Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving? For What?

As I sit here on Thanksgiving Day,
I have much to be thankful for!
I give thanks today for…

• My relationship with God through Christ and the influence of His Spirit.
• My wonderful wife Bonnie.

• My children: Tim, Daniel, and Kristen.
• My parents: Charles and Janice Knight
• My brothers: Gary, Jim, and Danny and their families
• The Church that God has privileged me to pastor for the last 17 years: Hope Evangelical Covenant Church.
• My friends…which are too many to name but are worthy of thanking God for.
• My pain and struggles which make me dependant on my Lord.
But I am also curious.

What are you thankful for?

Your partner in the gospel

Pastor Paul

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving - A Discipline!

The Apostle Paul says to "give thanks in all circumstances...” You've got to be kidding? I can think of plenty of circumstance where it would seem inappropriate to give thanks. Is it possible or reasonable that a person should be able to give thanks for the fact that they are dealing with abuse, past or present? Is it possible to expect that someone could give thanks for the lingering pain of an abortion done while they were in a state of confusion and hurt? What about the person who discovers that they or someone they love has cancer? Give thanks? Is it possible that God would expect the man or woman to give thanks when they have received a pink slip notifying him or her that their job has been eliminated? And yet the Apostle Paul says it: “Give thanks in all circumstances...”

That is why this entry is titled THANKSGIVING – A DISCIPLINE! The discipline is this; to turn your heart and focus, in the midst of circumstances, back toward Christ. I am not saying this is easy. But it is good and it is possible. Because no matter how big or discouraging “our circumstances,” God is still God. And because of that we can find truths “in Him” for which we can give thanks. And in the exercise of this discipline of enumerating our thanks to and for God, God is glorified and honored and we are grown. We become bigger toward Him. And that is, always, good! And dare I say, that if our “circumstances” cause us to look to Jesus and give thanks? maybe we can indeed develop a strength to “give thanks” even for our circumstances. Because they, our circumstances, aided us in looking to our great Savior.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Your partner in the gospel,

Pastor Paul
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Awfulness of the Flood -- not like in the Children's Story

The story is incredible, faith stirring, and it is horrendous. I am referring to the story in Genesis about Noah and the flood. The people have turned their hearts away from relationship with God so much so that every inclination of their heart is contrary to God’s heart. And he determines that he will wipe all of mankind off the face of the earth with a flood.

I don’t think I can fully imagine what that judgment must have been like. I don’t really want to. But I cannot avoid the reality that God’s judgment, when released, is exacting, holy, right, and awe filled and from my human perspective, horrendous. The flood took everyone. It took everyone, but one family. I am a grace oriented person, mostly because I am a recipient of grace. The idea of judgment bothers me. As I pondered this event it brought tears to my eyes. It began with thoughts about those I know who live outside of relationship with Jesus Christ.

I do believe there will be a coming judgment. I don't like the thought of it. My imagination creates an absolutely horrendous picture of the flood. I wonder if, in this act of judgment, whether God was merciful and wiped people out instantaneously, but that is not the way it plays in my head. In my mind the flood and the terror for those who were being taken by the waters is horrendous. Maybe you can imagine the reaction of people as the waters rose. Did they seek higher ground? Did they swim? Did they try to hold one another? Did they try to convince Noah to let them in and to save them? Did Noah and his family hear? It is almost too much to consider; which is possibly why the Scriptures tell us nothing about those who are deluged in the judgment of God. But the Scriptures do teach us about the man, Noah and the God that saved him.

The Scriptures teach us that Noah found favor with God. Noah lived in such a way that those around him knew he “walked with God.” He had faith. And God spared him. In the midst of God’s all consuming judgment we see the evidence of his wonderful grace floating in a boat. The boat was protecting a man and his family who trusted Him enough to act on what they had been told.

One day again, judgment will come. Never again will it come in the form of a flood, but come it will and as I observe the world turning their hearts away from relationship with God, come it must. And that makes my heart ache, for us and for those who do not know Jesus Christ yet. 2 Peter reminds us:
They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8,9)
He will not wait forever to bring judgment, but thankfully he is patient. He is patient with those who know Him. We have much to do as we learn to live for him and advance his kingdom into our own hearts and into the hearts of many who do not yet know the love of our Lord. I am thankful for the patience of God! "Father, thank you for being a God of patience. Give us the strength and desire to spread the message of your grace and love, the Good News of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to be salt and light!"

Your partner in the gospel,

Pastor Paul

Monday, November 10, 2008

FIREPROOF -- The Movie



I was walking out of the theater with my wife Bonnie and in the midst of several people, many who happened to be from our church, when one of the ladies in the group said; “That was the best movie I have ever seen in my life!” To which I foolishly responded, “Come on – it was a good movie, but not the best you’ve ever seen.” Without any hesitation, not just one, but several people swung their heads in my direction with their eyes still red and a bit swollen, a few still gripping their Kleenex, they glared at me. Even a man or two! A shiver ran up my spine and I hoped they were all followers of Christ. “OK – it might have been,” I offered, still a bit fearful that I might be beaten with wet tissues.

I was very impressed with the film FIREPROOF. This is one I do encourage you to see. I recommend it. I strongly recommend it. Yes, it is surely a low budget film. but even with its lower production value the movie is not disappointing.

Firefighters have a saying: “Never leave your partner behind.” That is a powerful truth and the message comes out clearly in this film. I will be purchasing a copy of this film for our library.

One of my buddies says I build movies up to the point where they can’t live up to the expectations – He has already seen this so – GO SEE IT!

Your partner in the gospel,
Pastor Paul

Friday, November 7, 2008

Happy Birthday Dr. Billy Graham!


It was the summer between my 8th and 9th grade years in school. I had been being drawn by God toward Himself for quite a long time. Witnessed to by friends who knew Jesus. And sensing his love and also very aware that I was sinful. I was wondering how to "get my life connected to God."

The new film produced by the Billy Graham Association, Time to Run, was playing in Duluth Minnesota. I attended. After hearing Dr. Graham's preaching on the film, being moved by the story, hearing the testimony of Robert Lapine Sr. (a man from Duluth who spoke at the end of the movie), and hearing the prompting of God's Spirit; I made my way to the front of the theater to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. "God loves you and will forgive you, " echoed in my heart.

I am consistently blessed and amazed, blessed, and challenged by the life and message of Dr. Graham. His constancy and faithfulness to the simple gospel message and his life lived in devotion to God are a model for all who have the evangelistic heart and gifting and really to all followers of Christ.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College and the center's museum on the history of evangelism. As I stood in the pulpit used by Dr. Graham on display (yes I stood in the display), I asked the Father to renew my heart, to help me to be faithful to His call on my life, and to continue to burn the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness for everyone into my heart.

On the day of Dr. Graham's birthday I would like to say, "Happy Birthday and thank you!"

a partner in the gospel,

Pastor Paul

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama


Tonight, we elected a new president of the United States, Barack Obama.
We elected our 44th president, a black man, an historical step.
A step that I pray will help us heal racially.
I am proud of the way we do our elections.
I am proud to participate.

I have not been in agreement with much of what President-elect Obama has stood for, but I will pray for and honor him as the President of our nation.
Tonight, I am proud to be an American.

Your partner in the gospel,
Pastor Paul