Second Chances Come in Bundles

Life is all about second chances, especially when it comes to our faith. Last year at this time, we were boldly planning for a year of transformation at Oak Chapel.

Then the pandemic hit, and all “you-know-what” broke loose. On the surface, the first half of 2020 looks like a washout with little hope for the final four months.

But wait a second. Haven’t we launched new initiatives in several areas with plans for several more? And haven’t we done it in the face of a world health crisis?

That says at least one thing to me — we are a resilient group, and we will not be vanquished. Our faith lifts us up, sustains us, and gives us hope. We know how to capitalize on second chances. Little Oak Chapel is mightier than many might think!

Of course, Scripture is filled with passages about second chances. Many are familiar, like the ninth verse of the first chapter of 1st John, which states that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The operative word is the very first one, “If.” In order to be forgiven, in order to get a second chance, we must confess our sins, and sometimes that’s not easy. Pride on one end and embarrassment on the other often get in the way.

Another familiar passage about second chances reminds us that we get far more than two. In the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew when Peter, in his inimitable way, tries to figure out exactly how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, Jesus responds, “Seventy times seven” (which totals 490, if your counting at home), but in reality, it is His way of saying that we are to forgive an infinite number of times, especially if we expect to be forgiven every time we sin.

One of the more powerful, but less familiar, passages about second chances comes from the Old Testament Book of Lamentations, which states in Chapter 3, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Christ’s love and his willingness to forgive is, indeed, infinite, and we can take solace in that. However, let us never forget that the expectation is the same for us when it comes to forgiving others. Hard as it might be, frustrating and maddening as it often is, we are to forgive our neighbor and even our enemy over and over again, even when it is unpleasant, or even unpalatable, to do so.

We forgive others, not necessarily because we want to, but because in our efforts to be Christlike, we know that we must follow his lead.
Surely you know of someone who could use a second (or third, fourth, or fifth) chance. Maybe today is the day. Open your heart and spread God’s grace and mercy so that we may reconcile with each other as God has reconciled with each of us.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Navigating an Uncertain Landscape

            It’s almost impossible to get lost these days. GPS systems in our car and on our phone provide voice-assisted, turn-by-turn, navigation to keep us on the right path.

            Wouldn’t it be great if life itself were that simple? Each day we encounter various intersections that require a quick decision. Do we go straight? Do we turn left or right? Or do we make a U-turn and go back the way we came? Such decisions are not easy; in fact many are extraordinarily difficult.

            So how does God guide us? What sorts of instruction does he give? Well, to answer that question, we go “old-school,” or more appropriately Old Testament. It is there that we find sage advice based on the wisdom of God’s Holy Word.

            For example, Psalm 32, Verse 8, says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Now that’s pretty reassuring, is it not? God promises not only to instruct and teach us about the path we should follow, but he also promises to provide further counsel and keep his eye upon us along the way. When we immerse ourselves in his Word and stand firm in our faith, he guides us and directs us and makes his presence known to us, so that even when we travel a dark and unfamiliar road, we know that he is there to protect us and deliver us.

            Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verse 2, emphasizes the value of the Holy Spirit as a commanding ally, especially in times of trouble, when he writes, “and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” Let us never underestimate the power and might of the Holy Spirit.

            Of course free will, for better or worse, is part of our journey on this earth, but if we defer to the Lord he will guide us, as outlined in Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” We are free to plan as we wish, but let’s be sure to consult with the Lord, seek his guidance, and invite him to lead the way.

            In order for all of this to work, we must first be humble and acknowledge that he is in charge, not us. In Psalm 25:9, we are reminded that “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Ego has no place in our relationship with the Lord.

            Finally, Proverbs 3:6 suggests that we live this way: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” In other words, he is here to lead; we are here to follow. Life is so much easier that way.

            Find peace, comfort, joy, wisdom, insight, and direction, today and always, in the holy and sacred Word of God!

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Standing Firmly on Our Faith

Where did our summer go? How will things look this fall? What will the coming year bring?

Right now, our heads are swirling with these types of questions and many others as we head into August and ponder a future filled with uncertainty.

Clearly, this has been a challenging year — physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, politically, and economically. But what about spiritually? How are you feeling right now about your relationship with the Lord?

My hope is that in times like these, we can stand firm in our faith, not only to sustain us, but also to lift up others; not only to help us survive, but also to help all of us thrive.

There are many passages in scripture that remind us of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, and that the future — no matter how uncertain — will bring us assurance because of our relationship with Him.

Philippians, Chapter 4, Verses 4-9, encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. Let us not be anxious about anything” — past, present, or future — but instead “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God.” In return, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus.”

With that base as our foundation, we no longer have to be reactive, but rather proactive in our words and in our actions, particularly in regard to “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — whatever we have learned or received or heard from God or seen in Him,” we are advised to put it into practice, “and the God of peace will be with us.”

No one knows when the pandemic will end or when a resolution to our social unrest will bring calm to our cities and towns, but we do know that Jesus is always with us on this journey, and that he will never leave us. We also know that He will empower us as we read in that powerful passage from Isaiah 40:31 — “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

            Take heart, the future is bright, and it beckons us — not to sit and cower, but instead to stand and conquer.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Paving the Way through Perseverance

There are many similarities between pastoring and coaching. Whether it is a church or a team, the leader must provide guidance, leadership, assurance, inspiration, encouragement, and so much more. However, neither a pastor nor a coach can be an effective leader unless the congregation or the team is fully committed to the mission at hand and willing to work together.

            As someone who is currently pastoring and coaching, I can tell you that there is no greater joy than watching a congregation or a team work hard, demonstrate dedication, deal with adversity, stay positive, and ultimately triumph.

            As I head into my 14^th month at Oak Chapel, (and 15^th year as a head coach), I can tell you that I am deeply moved, exceptionally gratified, overwhelmingly joyful, and exceedingly proud of each and every one of you.

            We may yet be small in number, but we are great in devotion and desire to serve the Lord with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. Above all, we have displayed a resilient spirit and a desire to persevere, regardless of the circumstances.

            The Book of James invites us to “consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds because we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance.” Therefore, we are encouraged to “let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

            Having perseverance is a gift, but it also requires a commitment. Few things in life come easy, and there is a sense of satisfaction when one triumphs after experiencing difficulties along the way. Right now, things may look a little bleak, but there is hope on the horizon.

            Continuing along in the Book of James, we read, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

            There is a great and glorious reward awaiting us at the end of this journey, reminding us that no matter what, we will triumph in the end. But, there is also encouragement in this world for a better tomorrow when we live a life of holiness and obedience according to God’s Holy Word.

            As your pastor, I encourage you to continue to fight the good fight, to not let the daily struggles get you down, but instead to persevere. In so doing, it is my belief that you will not only survive but also flourish — and so will our church.

Such a positive attitude will also lift up others who are struggling and serve as an example to our young people to follow the ways of the Lord, just as we were encouraged to do so by those who mentored us. In this way, we provide a light in the darkness and bring honor and glory to the name of the Lord God Almighty.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Time to Awaken from Our Summer Slumber 

            The coronavirus has changed our lives in many ways — both great and small. One of the seemingly less significant consequences has been the temptation to sleep longer and more often.

            After all, with more time on our hands, many of us are opting for additional down time in the form of frequent naps. Admittedly, your Pastor has not been immune to this temptation. It’s mid-afternoon, the service and sermon for the upcoming Sunday are complete, why not take a little snooze?

            There’s nothing wrong with this new pattern of behavior. In fact, health experts are suggesting that it might actually be good for us, but on another level, excessive sleep often leads to listlessness, which can result in complacency.

            In a spiritual sense, excessive napping can be even more dangerous. The Gospel of Luke admonishes us to, “…keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

            And how about the account from the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus goes to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, only to find when he returns that his disciples have fallen asleep, not once, not twice, but three times. 

            Clearly the message for all of us is to stay spiritually awake and alert so that we will be less likely to be blindsided by unforeseen events. None of us could have foreseen the nationwide pandemic and the social unrest that have emerged during the past few months, but it’s not like we were totally unaware that such events could happen.

            So what can we do? It doesn’t pay to go in the other direction and spend sleepless nights worrying about what might happen next. On the other hand, if we stay healthy and fit in the Word, we will be better equipped to respond to the unexpected events that throw us off balance and sometimes even vault our lives into chaos. One way to do that is to stay spiritually active by participating in worship, Bible studies, service projects, and even private devotions.

            This is why Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, said, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

            Indeed, the light of Christ is bright enough to keep us alert, to keep us out of danger, and to keep us on the path or righteousness.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Relief from the Dog ‘Daze’ of Summer

Given the fact that Oak Chapel resides in an agricultural community, it only makes sense for us to pay attention to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, especially when it comes to the “Dog Days of Summer.” This 40-day period, which runs from July 3 through August 11 and coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius (the Dog Star), marks what is traditionally the most intense heat of the summer.

Whether one chooses to believe that or not is up to each individual, but it is hard to argue with the excessively high temperatures of this past week, which reached into the 90s and produced heat indexes close to 100 degrees.

One thing we can agree on is that the summer heat often produces a sort of listlessness or “daze,” during which we are not as alert or attentive as we normally are. This provides a perfect opportunity for temptation to creep in because our energy and incentive to combat it are compromised.

While we are wise to be especially alert during the height of summer, temptation is a threat in all seasons. That’s why it is important to be vigilant at all times. Even those things that appear to be harmless distractions can lead to deeper and darker dangers.

So, how do we stay on guard? Well, air conditioning always helps, but there is another, more effective, form of refreshment that comes through the resplendent Word of God. Engaging Scripture and reflecting on devotions are healthy and invigorating exercises that keep the mind sharp and the temptations at bay, but communal worship and study with a fellowship of believers is even more powerful.

I have not been active in Bible Studies throughout my life. In fact, I have been woefully deficient in that area. However, I finally took time to join our Monday morning Bible study at Oak Chapel a few months ago, and I have been incredibly blessed by the experience. Sharing, discussing, and debating the Word of God among a group of believers is a healthy exercise that strengthens and fortifies the soul, while forcing temptation to the periphery. Likewise, worship can be a powerful antidote to the desires of the flesh.

There are a number of Scriptural passages that give testimony to God’s promise of spiritual protection. One of my favorites comes from II Timothy 4:18: “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” 

None of us is perfect, but all of us are protected when we stand strong in our faith. Such a practice will prevent the Dog Days from becoming the Dog “Daze,” regardless of the time of year.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John

Let Freedom Ring

           On this Independence Day weekend, when we celebrate the great and glorious gift of freedom, we give thanks for the many brave men and women who so courageously put their lives on the line to establish and maintain the countless liberties we enjoy today.

           At the same time, our nation is currently engaged in yet another significant struggle. Not only are we battling a major health crisis, but we are also in the midst of an internal conflict, which has caused deep division across the country.

           The events of the past few months have been violent and unsettling, but at the same time we are thankful for the fact that we have the freedom to express our views and settle our differences in an attempt to come together as one.  

           As we prepare to return to the sanctuary this Sunday, we will take every precaution to ensure your safety, your comfort, and your freedom to worship. You are welcome to come inside or commune from the comfort of your car; we just want to be sure that you have a place to worship.

           Much of Sunday’s service will seem familiar; some will not. Among the highlights will be the rededication of our bell, the re-consecration of our church, and the celebration of Communion in a safe and novel way.

           All we ask is that everyone respects each other’s boundaries. There is one freedom that might be temporarily suspended, however, and that is your favorite pew. We will be marking off every other pew in adherence to state distancing guidelines.

           If you are comfortable, please join us. Even in these dark and difficult times, the future of Oak Chapel is bright and encouraging. God promises that he will always be with us and that he will never leave us. The assuring declaration, which comes from Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, should lift us up and give us hope both now and in the future…

‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

           Don’t give up! Stay strong! Let’s all work together for a brighter tomorrow.

                                                                   Hope to see you on Sunday! – Pastor John

Nutshell – And Away We Go

Jackie Gleason used to open his variety show in the mid-to-late sixties by saying, “And Awaaay We Go!’ That’s kind of the way I feel heading into our first weekend of in-person worship in three months. I am happy, excited, and, well, just a little apprehensive, hoping that we’ve covered all the bases and that everything works out okay.

You probably have received several notifications from the church office, which I think have been pretty clear, but just in case there is any confusion, here’s what you need to know…

• We will gather on the lawn of the church adjacent to the parking lot. Chairs (appropriately distanced) will be set out, although you are welcome to bring your own chair if you wish. The forecast is favorable, and there is plenty of shade, but if you prefer to bring an umbrella, please do so. If you plan to be outside, please park in the back two-thirds of the lot so that we can set aside space for those who plan to stay in their car.
• If you wish to worship from your car (and listen on your car radio (97.9 FM), we will have you pull up and face the lawn so that you can see (and hear) the service.
• Bulletins with copies of the hymns we will sing will be provided.
• Masks are encouraged for those who will be on the lawn. If you do not have one, we will have them available for you to use and keep.
• If you prefer not to mask, we respect that and will set aside a designated area for that group.
• The service will be live-streamed on Google Meet (see link on our website –oakchapelumc.com) with time for fellowship and prayer concerns after the service if you wish to participate.
• We will also have a separate video service (like we have had for the past 10 weeks) with a different message available on local cable (Channel 22) with a YouTube link from our website.
• A collection plate will be set out for offerings, but we will not pass it
• Handshakes and Hugs are discouraged, but we are not going to legislate that. If the Spirit moves you, so be it, but be careful (and understand if others are reluctant to make physical contact).
• Hand sanitizer will be available

We hope we have covered everything. As a fellowship of believers, we know that we will get through this together, and that ultimately we will rise above and be better than before. We just want to take a cautious first step. Above all, we have focused on accessibility so that everyone will have a chance to worship in a way that feels most comfortable and safe to them. Thanks so much, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Until we meet again, Be Blessed — Pastor John

Nutshell – New Life

As I close in on my first anniversary at Oak Chapel, I continue to be overwhelmed by God’s many blessings, the undeniable influence of those who serve him. My appointment here has been life changing, and the birth of our first two grandchildren has given me new hope for a better tomorrow.  Despite the unsettling state of current world affairs, I am convinced that God has a plan for us. I believe that he will help us to grow the church — here at Oak Chapel and around the world — if we remain faithful, obedient, and committed to providing a place for our children. 

As many of you know, we are in the process of remodeling a room on the lower level of our educational wing — a place where our youth can call home. It will feature a coffee-shop motif, and it will also be available to everyone in the church for fellowship on Sunday mornings and on other occasions. Our young people, along with our Trustees and our Nomads, have really championed the project and are transforming the room into a cozy and welcoming gathering place. 

All of this reminded me of a hit song by the late Whitney Houston, titled, “The Greatest Love of All.” Here are a few lines from that tune, which mirror our youth movement here at Oak Chapel, and serve as a guidebook for all of us as we look to build and bolster our church for the future…

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to

It’s up to us to teach the children and then step aside to let them lead the way, to show them the beauty they possess inside, to champion their cause, to be their hero and the one they can look up to. We can help them discover that the greatest love of all is, indeed, inside of them in the form of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We can do many things for our young people, but our greatest responsibility is to show them the Love of the Lord, which will guide and protect them as they carry the torch forward to an even larger and more dynamic church of tomorrow.

Until we meet again, Be Blessed — Pastor John
Join us for worship Sunday at oakchapelumc.com.