Thoughts on Church

Right now, take a look at Jesus and tell me what you see. That my friend, is what Garden Valley Community Church strives to be -- or become. My study of God's Word has taught me that the church of Jesus Christ is supposed to be more of a hospital than a social club for the spiritually elite. A place where people can come and find hope, peace, and experience God's unconditional love and acceptance. If they can't find these things in church -- then where? For some that walk through the door, the past week has brought them nothing but pain, disappointment and heartache. So when they step through the church doors, these Believers desperately need the good Lord to give them a drink of cool water that will "restore their soul" (Psalm 23) and bind their suffering with His healing touch. For some that walk through the church doors, the past week has ran them so hard, their reserves are depleted. They have nothing left to give. They have shot all their marbles and the demands of the upcoming week leaves them feeling defeated and passionless. These Believers desperately need the good Lord to give them a drink of cool water that will restore their purpose and give them hope and strength to face the challenges tomorrow presents. For some that walk through the church doors, the past week has brought them disappointment when their closest family members turned their backs on them and dealt criticism and expressed disapproval. These Believers need to simply experience the love and acceptance of being in God's family. They need to experience the love of God not just in hugs but it the honest acceptance they see in your eyes. For some that walk through the church doors, the past week has presented them with enough bad news to sink a battleship. For some it is the dreaded "cancer" whispered by a doctor. For others it is the loss of a job, or everything they own breaking down and costing more to repair they they have in savings. These people drive to church begging God to give them simply 1 word of good news. These Believers desperately need to be encouraged. For some that walk through the church doors, the past week has presented them with more questions than answers. They don't want the pastor's opinion on anything. Nor do they want to hear a sermon based on the pastor's denominational slant. What they desperately need is to hear how God's Word impacted the pastor's life this week and how that impact brought him closer to God They need to experience real world truth from God's Word that has the power to save their soul and transform their life. If they can't expect to personally experience the love of God in church -- then where? If they can't expect to find their needs met in church -- then where? If they can't expect to find themselves in God's amazing presence at church -- then where? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but by me" John 14:6

Confidentiality

Everyday this week I have struggled to write my blog.

I seriously struggled to find the source of my “writers block”.

Then the good Lord nudged me and pointed out that my blog is a reflection on what He is dealing with in my life that day.

Well, for the last few days, what God has assigned me to address has been covered by “pastoral confidentiality”. 

Many years ago, I knew a pastor that wasn’t burdened by “pastoral confidentiality”.  In other words, whatever counseling he did that week, managed to reveal itself in his sermon that next Sunday.

Don’t get me wrong, it made for some very enlightening sermons, howbeit, inappropriate and loaded with gossip but no one went to sleep. 

Of course no one went to sleep, there was an excellent chance you would miss your name being used in a sermon illustration.

One of my lifelong friends likes to say, “I can keep a secret, but I am afraid I will tell someone who can’t”. 

If you share a personal struggle with me and I repeat what you have told me in confidence – you will never trust me again.  And I will have damaged the ministry that God has entrusted to my care.  And that is a sin. 

I had a friend last week start to tell me something about his marriage that was becoming a serious problem, then he stopped, and started, then stopped again.  I could tell he wanted my opinion but he knew that if I broke his confidence, it would do serious damage to his marriage.  So he looked at me and asked if I would be his pastor for the moment, that way whatever he confided in me would be covered by “pastoral confidentiality”. 

Part of my effectiveness as a pastor hinges on people being able to trust me with their secret spiritual battles and issues.  

Anyway, my point is this, “When God leads someone to trust you with a confidential type problem, keep it between you & God.  Do not violate the confidence and spread the information around like gossip – even if you wrap it as a prayer request”. 

If you have an issue that is of a sensitive nature and you need other Christian’s to join you in prayer for the matter, simply tell them you have an “unspoken prayer request”.  God knows what the need is and will honor their prayers. 

 A gossip goes around telling secrets but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.  Proverbs 11:13 

Don’t use foul or abusive language.

Let everything you say be good and helpful,
so that your words will be an encouragement
to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29

True Friendship

How often have you heard someone say, "If you need anything -- give me a call". And have you ever heard of anyone making that call requesting help? Nope -- me neither. Today I had the privilege to meet with a wonderful family that is in a difficult place and needing my help as a pastor. I made the comment, "Ok, from here on out, let me carry the load. If you have a question or a worry, we WILL talk and I will take care of it." The family looked at me and said, "Everyone says that". I replied, "No, everyone says, 'If you need anything, give me a call'. I am telling you that I am already on board and at work to resolve your situation. I am telling you that I know what needs to be done and I am picking up your load and carrying it for you. You can sleep tonight knowing that I am working behind the scenes tending to the details." My point in telling you this story is quite simple. Next time you are tempted to tell someone, "If you need anything -- give me a call". STOP and ask, "What can I do to help you get through this difficult time?" If they honestly don't know, ask yourself, "If I were in their situation, what could someone do to help me? What detail needs to be attended to that I would appreciate help with?" I am not relaying this story to impress you with my acts of kindness. I am telling you this story to encourage you to take what is in your heart and give it a practical application. 35 I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:35-40

God said, "NO"

I asked God to take away my pride
God said, “NO”.
It is not for me to take away
But for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, “NO”.
Her spirit is whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, “NO”.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, “NO”.
I give you blessings, you much choose to be happy.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, “NO”.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, “NO”.
You must grow it on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, “NO”.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said….. “Finally, you have the idea”. 
 
WHAT IF:
God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn’t follow HIM today?

WHAT IF:

We never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

 WHAT IF:

God didn’t walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as HIS day?

WHAT IF:

God took away HIS message because we failed to listen to HIS messenger?

WHAT IF:

God didn’t send HIS only begotten SON because HE wanted us to be prepared to pay for our own sin?

WHAT IF:

The door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?

WHAT IF:

God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

WHAT IF:

God would not hear us today because we would not listen to HIM yesterday?

WHAT IF:

God answered our prayers the way we answer HIS call to serve others? 

WHAT IF:

God met our needs the way we give HIM our lives and service?

(author unknown)

A Tribute To My Friend

A Tribute To My Friend One of the kindest souls to ever grace this earth, passed away today -- while mowing his yard. This is a tribute to my friend.... thanks to him.... I can say I knew a true gentle giant. He was one of those incredibly rare individuals whose heart could not be contained by his fragile shell of a body. His infectious smile and calming touch.... impacted everyone and everyone who had the privilege to spend a few minutes in his humble quiet presence. Have you ever noticed that there is a rare occurrence that only happens a couple times in your lifetime -- you meet a kindred spirit -- a true friend. And the depths of character in this friend, demands nothing from you. A friend who only asks for the honor of your company for a few minutes. Months or years will go by without having any contact with this friend -- but when you do -- the quality of the friendship transcends time -- and it is as if..... time stood still and you simply pick up where you left off. What is odd about a friend of this quality is -- you would do anything in the world for this friend.... but of course, a friend of this quality would never ask. At a very young age, my friend was diagnosed with a terminal disease. He explained it to me but it became so complicated that I could never keep it all straight. What I do know is, the good Lord build a very special body to house the soul of this friend of mine. It had to be special because it would have to endure over 50 years of health issues that would crush a typical person. But not my friend, no matter the pain, no matter the most recent health setback..... he had a ready smile and a calm voice that assured whoever he met that God was still on His Throne and in control. I will miss his handshake. His handshake was an experience that always left me somewhere between humble and calmed.... all at the same time. His hand was so massive that it would wrap around my hand and I would feel assured he would never intentionally harm me. The next sensation I would experience when I shook his hand was relief..... relief that he was a gentle giant because a hand of that strength could crush mine without effort. Finally his handshake reassured me that he was in total control of his strength. It would never cross his mind to hurt someone. That my friends, is a rare and precious gift in this cynical world we live in. My friend lived with the assurance that the good Lord would walk him through the very worst this ol world has to offer. And as his body was wracked with pain.... his love and confidence in his Heavenly Father only grew through each experience. It was my honor to know you and be your friend. My only regret is that I didn't take the time to express this to you when I had the opportunity. So my friend, for now, as I face my next tomorrow..... you exist in the Heavenly realm.... where the good Lord has given you an eternal body -- finally free from the diseases and suffering this world offered..... and your heart is experiencing perfect peace, contentment and all the love that your Heavenly Father can bestow. See you soon my friend.... see you soon..... "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7

Making God Smile

Close your eyes and….. QUICK…. Tell me what God looks like. 
 

A little boy had been drawing a picture on the kitchen table for a long long time.  Finally his mother got curious and asked him, “Son, what are you drawing?”  He replied, “I am drawing a picture of God”.  His mother softly smiled and said, “Son, no one knows what God looks like.”  The little boy stated, “They will when I am done.”

So when you closed your eyes and pictured God…. what came to your mind? 

Was He angry with white flowing hair and holding a lightning bolt? 

Was He gentle and kind with a small child sitting on His knee? 

Did He resembling your father or grandfather? 

Your pastor often makes a statement about “giving God glory”. 

What does “giving God glory” look like?  What does that even mean?

How can a weak flawed human being do anything that pleases the Creator of the universe? 

Or better yet, WHY would Almighty God, the King of Kings, who has armies of angels at his disposal, find ANYTHING that I can do, remotely interesting?   

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God”
Micah 6:8

#1.  Act Justly

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God

the Father means caring for orphans and widows
in their distress and refusing
to let the world corrupt you.”
James 1:27

#2.  Love Mercy

 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.

 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples,
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”   
 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ 
For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:9-13

#3.  Walk Humbly With God

 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Psalm 51:16-17

So our spiritual take-away from this is, as God does His transforming work in our heart, it is be revealed in our attitude toward God and other people. 

In “church-speak” we call that the “fruit of the Spirit”. 

 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  There is no law against these things!

 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
Galatians 5:22-25

GVCC sermon FORGIVENESS

Garden Valley Community Church

Pastor Shane Moffitt                           April 29^th 2012

“1 Corinthians 13 ~ LOVE” series

LOVE IS FORGIVING

Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do                       1 Corinthians 13:5b

As God has not kept any books on my sin, so I must not keep records on other’s sin

Romans 4:8; Psalm 32:1-2; Psalm 103:12;                          2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:13-15

  The ultimate test of love is when somebody hurts you.  How do you respond?

FORGIVENESS IS NOT

1) It isn’t conditional

It’s not based on someone else’s response

Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them….”

2) It isn’t resuming a relationship without changes

a)     Demonstrate genuine repentance

b)    Make appropriate restitution

c)     Over time, rebuild trust

3) It isn’t forgetting what happened

     This requires a new level of spiritual maturity

     KNOW God can bring GOOD our of BAD

     Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28

     WHAT IS GENUINE FORGIVENESS?

#1. Giving Up My RIGHT To Get Even

          “never pay back evil with more evil…”

                                                Romans 12:17-21

#2.    RESPONDING To Evil With Good

      “...do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.”    

                                                 Luke 6:27-28

#3.    REPEATING THE PROCESS

      “Peter asked, ‘"Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?’  ‘No.’ Jesus replied, ‘seventy times seven!’”                

                                                  Matthew  18:21-22

·        How do you know when you’ve genuinely forgiven somebody? 

·        When You can pray for God to bless them 

THE SECRET OF FORGIVENESS

REMEMBER how much God forgave YOU

      “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you                    

       must forgive others.”  Colossians 3:13

     "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 2:13-14

READ: The “Lord’s Prayer” ~ Matthew 6:9-13

·        Lord, forgive me to the degree I forgive others