and we are to proclaim it to the world.  Creatures praise God by their being, stars praise God by shining, we praise God by consciously and verbally proclaiming His goodness. When it says that He raised up for His people a horn, it is literally saying strength. Our praise comes from the strength the Lord gives. No longer can we say we cannot praise the Lord when we know that we know that we know that God provides the strength. The great benefit is that lost people will hear it and be blessed.

What a powerful testimony from Hilbert Miller, Yi, and Ronglan on Sunday. We even saw firsthand how Christianmingle.com can work. I didn’t see that coming. I anticipate that God is going to do some exciting things in our church this upcoming year. Great things are happening and I want to be obedient and praise His Name along the way.

This Sunday we are going to continue in our series…

We will be comparing the Passover with the Passion of Christ and look at the Blood of the Perfect Lamb that frees us. It is always good to worship together as a body. I always look forward to what God does when we come together.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

Integrity's Reward

Integrity’s Reward

Let’s enter into a conversation between Solomon and God that reveals God’s passion for integrity.

The Lord said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

⁴ “As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, ⁵ I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

⁶ “But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, ⁷ then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. ⁸ And though this temple is now imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ ⁹ People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord their God, who brought their fathers out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why the Lord brought all this disaster on them.’ ”   -- 1 Kings 9:1-9

This passage pretty much sums up what God thinks of people who are filled with integrity. Integrity is defined as being honest and upright. It is doing what is right even when no one is looking. From our Scripture today we can see that God expects us to have integrity no matter who we are in life. It is a matter of the heart. There are blessings awaiting those who walk with integrity just like there are consequences for those who live without integrity.

My prayer is that you will live according to the Truth that is found in the Bible and that the Almighty God will empower you through and through to uphold His right living principles.

This Sunday we are going to be interviewing Yi and Ronglan, who have joined us from China. A retired missionary, Hilbert Miller, who was instrumental in their call to ministry, will be here to share as well. Come and worship together with your church family and find out how to pray for Yi and Ronglan.

“O Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart.”   Psalm 15:1-2

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike