Thursday, January 15, 2015

Pastor's Blog



Protecting Us from the Terrorist
Pastor Steve Nash

Too many people in too many nations of the world experience a fearful helplessness when we hear the many threats of the terrorist.  Law enforcement agencies do what they can to protect us, but they cannot be everywhere at all times.  There are thousands of “sleeper” terrorists residing in our own country.  Some have been here for decades waiting for the opportunity and orders from abroad.
Most world leaders do not or choose not to understand that there is and always has been a parallel “unseen” warfare raging on this planet.  For any of you who possess a Christian world view, we understand that there is a constant “spiritual warfare” being fought for the souls of all people.  Have you ever wondered why the vast “left” or “progressive liberal” will defend the Muslim and turn on the Christian and Jew?  Even former President Carter has blamed Israel, not the Muslim extremist, for the recent terror in France.  I’m not sure they even understand why they oppose the Judeo-Christian presence in the world.  The answer is that there is a battle going on for the hearts and minds of all people and those who hate the Jews and Christians do so because they are controlled by “powers of darkness in high places” and don’t realize it!
These puppets or minions, which are controlled by “spirits of darkness,” are uncontrollably furious toward those who embrace a faith in God; that believes in the right to life for all people, including the unborn child.  They despise any public display of faith and will spend millions of dollars tying up Christian organizations in courts across the land.  They may disguise themselves as clerics yet propagate hate, division and confusion among the ignorant that have no discernment.
In the mean time, we have the terrorist lurking in many communities of America, ready to take advantage of the weakened, desensitized, unprepared, deceived citizens of this great nation.  We have cowered in the face of threats from N. Korea to the point where Sony pulls any “offensive” film production.  The producers of “Homeland” are considering toning down any possible offense to Muslims.   David Nevins told critics at the Television Critics Association’s semi-annual press tour Monday, “We’re not necessarily going to stay with U.S. relations in the Muslim world … It could be Africa, it could be Europe, it could be back in another place in the Middle East.”
Referencing the Charlie Hebdo shooting in France and North Korea’s alleged hacking of Sony, Nevins noted that, “it’s a bit of a scary time to be a maker of controversial, political truth.  It’s been a bad month for free speech around the world.”  In other words, we’ll BACK DOWN!  With any sign of weakness, the enemy will proceed to take advantage to threaten and eventually attack targets that oppose their twisted ideology.
I believe that light is greater than darkness, truth will shatter lies, good will overcome evil and God’s people will prevail until the end.  We must walk as children of God who cower to no one who threatens the presence of God in this world.  We must be proactive, get on the offense and follow the mandate of Scripture – “Put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of wickedness”-- Eph. 6 (read). 
Rev. Franklin Graham reminds us, “Wherever Christianity flourishes there is a vibrant culture of life, not death.  When the precepts of the Christian faith are faithfully taught and followed there is an abundance of selfless, sacrificial living and giving.”  Graham goes on to cite the obsession of death many of our younger people seem to possess.  “Football used to be the dominant choice on television on Sunday evenings in the fall and winter but today, for example, 17 million people skipped the football game to watch the season premiere of The Walking Dead, a series about zombies hunting and eating people.”
We are our own worst enemy!  “Any nation that forgets God shall be turned into hell”-- Ps. 9.  There is only ONE protector we can always count on.  He alone will rescue His people from utter destruction.  “He who dwells in the secret place of the most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand...because you have loved Me, I will deliver you, I will be with you in trouble!”-- Ps. 91.  Yes, we need protection from the terrorist and the best way to insure our security is to turn back to our God who is able to provide that protection.  He will give our government and law enforcement agencies proper insight into how to defend this country.  His blessing can be upon us again as it has been for almost 240 years.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Pastor's Blog



Hope for the New Year
Pastor Steve Nash

How many reading this article have a genuine hope for 2015?  I guess it depends on one’s perspective.  Could it be that attitudes and perspectives, carried over from the previous year, have a great bearing on how we look into the future?  Some may think that having a republican controlled Congress will solve many of the nation’s ills.  I’m not so sure about that.  Too many times I have become a bit disillusioned by hopeful politicians who promised great reforms.
No man or woman can straighten up the mess we have gotten ourselves into.  Therefore, our hope must be redirected to someone who has promised and can deliver for the coming New Year!  How about Isaiah 43:19 where the Lord has this to say: “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”  That sounds refreshing to me.  We could use those “streams in the desert!”
Some may think that God is done with us.  He has given us plenty of time and opportunity to get it together and repent of our wrongdoings.  We have been unfaithful and rebellious like many others who have gone before us.  Still, I hear the voice of the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, in Lam. 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail.  They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness!”
What about all the lawless, wicked, evil and hateful people who take advantage of the defenseless innocents?  This world is not a just place; there is no fairness in any land.  Psalm 31:23-24:  “Love the LORD, all his saints!  The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.  Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord!”
But it is hard to change my attitude that always seems to bring me down as well as those around me.  I’m tired of always being so negative!  Ephesians 4:22-24:  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (thoughts);  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
These leaders will never change.  They are corrupt and that’s just the way it is with most all of them!  Proverbs 21:1:  “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”  And then there is Ezekiel 11:19: “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a soft heart.”
You’re probably thinking by now, “Pastor, you must be kidding me.  You’re quite the dreamer!”  You may be correct, but I can tell you, God did that in my own heart and life.  I was much worse than most of the bad people you may be thinking about.  As John Wesley said, “But for the grace of God, there go I!”  I am hopeful, but that is what the New Year is all about, isn’t it?  If we cannot hope for a better tomorrow, we are to be pitied.  I have to hope as Micah did in 7:7:  “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Can you dig deep and search hard for better days ahead?  Can you grab hold of just a glimmer of hope for 2015?  Is there a way to see through all the fog of despondency?  My friend, hold on to Jeremiah 29:11:  “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Hope has with it the condition that we willingly decide to take God at His Word.  As Peter said, “Where else have we to turn, for He has the words of eternal life!”  As the cliché says, “Go with God!”  Begin this New Year a different way this time.  Efforts to make resolutions we never keep, and simply “hope for the best,” has not worked in the past and won’t work for today.  Surrender your entire will to God and He will give you a brighter outlook for 2015!