Renewal from the Inside Out

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Cor. 4:16

M. Scott Peck, in his book, The Road Less Traveled (one of the 5 best books I have ever read incidentally!) opens his work with this statement: "Life is difficult!" We all know that. As we pass through our time here on earth, this is the one thing we all have in common. Struggle and frailty seem to mark our days.
Why is this? There are "echoes of Eden", which point us to the perfect garden of God, but these echoes also contain the strains of conflict and trouble, consequences of our fall from grace. But, even in the difficulties we see the renewal and rescue of a Loving and Gracious God, who comes to us when we need Him most.

My favorite verse in the Bible is 2 Cor. 4:7. It reads "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." The renewal, which begins in our souls and shines out through our thoughts, words and deeds, is a direct reflection of the Treasure that is contained in us. Christ in us. The hope of Glory!

And that gives us the strength, courage and perseverance to run our races!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ron

What to do? What to do?

Hi There!
1 Cor. 10:23 says
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive."

We are free from the overbearing constraints of legalism, but there is an underlying responsibility to realize we do not live our lives in a vacuum.
Everything we do or say has an impact on those around us.
So, how do we know what to do?
The next verse, 1 Cor. 10:24 gives us a hint:
"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."

Here is the principle we can apply to all those ethical questions that give us liberty and responsibility.
We can ask:
"Does this action, word or thought show love toward God or my Fellow man?"
If it does, go for it!
If not, self-regulate your liberty for the Glory of God and the Good of others.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ron

The Intersection of the Cross

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18

The cross is such a pivotal instrument in the story of God's interaction with us. The symbolism of a cross is rich with so many meanings as we contemplate how God came to earth to save us.
The cross is an intersection.
Between the Holiness of God and the sinfulness of man.
Between love and hate.
Between heaven and hell.
Between God's intention for us and our intention for ourselves.
Between humanity and divinity.
Between life and death.

And it is here that we meet God. With all pride and pretense stripped away. With nothing to call upon or boast about, but the Grace of God.

And that seems foolish to most people around. But to us, it is salvation. To us it is everything.
Let us pause awhile here. Let us reflect on God giving all, so that we can receive what we did not earn or even deserve. The Cross is the tangible reality of the Love of God for us.

Rest there this week!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ron

The Wisdom of Waiting!

Proverbs is a book of Wisdom. In the fourth chapter, verses 20-27 Solomon tells us:

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.

²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;

²² for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.

²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

²⁴ Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.

²⁶ Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.

²⁷ Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Wow! Pay attention, guard your heart. Put away perversion, keep going straight ahead, no detours! Now that is good advice. Sometimes the temptation is to run off, willy-nilly and just chuck everything!! Don't do it! Stick to the path. Stay focused and keep your steps right behind the Lord Jesus as you are following Him! Don't give up! Gal. 6:9 tells us- "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." You've done the plowing, you've done the planting, you've watered and cultivated well. Hang in there the Harvest is coming!

-Pastor Ron