Uplook - September 28, 2024
Happy Saturday,
Fall is definitely here now...cool nights, cloudy days, leaves changing colors and American football dominating many conversations. Beyond that in true American fashion every four years, this fall politics are also dominating the balance of conversations (beyond football) on many fronts.
I have been considering the general discontentment which seems to pervade our culture. In many cultures there is great reward for hard work and initiative and those things certainly have a Biblical basis, but twisted by sin they become enslaving and rob us of what the Hebrew language describes as "shalom". It is often translated as "peace" but has a much more encompassing definition than just the cessation of hostilities. It could be better described as "a thriving wholeness and fulfillment of purpose". When we do what we do representing the name of the Lord and glorifying God, then along with accomplishment comes a deep felt sense of contentment knowing we are fulfilling our created purpose. (Colossians 3:17)
This discontentment often gives rise to choices leaving brokenness to humans in particular and entire families, communities, and nations as well. At the national level it plays out has not having enough power, land, influence, etc. and the resulting conflicts. On a more micro level it plays out with feelings of inadequacy and a numbness which can lead to selfish, unwise, and even foolish choices which put at risk health, relationships, and the physical and emotional safety of those nearest to us.
Well, that all could be discouraging indeed if we were left there but thankfully, the Lord calls us to use those very things to our advantage by leveraging them in a wholehearted approach to Him and His plan. The Psalmist King David, after a series of foolish choices resulting in terrible consequences for himself and others around him, found himself broken and far from God. It was then he penned the lyrics to Psalm 51...acknowledging his sin and crying out for mercy. Toward the end of the Psalm he makes a declaration which should encourage us all.
"O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:15–17
May we all today take any discontentment and brokenness which may have come our way and bring it before God as sacrificial worship. God is not looking for empty form and ritual but for transparent hearts and broken spirits which can be transformed and encouraged by His grace and mercy. God bless you all.
Housekeeping Notes
Choir Practice - Choir practice resumes tomorrow at 3:15 in the sanctuary.
Contact List - We are updating the church contact list. Please inform of any changes or updates by tomorrow to be included in the new edition.
Special Meetings - Pray for our special meetings scheduled for October 19-20. Speakers are Bro. Samuel Oni for the Saturday YP meeting and Bro. John Musgrave for the Sunday Services. There will be a youth activity on Saturday afternoon (Roller skating) prior to the evening pizza dinner and YP. There will be food several times on Sunday so there are many opportunities for you to serve.
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Fall is definitely here now...cool nights, cloudy days, leaves changing colors and American football dominating many conversations. Beyond that in true American fashion every four years, this fall politics are also dominating the balance of conversations (beyond football) on many fronts.
I have been considering the general discontentment which seems to pervade our culture. In many cultures there is great reward for hard work and initiative and those things certainly have a Biblical basis, but twisted by sin they become enslaving and rob us of what the Hebrew language describes as "shalom". It is often translated as "peace" but has a much more encompassing definition than just the cessation of hostilities. It could be better described as "a thriving wholeness and fulfillment of purpose". When we do what we do representing the name of the Lord and glorifying God, then along with accomplishment comes a deep felt sense of contentment knowing we are fulfilling our created purpose. (Colossians 3:17)
This discontentment often gives rise to choices leaving brokenness to humans in particular and entire families, communities, and nations as well. At the national level it plays out has not having enough power, land, influence, etc. and the resulting conflicts. On a more micro level it plays out with feelings of inadequacy and a numbness which can lead to selfish, unwise, and even foolish choices which put at risk health, relationships, and the physical and emotional safety of those nearest to us.
Well, that all could be discouraging indeed if we were left there but thankfully, the Lord calls us to use those very things to our advantage by leveraging them in a wholehearted approach to Him and His plan. The Psalmist King David, after a series of foolish choices resulting in terrible consequences for himself and others around him, found himself broken and far from God. It was then he penned the lyrics to Psalm 51...acknowledging his sin and crying out for mercy. Toward the end of the Psalm he makes a declaration which should encourage us all.
"O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:15–17
May we all today take any discontentment and brokenness which may have come our way and bring it before God as sacrificial worship. God is not looking for empty form and ritual but for transparent hearts and broken spirits which can be transformed and encouraged by His grace and mercy. God bless you all.
Housekeeping Notes
Choir Practice - Choir practice resumes tomorrow at 3:15 in the sanctuary.
Contact List - We are updating the church contact list. Please inform of any changes or updates by tomorrow to be included in the new edition.
Special Meetings - Pray for our special meetings scheduled for October 19-20. Speakers are Bro. Samuel Oni for the Saturday YP meeting and Bro. John Musgrave for the Sunday Services. There will be a youth activity on Saturday afternoon (Roller skating) prior to the evening pizza dinner and YP. There will be food several times on Sunday so there are many opportunities for you to serve.
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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