"Smart Toys" Require Smarter Parents

Picture illustration (REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski).

As many of you know, my wife and I have four boys.  They are more connected to the internet and their friends than I could possibly have imagined.  Today, the FBI just released a warning for parents who have children with smart toys or smart devices, "Taking a cautious approach to the upcoming deluge of smart toys hitting store shelves for the holiday shopping season, the FBI has issued a public service announcement warning parents about the risks of bringing an Internet-connected toy into the household. Specifically, the FBI is concerned about the amount of personal information that could be "unwittingly disclosed" during normal use of the toy."  The full article can be found here: http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/07/19/fbi-warns-parents-about-risks-using-internet-connected-toys.html

Smart toys require smarter parents.  It's vitally important for parents to continually monitor the online behaviors of their children.  Here are some ground rules to set with your kids: 

1) Smart phones, smart toys or devices are a privilege.  Parents reserve the right to take them away and inspect their online history and message history at a moments notice.

2) Use some sort of monitoring technology to help keep your kids safe.  I'm not going to have the time or space to launch into all the different types of technology available, however, here is a great website that reviews a number of them: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346997,00.asp

3) The devices are kept in the parents room over night while they are plugged into the outlet and charging.  This helps our kids avoid temptation that may occur while parents are sleeping.

Smart phones and internet connected devices offer connection to friends and escape and entertainment.  These things are good...in moderation and when they are monitored.  Let's make sure that as they enjoy the internet that they stay safe from as much temptation as possible.

Here's why we want to do our best to help our kids in this area of their lives.  "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).  The dangers of the internet are well documented.  We want to train our kids to be wise in the use of the tools they use in technology.  It's also proven that gaming and other internet activities can cause our kids to have addictive behaviors that last long into adulthood.  Let's train them in the best way of using technology and their time.

Let's also make sure that we help our kids to realize that if gaming or smart phones or internet gets in the way of their relationship with Jesus, then we need to cut those things back so we can get more time with Jesus.  After all, the internet isn't going to get us to heaven, only Jesus does that!  Let's lead by example in showing them what a blessing staying connected to Jesus really is.  Remember, more is caught than taught.

I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about how to best monitor and care for your kids while they are online.  Please share.

Gentle Whisper...

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

Elijah was scared. Which is surprising, because he had just shown up 450 prophets of Baal and proved that HIS God was stronger. His God was the one that brought down fire and burned up a soaked offering. His God was the one who ended a 3-year drought. The prophets of Baal, on the other hand, did nothing. But what happened? Jezebel, the angry queen of Israel, the one who supported Baal worship in Israel, swore that she would kill Elijah.

Elijah ran. He ran and fled to a mountain, and there wanted to die. But God had other plans. God still wanted to use Elijah. God fed Elijah, gave him a place to sleep…appeared to him. Now, you might expect God to reveal himself in a huge, powerful sort of way. After all, he is the all-powerful Lord of the universe. But notice what our reading said. God was not in the powerful wind…or the earthquake…. OR in the fire. He was in the gentle wind. Weird, isn’t’ it?

Although no scary, powerful queen wants to kill us, other troubles and sufferings chase us down. And when THEY come knocking, WE go running. But in the middle of all these attacks, a gentle, quiet whisper comforts us. After the unending cycle of bills and work each work, God says, “I paid for your life.” To the old car that just can’t seem to stay fixed, he whispers, “I fixed YOUR sins on the cross.” When you and your partner seem to argue every week, a voice gently states, “You BOTH are saved in my eyes.” You see the strained relationship with one of your kids, and God leans in, “With me you have a perfect relationship.” The constant longing for a more fulfilling or engaging job, and that whisper comes, “Your longing for something better is complete in the hope of heaven.” The drugs and alcohol that just won’t go away from you or those you love, but that voice says, “You have freedom from sin in me.” So many problems surround us and attack us from every angle. You just want to throw your hands in the air and say, “I quit!” But the gentle, quiet whisper of God is your hope, your comfort, your salvation from these attacks.

Elijah expected God to be in the wind, earthquake, or fire. But he wasn’t. God was in the gentle whisper. That’s something Elijah DIDN’T expect. God choose something so small, so little, so insignificant, as the way he appeared to Elijah. God saved US in an unexpected way. He sent his son to die in OUR place, and he gives US eternal life. Paul tells us in his letter to Corinth, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

By: Orie Thomford

Mark your Calendars - Fun Summer Events!

God doesn't want us to be bored in this life.  Over the course of this summer break, have you heard a child say, "I'm bored"?  I have.  God doesn't want us to be bored.  He's got stuff for us to do!  He wants us to build relationships with other people so that we can build relationships between them and God.  That's true no matter what age we are!  

So, mark your calendars for these great relationship building events that will help us connect our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to God.  Here they are: 

Kickball for a Cause - Every Wednesday, 6:30pm at both of our sites, Green Bay (1167 Kenwood, 2 blocks north of Lambeau Field on Oneida St) and our De Pere site (2066 Lawrence Dr).  Bring a team, or your family and friends or just yourself.  We will be providing water and lemonade.  Bring a lawn chair, if you just want to watch.

Hope Backpacks - Begins July 1 through July 15.  Pencil boxes available at no cost in which there is a list of school supplies that need to be purchased and put into a backpack and returned by July 22.  Monetary donations also accepted.  The backpacks will go to families in need at both block parties.  Questions?  Contact Lori Rogers at 920-680-6335.

Kids Camp - July 23-28, 9am to 3pm.  All 1st through 6th grade stuents (as of Fall 2017-2018) are welcome!  Register your kids or sign up to volunteer at stmarkdepere.com/youth.  

Block Parties - We will be hosting two different block parties this summer.  The first is at our De Pere site on Saturday, July 29 at 6pm.  The second is at our Green Bay site on Sunday, August 20 at 11:30am.  Inflatable bounce houses, games, free food, and live music are just part of the fun!  We will also be giving away back packs full of school supplies at both parties.

"Whatever you do...do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).  

Have a blessed summer!
- Pastor Chris

Your God is Too Small

Picture Source

We’ve all seen it. Acts of unbelievable proportions. Our friend does a back-flip on the trampoline. The half-court, backwards lob ‘swooshes’ in the net. 8 gold medals in one Olympics. A 4^th quarter comeback in the Super Bowl. When we tell someone, their first reaction? “Get out.” “You’re kidding me, right?” “That CAN’T have just happened.” Unfortunately, we bring this attitude with us into our faith life.

Humans tend to resist the unbelievable. We’re stubborn. Maybe you’ve noticed it in other people, maybe you’ve noticed it in yourself. Sometimes, OUR understanding of God isn’t wide enough. Here is a reminder of the God that is never too small.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)

Think of the most ridiculous thing you could possibly imagine. 1 billion pink elephants standing on each other’s backs. Financial support for everything you could ever need. Joy that would never end. These requests sound a little…over the top, right? But top that. Shut your eyes and imagine the most powerful thing a being could perform. Move planets. Run faster than the speed of light… bring someone back from the dead. Our God, the God from the Bible, isn’t even limited by our imagination. Paul tells us he is able to do immeasurably more than our wildest requests and our most ridiculous fancies. Not even a Hollywood movie with a limitless budget could attempt to describe how powerful the true God actually is.

And this God works within us to do something that is beyond our comprehension. Paul writes [The power at work in us who believe] is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:20) God’s same power, the power that raised Christ from the dead, is at work within us too. Jesus Christ, the all-powerful son of God, died… but was raised to life. He has conquered death. And this same promise is given to us. Through Christ we too have conquered death, will be raised to life again, and will take our place in heaven with everlasting joy. Death has been destroyed. Its sting is gone. Someday when death comes and stares us in the eyes, we can look right back…and not be afraid. Our spot in heaven, next to the living God, is waiting.

This is the power of our God. Our God is never too small. 

By: Orie Thomford

No Fear...How?

I've heard some folks who were around during the Cold War say that the tensions between the U.S. and Russia and North Korea are leading them to feel the same way now as they did then.  When I ask them how they feel?  The word they use is: Fear.

Fear has been around as long as sin itself.  When Adam sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, he ran and hid because he was "afraid" (Genesis 3:10).  Whenever we are afraid, God doesn't want us to run from Him, but instead He wants us to run to Him.  Did you know that the Bible has the phrase, "Don't be afraid" or "Fear not" 365 times?  That's one "do not fear" phrase for every day of the year!  "Don't be afraid" is God's most spoken command to us.

Fear is a natural consequence of living in a sinful world with sinful people.  Bad things do happen.  But no matter what your fear may be, whether it's germs or spiders or potential nuclear war, remember what God says: Don't be afraid.  Here are some of my favorite verses to help me remember: 

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)  Spoken when the prophet Elisha wanted his servant to know that God was on their side.

"But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  (Matthew 14:27)  Spoken by Jesus when He walked on the water and His disciples were afraid of the unknown.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  (Luke 12:7)  Spoken by Jesus when He urged His disciples not to worry, but instead to trust His care.

And my personal favorite is this: "5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'”  (Mark 16:5-7)

On that first Easter morning, those women had gone to the tomb expecting to find a dead body, instead they found an empty tomb.  Do you realize what that means?  We can truly live with no fear because NOTHING can conquer Jesus...not even death itself.  He is our risen Savior and our risen Lord who is Lord over everything.  Trust Him.  Since He can take care of our eternal future by saving us from our sins through His death and resurrection, then He certainly can take care of our temporal future until He brings us to heaven.  No fear...how?  Trust Jesus, the Death-Conqueror.

Give it up for Lent... Do I have to?

I love a good ol' fashion fish fry in Wisconsin. Breaded perch and blue gale are my favorite (and sometimes even the filet-o-fish). There are many who participate in Friday's fish for more than the flavorful, delicious taste. From what I've found in my readings historically many Christians have not eaten (warm blooded) meat on Fridays going back to the first century. This was done to honor Jesus who gave his life on Good Friday to pay for the sins of the world. The connection is: don't have the warm blooded animal give its life on Friday to honor Jesus who gave us his. Interestingly, fish who are cold blooded don't count.   

So my question about this fish filled tradition is, should I still feel obligated to give up meat on Friday's during lent? What does God's Word guide me to do?

Here are some key truths to govern your Lent this year:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Ga 5:1) Some early Christians were tempted to attempt to keep laws of the Old Testament in order to feel more certain of their salvation. This verse reminds them and us that Christ kept every law perfectly in our place. We could not be perfect but he was and therefore we have no obligation to keep the laws of God to earn heaven. Far better, we are set free to show our love to God by living according to his laws with a thankful heart. So in eating fish or anything else ask yourself, "What's my motivation?" 

Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. (Ro 14:6) We are free to serve the Lord in the way we please so long as it doesn't go against a specific command from God's Word. We have no command by God about what to eat or drink during Lent.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. (Ro 14:19–21) In other words, don't force your tradition on anyone if it could cause them to sin against their conscience. 

I think there is some good meaning behind the practice of giving up meat for Fridays or for the whole season of Lent but I know that it is not commanded by God and does not cause him to love me any more than he already does. I will let these truths guide my appetite this year. 

"Sticks and Stones may Break my Bones but Words will Never Hurt Me." Really?

When I was growing up and someone said something mean to me or my friends, we would often quote, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" as a way to shake off the stinging words and not let them get to us.  Now that I'm older, I realize just how ridiculous that mentality is.

Words carry a tremendous amount of power, and with that comes responsibility.  The recent events  in the political arena of our nation shows just how true that is.  General Michael Flynn's recent resignation as National Security Adviser, President Trump's war of words with the media, the "fake news" allegations within the media all show just how much words can have an impact.  What we say matters.

It seems to me that people of former generations understood that truth better than we do.  My grandparents would often recall situations when they could rely on someone because they stood by their word.  When a neighbor said that he would come over to help out with the building project, he would.  A person's words meant something.  Now, we can text or e-mail or post something on social media and not really think about the consequences of what we're putting out there.

Paul gave great advice about communication in his letter to the Ephesians.  He had spent 3 and a 1/2 years with them (See Acts 19).  But as he wrote these words, he was in prison for preaching the good news about Jesus.  Since he could no longer visit them personally, he wrote a letter to make sure that they would continue to nurture and maintain the unity within the church.  With such an emphasis on unity, it's no surprise to see him emphasize good communication skills.  Paul realized that words can either unify or tear apart.  So he wrote, "Speaking the truth in love, we will grow...Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:15, 29).  Did you hear it?  What we say matters.

In these words from Ephesians 4, we are given two timeless truths for communication: 1) Speak the truth in love.  2) Speak what is helpful.  Now, confession time.  I've been known at times to speak the truth, but not in love.  I've also been known to try to sugar coat the truth under the guise of love.  Neither of those work because in the end it's never helpful for those who listen.

The best example we have is our perfect Savior, who every time he spoke, he spoke truth...in love...which was always helpful to those who listened.  He speaks the truth when he says that words matter.  He speaks the truth when he says that sometimes the words we speak hurt others and we need to repent and trust in him for forgiveness.

Jesus died and rose again for our forgiveness.  That's why the most important words ever spoken are these: "He is risen."  God the Father accepted Jesus' payment for our sins and raised Jesus from the dead.  So, the next conversation you have, remember, speak the truth in love that it may benefit those who listen.  And for the times you fail, remember, Jesus says, "I forgive you."  Words matter.

A Leader's Greatest Victory Is Over His Ego

I think it's fitting for us to talk about humility before the 45th President of the United States is sworn into office on January 20th.  President Lincoln throughout history has been regarded as a great leader who had great humility.  Why?  He learned that a leader's greatest victory is over his own ego.

If you've ever not confessed to doing something wrong, guess what, you've got an ego problem.  Me too.  My pride often gets in the way of my relationships and my ability to serve God.  Can you relate?

2000 years ago, one of Jesus' original 12 disciples, a guy by the name of Peter, had an ego problem too.  But Jesus had a way of humbling Peter...for his own good.  When Peter cut off a guy's ear to try and protect Jesus, Jesus humbled Peter.  When Peter denied Jesus that same night, he was humbled again.  I'm guessing that when Peter wrote 1 Peter 5:6, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time" he knew the reality of that statement first hand.  

If you and I want to be influential leaders in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our communities, then we must humble ourselves under God's mighty hand.  After all, He's God.  We are not.  His are the hands that created this world.  His are the hands who were nailed to a cross and then three days later were revealed to His astonished disciples when He proved that He was risen from the dead!  His mighty hands are the ones that rule this world for our good.

Don't be too proud to trust Jesus.  Don't be too proud to admit when you are wrong.  Don't be too proud to realize that the largest room in your, and my, house is the room for improvement.  Don't be too proud to pray to Jesus and ask Him for a double dose of humility...your friends and your family members won't mind that a bit!

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to humble me before you exalt me or else my pride would destroy me. Your will be done. Amen.

Happy New Year, Time for Resolution...

Last night I went to the Broadview YMCA for my routine muscle enhancement session (workout...). I was surprised to find that there were only 2 parking spots available. I pulled into an available spot, checked in at the front desk and went upstairs. Sure enough, the place was packed. Every corner of the building had people lifting things up, putting them down, sweating to tunes and gasping for their next breath. That's when it hit me... It's a New Year. Everyone is working on their resolutions. I guess I'm not too worried about the crowds. Unfortunately many of them will fade away as we get further into January. After all, statistics tell us that only 8% of resolutions actually succeed. 

Maybe you're on a resolution to eat better, loose weight, get up earlier. I pray you're part of the 8% who succeed but I also pray that you consider adding something to your daily routine that is even more important than diet and exercise. The Youversion Bible App has been a great part of my life. 

Here's how:

• Encouraging Verse of the Day (Everyday God provides someone I can share this passage with)
• Reading plan that takes me through the Bible (4 times cover to cover through the Bible in the last 4 years)
• It reads to me while I'm driving 

God's richest blessings on your new year and your resolutions as well. Remember the wisdom in the passage below and the NFL players in the video.

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

That's Why I say Merry Christmas!

"I love Christmas, but I hate the stress."  That was what one person recently said to me as she stopped for a moment to say hello in my office.  

Sadly, Christmas often stresses us out because it heightens our relentless pursuit of perfection.  We work hard to find the perfect gifts and wrap them with the perfect paper.  We endlessly stress out to get the perfect foods for the party.  We worry about getting the perfect family picture taken and getting the perfect Christmas cards out on time!  Why all the stress about perfection when the only perfection we need comes from that baby who was announced to imperfect people?

The night that Jesus was born, the angels were sent by God to announce Jesus' birth to shepherds in fields nearby.  Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I wonder why God sent angels to shepherds.  Stop and think about it: angels are bright and shiny.  Angels are perfect.  Angels can't say the wrong thing.  Wouldn't it have been better for God to send angels to everyone to announce Jesus' birth, instead of shepherds?  But no, God sent them to shepherds.  People who were ordinary, dusty and dirty, and no doubt smelled a little bit...have you ever smelled a sheep?

Why would God send bright and perfect messengers to dirty and imperfect ones?  Isn't it because the perfect object of their message, Jesus, came to save those who are imperfect?  That's right.  The angels said, "Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you.  He is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

The reason Jesus was born and lived perfectly 33 years on this earth and then died and rose again is simply stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made him (Jesus), who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  That's what makes Christmas worth celebrating.  That baby grew up to be my Savior, and yours.  He took my sin upon himself when He died and He gave me His perfection.  I'm righteous, in other words, right with God, in spite of all of my imperfections, because of what Jesus did for me.  And He did the same for you.  That's why I say, "Merry Christmas!"

You're invited to join us this weekend as we celebrate the timeless love of our Savior and what He did to save us.

Worship times on Saturday, December 24: 5:00pm and 7:00pm at our De Pere site (2066 Lawrence Dr, De Pere)

Worship times on Sunday, December 25: 9:00am at our De Pere site 9:00am at our Green Bay site (1167 Kenwood St, Green Bay - 2 blocks north of Lambeau Field on Oneida St.)

Merry Christmas from our St. Mark family to yours!

You'll never fully understand...

         You cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. (Ecclesiastes 11:5b)

This was the striking verse of the day recommended on my phone this week. I was taken back by its beautiful simplicity. Solomon in all his splendor and wisdom and life experience came to this conclusion.

This verse is a reminder:

• When things go wrong, it is okay to not know why. We're not God.
• No matter how much we know, or discover, or invent, or create - we have limits. We're not God.
• We can't and won't fully understand God. We're not God.

These conclusions, I suppose can be frustrating, scary, or disheartening to some. And yet, as I ponder Christmas this month I'm encouraged. He who is and works beyond our understanding became one of us so that we would understand that he completely knows and loves us. He knows what it is to be a toddler, he knows what it is to get hurt, he knows what it is to be tempted, he knows how much our sins hurt us. Perhaps the most unfathomable thing about God is how he, after becoming one of us gave his life on a cross for us. 

We may not understand the work of God but I'm thankful we can see and know his love through the Christmas story.

Blessed Christmas,

Pastor Eric Hansen

How to Heal a Divided Nation

I don't know about you, but I've been very troubled by what I'm seeing across our nation in the past week.  When demonstrations turn violent and become riots and destroy property and hurt people, that's wrong.  There have been hundreds of hate crimes since the election.  Hate crimes are wrong.  Click on the following link for the story: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hundreds-hate-crimes-reported-election-splc-n683761  

Personally, on Facebook and other social media avenues, I've been shocked to see the hateful comments being used as carelessly as the two leading candidates used their words.  Do we really want to continue that?  

People are asking me how we can heal this nation?  Here are three points to keep in mind in the coming weeks:

1) Be careful what you say.  I am reminded of what it says in Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Believe it or not, words have power.  What you say influences people around you.  Let's make sure that what we say benefits those who listen.

2) Pray for our nation and our communities every day.  "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4).  I know of a few of our partners who have put "prayer for our nation" on their calendar every day.  That's a great idea!  

So join me in praying for our nation and our nation's current and future leaders. Join me in following Jesus more closely so that wounds will be healed, families will grow stronger and our communities will see what real peace, love and hope looks like.

3) Keep everything in perspective.  Jesus said, "Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:27)  The answer is?  Nope.  I can't.  If anything, I actually subtract hours from my life when I worry.  You do too.  So don't worry.  Instead, keep everything in perspective.

At the end of the day, sinful candidates were voted into office by sinful people like you and me. We may not agree with the outcome, but personally, I thank God for an opportunity to vote. There are billions of people around the globe who would love to get the chance to do what we did on November 8.  Lest we forget, regardless of who the president is, all of us answer to Jesus. He is the real King. He is the One to whom I prayed that His will be done in this election. He is the One that I trust, not Trump or any of the other elected officials. People will always let us down at one time or another. Jesus never will.

As I wrote in my blog a couple of weeks ago, "Remember, the greatest good for all people occurred when Jesus died at the hands of a pagan governor named Pontius Pilate. Through Jesus' death and resurrection our sins are forgiven and our eternal home in heaven is guaranteed by faith, no matter who is in charge as governor or emperor or even president. If our all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving God could pull that off, then He can handle bringing good for His people from this election as well." (http://stmarkdepere.blogspot.com/…/…/decisionsdecisions.html)  Jesus is still the only Savior of this world.  Keep that in perspective.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on how we can contribute to healing our nation.

The 300… (Better than the movie)

Picture Thanks to Deviant Art

Have you ever felt the need to pad your prayers? Ever feel there are things you just couldn’t ask God because of their unlikelihood? Today I read a Bible story that reminds us that our God is more powerful than we can think or imagine.

The Lord can do a whole lot with even a very little.

In Judges 7 we find the nation of Israel dealing with an aggressive foe, the Midianites. Israel had their crops destroyed, their cities raided and were left to flee to caves for safety. Then the Lord calls Gideon to rescue his people. Gideon amasses an impressive army of 32,000 soldiers. To this the Lord says, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’” So, those who were afraid could go home and 10,000 are left.

Still the Lord says, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there.” Depending on how the soldiers drank water from the river, some could stay, the majority could go home. Finally, there were only 300 left!!! The Lord brought them from a fighting force of 32,000 to only 300…  The size of their initial force demonstrates the size and power and fear Israel had for the Midianites. But can you guess who won? The 300.

Throughout the Bible the Lord is in the habit of doing amazing things in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Just look at the focal point of the Bible – a humble Jesus dying in our place to give us freedom from sin, death, and the devil. Talk to the Lord always and especially highlight and ask for things that seem impossible. Our Lord makes the impossible routine.

Decisions...Decisions...

I'm not going to tell you for whom to vote in this year's presidential election.  But I am going to offer some biblical advice on decision making so that you can be at peace with the decision you make when you vote on November 8.

In the conversations I've had, many are struggling with their decision because there are questions surrounding the integrity of both candidates.  Which brings up a great question: When I don't know what to do, how do I make the best decision?

Here are a few principles of decision making I've learned from God's Word over the years.

Principle #1 - Pray about it.  This is what God says about prayer and decision making, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God..." (James 1:5).  Great advice because God is all-knowing and all-powerful.  If we don't know what to do, God always knows what to do.  So we need to listen to Him when faced with difficult decisions.  At times, He makes clear what He wants us to do as we read the Bible.  If we don't know where to look in the Bible, ask a trusted Christian friend or pastor.  The Psalm-writer put it this way, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).  At other times, He reveals what He wants us to do through the advice of godly friends.  "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20).  So when we pray, look for God's answers for wisdom and guidance in His Word and through the advice of His people.  Not only that, but when we pray for guidance, let's ask God to keep us focused on His will that all people be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

That brings up another very important point.

Principle #2 - Be informed.  That involves listening.  Often times, when it comes to politics, emotions run high and people don't want to listen to each other.  That's a big mistake.  Again, God offers great advice, "Be quick to listen; slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).  When faced with a decision regarding candidates, it's wise to be informed and to know where they stand on the important issues.  A good resource to find out where the candidates stand on the issues is this link: http://www.npr.org/2016/10/18/496926243/from-the-economy-to-race-see-where-the-candidates-stand-on-the-big-issues

One of the big issues when it seems that you can't trust the candidates who may become president is to look at who they have as their supporting cast.  What kind of people will they surround themselves with?  This question was addressed well by one of my buddies who is a pastor on the West Coast.  This is what he had to say recently, "As I watch what’s unfolding in the presidential race, I can’t help but think that if I struggle with the morality and speech and lives and lies from both candidates (surprise, surprise, right?!) that I should spend some more time looking at the supporting cast they have chosen, or that they are looking to choose for help and guidance, and to influence our great nation along the way. I think back to the VP debate and saw a major difference between supporting cast members. But one of the most important questions to me in the last debate was the one about appointing a new Supreme Court Justice. I won’t feed you my thoughts directly, just ask you to look back on the answers from both candidates. I believe my Christian friends will receive some help from that question alone in your decision this November.  Practically speaking, “water seeks its own level,” and you can tell a lot about someone by the people they surround themselves with. Examine not just Hillary and Donald, examine their current surroundings and who they are looking at bringing to the national stage (VP, SCOTUS, etc.)"  (Pastor Andy Schwartz).

Principle #3 - Trust the Lord above all.  "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).  No matter who becomes president, as Christians we are blessed to know that all of us answer to a higher power, God.  He simply asks us to trust Him with this election.  Trust Him with our decisions.  Trust Him with our prayers.  He will bring eternal good for Christians no matter who becomes president.  Remember, the greatest good for all people occurred when Jesus died at the hands of a pagan governor named Pontius Pilate.  Through Jesus' death and resurrection our sins are forgiven and our eternal home in heaven is guaranteed by faith, no matter who is in charge as governor or emperor or even president.  If our all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving God could pull that off, then He can handle bringing good for His people from this election as well.

Peace to all of you in the name of Jesus,
Pastor Chris

Just ask... Prayer Pointers

I've noticed phrases like these pop up in action flicks pretty regularly. The hero usually tries with all their might 3-4 different strategies and nothing seems to work. Then someone in the group says with a defeated sigh, "There's nothing more we can do. All we can do now is pray." From my perspective this is more than a little up-side-down and backwards.

Why do we have such a hard time coming to God in prayer first? Surveys will tell you these are the reasons:

Don’t have time.                        Doubt if it does any good.

Not important, no great needs.   Satan is opposing it.

Don’t know how to pray.            Trying to avoid God.

I have therapist to talk to.           Don’t care enough for others

Perhaps some of these have prevented you from going to God first with an issue. Instead of dwelling on sins Jesus paid for let's remember the privilege and value that prayer really is. Every Christian has the following promises from Jesus.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. -- John 15:7-8

 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. -- Luke 11: 9, 10

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”  -- Mark 10:27

Prayer is an awesome blessing and powerful because it is talking to an awesome God. I encourage you to pray first and then take action on whatever you're facing today.

And at St. Mark we love to pray for people. If you would like to be on our prayer team or be prayed for please email us at: stmark_prayers@hotmail.com

Police Shootings and Violent Demonstrations... When Will It End?

"Several protesters and a dozen police officers were injured, and about five people were arrested after violent protests erupted after a deadly police shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday.

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Approximately 12 officers injured. One officer hit in face with a rock

11:24 PM - 20 Sep 2016

 
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Officers in riot gear deployed tear gas into a crowd of protesters after individuals targeted police cruisers, ABC affiliate WSOC-TV Charlotte reported."  (http://abcnews.go.com/US/violent-protests-erupt-charlotte-deadly-police-shooting/story?id=42238697)

Some people I've talked to say that they don't even turn on the news anymore because they're sick of hearing about the next officer-involved shooting or ISIS scare.  That's their choice of course, but the fact is that we live in a violent and scary world and whether we tune into the news or not isn't going to change that.  

Perhaps the most poignant question I've received from someone recently is this one: when will it end?  Sadly, violence won't end until THE end.  This is what God has to say about the times in which we live, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).  That's the reason why we live in a violent and scary world.  

The distrust between police and people isn't because the police aren't doing their job.  It's because sinful people don't always make the right choices.  That was very true of some of the protestors in Charlotte.  Some of them didn't make the right choices when they began to throw rocks at police, destroy police property and loot.  Even though there will be times when those in authority over us don't always make the right choices, they are human after all, that doesn't mean we shouldn't love and respect them for who they are: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good" (Romans 13:4).  Police officers and the governing authorities are in our communities for our good.  Thank God for them.  Respect them by obeying the rules.  When you talk to them, thank them and encourage them to keep protecting our communities.  Pray for them, our community and all those who are hurting due to the recent violence in our nation.  

The good news is that even though people with a free will, yet not so free because sin influences their thoughts and choices, are responsible for violence, there will come a day when Jesus will call everyone to account.  "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

When will that happen?  I don't know.  Jesus put it this way, "But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows" (Mark 13:32).  However, I do know that the violence will end because Jesus says so.  To a man who was crucified next to him, a man who was there because he had been violent and deserved what he had coming to him, Jesus said to that man when he confessed his sin, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."  (Luke 23:43).

That's Jesus' promise to all who believe in Him.  When will violence end?  When Jesus calls us home to heaven or when He returns in judgment, whichever happens first.  Either way Jesus will give us what He has promised, because only He saved us from the penalty of sin by giving His life on the cross and then taking it back again three days later (John 3:16).  Trust Him.  And until that day when we meet Him, keep living for Him by loving others.  "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:9-12).