In Pursuit of Spiritual Wealth 

Can you believe how much money professional athletes are demanding from their respective teams these days? Neither can I! One has to wonder when this insane escalation of salaries will come to an end.

Well, the answer might be “never,” or at least “not anytime soon.” This same discussion has been taking place for more than 50 years. Surely there will have to be a point at which this becomes unsustainable, but clearly we are not there yet.

Money is a sensitive topic in all phases of society, including the church. The Bible has a lot to say about money and material wealth, and, frankly, much of it is not particularly popular. After all, we work hard for our wages; why should we be asked to give them away?

The Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes (5:10) offers this tidbit of wisdom: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.”

Isn’t that the truth! An obsession with money and material possessions only leads to a quest for more, until it all becomes a futile and frustrating pursuit.

Most of us would admit that we have too much “stuff.” Some say that’s why God created garage sales — so we can get rid of the stuff we no longer need (or never needed in the first place). But once the sale is over, we use the money we’ve made to buy more “stuff.” It’s an endless cycle.

So we turn to Scripture for guidance, and it is there that we come across this familiar but perplexing passage in the Gospel of Matthew (19:21-26), “when Jesus said to the inquiring young man, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

Most of us can relate to the dilemma of the young man because we put such a heavy emphasis on wealth and material possessions, especially these days. We’re happy to give a portion of our earnings to the church and other worthy causes, and many are willing to tithe, but do we really have to give up everything?

I guess it depends on how literally we interpret the passage. Remember Jesus says in the passage, “If you want to be perfect…” None of us is perfect, and I’m not sure we have to give up all that we own to reach the Kingdom of Heaven, but we are certainly called on to be generous and to provide assistance for those in need. What I do think Jesus wants, however, is for us to give completely of ourselves to him. 

In Matthew 22:37-40, he says: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

To me, that is the essence of the total commitment that Jesus really seeks from all of us. After all, everything in this world will one day pass away, so rather than focus on our wants, it is best to focus on our needs and just as importantly the needs of others.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Spreading the Good News in Every Imaginable Way

There’s nothing quite like creative new ideas to help spread the Good News of the Gospel and other passages of Scripture. 

Just last month Elizabeth Feldman and Natalie Bunt tidied up the library and came across a surplus of Bibles that were in excellent condition. Elizabeth suggested that we put some in the pantry and distribute others at the Thursday evening Meals Together at the Methodist Church in Downtown Wooster.

What a great idea!

Many of the potential recipients have never held a Bible, much less taken the time to read one, but by making them easily accessible, these individuals will have an opportunity to open the book to a transformational new journey.

After the first night that they were on display, a volunteer in the Meals Together program gathered up the Bibles that remained and took them over to the Wayne County Justice Center, where they will be distributed to those who were incarcerated.

In total, we had about 15 Bibles to donate. Now, instead of gathering dust, mold, and mildew, these Bibles will be placed in the hands of those who are inquiring about their faith journey or actively seeking the Lord. 

This might not be considered a miracle, but is certain is a magnanimous development. This simple gesture of goodwill will open a new horizon — one that many have never experienced in their lifetime.

Jesus was very outspoken about the importance of spreading the Good News, and he addressed the subject often in the Gospels. For example, in Mark 16:15, he said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Similarly in Matthew 28:19, he encouraged the disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

In II Timothy 4:2, we are encouraged to be vocal about our faith with this proclamation: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”

We are, indeed, called on to actively share the Word of God and, when necessary, to both “rebuke and encourage,” but to do so patiently and carefully, so as not to overwhelm or intimidate those who may be hearing the Word for the first time.

The Word of God is so much more than an assemblage of letters on a page. It is, as stated in Hebrews 4:12, ^“living and active. Sharper than any double — edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

There is great power in the Word, but also great comfort. It is both a blessing and a soothing elixir, worthy to be shared with all people.

So, as a church, let us continue to do exactly that — to demonstrate our faith, show our compassion, and share the Word so that others may one day hear, see, and believe.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Finding Calm after the Storm

The storms of mid-June created quite a stir in our area, cutting a swath of destruction through a number of communities and neighborhoods. Many of you sustained considerable damage to your property and a lengthy loss of power, but thankfully, there were no serious injuries.

The splintered trees and scattered limbs are indicative of the potential fury of nature, but we know that there will be other storms in the future. We just don’t know when, nor do we know how damaging they might be.

It is wise then for us to be reminded that storms can crop up anywhere and anytime, but it is also important that we not become preoccupied with what might happen tomorrow, next week, next month, or even next year. 

The Gospel of Matthew has always served as a source of perspective with this familiar passage from Chapter 6:  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

It’s true that we worry about many things, but this passage reminds us how futile it is to worry about that which is beyond our control. None of us could have prevented the storms that hit our area last month, but what we can do is to be grounded in our faith so that we are better prepared to weather not only the storms in nature, but also the everyday circumstantial storms and crises that disrupt our lives.

When storms rise, we are urged to rest on our faith and the knowledge that God is always with us. Joshua 1:9 urges us to “be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Further encouragement comes from Psalm 91 (1-5), which assures us that “we live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by God who is above all gods. This I declare that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For her rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor fear the dangers of the day.”

When storms threaten, the best thing we can do is to rely on our faith as Psalm 9:9-10 states, “the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of distress. Those who know your name will trust you, for you have not forsaken those who seek you, Lord.”

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

What’s Your Ultimate Destination? 

It’s late June, and just about everyone is in vacation mode. With the worst of the pandemic seemingly behind us, people are more anxious than ever to get out of their house and out of their routine in search of a destination that can provide a source of fun and excitement as well as rest and relaxation.

Where are you planning to go this summer, and what are you hoping to do? Some people have a favorite spot that they visit every year. Others like to try different venues with each vacation. Either way, it’s clear that successful getaways require thoughtful planning, adequate financial resources, and a positive attitude.

The week before last, we were blessed to spend time with our daughter and her family in the Tampa-Clearwater-Orlando area, and we had a blast — great weather, delicious food, pristine beaches, and, of course, a trip to the enchanting World of Disney. It was such a wonderful experience that it caused me to wonder what things will be like when we conclude our journey in this world and reach our final destination in the glory of the ultimate Magic Kingdom.

Eternal paradise is beyond human comprehension, but the Gospel of John gives us a glimpse with some valuable perspective and assurance that our reservations have been made and that our room is waiting with this passage from Chapter 14, Verses 1-7: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”  

Thomas, the doubter, was uncertain of where Jesus was going, so he asked in that same passage, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

Jesus answered with this profound statement: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

As I lounged on the white sandy beaches in Clearwater and listened to the gentle waves cresting under the beautiful blue skies, I wondered if I was getting a preview of paradise, but I was quickly reminded that nothing in this world can compare to that which is to come.

All of this should bring comfort to those who believe. The Lord has a place for all of us that will exponentially exceed our wildest expectations.

This is not to say that we should not be engaging in some form of planning — like affirming our commitment to Jesus Christ, keeping His commandments, loving others, and serving those in need — but once we have checked those boxes, we are ready to soar and joyfully take the place that he has set aside for us. 

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

What a Day for a Daydream! 

Enjoy!

Nutshell (June 12): What a Day for a Daydream! 

As the turbulent decade of the sixties came to a close, more and more pop-rock groups released mellow, peace-seeking songs, among them John Sebastian’s composition, “What a Day for a Daydream,” performed by Sebastian’s group, The Lovin’ Spoonful.  

The tranquil ballad evokes images of cool, breezy, laid-back summer days when we yearn for a quiet meadow or a gently flowing stream, where we can close our eyes, and cast our worries aside as our mind flutters through idle, insignificant, and often incoherent thoughts. 

 It is, indeed, advantageous to take time to relax and clear one’s head. Once we have done that, however, it is important for us to sharpen our focus and seek clarity in all that we do. 

This past week, I attended the East Ohio Annual Conference. Because of Covid, this was our first in-person gathering in three years. Since our last gathering in 2019, the venue has changed. Instead of the peace and serenity of Lakeside, we met in an urban setting — Downtown Akron at the John H. Knight Center, which is quite different from the historic Hoover Auditorium at Lakeside. 

I guess the location really shouldn’t matter. After all, it’s the content of the meeting that matters most, provided of course that we are giving the speakers our undivided attention, which shouldn’t be a problem because most of them are engaging, if not dynamic. 

Still, I found my mind wandering from time to time, reminding me that I need to be brief and to the point when sharing a message with you on Sunday morning. 

The Bible provides plenty of guidance in regard to paying attention, including Hebrews 2:1, which states, “Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.” 

There is, indeed, a danger of drifting away if we are not paying sufficient attention. Our inattention can give way to complacency, which can lead us into temptation and make us vulnerable to the evil that surrounds us. 

Another verse that stresses the urgency of paying attention comes from I Peter 5:8, which warns of the danger of temptation when it says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 

Not only does inattentiveness cause us to drift away, it also threatens to make us vulnerable to the enemy, which has one objective in mind — total destruction. 

The Book of Proverbs also has a lot to say about paying attention, including this passage from Proverbs 22:17, which says, “Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.” 

It is prudent for us to listen to the wisdom of those who have come before us; those who have experienced more in life than we have. Those people can provide invaluable advice that will help us to avoid the pitfalls of inattentiveness. 

Those who pay attention increase the likelihood that they will have success in life and avoid the pitfalls of ignorance. So, too, in our spiritual life — if we pay attention and follow God’s Word, he will guide us on our journey. 

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John 

Adapting to Change

Believe it or not, the last known telephone booth in America was removed from the corner of a busy intersection in New York City late last month. One would have thought that pay phones would have disappeared long ago, and for the most part they did, but the one in New York City hung on until the bitter end, even though just about everyone in the country now has a cell phone.

True, there are still many landline phones in business, industry, government, education, and other organizations, but for the most part they are becoming an archaic form of communication. Many people have removed landline phones from their homes, in part because the only incoming calls come from telemarketers or scam artists.

All of this raises the question about how we, as Disciples of Christ, deal with change, particularly in the church. There are many changes forthcoming in the United Methodist Congregation — some of which are being openly embraced; others of which are being soundly rejected.

So, what are we to do, and what type of guidance can we derive from Scripture in regard to change? Well, more than you might expect, according to several familiar Biblical passages.

Romans 12:2 states that we should “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind, that by testing [we] may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In other words, we are not to fall victim to the conventions of this world, especially if they run counter to God’s teaching. At the same time, we are encouraged to be transformed by the renewal of our mind and to pursue that which is “good and acceptable and perfect” in His eyes.

Indeed, transformation is part of our spiritual journey in this world. Colossians 3:10 advises us to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

Even as the world changes, we know that the God we serve does not. This is reinforced in Hebrews 13:8, which states that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

So then, how do we remain firm and grounded in a world that is changing faster by the day?

Well that response is nuanced, but it is best for us to be open-minded, to jettison judgment, and to lean on love. The Gospel of Matthew warns of the perils of judging others. Corinthians 13:13 emphasizes the power of love with this passage: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

We can always rely on our faith, our hope, and, of course, our love, which conquers all — even in the face of relentless change. 

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

What Can the Church Do?

Here we sit, fewer than two weeks after a mass shooting in Buffalo, and we are mourning another horrific tragedy — made even worse by the fact that almost all of the victims were young children.

Loss of life brings sorrow at any age, but when children are the ones who perish, the level of anguish is heightened exponentially.

The fallout from these shocking events is both predictable and disheartening. It begins with shock and outrage, and is followed by finger pointing and eventually the all-too-familiar political acrimony.

Early on and throughout the grieving process there are vigils and well-intentioned promises of “thoughts and prayers.” This is all well and good, but it causes me to wonder if there is anything else the church and its members can do in times like these.

Certainly prayer is essential, followed by words of comfort and offers to ease the burdens of those who grieve through donations and other forms of outreach, but I am curious if there is a way that we can ramp up our efforts and have more of an impact before the next tragedy takes place.

The first five verses of I John 5 provide some insight about the value of obedience and the blessings that come with it: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Could it possibly be that simple? Can we possibly overcome the world and all the evil that exists in it just by loving God, loving his children, and keeping his commandments?

Well, if everyone embraces this call and actively lives accordingly, it is reasonable to think that we can at least mitigate, if not overcome evil. Unfortunately, not everyone will buy in. 

Disobedience and disrespect run rampant in our nation and in our world, so to expect perfection is unrealistic. That won’t happen until he comes again in glory to judge all of humankind.

In the meantime, however, we can follow the passage from I John as a way of improving the world incrementally. In this way we are being proactive with our faith, honoring His Name, and showing others that we serve a living and active God who can make a difference in our world if we allow him to do so. A little bit of obedience goes a long way; a life of obedience goes all the way.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Exercising Caution at Life’s Crossroads

Have you ever cruised through a yellow light at an intersection? Of course, most of us have at one time or another. Sometimes, the changing light catches us off guard, and we have no choice but to proceed through the intersection. Other times, we are in a hurry, so we press our luck and push through, hoping that no one is trying to get a head start from the other direction.

Caution lights actually require us to stop, according to the strictest letter of the law, but most people don’t get pulled over unless they clearly go through when the light is red. Still, stopping while the light is yellow indicates an abundance of caution and assures that there will not be a collision at the intersection.

All of this begs the question about yellow caution lights in our daily lives — the ones you can’t see but know are there. Would it not be best for us to stop at every figurative intersection in life to ponder our options while ensuring safety for all concerned?

The Bible offers plenty of instruction when it comes to caution, including this passage from the New Living Translation of Proverbs 14:16-18, which states, “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”

How fitting this passage is for today’s chaotic environment. The more cautious we are, the more likely we are to avoid danger. However, some will say that the really successful people are the ones who take risks and throw caution to the wind. I suppose there is a time and a place for both approaches, but for the most part, exercising caution is the most prudent way to go.

The passage also addresses the danger of being short-tempered, thus ignoring the well-known passage from the Book of James, which advises us to be “slow to anger.” When people “fly off the handle” and act out of emotion, they almost invariably regret their words and their actions.

So, what do we do when we approach the next figurative intersection — the one that requires us to be careful and make wise decisions? Well, we learned that lesson many years ago when our parents first showed us how to cross the street: Pause, look both ways, and proceed with caution.

Simple enough, but often ignored by adults who should know better. It would be wise for all of us to slow down and use the discretion that God has given to us before we speak or prepare to make an important decision.

Of course, slowing down requires patience — a virtue that seems to be in very short supply these days. Perhaps that’s why Psalm 27:14 repeats itself when it states, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Take your time. Be cautious and be courteous at the next intersection. It is the safest and most sensible approach to driving and to life itself.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Faith Over Foolish Superstitions

Are you superstitious? Some people are over the top in that regard. Others pay little or no attention, but because today is Friday the 13^th, perhaps we could take a look at what it is that causes us to avoid broken mirrors, cracks in the sidewalk, and walking under ladders.

When I was growing up, my friends and I had what we thought were good-luck charms. As I mentioned recently, I had a rabbit’s foot that was supposed to bring good fortune. Even at a young age, though I think we knew that that was pure fantasy, but we played along with it anyway.

We also had things that we avoided because of urban legends that caused us to be superstitious. One such example was avoiding a particular path in the woods because someone was allegedly buried there. Another one was to stay away from an abandoned house because the family that lived there disappeared one day many years ago, and if we went inside, we, too, would disappear.

As we grow older, we become less likely to fall victim to superstition, but young people, especially in this era of pervasive social media are particularly vulnerable to such falsehoods. As a result, it is important that we help them to build a strong foundation in faith through worship, education, service, prayer, and devotion.

The Bible also addresses the subject of superstition in a number of passages, including I Timothy 4:7, which advises us to “have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train [ourself] for godliness.” Colossians 2:8 states that we are to “see to it that no one takes [us] captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Well, that certainly seems like excellent advice. Still, some people occasionally get caught up in practices or rituals that are complete nonsense, so just to be safe, we are advised to turn away from such practices and instead focus on what is true and genuine in Scripture.

The best way to defend oneself against superstitious practices is to be grounded in Christ, and for that we turn to II Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. That will lead us away from the darkness and into the light.

And, of course, we all know the rock on which our faith is built. The familiar passage comes to us from the Gospel of John 14:6, when Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Superstitions have no dominion over us if we follow the Lord, keep His commandments, and pledge to love him with all of our heart, our soul, and our might, and to love our neighbor as ourself.

That’s no superstition. That’s an absolute truth and the fundamental foundation of our faith on which we can be fully assured.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

Empathy is a powerful human emotion, but none of us really knows what it is like to “walk in another person’s shoes.” It becomes even more difficult when we try to imagine what it’s like to travel about with no shoes at all.

Most of us have at least three or four pairs of shoes; some people even have as many as 30 or 40 pairs, but many people around the world, particularly young children, do not have a decent pair of shoes to wear.

We now have an opportunity to do something about that and change lives in the process. Our church is participating in a drive to provide “Shoes for Orphan Souls.” Simply purchase a new pair of children’s shoes and place them in the box in the Narthex. The boxes will be collected this weekend and sent to orphans and vulnerable children around the world. For those outside of our area, buckner.org/shoes to contribute.

Here’s what happens when you donate. First of all, you dramatically improve the health of these children by protecting their feet against disease and infection, and giving them a comfortable way to get around.

Shoes also enhance a child’s educational outlook by eliminating at least one barrier to school attendance. In addition, shoes provide opportunity by connecting families to critical services, programs and mentoring at Buckner Family Hope Centers around the world.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, new shoes provide hope by demonstrating God’s love through your faithfulness and generosity, lifting the spirits of so many young children and helping them take that first step out of poverty.

Jesus was especially tuned in to those who lived in poverty. In Matthew 7:12, he said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” That is the essence of empathy.

Not only did Jesus speak about empathy, he lived it, as we read in II Corinthians 8:9, which states, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

As his disciples, we are rich in the spirit, and that inspires us to reach out to the “least among us,” particularly the children.

And finally there is this from the first five verses of Philippians 2, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”.

Our current shoe drive is in no way an obligation, but instead an opportunity. So we invite you to join us, if you will, as we reach out to those in need. Children’s shoes can be purchased economically at a number of locations in our area. The drive ends this week.

Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John