Thursday, August 29, 2013
Pastor Matt’s Thoughts for August
Dead Men Wanted
Crucifixion back in Jesus’ day was the equivalent of being sentenced to a gallows, electric chair or the firing squad, only more painful and longer lasting. What they all have as a final result is death. The cross brought a finality to all mans life. He was dead to the world; to his family and friends, to his pride and ambitions; dead to any future plans. Yes the cross ended everything in man’s life.
Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me.” Paul went on to say, “I am crucified to the world and the world is crucified to me.”
Jesus challenged every one of His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. Let’s face it, self hates to die and lose its preeminence. We do all we can to make ourselves look good, smell good and feel good. We love it when others pamper us, coddle us and fuss over us.
We live in a selfish world where the only concern is, “What’s in it for me?” If you trace the source of self to its beginning, you will find it started with Lucifer and his plan to take God’s place with his own.
Paul described many of today’s churches when he warned Timothy that in the last days, men would be lovers of money, lovers of pleasure, lovers of self more than lovers of God (I Timothy 3:1-5).
Obviously, self is the root problem here just as in the world.
Self is so powerful that the only way to successfully deal with it is through the cross. Only when self is dethroned can God take His rightful place as Lord and Master of a persons life. God has made it perfectly clear that those who follow Him would have to follow Him to the cross.
What we need as believers, and what we believe as a Church are not those who champion self, but living for Christ. We need believers and churches who have learned the secret of dying to self. We need believers dead to themselves and alive in Christ!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Pastor Matt's Thoughts
Be Balanced
One of the most difficult things in life to do is to maintain balance as a believer. It requires a constant effort 24/7.
Did you ever try to balance a broom on the end of your finger? If you have, you know it requires a lot of attention. First, you must move the finger forward, then backward, then to one side, then to the other. You can’t hold your finger still and balance the broom or else it will fall off.
The same principal is true in life and in our spiritual life. If we are to maintain a balanced life, we must move quickly and constantly be making corrections. It is easy to go too far in one direction or the other. Eating too much and not enough time for exercise, or playing too much to the neglect of reading God’s Word, praying, witnessing, going to church and so on.
Life it seems, can be like the pendulum on a clock-swinging from one side to the other. If you were over disciplined as child, it is likely that you will be too easy on your children. The chances are that one who was not properly disciplined as a child will be too strict on their children. Balance, that’s the important thing in anything we do in this life and as a believer in God. Surely that‘s what the Bible means in Philippians 4:5; “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”. God bless.
Be Balanced
One of the most difficult things in life to do is to maintain balance as a believer. It requires a constant effort 24/7.
Did you ever try to balance a broom on the end of your finger? If you have, you know it requires a lot of attention. First, you must move the finger forward, then backward, then to one side, then to the other. You can’t hold your finger still and balance the broom or else it will fall off.
The same principal is true in life and in our spiritual life. If we are to maintain a balanced life, we must move quickly and constantly be making corrections. It is easy to go too far in one direction or the other. Eating too much and not enough time for exercise, or playing too much to the neglect of reading God’s Word, praying, witnessing, going to church and so on.
Life it seems, can be like the pendulum on a clock-swinging from one side to the other. If you were over disciplined as child, it is likely that you will be too easy on your children. The chances are that one who was not properly disciplined as a child will be too strict on their children. Balance, that’s the important thing in anything we do in this life and as a believer in God. Surely that‘s what the Bible means in Philippians 4:5; “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”. God bless.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Pastor’s Thoughts for July
What am I Chasing?
Have you heard of the dog that chased a freight train and when he caught it, he didn’t know what to do with it?
I guess he had a good time while he was on the run, but all his efforts ended in disappointment. It would have been a story with a different ending had he gone after a cat or a rabbit but he spent all his energy chasing an iron horse that couldn’t reward him with a single juicy bone.
It is a good thing for us to take stock of life now and then and to ask ourselves, What am I chasing? What are the objectives of my life? I keep wondering whether that dog took a good look before he took off after that train. Maybe his blood hound nature made him chase it because it moved, he probably didn’t stop to ask whether or not the effort was worthwhile.
I am afraid that too many lives are being spent pursuing unworthy things. Having nothing to show for all our efforts when it’s all said and done. (Life is over). Only as we “set our affections on the things above” can we be certain that when this life is over, we have not been “chasing freight trains.”
There is also a story of a missionary in china who was more familiar with things Chinese than any other man at that time. Because of this an oil company sought his services. He was offered a large salary. When he refused the salary was doubled and then doubled again. Each time he refused and finally he was told just to name the amount and set his own salary. In reply, he said, “The salary you first offered was large enough. It is not your salary that is too small; it is your job. I have a bigger job than the world can even offer.” I hope we all feel the same way. “If ye then been risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… set you affections on things above, not on things on earth.” Only what’s done for Christ will last! What are you chasing? What are your priorities? Why not pursue something (things of God) that will last?
What am I Chasing?
Have you heard of the dog that chased a freight train and when he caught it, he didn’t know what to do with it?
I guess he had a good time while he was on the run, but all his efforts ended in disappointment. It would have been a story with a different ending had he gone after a cat or a rabbit but he spent all his energy chasing an iron horse that couldn’t reward him with a single juicy bone.
It is a good thing for us to take stock of life now and then and to ask ourselves, What am I chasing? What are the objectives of my life? I keep wondering whether that dog took a good look before he took off after that train. Maybe his blood hound nature made him chase it because it moved, he probably didn’t stop to ask whether or not the effort was worthwhile.
I am afraid that too many lives are being spent pursuing unworthy things. Having nothing to show for all our efforts when it’s all said and done. (Life is over). Only as we “set our affections on the things above” can we be certain that when this life is over, we have not been “chasing freight trains.”
There is also a story of a missionary in china who was more familiar with things Chinese than any other man at that time. Because of this an oil company sought his services. He was offered a large salary. When he refused the salary was doubled and then doubled again. Each time he refused and finally he was told just to name the amount and set his own salary. In reply, he said, “The salary you first offered was large enough. It is not your salary that is too small; it is your job. I have a bigger job than the world can even offer.” I hope we all feel the same way. “If ye then been risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… set you affections on things above, not on things on earth.” Only what’s done for Christ will last! What are you chasing? What are your priorities? Why not pursue something (things of God) that will last?
Monday, April 15, 2013
Pastor Matt’s Though April 2013
Spring Is Here!
At last spring is here! The trees are budding and the grass is green. Everywhere you look there is new life. The sunshine and the birds singing seems to put some pep in everyone’s step. I love the spring time because in many ways it reminds me of the awesome love of our Heavenly Father. How do the trees know it’s time to bud? How is it all the babies of the forest are born at this time? Why because it’s all in the grand design of our Almighty God! As I think of spring with all its magnificent workings, I am reminded of Psalm 8:4 (Amp.) David asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of (earth born) man that you care for him?”
The truth is, God has this great big universe to take care of, but we are the crown of His creation! Life has its seasons too. Maybe you have been going through a cold, dry, seemingly dead season in your life. I certainly have had my share of them. On a spiritual level it’s hard to read the Word. It’s hard to pray, it’s hard to worship and even harder to come to church. As much as it’s hard to believe those cold, dry winter months are necessary. As a son of a farmer, I am positive that my dad did not look forward to going right back into the field after harvest to plow it under. But if he wanted the ground prepared for next spring he needed to do it regardless of how he felt. The point is, we have to continue to do what we must do knowing spring is just around the corner. When the spring time comes, reading God’s word is easy. Praying becomes easy again, etc. None of this would be possible without those dreaded winter seasons of our lives. As we embrace spring and all its blessings. Pause for a moment and think about this. This God who created all that is going on (the budding of the trees, the greening of the grass, etc.) is the God who loves you above all. Spring is here, and new life comes with it.
Pastor Matt
Spring Is Here!
At last spring is here! The trees are budding and the grass is green. Everywhere you look there is new life. The sunshine and the birds singing seems to put some pep in everyone’s step. I love the spring time because in many ways it reminds me of the awesome love of our Heavenly Father. How do the trees know it’s time to bud? How is it all the babies of the forest are born at this time? Why because it’s all in the grand design of our Almighty God! As I think of spring with all its magnificent workings, I am reminded of Psalm 8:4 (Amp.) David asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of (earth born) man that you care for him?”
The truth is, God has this great big universe to take care of, but we are the crown of His creation! Life has its seasons too. Maybe you have been going through a cold, dry, seemingly dead season in your life. I certainly have had my share of them. On a spiritual level it’s hard to read the Word. It’s hard to pray, it’s hard to worship and even harder to come to church. As much as it’s hard to believe those cold, dry winter months are necessary. As a son of a farmer, I am positive that my dad did not look forward to going right back into the field after harvest to plow it under. But if he wanted the ground prepared for next spring he needed to do it regardless of how he felt. The point is, we have to continue to do what we must do knowing spring is just around the corner. When the spring time comes, reading God’s word is easy. Praying becomes easy again, etc. None of this would be possible without those dreaded winter seasons of our lives. As we embrace spring and all its blessings. Pause for a moment and think about this. This God who created all that is going on (the budding of the trees, the greening of the grass, etc.) is the God who loves you above all. Spring is here, and new life comes with it.
Pastor Matt
Clean Up Day
Calvary Clean Up and Spruce Up Day
On Sat. May 4 men’s ministry will be sponsoring a clean up and spruce up Calvary work day, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Chef Dave at noon. The Men’s ministry is asking for as many men as possible to come out and help with the clean up and spruce up of God’s house. If any of the women of the church would like to join us we would be happy for your help. A project list and equipment needed will be posted in both foyers by next Sunday, April 28. The Men’s Ministry needs your help and prayers for good weather. Any questions see Henry Grimm and Brian Shroyer. Any amount of help and time would be appreciated.
On Sat. May 4 men’s ministry will be sponsoring a clean up and spruce up Calvary work day, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Chef Dave at noon. The Men’s ministry is asking for as many men as possible to come out and help with the clean up and spruce up of God’s house. If any of the women of the church would like to join us we would be happy for your help. A project list and equipment needed will be posted in both foyers by next Sunday, April 28. The Men’s Ministry needs your help and prayers for good weather. Any questions see Henry Grimm and Brian Shroyer. Any amount of help and time would be appreciated.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Pastor Matt’s Thoughts Feb. 2013
John 3:16
This Thursday is
February 14, Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget that special person with a card,
flowers, candy, dinner or jewelry. God gave us a much costlier gift to prove
His love for us. A young believer asked his pastor, “ I am having problems in
my Christian walk. I have been saved for two years and somehow I don’t feel the
same as when I first got saved. I find myself relying on what other people tell me and not enough on the Word of God.
What’s wrong with me?”
The pastor responded,
“Never let your emotions be your spiritual thermostat, always keep going with
what you know is right and above all stay in God’s Word.” Calvary, I truly
think at times we all feel the same way (emotional roller coaster) as the young
believer. Let me share what with you some spiritual and practical truths.
1) Faith, not
feelings-helps to keep us in love with God. Eph. 2:8- “For it is by grace you
have been saved through faith. “ It is through faith in the Word of God, faith
in Jesus Christ and by His grace we are saved.
If our feelings were
connected to our salvation, probably many of us would not feel saved much of
the time.
2) Faithfulness to the
Word of God- helps keep us in God’s love. Reading God’s Word daily can only
build our faith (Romans 10:17).Consequently, faith comes from hearing the
message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
3) Faithfulness in our
prayer life.-Paul tells us to “Pray without ceasing and pray always in
everything. “Faithful prayer life will keep us in love with God. Also, attending
church services on a regular basis will help. (Heb. 10:25) Let us not give up
meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Sadly, but sometimes we
not only forget to love those special ones here on earth but we also forget our
love for God. (for many reasons). There are consequences that can happen
Spiritually and here on earth when we do forget. (Rev. 24:5).
Don’t be that one that
remembers at the last moment Thursday is Valentine’s Day and end up with a lot
of explaining to do. My advice after you read this go out and buy something
nice! Make dinner arrangements! (Not at Wendy’s), get a babysitter now! The
reward is better than the consequence. For us as believers we need to stay
faithful to God and keep falling in love with Him each day. Great things are
about to happen here at Calvary and for you as well. Let’s begin to pray for
God’s renewal in our lives and serve Him and each other daily.
Pastor Matt
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Pastor Matt’s Thoughts… Jan. 2013
R. A. Torrey’s
Prescription for Revival
Prescription: Directions or instructions; a formula, as in preparing a medicine.
I can give you a prescription that will bring revival to any church or community or any city on earth. The prescription is as follows:
First, let a few Christians( they need not be many) get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is prime essential! If this is not done, the rest of what I am to say will come to nothing.
Second,let them unite themselves together to pray for a revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.
Third,let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ. That is all!
This is sure to bring a revival to any church or community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed; and it cannot fail!
I recently came across this prescription for revival by R.A.Torry and thought why wouldn’t it work here at Calvary especially in light of the events going on in the world and in the church. 2012 is now behind us and 2013 is just getting started so what better time to start praying and expecting a revival to break out at Calvary, in us and in Connellsville!
Happy New Year, Pastor Matt
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