Blessed are the saints of the second fiddle.

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts

October, 2012

Blessed are the saints of the second fiddle.

1 Samuel 12:2

“And now, behold, the king walked before you; and I am old and gray headed.” Samuel was a better man than Saul, but he knew how to take a back seat graciously. Which is why I say… blessed are those who want the spotlight to be on them and them only. Saul was one of those who had no tolerance for second place. When he heard the women singing, “Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten of thousands, he was very angry and the saying displeased him.” (1 Sam. 18:7&8)

Sadly, there are even some preachers and believers who have been known to react the same way as Saul when supersede by someone more successful. In the Word of Gods we find that eh best person is not always those who want the spotlight. Here some examples; (Eccl. 10:7) “I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” (3 John 9 ). “…..but Diotrephes, who loved to be first, will have nothing to do with us.” (Romans 12:10) “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

John the Baptist was the foremost prophet and preacher of his time when he said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Our prayer should be in no matter what talent we possess or what we are asked to do, God grant us the beatitude of being in the background, that only Christ may be seen.

Samuel took what I call the back seat for someone lesser, John the Baptist for someone greater, the question is can we play second fiddle, whether for a lesson or for the Greatest of all?

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts Sept. 2012

Matthew 25:36- I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Jesus said this when He was explaining what it would be like for the righteous as they receive their inheritance in glory. Jesus is asking, “Did you recognize my need, in the need of the one right in front of you?” And if we did, the question is did we stop to feed the hungry, did we give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked?

I believe that those of us who live in the western world, often have a western mentality that can lead us to overlook who the least really is. I once thought that the least of these was a homeless person living on the streets somewhere addicted to drugs. Later I thought the Least of these to be a starving child or abused child in Africa or elsewhere.

In fact, both of these (homeless person/starving child) clearly have needs and could be considered the  “least of these”. But I want to suggest that “the least of these” has a different meaning to everyone. I believe that when Jesus is talking about “the least” of these, He’s talking about the one’s who are least worthy of love and compassion.

The different ones that are not just in physical need but the ones who are more difficult to love. Who are they? Maybe it’s the person who is quiet and overlooked. Maybe it’s the person who has a anger problem who will never let anyone get close. Maybe it’s the one who always wants your attention all the time.

I believe God is challenging all of us at Calvary to search our hearts and be the light of Christ even to those who are difficult to love. They may not know they are starving, thirsty, or naked but they are.  If we can redefine our definition of these who are truly in need, our eyes will start to see people with a new vision in a new way.

Of course it will be difficult and challenging to go above and beyond to love and care for those and beyond to love and care for those who are difficult to love. As the days grow closer to the end. God is asking all of us to give it all for the sake of love Calvary! Jesus said that the world will know we are His by our love (not by any other means) for one another. John 13:35-By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

Pastor Matt

 

Get Back to Work

Get Back to Work

Sermon Series

 

In the previous weeks Pastor Matt has preached on the downfall of “Excuses” and how it affects one’s salvation and the work of God. He followed that up with the message Calvary’s Greatest Hour is Still Ahead” No matter what the excuses or the time we live in, God wants to pour out His blessing on all who believe and His Church.

This week, Pastor Matt starts a 3 week sermon series “Get Back to Work”. With summer almost behind us and fall quickly approaching it’s time to “Get Back to Work” Not just any work but God’s work. Pastor Matt is praying that this God ordained sermon series, concerning the prophet Elijah and how relevant his experience was, to ours.

Pastor Matt’s sermons are now available on both CD (due to the generosity of a family in the church) and on Cassette tape. The cost is $5.00 for CD’s and $2.00 for cassette tapes. If interested see Ray Eutsey or the church office.

Pastor Matt’s can be a great witnessing tool or gifts for shut in’s. There’s a lot of work to be done for Jesus… no excuses and it gets easier if we all work together.

Why Should I Go to Church?

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts… August 2012

Why Should I Go to Church?

Have you ever noticed how many people love to ask the question …. Why? (Including believers).It seems to be a part of our DNA. One of the questions people have often asked me is why should I go to church? As if to say what’s the point? What’s the benefit? Recently I came across an article detailing the religious practices of our early American founders. Jamestown Virginia was the first permanent settlement in the New World, and some of their religious practices were rather different than today to say the least. For example, everyday they had a two-hour church service (everyday!), and on Sunday for five hours (and you thought our services was long). Everybody was expected to attend and to miss a service was considered a sin and was dealt with severely. The penalty for missing a service was the loss of food for a whole day. A second absence resulted in a public whipping. Now that’s harsh! Of course nobody (including me) is saying we should go back to that kind of legalistic abuse. And no one is going to punish you if you miss a service. But the truth is you are important to God, and to Calvary, when you’re not here. Still not convinced attending church is important to your spiritual well being and growth? Let me give you two scripturally sound reasons.

1.)    Our Lord Commands It

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

·         If for no other reason because God said so.

2.)    Our Spiritual Life Demands It

We are living in a world that is hostile to our faith. When we gather together, we are able to encourage and help each other keeping on for Jesus. That service you attend at Calvary just might be the service where God has something He wants to say to you, bless you with a miracle, or use you to encourage or bless someone else! If you are asking the question “Why should I go to church?” it might be a symptom of a deeper problem. “The lack of spiritual desire”, a broken relationship with God. You are important and have talents God wants to use, which is why the Devil works so hard to keep you out.

Pastor Matt

Do You Need an Infusion of God’s Strength?

It seems more and more people (including believers) are feeling overwhelmed by life’s daily cares. Leaving many feeling weak and lifeless. I believe many need an infusion of strength. Not just any strength but God’s strength. Listed below are a few of God’s promises to those who need His help for strength;

Psalm 29:11 “the Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

Psalm 84:5, 7. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them…they go from strength to strength.

Psalm 138:3, “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Whatever the need is God has the promise of strength to help us through. We only need to believe and grab hold of His promises daily.

Pastor Matt

Hoagie Fundraiser

We would like to purchase an electric projector screen for the sanctuary. The Wm’s will be having a hoagie sale July 13. Orders will need to be in by July 8^th . For only $6.00, you will get a hoagie, dessert and drink, to be picked up here at the church all day. If you have any questions or would like to order, please see Evelyn, Patty Showman or Yvonne

The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive here at Calvary on Tuesday, July 10 from Noon-6 p.m. Many of you have volunteered in the past by giving blood, helping to register people and helping people after they give blood.

Once again, we are asking for your help to make this blood drive a success. I know some of you cannot donate blood but can you help in other areas? There is a critical shortage of blood types due to low turn outs.

Remember by donating or volunteering you could be a life saver to someone whose life hangs in the balance. It is also a wonderful witness of Christ love as we remember the blood Christ gave on our behalf to save us. If you can help, there is a sign up sheet in both foyers. If you can volunteer time see Evelyn.

Thank you. Pastor Matt

Pastor’s Thoughts for July 2012-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 al 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 in 2012? Why not pursue something (things of God) that will last?

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts… May 2012

Your Daily Walk

A Church sign in Palatka, Florida says, “You can’t walk with God and run with the world.” They are right on! James 4:4 “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosever therefore will be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.” Yes we do “like in the world “ but as believers of God, we are not “of the world” (John 15:19) So even through we live on this earth, we are really “strangers and pilgrims” here. (1 Peter 2:11).

As you draw closer and closer to the Lord in your daily walk, your desire for the worldly lifestyle fades and wanes. We walk “in the world” everyday, but if we walk with God, the glitz and glitter of the world will lose it’s

glow with us.

On the other hand, if we foolishly think we can “run with the world” our walk with God will disappear. The longer you walk with God, your trying to justify a worldly lifestyle will soon stop. The powerful presence of God has a way of commanding our full attention.

Your talk, your dress, your attitudes, your behavior-all will reflect His will and way…if you walk with Him. You might be surprised to learn that the world is never impressed when we adopt the worldly mind-set and lifestyle. Only when we are different from the world can we expect to

have the ear of God and even to those in the world.

Living a separated, distinct Christian life always results from a regular “walk with God.” That same lifestyle I believe will also draw attention from those out “in the world”.

If you want to have any kind of legitimate witness to those you work with, your neighbors, even family you will get it as they see your closeness to the Lord. And know nobody has ever said it would not cost you something to follow Jesus.

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

　

　

　

　

　

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts…. April 2012

Jesus Lives, Let us Rejoice! Resurrection Sunday

A friend of mine in ministry once wrote, “It all begins in a dark, musty tomb. Before dawn, just as the glow is beginning in the eastern sky, it starts. It is only reflected in the tiny drops of dew resting on the wet grass. No one sees it, no one is expecting it, but it happens nonetheless. It changes the tomb, changes the eastern sky, changes the darkness, changes the dew and the grass, it happens nonetheless. It needs no human hands, no fanfare or audience, no assistance from anything on this earth, God raises Jesus Christ from the dead!”

“Listen, I tell you a mystery..” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15. “We will not all die, but we will all be changed. for this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on the immortality.”

Over the many years of ministry in funeral homes and cemeteries I have read those words. A mystery. A twinkling of an eye. We will all be changed. Listen! Before, we would perish, now, we will last forever, everything a moment ago that was mortal now is eternal. And it had nothing to do with us, but it had everything to do with us. That is, we were not involved with it happening, but it involves us in its change. God raises Jesus from the dead! “God who raises Jesus Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through the Spirit that dwells in you.” Romans 8.

On this Resurrection (Easter) Sunday, we will join with the multitudes all around the world, who will gather to sing, speak and listen for the mystery. We will once again be given an opportunity to be changed forever. The tomb and the darkness, the eastern sky, the dew and the grass will be changed. Those in their Easter clothes, the family in chaos, the couple hoping for a baby, the young and the old, a world in sadness, the woman holding back tears and the man checking his watch, all will be changed.

If you listen carefully for the mystery, you will hear the stone be moved, see the resurrection reflected in the eyes of those around you and feel God raising you up.

Then the saying will be fulfilled “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55) Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Christ Service, Pastor Matt

Church Valentine Party Feb. 2012

Love to the End

Love to the End

“A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men shall know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). Jesus said these words to the disciples after washing their feet and taking part in the Passover supper.

Jesus loved people. He cared for their souls enough that He left heaven

to come down here and die for all mankind, including you and me. He took time for people, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus showed us how to love. Jesus spent time with the unloved, He affirmed the unlikely, and encouraged the untouchable. He loved us even though we were sinners. If only we could get hold of this love that doesn’t reject or have shallow boundaries, it would revolutionize not only the world and the church, but also us as individual believers.

We can start by choosing to love and accept people without exception, regardless of race, gender, social status, background, sickness or any other unique situation that may be in their lives. I believe this kind of love, God’s love, shinning through His people is what will draw the lost and hurting to Jesus.

Choosing to love at any cost does not mean we should just allow sin to run rampant and say nothing that’s foolish, not loving. Lets challenge ourselves to stretch our ability to love and “be imitators of God, as dearly loved children and live a life of love.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) A love that doesn’t reject and a love that doesn’t quit, is the love that works and lasts.

Pastor Matt

Valentine Party

Hi Everyone, Feb. 17th we will be hosting a Sweets for the Sweet. It starts at 7 p.m. Bring a salad, dessert or both. We will have lots for fun and games. If you have any questions or can help, please let Missy Tressler know.

Men's Breakfast

Hi Guys, Just a reminder that this Sat. Feb. 4 is our Men's Ministry Breakfast and Fellowship.
Starts at 9 a.m. come and join us.

“With God On Our Side in 2012...How Can We Lose?” Romans’ 8:31

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts…Feb.

“With God On Our Side in 2012...How Can We Lose?” Romans’ 8:31

Faith is like a muscle; opposition may strain it, but in the end it grows stronger. The Psalmist David understood this principle. He was continually chased by his enemies. Even when he was being anointed to sit on the throne. Saul the old king was still occupying it, but instead of losing faith in God’s promise, David understood that, “the Lord has set apart (ear-marked) the godly man for Himself” (Ps. 4:3 NAS). So he declared, “In peace I will ….. Lie down…. For You…. Lord make me to dwell in safety”(Ps. 4:8 NAS).

When the Philistines captured him he prayed, “When I am afraid, I will…trust in You” (Ps. 56:3 NAS). And when David ended up in a cave while fleeing from Saul’s jealous rage he said, “I will hide beneath the shadow of your winds until this …is past” (Ps 57:1 TLB).

Legend says that during the third century, when St. Felix of Nola was running form his enemies, he took refuge in a cave. Eventually a spider began to weave a web across the small opening, sealing it off and making it look like nobody had been inside for months. As a result his enemies passed by and didn’t bother looking there. Later, when he stepped out into the sunshine, Felix declared, “Where God is, a spiders web is a wall. And where He isn’t, a wall is but a spider’s web.” Jesus said you’d have problems on earth; people will disappoint you, and you’ll disappoint yourself. Sometimes you’ll end in a cave because of something you did, and other times because situations you have no control over. But God is with you either way. And like Paul said, “With God on our side…how can we lose.”