Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matthew 4:5-7

Testing God.  It’s something we often do in little and huge ways.  During the height of the pandemic, many tested God by saying “God will protect me, I don’t need to…” 

Yet there is another way we “test” God.  We attempt to do things our way, only to (finally) turn to God for help.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1).  God is waiting for us now, before the trouble hits, or before we make it worse and then go to God to bail us out. 

As you begin this new week, spend some time in prayer before the stuff starts then notice how God will be present.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

¹Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ²He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. ³The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” ⁴But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:1-4

Have you ever been in the position to use your power, authority or resources in a way that might not be completely ethical or moral?  Satan tempted Jesus in the same way Satan tempts us; seeing a need and trying to get us to fulfill it in a not so honorable way. Yet Jesus’ reply is to turn to God’s word, showing us that physical food is not the only thing we need, and if we fill up on the spiritual food, we can better deal with the needs, weaknesses and issues that come before us.

As you journey through this week, spend some time in the word, spend some time in a place where you feel God’s presence and nourish your spirit.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

It has been 22 years and like many of you, I vividly remember where I was and what I was doing.  I remember the empty skies as all flights were cancelled.  I remember the graphic images on the television and most important, I remember seeing all the emergency responders selflessly go into the fray to save as many people as they could.

Recent events have reminded me of this.  At first it was on the news, as I followed the story of the escaped prisoner, and saw so many police and emergency personnel in southern Chester County.  Sunday, however, was a direct witness as there was a credible sighting within two miles of the church I pastor.  While I drove to the church, I passed over 20 marked police cars (local, county and state), and probably as many unmarked cars.  During the drive I prayed over each of those officers.

Today, as we remember the events of 9-11, take time to pray for all our emergency responders, thanking God for their service and sacrifice, and asking God to keep them safe.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.  Psalm 92:1-3

Moreover, David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps and cymbals.      1 Chronicles 25:1

I was searching for some new music to add to my Wednesday Morning Prayer service (found on my YouTube page) when I rediscovered “The Irish Blessing”, put together by members of over 300 churches across Ireland during the pandemic. 

There were so many incredible and creative songs put out during that time and now, as we strive to find our new way in the “post-pandemic” world, I wonder about creativity.

As a pastor, I had to quickly find different ways to provide worship and teaching to my congregation. This was a blessing from the curse of Covid, and it is time to expand upon it.  We have wonderful means of communication that can be used to spread God’s love, so why not use them?

The creative period of Covid needs to continue.  We need to reach beyond our comfort levels to find ways to shower the world with God’s blessings through art, music and teaching. 

This week, consider your gifts and how you can share them.  Consider your creativity and what it would mean to witness God’s love through that creativity. 

May your week be blessed,

Pastor Bill

Christ be with you, Christ within you Christ behind you, Christ before you, Christ beside you, Christ to win you, Christ to comfort and restore you, Christ beneath you, Christ above you, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love you, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.