Sandwiched between the world’s weird Fright Fest and ”the most wonderful time of the year" is a day that many people have forgotten. They still celebrate it, but the meaning has been forgotten in way too many families. Retail sales roll from their 7 billion dollar increase at Halloween into the expected 48% of their yearly sales at Christmas and so really, Thanksgiving just gets in the way. If you are lucky, you might be able to find a package of napkins or a cardboard turkey centerpiece that somehow acknowledges Thanksgiving, but in most regards it is the forgotten day. This day has not only been forgotten for what it truly is, but it has been relegated to 4 other activities:
1.Eating 2.Sleeping 3.Watching football 4.Sadly, the start of Christmas shopping I think I could find scriptures that could loosely condemn all four of those activities, but I am not against them as much as I am about us getting Thanksgiving back to what it needs to be. 1 Thess. 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." So what can we do as Christians to acknowledge and celebrate this glorious day as it should be? Here are four ways to counteract the forgetfulness. 1. Inventory God’s blessings in our lives: If we take the time, we will see that we are overwhelmed by all that God has truly given to us. Material things do not equal blessings. There are blessings all around us that we have never purchased and cannot put a price tag on. 2. Consider the invaluable: As you find yourself around the table this Thanksgiving, truly look into the faces of your family and friends and realize their worth to you. We spend so much time dressing up our bodies, renovating our homes, and accessorizing our cars, but your spouse and your children are worth more than all of those. We need to get gratitude right because if we are discontent we pass that on to our kids and to those who need to see Jesus through us. Our happiness and our peace have nothing to do with what this world has to offer. Our happiness and our peace must be anchored in Jesus Christ. He does not have good days and bad days. He is Jesus Christ and He is always the same. 3. Do something for someone else: By doing something for someone else, it gets our minds off of what we think that we are missing. Opportunities for volunteering and doing for others are all around us. You can find something to do for so many people and in the midst of it you just may realize how blessed you are. 4. Practice thanksgiving throughout the year: Not only should we pray with thanksgiving and enter the house of God with thanksgiving, but we should live our lives with thanksgiving. Thanks ought to become part of our everyday language. The discipline of gratitude brings natural wealth by freeing us from the snare of comparison living and the trap of unrealistic expectations. It is impossible to be truly grateful for what God has given to us and discontent at the same time. As children we were born with a propensity toward greed, envy, and numerous other vices that can bring us into a state of discontent. We need to understand as we grow and develop as adults and especially as Christian adults that there are numerous reasons that we should live our lives giving thanks. Don’t let Thanksgiving become a forgotten day, but be filled with Thanks! Pastor Hoffman
0 Comments
In my home we are blessed to live with a 126 pound Great Dane named Gimli. A big...BIG boy, who also has big paws and big teeth. It's a different experience living with a Great Dane. His rough housing has left bruises, deep scratches (currently sporting one under my eye from the big lug), and fear of death or bodily injury from jumping on us. He also has been a force to reckon with when it comes to our furniture. He has some separation issues and is convinced that we are never coming back, so he takes it out on our belongings. Our two cats are also convinced that he was brought into our house as a form of punishment and look at him with contempt or hatred like we've never seen before. It may be easier to just get a trough and horse feed to let him eat daily. Finally, if an unexpected guest arrives without his consent...well he isn't what you want to see on the other side of the door. Sure, that isn’t a very lovely resume, but there are so many benefits as well.
A huge dog also has a huge heart and so much love to give. He loves to cuddle and if you have never cuddled a Great Dane, you are missing out. The love and excitement that is received as soon as I walk in the door cannot be compared to any person greeting me anywhere I've ever been! He is an excellent bug hunter (and stomper). While it is frustrating for him to bark at our guests, an intruder is no match for our doggy home security system. He protects us at all costs. Also, we were blessed with Gimli at the beginning of March. Ten days later we lost my dad and Gimli was right there to crawl up beside me to let me cry on him. He has continued to do so for every bad day we've had. I love my dog and I'm so glad he's become a part of our family, but not everyone can get past his exterior to see what a good boy he is on the inside. We go to the dog park and I've watched people go to the opposite fenced in area because "oh that's a big scary boy we don’t want to get too close to him!" All he wants to do is to play with you and your dog! He loves meeting new friends (again on his terms) and it makes me sad that they run away from him. I can relate though, being a 6'2" lady myself, I intimidate new people as well. I don't know how many friends have said, "You are completely different than I thought you'd be." or "I use to think you were scary." 1 Samuel 16:7 says "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." Samuel was there to anoint a king and Jesse excitedly presented his big burly boys who, from outward appearance, had what it took to be a king. God was looking for something different and knew what the people needed: someone after His own heart. He found that in David and He can find it in you. He looks beyond what the imperfect human eye sees. He sees what is in our hearts. The good, the bad, and the what could be. The way others look at us may make us self-conscience. It can cause us to think less of who we are. But what you have to remember is the world can't tell us our value. What they see isn’t what God sees. As a matter of fact, what we see isn’t even what God sees. He sees our potential when we may still be stuck on our past. God loves us when we consider ourselves unlovable. He knows us...really knows us! No matter what any person thinks about you, or even what you think about yourself, what really matters is what God thinks about you. So what does God think about you? Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God loves us and wants the best for us. Stay in His will and maybe follow the lead of my dog too. Just enjoy the life you’ve been given no matter what people think! God loves you and I do too! Sister Amber Klein Matthew 5:6 KJV - [6] Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
This scripture makes me think about a parent preparing dinner and telling their child: "don't eat too much junk; you'll spoil your appetite". You might roll your eyes at that statement and chalk it up as another parenting cliche. However, this statement of spoiling one's dinner is not only practical, but also echos biblical truth taught by Jesus himself. With His simple statement in Matthew 5, Jesus was able to demonstrate the entire concept of hunger. When someone hasn't eaten they become hungry, which usually leads to them attempting to satisfy that hunger with some type of food. This person is somewhat easy to feed and satisfy because the more hungry they are, the less picky they are. When someone is truly hungry they are more likely to eat healthy, substantial foods that satisfy and nourish them. Now compare that person with someone who's been snacking on junk food all day long. This person will be more picky and more difficult to feed because they are not truly hungry. If you try to feed them with healthy foods that their body needs they will probably pass them up. They will eat, but they will likely continue feasting on unhealthy foods which never really satisfy hunger. Obviously Jesus wasn't speaking of physical hunger and the eating of food, but of being spiritually hungry. We see it all around us: people who aren't interested in what God has to offer because they're so full of carnal and worldly junk. We even see people leaving the church and backsliding for the same reason. If someone is constantly filling themselves with "junk food" they won't turn to God to be filled with the proper nourishment and they might not ever recognize the true hunger in their soul that only God can fill. The church can not binge on the world's junk food and still be the church God intends us to be. God can't fill a vessel with His righteousness if that vessel is full of something else. The only way He can pour Himself into a full vessel is if that vessel is full of emptiness. If we are going to be temples of the Holy Spirit and be full of God's righteousness, then we must continually empty ourselves in repentance and submission. We must allow Godly sorrow to lead us to repentance and then turn away from what is sinful. We must also submit ourselves to His will for us and empty ourselves of our own desires and plans. Paul describes this as the battle between flesh and Spirit: Galatians 5:16-17 NKJV - [16] I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. He is essentially describing the same idea as Jesus. You can't satisfy both the flesh and the spirit; you are either spiritual or you are carnal. If the church is going to be the church and have the impact on our world that God intends us to have, then we must be empty so God can fill us. We must deny our flesh the desires it craves and walk in the Spirit to allow the Spirit to feed, satisfy, and guide us. God is trying to fill you with his righteousness, peace, and joy. Are you full of emptiness so that you can receive it? Empty yourself today and experience the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment you have ever known. Patrick Thomson At the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, after Solomon has prayed and petitioned God to reside in the temple and to hear and answer the prayers that are made in that place, God responds by saying "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Such a powerful response to Solomon’s petition. God doesn’t say “I might or I might not” or maybe, but He succinctly tells Solomon if my people come to me humbly and pray and seek my face and turn from wickedness “I WILL” hear your prayers and move in a way that no other entity could do. I believe the scripture that says “God is no respecter of persons”, so if God makes that promise to Solomon, why can’t we all expect the same thing. (By the way, the answer is we can!) God said:
But, just listen what we get in exchange for coming to God right and getting that wickedness out of us:
Please humble yourself before God. Please pray. Please seek God’s presence. Please turn from your wicked ways! We need God! Pastor Hoffman The Dismantling of the Dream
The term "The American Dream" was first used by the American historian James Truslow Adams in his book "The Epic of America" published in 1931. At that time the United States was suffering under the Great Depression and Adams used the term to describe the complex beliefs, religious promises, political, and social expectations of what he thought to be a perfect world. I'm sure it's safe to say that James Adams’ “American Dream” of 1931 has been left behind. Even my “American Dream” while I was growing up in the 1970s and 1980s is antiquated by those forming their own ideals today. When I was thinking about my future, I had some very clear things in mind: • I wanted a good job • I wanted a good wife • I wanted to have my own home • I wanted to own my own car • I wanted to have children and play with them in the yard • I wanted to be able to go on family vacations This was my “American Dream”, but I remember the first time that I realized that not everyone shared the same dream that I had. We were in art class and my friend Rusty drew a picture of a semi-truck with a trailer and proceeded to tell me of his dream. He wanted to be a big rig driver and live out on the road. I had never considered that someone else’s dream could be so different than the one that I held on to. And along the way I have met many people, who have a different dream than mine: - There are people who would love to live in a big city - There are people who want to live off the land in remote areas - There are even those who want their dream to be on another planet someday That's the thing about “the American dream”. It seems to be an always fluid and changing thing. I guess, at its core, "the American Dream" is the belief of the American society that each individual can, through hard work and strength of mind, achieve everything. I know problems, horrific sins, and tragic situations have always existed for mankind since our expulsion from the Garden of Eden, but I think all of us have a time or at least a vision of what the American dream means to us. Sadly, the devil has blinded the world and the American dream. Something that should be longed for and labored to achieve has been replaced by the immediate gratification of whatever is present in people's lives. This dismantling of the American Dream has been incremental, but the devil is relentless. For far too many in our society: • The little white house with the picket fence has been replaced by a flop-house and the next high. • The maturity of adulthood has been eroded by too many people never taking the responsibility that is earned with age. • The shiny new car in the driveway is gone and the beater with empties in the floorboard is in its place. • The happy anniversaries have been given the heave-ho because we’re still checking out the grass on the other side of the fence. • Delayed gratification of any kind is becoming a relic in our society, because everybody wants theirs and they want it right now. The world is like a train that's come off the tracks at breakneck speed and we don't know where it's going to end up, but we know it won't be pretty. Society is not pleased with the degradation of yesterday. It's on a constant binge for new and lower ways of living their lives. We live in a time that sin is deepening and the expanse between righteousness and unrighteousness is expanding. Sin is all around us and it is trying to lay hold on our marriages, families, friends, and the church. The devil has deftly dismantled the dream for far too many people. Sin is rampant throughout our world and beyond our belief, it is heralded, fought for, and celebrated at every opportunity. And while sin is taking center stage, righteousness is being labeled as intolerance and the church is being called rigid and hateful. But, I implore you to rehearse the words of Paul to the church at Rome again. Romans 5:20 ... But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound We do live in a world that deep dark sin is all around us, but it's not time that the church should tuck its tail between its legs and hide in the corner for fear of our safety. - We still serve a God that said he would be with us always, even until the end. - We still serve a God that all power in heaven and in Earth belongs to his name. - We still serve a God that faced all the enemies of Israel and never suffered defeat. - We still serve a God whose train fills the temple. - We still serve a God who tells his people to not fear for He would fight the battle. - We still serve a God that all of nature awaits his command. - We still serve a God that tells the sun when to shine and hangs the stars out at night. So even though the American Dream is under assault and fading fast, Heaven’s Dream is all well and good. Stronger than it's ever been. Hold on to Jesus with everything you’ve got and He guarantees that you and I will never regret it. Pastor Hoffman At the beginning of August 2007, I was in the closest resemblance to Heaven on Earth I'd experienced yet. Leading up to this point, it had been in my home church on 1930 Boyd Blvd in my home town of La Porte, IN. That had been the place that I had first felt God's presence and had first received the Holy Ghost. Now I was only 700 miles away from that place of so many firsts in my life, but it felt like a whole new dimension. This was the year that I went to North American Youth Congress for the first time in Charlotte, NC. It opened up a whole new world of firsts for me. First "big" road trip with my youth group. First time being completely responsible for my spending habits (of my parent's money). More importantly, it was the first time that I'd ever worshiped with over 10,000 other people in one place. I'd love to tell you that I remember every song and every sermon that I experienced then, but sadly I'm not super human in that way (or any way for that matter). I remember the theme was "To Be Continued..." and looking back over the 12 years since my first NAYC I couldn't agree more.
Just a few weeks ago, I returned from my sixth NAYC and needless to say a lot has changed since my first in 2007. Instead of being a passenger on the road trip, I'm now the bus driver. Instead of making sure I have enough money for food through the whole Congress, I get to make sure the teenagers that are experiencing their first Congress budget their money correctly. More importantly, I get to be there when they experience over 36,000 other young people worshiping the same God they do in one mind, in one accord, and in one place for their first time. I get to witness them being filled with the Holy Ghost for the first time. I get to watch them make memories and build friendships that will last a lifetime. So much has changed since I had my first NAYC experience and most of it has been for the better. There is one part that hasn't changed though. Just like it was 12 years ago in Charlotte, the presence of God that I felt this year in St. Louis was the closest resemblance to Heaven on Earth I've experienced yet. Don't get me wrong, I believe it would be very difficult for God not to show up when that many people are praising him. Psalms 22:3 tells us that he lives in the atmospheres of praise that we produce. To be honest though, I don't think it was the amount of people. I don't think it was the amount of talent of the worship team on the platform or the anointing that flowed from the preachers behind the pulpit. The reason that the presence of God was the closest to Heaven on Earth in Charlotte 12 years ago and the reason that it was closer in St. Louis just a few weeks ago is the same reason that it felt even closer in our church the Sunday after we got back. That reason is because each and every time we come together in one mind and one accord worshiping one God there is a petition that is sent to heaven that says "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" It's wonderful to worship him in football stadiums and have our hearts convicted by the word of God from the anointed leaders of our movement. I love every moment of it. However, the same God that met me in Charlotte and St. Louie is the same God that met me on Sunday at First Pentecostal Church of La Porte. The fact of the matter is that as long as I'm in the state of mind that I want his kingdom to come and his will to be done, there is always going to be more to come. As long as I'm reaching higher for more of him, God's will is going to come on Earth as it is in Heaven. James put it simply and succinctly in verse 4 of chapter 8 when he said "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." Just like it was in my first NAYC in 2007 and my sixth this year. Just like it was at FPC and every other church across the world this past Sunday. When we truly want his will, Heaven will meet Earth regardless of where we are at. Let his kingdom come and his will be done regardless of where you are at today. Coburn Hoffman When I was in first grade I accidentally ran away. By “ran away” I mean casually agreed to go to my friend Sam’s house without asking my mom. I remember Sam asking, “Don’t you have to ask your mom?” But I was certain she would have little concern. She liked my friend Sam. My sisters and I could be a lot to handle at such a young age, so she could use the break.
So I walked to my friends house instead of the pick up point where she was usually waiting. As I played barbies with my friend or whatever little girls do after a hard day of first grade, her Dad came into her room to say that my mom had called looking for me and said to get home. This was the point when I woke up from my fantasy world. I realized that yes, my mom would in fact be mad if I didn’t get her permission to go somewhere and my afternoon play date would have to be cut short because of my impending doom. As I came to the house, I saw several neighbors and family members outside (the impromptu search party). As I caught their eye and made my way to the door, they looked away in pity at the child who would never be able to sit down again once her mother was finished with her. I walked into the house and my mom came quickly from the kitchen and as I braved myself for impact, she hugged me. She let me know she was worried and this wasn’t OK. The punishment came and was forgotten about not long after, but all I can remember is how relieved she was. It was easy to agree to Sam because I thought I had it all figured out. I knew how my mom would react. It sounded like fun to me so it was a win win. When in reality, my mom was worried about me. I don’t know how many times I’ve “woken up” from my fantasy world and thought, "This is not where I’m suppose to be.” I look at the mess I’ve made and think this is it. God’s going to really pummel me for the list of mistakes I’ve made this time. There’s no going back. Joel 2:13 in the new living translation says "Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.' Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish" It’s scary to find ourselves far from home, but we can’t beat ourselves up about the distance. We just need to make the right steps back to the God who loves us first. We may need correction to avoid the same mistakes later, but it’s coming from a loving God who just wants to hold you close. God loves us and no matter how far, He is always wanting us to come home. Wake up and get home, Amber Klein Almost every morning I watch the weather report from a South Bend station on their weather app. In the last 2 months the weather forecasters have had to report on a lot of rain and cooler weather (I do believe this is what Spring consists of, but what do I know). After the meteorologists give their forecast (shot in the dark), they always cut back to the woman who is going to report the rest of the news. For the last 2 months this woman has complained just about every day that there is too much rain and the temperature is too cold. Everyday it’s something!
On Friday, June 21st, we welcomed the first day of Summer and the longest day of the year. On Monday, June 24th, after the weather report, this news person began to complain about how hot it was going to be later in the week. It took her less than 72 hours to complain about what she had been asking to receive for 2 months. She even asked the weather person if it could just be a little cooler. Some people are never satisfied! Now I know that we are all safe to speak about her dissatisfaction because we have never been this way. We’ve never asked God for something and then once we received it, complained about it. We’re all just too good, mature, and level-headed to ever act like that. Let’s all pat ourselves on the back, in unison. We do sometimes act like we are never satisfied. We want and want and want and never get satisfied with what we have. This is not what the scripture says we should do. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Did you see that word in both scripture texts: content? Content is to be satisfied. Let’s not be guilty of believing that money, a new car, a new house, a new wardrobe, or the perfect weather will ever make us content. Jesus is the only one that can do that. Get more Jesus and you’ll be more content. I pray you’re satisfied, Pastor Hoffman "Am I my brother's keeper?". You have likely heard this phrase before, but do you know its origin? In Genesis chapter 4, after Cain killed his brother Abel in a jealous fury, God asked Cain where Abel was and Cain responded with this question. The word keeper in this passage comes from the Hebrew word shamar, which is a primitive root meaning: properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.(from Strong's Lexicon on BlueLetterBible.com). So Cain was asking God, "is it my responsibility to guard and protect my brother?".
The context of Cain's inquiry was that of a guilty man filled with anger, jealousy, conviction, and regret. But what about the context of this question in the church today? Am I my brother's keeper? Is it my responsibility to guard, protect, and watch over my fellow believers and make sure they don't fall into sin? We don't need to go far in the scriptures to see an example of this. In Genesis 3, the first humans were faced with a temptation. Eve was beguiled by the serpent and ate of the tree that God expressly prohibited them to eat from. The blame, however, can not fall solely on Eve. Genesis 3:6 reads: "And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." Eve was not alone while facing this temptation. She had Adam there, who also knew right from wrong and what God had commanded. Adam could have (and should have) stopped Eve and got her back on the right track, but instead he stood by silently and even fell to the temptation himself. Letters to the church in the New Testament address this topic as well. Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV - [1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who [are] spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. [2] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. James 5:19-20 NKJV - [19] Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, [20] let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. These are just two more examples in scripture that the church is expected to support, help, strengthen, guard, and restore one another. We should be continually covering our brothers and sisters in prayer. If we see them heading toward danger we should speak up and reach out a helping hand. What a shame it would be if we were to stand by silently while a precious believer plunged into the depths of sin and death. If they do fall into sin, we please the Lord by loving and restoring them back into the fold. This doesn't mean that I can live carelessly and expect the church to be solely responsible for my salvation. Besides being instructed to guard and restore one other, we are also told in Philippians 2:12 to dutifully and reverently work out our own salvation. These two ideas don't contradict one another. I am responsible for my walk with God, but I'm also expected to be there for my brothers and sisters if they fall into temptation or begin to stray off the path. Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own salvation. However, should a brother or sister walk away from the faith we must not answer God "am I my brother's keeper?". We should rather answer "I did all I could do to help them". One of the greatest blessings and assets to a believer is the church. Plug yourself in as much as possible. Love the church, prioritize church attendance and fellowship with other believers. This road is much easier, more successful, and more enjoyable when we walk it together. Patrick Thomson I think it’s safe to say that our weather has been a little crazy this spring. We’ve seen snow, rain, hail, high winds, sunny moments, more rain, and that was just one day last week. Okay, that was a little facetious, but not by much. We have had many ups and downs meteorologically speaking, and there’s not much we can do about it. Life can be the very same way. We can have happiness, sadness, anger, uncertainty, and that can all happen on any given Monday. We have many ups and downs in our days and there’s not much we can do about it.
Matthew 5:45 reminds us "for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." So, it’s scriptural that life is going to have its ups and downs and there’s not much we can do about it. It’s not about praying that nothing bad ever comes our way, but it is all about who we’ve put our trust in when those inevitable difficult times do come. We need to know that whether life is up or down, sunny or rainy, happy or sad, our God has got it all under control. Hebrews 13:5 "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This is the comforting part of serving Jesus Christ. No matter what we are facing, whether up or down or anything else in between, He will never leave us or forsake us. Think about this; what you are going through may be devastating, aggravating, or terrifying to you, but it doesn’t even faze Jesus. He’s not going anywhere and He’s already got the answer that you need. Are you with the only God that can handle all the ups and downs of life? Pastor Hoffman |
First Thoughts
|