Month: December 2023

Somewhere in my “clippings file” I have a story about opposition research on Andrew Jackson (7th U.S. president; born in the Carolinas before the Revolutionary war) as he was leaving the army and entering politics.  According to the clipping a reporter went to his hometown and tracked down some childhood friends.  The reporter asked why they thought Andy had been so successful.  Was he smarter or stronger than the other boys in town?  

“No” they said, “He just wouldn’t stay throwed.”  The reporter asked for clarification.

The boys, now men, explained “When we wrestled, it was always for two out of three throws.  But Andy just wouldn’t stay down!  You could throw him 3 or even 4 times and he’d get up again and eventually throw you.  That’s our Andy, he just wouldn’t stay throwed!”

What, you may be asking, does that have to do with resolutions?  Whether I resolve to read my Bible all the way through this year, love my wife better this year, or take better care of my health this year I will get throwed.  

• I will end up taking a phone call rather than finishing my quiet time some morning 
• I will snap at my wife because I’m a million miles away in my mind
• I will skip my walk because it’s cold and wet outside
  • Resolved. I will not stay throwed!

Happy New Year!

Pastor Scott

I went looking for a picture of a middle-eastern manger; one made of stone, not wood like we’d find here in the wetter West.  My search for a picture led me to an article written by a guy from a different faith tradition about his trip to Bethlhem.  Even though some of his terminology is different and certainly his side panels are not something we’re used to seeing, if you read the whole piece he makes a fabulous point that we all need to be reminded of – every year!   

The Stone Manger

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Scott

We talk a lot about how the world stage seems to setting itself up for the Antichrist. The political and cultural changes we are observing have caused a considerable amount of hand-wringing in certain circles. Yet, if we read the end of THE book, we realize we aren’t the ones who ought to be wringing our hands! The Lion of Judah, Is OUR Lion of Judah. Amen? 

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior in 10 days, lets not forget that the One who took away our sine by shedding His own blood, is coming back again to judge those who have rejected His grace.

Pastor Scott

We have a shredder; one at home and a really big one here at church.  You need one.  It’s great to protect your identity!  It’s also great for shredding illegitimate charges.  Bills that you have already paid.  Charges that are duplicate.   It’s really irritating when a corporation or a municipality tries to collect a debt that has already been taken care of.  Has that ever happened to you?  No?  I would wager to guess it has.

We sometimes fail to recognize that anything we hold against anyone is considered a debt they owe us.  If we “forgive” someone (even “just” vertically) and are continually being bugged by the bill collector, I humbly suggest that we haven’t yet really focused on what occurred.  If we forgave them we released that debt; tore it up, covered it up with Jesus’ blood and grace.  So if it comes back to us, it’s just like an “overdue” bill that I know I’ve paid.  It should go into the shredder and or, even better, into the kindling box by the fireplace, and never get another thought!   

“Scott, that’s easy for you to say; but you don’t understand how badly he/she/they hurt me!!!”  

“You are right, I don’t, but I know a Guy 🕇”  

The Hebrew word nasa and the Greek word aphiemi both literally mean “to release” or “let go” and are both translated “forgive.”  The other Hebrew (Old Testament) word most often translated “forgive” is Kipper or atone (cover with blood).  The other Greek (New Testament) word is Charizomai (“grace” as a verb).

Dictionary of New Testament Theology

I did neglect one word that is used in the OT, the word is “Azazel.”  It’s one of two goats used on the Day of Atonement.  The first is sacrificed.  The second, the “scapegoat”, is sent out into the wilderness after the sins of all the people are confessed onto its head (Leviticus 16:21-22).  The wilderness of course would make a goat disappear completely, just like the sins of the people (Matthew 27:11-26; cf. Hebrews 13:12-13).

Pray for me, as I pray for you,

Pastor Scott

The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.
You shall multiply the nation,
You shall increase their gladness;
They will be glad in Your presence
As with the gladness of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
 For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.
 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult,
And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.