Grace Church of the Valley http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog Grace Church of the Valley blog. Give thanks in what we say and in what we write http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/give-thanks-in-what-we-say-and-in-what-we-write Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:50:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/give-thanks-in-what-we-say-and-in-what-we-write Give thanks in what we say and in what we write
by Pastor Ken Harvey

It does not take much for people to express their displeasure in life.  Ask the average person “How are you doing?” and frequently, a list of circumstances that are less than ideal are enumerated.   Go on Facebook and scroll through your friends’ and families’ most recent status updates. While you will find descriptions of the mundane or excitement for different events, undoubtedly you will find someone expressing some displeasure on a variety of fronts, from the trite to the more serious. This is a far cry from repeated commands to give thanks. In Psalm 107:1 we find “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”  And Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, tells us  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

If you find yourself complaining, what is the solution? Obviously we need to monitor what we want to say but that is merely masking the problem. The real problem is not what we say or write but what we think and believe. Christ explains, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person” (Matthew 15:18).  The real problem is a heart problem. 

God has graciously given us multiple verses to combat this problem.  Let’s stop and consider one.  A popular passage on our speech addresses this issue straight on: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).  This is a great command, but we need to consider the context of that passage. In verse 17, Paul draws a line in the sand; as believers, we are to no longer act like unbelievers. After describing the former way of living as an unbeliever, he gives a few commands.  First, put off that old way of living.  That is, stop acting like that. In addition, we are “to be renewed in the spirits of your minds and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (verses 23-24).   How do you and I stop complaining?  Renew your minds with spiritual truths.  For example, memorize Scripture and be around people who will remind you of spiritual truths. Also, put on the new self; that is, act like who you really are in Christ. When you follow these commands, then what you say and what you write will change.

]]> I Wanna Go Back to Egypt http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/i-wanna-go-back-to-egypt Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:20:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/i-wanna-go-back-to-egypt I Wanna Go Back to Egypt
by Jeremy McMorris


As I recently read the story of God’s delivering the Children of Israel (COI) from the Egyptians, I was struck with how similar our circumstances often are.
The COI had it rough in Egypt. They were slaves to people who didn’t love them or know their God. They were forced into breaking their backs so that the Egyptians didn’t have to. The monuments they were building were for . . . the Egyptians.
    Then Moses came along and things got worse. Now they had to make brick and gather their own straw to make the bricks. This was a serious “supply and demand” problem.
    You know the story well. God delivers them, and they are set free into the Egyptian desert. Yay! Freedom! . . . sort of. They soon find themselves with their backs against the Red Sea while the Egyptian military is fast approaching in the ancient version of the F-16, - horse-drawn chariots. Here the COI begin their often repeated complaint, “Moses, why did you drag us out here to this crummy place to die?! They had graves in Egypt, you know? It wasn’t so bad there after all.”
    In one of my favorite “scenes” of the Bible, God delivers them . . . and teaches them a lot about Himself in the process. The COI are thrilled, but no sooner have the praise services and high-fives ended than the COI are singing their same song again, but second verse. This time it’s, “Moses, why did you drag us out here to this crummy place to die?! We don’t have any water!”
    Once again, God delivers them . . . and teaches them a lot about Himself. You can guess what happens next. The COI are enjoying their nice refreshing water, when suddenly it occurs to them, “We’re gonna need some food to go along with this water!” “Moses, why did you drag us out here to this crummy place to die?! We had it made in Egypt! We had meat pots (I’m not sure what this is, but being the carnivore that I am, I’m thinking I would have been a big fan) and all the bread we wanted. Man, we had it good in Egypt!” And as you can guess, once again God delivers them. . .and teaches them.
    I used to think that the COI were whiners, but put yourself in their sandals. I don’t have to wonder what I would have said if I had been in the desert with my family of five and no water. I would have said, “Moses! What are you doing?! We had water and food in Egypt. I like it better there. I want to go back to the way things were.” Let’s not be too hard on them. We would have done the same thing.
    Remember, the COI weren’t in heaven yet. God was taking them there, but there were things He had for them to learn on the way. He never promised to take them from a difficult place to an easier place. In fact,even in the Promised land life was tough.
    Brothers and Sisters, we aren’t in the Heaven yet either. Remember, God is delivering us . . . and teaching us a lot about Himself on the way. There is a day when we will enter into perfect and eternal happiness, but that day isn’t here yet. There will be times in life that we think, “Man, I had it good back in Egypt. I don’t like where God has me right now!” But remember, God hasn’t promised to take us (individually or as a church) from a difficult place to an easier place. He has promised to deliver us . . . and teach us a lot about Himself.
    So as we’re bound for heaven let’s remember that we aren’t there yet. Let’s not complain about circumstances, but learn about our Deliverer through them. We’ve seen Him deliver us from our greatest problem already. (This is the “good news.”) Let’s heed Moses’ words to the COI, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.” (Ex 14:13)


]]> Closely Clinging Sin: Complaining http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/closely-clinging-sin:-complaining Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/closely-clinging-sin:-complaining Closely Clinging Sin: Complaining
by Pastor David

Sin clings to us. And worse than that, it clings closely, even to believers. Shannon served us well last week by provoking us to run, and I’d like to consider just one of those sins we must lay aside. Complaining clings closely to us, and I wonder if one of the reasons is that we don’t recognize and treat it as the woeful sin it is. It is all too easy to utter a critical word about the weather, or our possessions, or how someone else treated us, and never stop to consider that our complaints are offensive to God.

Complaining is all about perspective. The exact same circumstances can be met with either worship or sin. It’s not the circumstances that are to blame, but our response, based on our perspective. Bill Izzard provides 12 helpful perspectives for us when it comes to complaining. Here are the first six.

“1.    God commands me never to complain.

Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14 (NAS)

2.    God commands me to give thanks in every circumstance.

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

3.    God commands me to rejoice always, and especially in times of trial.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Philippians 4:4
Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2

4.    Ialways deserve much worse than what I am suffering now⎯in fact, I deserve hell.

Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins? Lamentations 3:39
Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:2-3

5.    In light of the eternal happiness and glory that I will experience in heaven, this present trial is extremely brief and insignificant, even if it were to last a lifetime.   

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:19

6.    My suffering is far less than that which Christ suffered, and He did not complain.

Who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23”

May we run to grace to teach us to die to our complaining, and run the unhindered race.


]]> God Is Powerful (Part 2) http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/god-is-powerful--part-2- Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:25:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/god-is-powerful--part-2- God is powerful (part 2)
by Pastor David

God’s “weakness” is greater than all the power humans can muster. And God’s power is available to us. We can stand against Satan, and sin, and temptation with God’s power. We can endure persecution and loss in God’s power. We can and will overcome sin fully through God’s power. Several pastoral words ago we considered that God is powerful in creation and in the exodus. Let’s consider now God’s power in the Gospel generally and in resurrection specifically.

1. God is powerful in the Gospel
Oh the sweet and thrilling experience to know that the Gospel is God’s power to salvation. While the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, to us who are being saved it is the power of God. The Gospel shows us that God is more powerful than Satan, that grace is greater than sin, that the Fall can be reversed. In salvation, God powerfully gives life to people dead in their sins. Every conversion story is a story of God’s miracle-working power.

2. God is powerful in resurrection
In Ephesians 1:19, Paul had already pointed out that God has given the immeasurable greatness of His power to those who believe. That power is in keeping with His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Christ from the dead. God raised up Christ and will raise us by His power (1 Cor. 6:14). God’s power is resurrection power. He can give life to dead bodies. He can do what no human could even dream to do.

Where does knowing that God is powerful leave us? It leaves us humbly worshipping a God whose plans are never frustrated. It leaves us hopeful and trusting, because God uses His power for His people’s good. It leaves us free from relying on our own power this new year, free from worry about how little we can control our lives, free from our fear that we won’t be able to do what we should. God is powerful, and His people delight in celebrating His power in the past and looking forward to seeing it in the future.

]]> "...Abide In My Word..." http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/----abide-in-my-word---- Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:30:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/----abide-in-my-word---- "...abide in my word..."
by Pastor Garth Gaddy

When you read this it will be January 1st. I'm not a fan of "new year's resolutions" but every year at the beginning of the year I consider changing Bible reading plans. Some years I have done better than others, some have a been a failure to keep on track. But as for choices, this year it's a cornucopia. Nate Bingham on ligonier.org has posted a comprehensive set of Bible reading plans. My suggestion is pick one that you find interesting and fits your pace and lifestyle, but above all...pick one. If one of the plans below interests you let me know and I can email (garth@graceofthevalley.org) it to you or get you a hard copy.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

1. 52 Week Bible Reading Plan: Bible in a year, each day of the week dedicated to a different genre: Epistles, The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, and Gospels.
2. 5x5x5 Bible Reading Plan: New Testament in a year, Monday to Friday.
3. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: Bible in the order the events occurred chronologically.
4. The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan: Four daily readings beginning in Genesis, Psalms, Matthew and Acts.
5. ESV Daily Bible Reading Plan: Four daily readings taken from four lists: Psalms and Wisdom Literature, Pentateuch and History of Israel, Chronicles and Prophets, and Gospels and Epistles.
6. Every Word in the Bible: Read through the Bible one chapter at a time. Readings alternate between the Old and New Testaments.
7. Historical Bible Reading Plan: The Old Testament readings are similar to Israel’s Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament readings are an attempt to follow the order in which the books were authored.
8. Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan: Read the New Testament and Psalms twice and the Old Testament once.
9. Straight Through the Bible Reading Plan: Read straight through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
10. Tabletalk Bible Reading Plan: Two readings each day; one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.
11. The Legacy Reading Plan: This plan does not have set readings for each day. Instead, it has set books for each month, and set number of Proverbs and Psalms to read each week. It aims to give you more flexibility, while grounding you in specific books of the Bible each month.
12. Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Read the Old and New Testaments once, and Psalms & Proverbs four times.


]]> Christmas Time, the Second Coming of Christ and Personal Holiness http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/christmas-time--the-second-coming-of-christ-and-personal-holiness Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:20:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/christmas-time--the-second-coming-of-christ-and-personal-holiness Christmas Time, the Second Coming of Christ and Personal Holiness
by Pastor Ken Harvey

It can be challenging to find deep meaning in Christmastime celebrations when surrounded by many non-religious cultural expressions of Christmas and a busy schedule. The deep theological truths that are represented at the coming of Christ can be minimized. For example, I say things like “God became man” without thinking much of it; in reality, the incarnation is remarkable and impossible to believe for many.

I have been considering other theological truths represented at Christmas time. While reading The Miracle of Christmas by John MacArthur, I was reminded of an important truth on the last page. It was a comparison of Christ’s first and second comings:

 

The First Time Jesus Came:

 

He came veiled in the form of a child.

A star marked His arrival.

Wise men brought Him gifts.

There was no room for Him.

Only a few attended His arrival.

He came as a baby.

 

The Next Times Jesus Comes:

 

He will be recognized by all.

Heaven will be lit by His glory.

He will bring rewards for His own.

The world won’t be able to contain His glory.

Every eye shall see Him.

He will come as Sovereign King and Lord of all.


This text made me reflect on the glory of Christ in His second coming. When considering the life of Christ, we need to remember all aspects of who Christ is: His purpose, position, function, and titles.  When we celebrate the incarnation of Jesus at Christmas, we must consider why He came: to conquer sin. And when we consider God’s plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ, we must consider His second coming. Meditating on God’s plan of redemption will help rid of us empty sentimentalism by giving us the proper perspective to be holy in today’s world. John reminds us of this reality. He connects the return of Christ with the pursuit of personal holiness (also see 2 Peter 3.10-13).

1 John 3:2-3 “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

During this holiday season, certainly marvel at the incarnation of Christ and the sacrifice of Christ, but also remember that Christ will return.


]]> JOY AND PEACE http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/joy-and-peace Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:10:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/joy-and-peace JOY AND PEACE
by Jeremy McMorris

I recently read the following article written by my friend, Sarah Farmer:

"Mommy, are you happy?" my daughter asked me this as I was putting her to bed the other night. If I were to ask you "Are you happy?" my guess is that most of us would say, "Yes." Yet, we live stressed out, overwhelmed, and burdened. Our verbal assent doesn't match with our attitudes, complaints, facial expressions, and our heart rate!
What, in our minds, would it take for us to be happy? I think sometimes we are deceived into thinking that itʼs an improvement to our crazy lives; to disobedient, screaming children; to the laundry; to our living condition; to our work schedule.
The amazing thing to me is that God says that joy and peace are not things that we can “will” into existence or change by our circumstances. These are gifts, and not just one-time gifts. Paul prays that believers "would have joy and peace in believing” (Rom 15:13). Continually believing. We can't will ourselves into joy and peace; we must pour out our hearts to God, believe that He is the only Joy-giver and wait for the beyond-comprehension joy and peace that pours over us!
This time of year we see the words “joy” and “peace” everywhere--on church bulletins, postcards, store windows, puffy-painted granny sweatshirts, even TV commercials; and yet our world knows little of the joy and peace it speaks of and longs for. We think that if we can end wars we’ll have peace, or if everyone gets what’s on their Christmas list, they’ll have joy. This seems to be the theme of most of the Christmas songs on the radio, but would these things really bring joy and peace? The Scripture makes clear that these things won’t bring peace, and that in fact the Christian can have joy and peace in the midst of a world at war, and with none of the material things we think we “need.” Our joy and peace come from Christ and His gospel. We can have peace in Christ (Heb. 13:5) and joy in His Gospel (Gal. 5:22).
So, may your Christmas be filled with true joy and peace, and may those who watch you see that it comes from your “believing” in Christ and His Gospel.
_____________________

]]> This Christmas Season http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/this-christmas-season Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/this-christmas-season

]]> God All-Sufficient http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/god-all-sufficient Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:20:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/god-all-sufficient God All-Sufficient
by Pastor Garth Gaddy

On this day that we traditionally give thanks, let us remember the creator of the universe and give thanks to Him who upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb 1:3). The following is take from "Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions".

God All-Sufficient

O Lord of Grace,
The world is before me this day, and I am weak and fearful, but I look to thee for strength;
If I venture forth alone I stumble and fall, but on the Beloved's arms I am firm as the eternal hills;
If left to the treachery of my heart I shall shame thy Name, but if enlightened, guided, upheld by they Spirit, I shall bring thee glory.
Be thou my arm to support,
   my strength to stand,
   my light to see,
   my feet to run,
   my shield to protect,
   my sword to repel,
   my sun to warm.
To enrich me will not diminish thy fullness;
All thy lovingkindness is in thy Son, I bring him to thee in the arms of faith, I urge his saving Name as the one who died for me.
I plead his blood to pay my debts of wrong.
Accept his worthiness for my unworthiness,
   his sinlessness for my transgressions,
   his purity for my uncleanness,
   his sincerity for my guile,
   his truth for my deceits,
   his meekness for my pride,
   his constancy for my backsliding,
   his love for my enmity,
   his fullness for my emptiness,
   his faithfulness for my treachery,
   his obedience for my lawlessness,
   his glory for my shame,
   his devotedness for my waywardness,
   his holy life for my unchaste ways,
   his righteousness for my dead works,
   his death for my life.

]]> Praying in our Transition http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/praying-in-our-transition Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:25:00 -0500 http://www.graceofthevalley.org/gcv-blog/post/praying-in-our-transition Praying in our Transition
by Pastor David

Desperate Christian people pray. In light of our pursuit of another pastor for preaching, I thought I’d share some very practical prayer suggestions from a book that I’ve been reading lately called When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search:

  1. Pray for the elders.
  •  
    • Pray for patience: that the team would wait for God’s timing.
    • Pray that they would have the mind of Christ and agree: much of the process is subjective. Personal opinions and preferences are involved. Differences can divide. Ask that they would heed Paul’s advice for unity, having the humble attitude of Jesus Christ. It is so easy for us consciously--or more often, unconsciously--to bring our own agendas into church business.
    • Pray for wisdom to choose the right person: Pray that the elders will renew their minds in the Bible so that they can have Word-centered wisdom.
    • Pray for discipline for the elders: The search process will require a great deal of follow-through on the parts of individuals. It will also require that they not digress from the agenda or retrace decisions they have already made.



2.    Pray for your next pastor.

  •  
    • Pray that God would increase his passion for preaching the Word of God.
    • Pray that God would give him a love for your church and strength to leave his current position.
    • Pray that your next pastor would begin new relationships at your church right away, even during the search process.
    • Pray that God would prepare your future pastor to shepherd your flock more effectively through the trials or blessings he currently faces.
    • Pray for your next pastor’s family.



3.     Pray for the people in your church.

  •  
    • Pray for patience: The search process can go on longer than expected. It is hard for people doing the work of searching. It is also difficult for those in the congregation who must wait without knowing exactly what is going on. Pray that your church would trust the leadership and uphold each other during the whole process.
    • Pray that your church would learn to place a high priority on biblical preaching: It is easy to gravitate toward personality, programs, a particular “ideal” age, etc. Pray that, above all, the next pastor will proclaim the Word without apology.
    • Pray that your church would not react to a previous pastor: Some churches struggle with wanting a pastor who is like their old one (they had a good experience). Other churches want someone who is just the opposite.



                                Chris Brauns, pp. 29-31

I hope these suggestions from Chris encourage and motivate you to fervent prayer.

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