Your arrogant heart has deceived you, you who live in clefts of the rock in your home on the heights, who say to yourself, “Who can bring me down to the ground”

It is way too easy to succumb to pride. To think that we are better than anyone else, we deserve something because of who we are, and even thinking that we are invincible no one can touch us. We never really know when we are struggling with pride because at the same time, we might get conflicting messages from friends saying “you do so much you deserve it” inflating each of our egos making us believe that we deserve something.

While in the military I did a lot of volunteer work at animal shelters, after school programs, and various activities my superiors wanted me to be recognized as junior sailor of the quarter. I was nominated several times and did not receive the award. By the second time I was nominated I had gotten it in my head that I deserve the award more than anyone because I was the only one who SHOULD be awarded this honor. I had let my ego dictate and say that I deserve to receive recognition, honor, and a plaque. I do not deserve any of it. For it is only through God that I can do the work.

It was pride that led me to believe that I should be awarded for the things that I loved doing. The wrong heart that believed that my friends who were also helping the community did not deserve to be recognized for their contributions and only I was worthy. Our hearts can deceive us and led us to believe that we are better than others, deserve more, and invincible. This is deceiving and not true. God is greater than any person on earth. No matter how great we may think we are God is greater. He can bring us down when we are filled with pride. Allow God to search your heart ask for help when needed, show you what your struggles are, and take steps forward to change.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watt

This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true plumb, with a plumb line in his hand.
 
A plumb line is a weight suspended from a string used as a vertical reference line to ensure a structure is centered. It is used to make sure that everything is right, centered, and justified. It does this by finding the vertical axis pointing to the center of gravity.

Everyone has their own concept of what is just, right, and even true. So many of us are quick to seek out justice ourselves when things do not go our way. We get angry and shout, break things, and even hurt people thinking that this is a right response. Today’s culture has a lot to say on what is right. The only problem with this is what was right at one time may no longer be considered right. Our concept changes over time when it comes to justice. Many laws are written by groups of people with different beliefs, backgrounds, educational degrees. Many of us are taught right from wrong but, it is based on how we each grew up, from mentors, parental figures, and those who influenced us.

George Neumark wrote “If you but trust in God to guide you and place your confidence in Him, you’ll find Him always there beside you to give you hope and strength within; for those who trust God’s changeless love build on the rock that will not move” from the song If you but trust in God to Guide You. There are many different things today that we can look to for guidance for on what is right and even just. However, it is not true justice it wavers from time to time. God’s justice scale is true and perfect for he knows exactly what justice is, he knows people’s circumstances, their hearts, and his love never changes towards us. Though you may want to seek out justice for whatever wrong that has happened to you trust in God to continue to guide you through your situation.
​
Praying,
Stacy Watt

 
“And in the place where they were told: You are not my people, they will be called: Sons of the living God,”
 
Relationships can be difficult and often challenging to maintain. Many of us have friends that we no longer talk to or spend time with. Family members because of our life choices that are not good for us stop talking to us. The choices that we make can strain relationships pushing them to the point of nonexistence. The people closest to us, our own family, can decide that they no longer want to be around us or even that we do not belong apart of the family anymore. We have heard tragic words of “You are dead to me” or even “You are no longer my son or daughter.” Leaving many of us abandoned and alone and even feeling unloved.

Places can remind us of broken relationships the pain and the hurt that we once felt being torn from relationships that we once held dear to us in our hearts. For many of us we can avoid these places for years. The pain of returning can sometimes be unbearable.  However, the same place can bring redemption.
​
God takes the places that can bring us anguish and heartache and instead can bring redemption. Although, family and friends may turn their backs on us and say “we are no longer family” or even “You are dead to me” there is a God who says that you are his son and daughter. There is a God who loves you even when you are reminded that those who are supposed to be closest to you blood relatives want nothing to do with you. God sees you and loves you declaring that you are his child and will never leave you.
 
Praying,
Stacy Watt

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
 
We each have a job to do many times we can think that the job that we have is not important by saying “I am just…” or “I just do …” since what we do does not include a fancy title or are not famous. We can think that we are limited in our abilities because of the tasks that we are assigned.

Often, we do not think that the task we are assigned can be an opportunity to bring someone joy or learn new habits and grow. Each person has a task to do which contributes to the overall goal of the company or organization no job is more important than the other for each has a different opportunity to influence people.

We may work as a janitor at a hospital, but we can also brighten a patients’ day by greeting them and having a conversation with them. We may work as a dog walker but, may also at the same time be helping a family not feel stressed about leaving their dog home alone, you may be a gardener but, are truly helping an elderly person keep up with their yard when they cannot. The work we do is not “I am just…” but is our world of influence. Everyday there are several people we encounter at our jobs that we can influence. Our jobs are not just a place of employment but, a place to influence others and grow.

The job we have may not be glorious but, every task that we are given we can influence the people around us and create a better environment.
 
Praying
Stacy Watt

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high”
Jesus

Waiting is never fun. It seems like we are always waiting for something. Waiting for clothes to dry. If you are at the doctor’s office, you arrive early just to wait in the lobby. We wait to hear responses if we got a job or not. Life is full of waiting. Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high. His wait did not include a timeframe which makes it even harder. I love to plan things I love planners and have dates set ahead of time. Unfortunately, this is not how God works he does not give the timeline but tells us just to wait.

I often think about this time of waiting for the apostles their savior had just died and ascended into heaven and they are unsure of what to do next but, he tells them to wait. I would have gotten restless and wanted to formulate my own plan or even left and came back.

They were waiting for the promise from the Father. When the day of Pentecost arrived, their wait was finally over the Holy Spirit descended on them. Their wait was for something they needed and could not afford not to have. The things they were going to do they could not have done by their own strength they needed to be clothed with the Holy Spirit to speak boldly, heal the lame, speak truth, cast out demons, and even change from wrongful paths.

When we decide to follow Jesus, he gives us the same gift the Holy Spirit. He enables to speak hard truths to a friend out of love, be bold and apply for a job when we have no prior experience, ask for help when we feel ashamed, and even take the first steps toward changing from harmful behaviors. Jesus knew for many of us today we are not able to do these in our own strengths we need help from someone who is stronger than us. He is there to guide, comfort, advocate, counsel, encourage, motivate, help, and change you. You do not have to do it alone.
 
Praying for you,
Stacy Watt

Scripture:  Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:1-18; 9:14-17, Acts 13:1-3
 
Types of Fasting (feel free to replace food with anything that will cost you comfort or pleasure):

• Normal – Going without food for a definite period of time and only taking in liquids (be careful – know your physical limits and health issues)
  
• Absolute – Going without any food or water (not recommended)
  
• Partial – Going without certain foods or is on a limited eating schedule. For example skipping lunch or only eating when it is dark.
  
• Rotational – Eating or omitting certain families of foods for designated periods. Like only eating grains every fourth day.

 
Biblical Examples of Fasting

• The Disciples Fast – Matthew 6:1-18; 9:14-17
• The Ezra Fast – Ezra 8:23
• The Samuel Fast – 1 Samuel 7:6
• The Elijah Fast – 1 Kings 19:4-8
• The Widow’s Fast – 1 Kings 17:16
• Paul’s Fast – Acts 9:9
• The Daniel Fast – Daniel 1:8
• John’s Fast – Luke 1:15
• The Esther Fast – Esther 4:16 – 5:2

 
Suggested Reading:

• “Fasting For Spiritual Break Through” – Elmer Towns
• “A Hunger For God” – John Piper

Will you commit to fasting between now and Easter Sunday?
 
Step 1 – Why Fast?
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal? For guidance? For healing? For the resolution of problems? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify what He wants you to take away from this time.
 
“One of the greatest spiritual benefits of fasting is becoming more attentive to God – becoming more aware of our own inadequacies and His adequacy, our own contingencies and His self-sufficiency – and listening to what He wants us to be and do.”  - Elmer Towns
 
Step 2 – Commit
How long will you fast?  What will you fast?
How will you increase your time with God?  How much time will you devote to pray and God’s Word?
 
Step 3 – Accountability
Who do you trust?  Tell them about your fast, not to brag, but so they can hold you accountable.  Give them permission to check in with you and see how the fast is going.
 
Your Fasting Plan
Write it down:

• Why are you fasting?
  
• What are you fasting?
  
• How long will you fast?
  
• Who will hold you accountable?                                                       

 

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus
               
Those are probably the most powerful words spoken by Jesus from the cross. They are also some of the words we might be able to most relate to. I know Job felt it, David felt it, and I know there are times I have felt it – abandoned or forsaken by God. But, how can that be? How can we feel that way when Jesus came to die on the cross for us? It just shouldn’t be!

We typically feel that way when we experience or witness innocent suffering, when we or someone we know is the victim. It is in those painful moments we want to know why. Why did God allow that happen? Even if He didn’t cause it, He certainly could have stopped it? It is that inaction that often leaves us saying the same thing Jesus said – why have you forsaken me?

I can understand our anger and frustration over the pain we often suffer as an innocent human, but to hear Jesus express those words is mind blowing to me. Then I realize Jesus, while divine, was also human. He had experienced the comforting presence of angels and the encouraging moments with His Father. He knew, better than we do, what His Father is capable of. Yet, His Father didn’t act. The Father didn’t spare Him the pain or the death of the cross. In that very hard reality we don’t have answers for our suffering but we have a God who suffers with us, who has joined us in our “victimization.” God isn’t watching from a distance, He is with us and angry right along with us. He too says, this isn’t how it is supposed to be!

What we have to remember is the while the Cross is where we see the innocent One suffer and die while the Father doesn’t stop it, it is also the place where God the Father is making it right. It is a place for us to leave our anger and frustration, a place for us to let our pain die, and the place where we can see God is with us. Then when we are ready to let go and move with Jesus to the resurrection we can find new life and a new future.

So, are you feeling like Jesus – forsaken and abandoned by God? Let’s God know about it. He can take our complaints. He will listen to our laments. But, don’t get mad and walk away, realize that He is with you in it. He is at working making all things new, making all things right. He did it with Jesus and He will do it with us. Hope is alive.
​
Trusting in Jesus,
Pastor Matt

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. 
John 19:25-27
 
When I was a freshman in high school I was back stage at an event just hanging out, one of the only freshmen there. I watched as an upperclassman started to harass another boy who was just standing there reading a book. He knocked the book out of his hands and continued to taunt him. The boy never said a word and then suddenly got punched in the face for no reason. His response was to just pick up his book. It was terrible. I know there are many today who feel like life has been just like that – a punch in the face for no reason.

Many have experienced a tremendous amount of pain and trauma in life, not because of anything they have done, but because of what has been done to them. There are a lot of victims in our world. A lot of people who have been sinned-against. I want you to know – God sees you and knows you. I also want you to know you don't have to stay the victim!

We often stand at the foot of the cross of Jesus and shout, “Jesus, save me, the sinner!” But, we forget that right next to us is Mary who is shouting, “Jesus, save yourself and me – the victims!” You see the cross of Jesus isn’t just about the sinner but also about the sinned-against. It is there the victim (Jesus who was innocent Himself) dies. It is there Jesus makes sure the victim (Mary) is cared for. It is also there Jesus forgives the one killing Him.

Too many of us stay at the cross though – we stay the victim. We let that define us and dictate our life and our decisions. But, Mary doesn't stay the victim and neither does Jesus. Because a few days later we have the resurrection. The victim has become the victory. The one who died has become the survivor!

The cross is where Jesus entered into our suffering and we entered into His. The cross is where we unite with Him in death and the tomb is where we unite with Him in resurrection. The cross is a place for victims and the resurrection the hope of victory. “This is the hope of the gospel. There is hope beyond victimization, and the woundedness that it causes. There is real hope of genuine healing. And in this, the saving message of the cross becomes just as powerful for the sinned-against as it is for the sinner. New birth is offered to all. The resurrection does not undo the death of Jesus, just as it does not undo spiritual, psychological, and emotional “deaths” of the sinned-against. But the resurrection does offer new life and redemption as the declarative Word over sin, pain, violence, and abuse.” (The Backside Of The Cross – Diane Leclerc and Brent Peterson)
 
I pray you find hope and healing from the pain caused by others in your life and that you realize Jesus died and rose again for the sinner as well as the sinned-against.
 
In Christ,
Pastor Matt

Some of the seed fell among the weeds, and the weeds grew up with it and choked it.
Luke 8:7

What is a weed? Do you know the difference between weeds and not weeds? Sometimes it is hard to tell and it is usually left up to the person who is in charge of the garden to determine what is a weed and what isn’t. We had some people helping us pull weeds in Agape Village once and they pulled all the strawberry plants up – a weed to those who don’t know.

So, what is a weed? The word used in this passage for weed is actually thorns. Israel has lots of thorns and prickly plants. When you are walking around in sandals most of the time, you definitely don’t want any thorns around. Officially a weed is any plant considered undesirable in a particular situation, growing where it conflicts with human preferences, needs, or goals. In this parable, however, the weeds aren’t up for debate or left to a matter of human opinion. The weeds Jesus is talking about are anything in our life (according to Jesus that can be the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life) that conflicts with God’s preferences, expectations, or goals for us.

The problem with those kinds of weeds is that we can easily justify them. We can also think we can control them, that we are stronger. But, in the end we are not. Those weeds we let grow in our life, the ones we have justified, actually choke us out and destroy the Truth God has for us. What are you letting grow in your life that is choking out the Truth of God? What is hindering your walk with Him? What is stopping you from maturing and producing the kind of fruit God created you to produce? 

Weeds can be anything. Sin is always a big weed – one we need to get rid of. By sin I mean anything that goes against God’s Word, any act of disobedience – either doing what you shouldn’t or not doing what you should. There are also weeds that can be harder to recognize – relationships, habits, attitudes, behaviors, and even some of the things we ‘enjoy.’ If we truly want to live a life of victory and bear good fruit then we have to get rid of the weeds. 

Ready to pull some weeds? Ask God to show you what needs to go and do what you need to do to get it out of your life.
 
Looking for weeds with you,
Pastor Matt