tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69586849093575936752024-03-05T14:17:58.645-08:00Up North WisdomPastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-64586912005018547902017-12-01T12:56:00.000-08:002017-12-01T12:56:30.833-08:00PEACE REVISITEDAaron Rodgers a few years ago posted his famous R-E-L-A-X statement to Packer fans who were concerned about the team's slow start to that season. Just relax he said, don't worry. So as we really get into the Christmas season, can I say to you; just be at peace. P-E-A-C-E! Why? Because it's a nice little catch phrase at this time of the year? No, because the Word of God is full of encouragement about being filled with peace. I guess God knew what we would struggle with, right?<br />
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It was the message God gave to Mary, to Joseph twice, and to the shepherds. Peace in a world full of turmoil? Really? Who knew? God's people hated their representatives in Washington (that is: rulers in Rome) and wanted them out. With just a change of leadership, they would finally be at peace. Right? Ah, no.<br />
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I've always loved the scripture quoted often at Christmas from Isaiah 9:6-7: "For a child is born to us, a son given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and it's peace will never end." (NLT)<br />
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So why hasn't it happened yet? Where is the Prince of Peace promised to a troubled world then and now? Oh, it will happen in a literal sense and probably sooner than most think. Even many Christians are weary of thinking of Christ coming again. Don't be friends. It will happen. The Bible guarantees it. But what about now you say. We thought a change in leadership in our government levels would bring about what is really needed in our world. If only all the enemies of the United States were eliminated, then we would have the peace we so desperately need. Right? Wrong!<br />
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The truth is you can have the peace that God's Word promises and you can have it right now. If Christmas tells us anything, it tells us that Jesus wants to come into your life even more deeply than He is now. He said, "My peace I give to you, not the peace that this world thinks it can give. Don't let your hearts be troubled; believe and believe deeply! " (Jerry Bruette Version)<br />
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Friends, Up North Wisdom tells us that God wants you, yes you, to be His instrument of peace. Let others see Godly peace in your hearts, lives, families, circumstances and when they wonder how can it be, you tell them the answer for that peace, comfort and joy. To paraphrase a very old Christmas hymn: " God give rest, merry men and women, and let nothing bring you to dismay and discouragement. REMEMBER CHRIST THE SAVIOR was born on Christmas Day. To save us all from satan's power (to bring fear, doubt and unbelief which leads to lack of peace) when we went astray (and didn't believe God's Word). Wow! Those are words of great comfort and joy and are meant to free all those who trust in Him from the power of sin and fear."<br />
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I love it, don't you? And remember: yes, you know it is true, don't you: The Best Is Yet To Come! That is what Isaiah 9 is all about. Believe it. And a very merry, happy, joyful and peaceful Christmas season to all!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-25546851909975190862017-02-06T13:20:00.000-08:002017-02-06T13:20:01.473-08:00WORSHIP EVERYTHING - VALUE NOTHING"That's LA. They worship everything and value nothing." - says Sebastian, one of the lead characters in the movie La La Land. And so we wonder what values will affect his and Mia's choices as they chase their dreams.<br />
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That quote by Sebastian still sticks in my mind and I wonder if that philosophical statement defines our world. Or the church. Or me. For the church and you and me, I hope not. I think every decision a person makes is driven by the values they hold, don't you? So I ask myself: what do I worship today and how does that affect my values?<br />
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Jesus said we are to worship God(only) and serve Him(only). Luke 4:8 What do we see as we look around at our world, both near and far? What's gets worshipped: possessions? family? jobs? finances? religion? etc. The dictionary says to worship is to honor, exalt, adore, glorify, idolize, follow, and more. I think when God is without question first and foremost in our lives, our worship and our values will be reflected by that.<br />
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I worship Jesus so I want to value what He values. For instance, He places value on the little ones. How little? When they have life. In my dentist's office I saw a chart by the National Dentist Association that was called a Chart of HUMAN (my emphasis) Dentition. It showed when the teeth were first being developed in a baby's gums early in the womb. When I congratulated my dentist on being pro-life, he didn't know what to say. :) Jesus places value on the elderly. An old man (Simeon) and an old woman (Anna) were among the first to recognize the Lordship of Jesus when he was taken to the temple to be dedicated. (Luke 2)<br />
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Read the Word. You will see that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit place value on all life. ALL LIFE! And do not discriminate. When I think about our country and the rest of the world, I see confusion, disarray, anger, discouragement, fear, etc. So let's all look within ourselves. I don't want it said of me that I worship many things and value few things. Let us not have said of the church that it worships form but has no substance. Let's be people of the Word, but being very careful to divide it rightly. And let's bear the same fruit as Jesus did: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness ands self-control. Wow! Wow! Would that have an impact or what!<br />
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So back to La La Land. The ending is interesting. Whose dreams are we seeing: Sebastian's or Mia's? Or is it our dream. I wanted a better resolution at the end of the story but there didn't seem to be one. I wonder why I would hope for one. Up North Wisdom says that for the Christian believer, we know that there is a final resolution for this world and all of creation. All things will be restored, including relationships. God planned it from the foundation of the world. Christ's return is our wonderful, blessed and living hope! So in light of that, God help us to worship rightly and value rightly! And remember: The Best Is Yet To Come!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-72635159880347715882016-05-04T09:41:00.000-07:002016-05-04T09:41:56.748-07:00TRUST"Have I strength to go on waiting, or have any end to be looking forward to?" (Job 6:11)<br />
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Some of you right now may be thinking, "I just can't make it through another month". Then put your trust in God and make it through another week. You may say, "I just can't make it through another week." Then put your trust in God and you can make it through another day.<br />
You may say, "I just can't make it through another day." Then put your trust in God and make it through another hour.<br />
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Listen friends, God is still in control and he is still on the throne. I have read The Book. I know that what began with God will end with God. I have put my trust in that fact. How about you?<br />
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The cure for worry is spelled out very clearly in Philippians 4:4-7: Verse 6 says, "Do not worry (be anxious) about ANYTHING, but in everything by prayer and coming to Him with thanksgiving, give your requests to God. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."<br />
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Pray for the leadership of our country, our state and our community. It's really a command to do so in the Bible. Pray for direction in the upcoming elections. And then really, really trust God and be ready always to give an answer of the great hope you have in Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen.<br />
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God is in control. I say God is in control. Remind yourselves of that regularly. And remember friends, when you know and have a relationship with Christ -- The Best Is Yet To Come!<br />
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<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-49465414775271696112016-03-18T09:50:00.000-07:002016-03-18T09:50:08.942-07:00ELECTION THOUGHTSJohn Bevere is a teacher and preacher that I greatly respect and has been a tremendous influence on how I think and believe about many topics. Authority is one of those. I have read and Jeanne and I have taught on his book, "Under Cover". John wrote this letter to our church and many others as well. I present it to you for your consideration. I think of the words of Jesus: "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." Certainly at this time in our nation and world more than ever. From John Bevere:<br />
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It wasn't until God dealt with my bad attitude toward the outcome of past presidential elections that I began to focus on the authority of the president rather than his conduct. The revelation that nobody gets into power without His knowledge and that those in authority carry His appointment, forever changed the way I view elections. I believe it can do the same for anyone with a receptive heart.<br />
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In the Bible, we see Christians were exhorted to honor kings by looking beyond their behavior and honoring their position of authority (1 Peter 2:17). If the church isn't lifting up our government with honor, can we expect this country and our ministries to experience a great move of God? Whether or not we agree with a candidate's political views, we can choose to honor our leaders and stand behind them in prayer instead of joining in on the disrespectful bashes. If not us, then who?<br />
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In my Under Cover Curriculum, I extensively discuss the best way to honor authority in civil, church, family, and social settings. When our hearts are submitted to God's Word and to authority, we will see churches come together and flourish under His promises. I encourage you to maximize your position by vocalizing your vote for this year, but do so in a way that honors all candidates. That way, your heart and the people's hearts that you lead will be in the right place -- regardless of who is elected.<br />
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Let's be a light in a dark world, and lead by example. John Bevere<br />
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Up North Wisdom strongly recommends reading the book, Under Cover, and to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as he speaks wisdom to you. Here is a question for you and me: Are we spending the same amount of time praying for as we are complaining about the candidates. We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us. I fear there is a great lack of obeying that command.<br />
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My encouragement is to pray, pray, pray and pray ( as my mother exhorted ) and to vote (please vote) and then engage our world in a Godly and Scripture-directed way. Let the church be the church!!<br />
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And I still believe -- The Best Is Yet To Come!<br />
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<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-71314845095880515522015-03-12T11:41:00.001-07:002015-03-12T11:54:16.728-07:00Where Does My Mind Stay?Well, Up North Wisdom is up and running again after a lengthy sabbatical. My wife Jeanne, and I entered a new phase of our lives that we prefer to call "refirement" instead of "retirement", a term used by one of her cousins. We love that word. Since Fall, we have adjusted to new rolls in our lives and well as new freedoms. We just returned from spending two months in Arizona and Florida. Both are beautiful in different ways but both offered much warmer temperatures than what the people in the north experienced. It was good to go and it is good to be back in our own home. And we found that God is moving all across this country. I love being a part of His family, don't you?<br />
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Every night of the month of February that we spent in Florida, a verse from the Bible entered my mind and in my mind I repeated it over and over. I didn't even know what the scripture reference was until I looked it up to make sure it was accurate and it was. Isaiah 26:3 which reads like this: "God will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts in Him".<br />
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Great verse and great truth. I am going to preach on this on April 19th at Living Hope Church. An advance warning. :) Let me just reflect on two words in this post -- perfect peace! Wow! If there was ever a time in our world where those words don't apply in our secular culture it's now. The world looks for political answers to peace and can't find them. And then we have God's Word that promises Perfect Peace. What is that?<br />
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Well, we know it's not what we are going to get in our world. Jesus said in the Gospel of John: "Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give to you. Not the peace that the world is looking for and can't find but the kind I give (Perfect Peace). So don't be troubled in your hearts and don't be afraid." How awesome is that! No one can grasp this until they experience it. One more verse from Philippians chapter 4: "Don't worry or be anxious about things. Instead pray with a thankful heart and give all those worries over to Him. When you do that, God's peace, which is way beyond human understanding will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ." Hmmm, that is so good!<br />
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So friends, Up North Wisdom says start looking to the One who alone can bring real peace in the midst of troubling circumstances. Quit thinking that the right politics will bring answers to the problems that our world is dealing with. History has shown they can't. Focus or refocus on your relationship with Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and ask the Holy Spirit to reignite the fire of passion for God's Word and God's work. Pray instead of criticizing and complaining. Friends, believe me when I tell you that The Best Is Yet To Come no matter what is happening at the moment if we will keep our minds stayed (focused) on God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the precious and powerful Holy Spirit. It's true.<br />
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Oh, one more thing: Pray for our law enforcement officers. God bless them! They are being attacked in the press as well as by the law breakers in our world. They need our prayer and our support. The next time you see a police officer, thank him or her for serving our community and bless them! They really need our encouragement!<br />
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It's good to be back!!<br />
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<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-39505038266185462902014-11-10T11:32:00.001-08:002014-11-10T11:36:38.370-08:00BUSYNESS"I am so busy. I can hardly keep up with my schedule. I'm exhausted." Have you heard these words anytime lately? Have you said them or something like them in the last several days? I have had some time to think about "busyness" in the last couple of months since I am not as "busy" as I used to be.<br />
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We generally don't think that there is anything wrong with being busy. After all, we tend to think that the opposite of busy is "idle" or "lazy" or to be a little Biblical - slothful. Actually, two dictionary definitions of the opposite of busy that I really like are: "quiet" and the other is "available". Ah, now that puts a different spin on it, doesn't it?<br />
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In Ephesians chapter 5 and verses 15 and 16, we read: "Be careful how you live. Don't be unwise but wise, making the best use of (redeeming) your time. Understand whats the Lord wants you to do."<br />
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Good verses. What does the Lord want us to do and how does He want us to think about "busyness" ? I like the thinking of Max Lucado on this issue. He says that being busy is not a sin. After all, Jesus was busy. Paul was busy. And we all know, don't we friends, that we will not get much of anything important accomplished without effort and hard work. And working hard will make us weary. Ok, that in itself is not sin.<br />
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But being busy in a mad dash pursuit of things that leave us empty and broken inside does not please God. Would you agree? Doesn't it seem like sometimes the faster we go in our lives, the emptier we become? Yet why does it seem like taking time to pause, reflect, meditate and just listen to the important voices in our lives is just so hard? It's not easy to make decisions to bring our life under control and change our priorities so we can focus on first seeking after and building our relationship with our Heavenly Father and letting some of the other things take a backseat.<br />
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So I align with Mr. Lucado who believes that in the midst of busyness, the Cross is still there. In the midst of your emptiness, the Cross is still there. The promises of Jesus still stand today. You can claim peace in the midst of a hectic life -- but not without some sacrifice and concentration, but we can do it.<br />
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So I am learning once again that God's Word is so true. Pastor Jerry, family and friends and brothers and sisters: Up North Wisdom says listen and apply the truth from Matthew 6 which tells us that doing what God wants and seeking His Kingdom first will keep us in good relationship with Him as well as with others. And the needs of our lives will be met. I'm learning friends and I hope you are too. Not only will God show you how to live, learn and love better, but He will bring great peace into the middle of the busyness of your life.<br />
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"Father God, help us to know when to say no to the world and yes to you. Help us to hear the true and still small voice of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the pressures and busyness of life. We are not very good at it, Father, so we really need You to help us. Thank You for Your love and Grace in our lives."<br />
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So now with all that in mind, isn't it so cool to really know that The Best Is Yet To Come? Blessings!!<br />
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<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-2647772722078036912014-11-05T09:18:00.000-08:002014-11-05T12:04:38.123-08:00Who Do You TrustPastor Mark Cox of Central Church in Green Bay posted on Face Book this morning that win, lose, or draw for the candidate of your choice, let's be civil and remember ...We're ALL in this together! Good post, Pastor Mark. Psalm 20:7 says that "some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord God." An excellent verse. I would give it a modern twist and say, "Some trust in one political party and some trust in a different political party, but Christians trust in the name of the Lord, our God!"<br />
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Listen, there are a lot of things this old world needs but angry Christians are not one of them. It always amazes me to hear Christians say ugly things about certain politicians like this one or that one is their personal enemy. It's almost enough to make me........well a little angry. :) Friend, I know who my enemy really is and so do you. And it's not a certain politician who holds a specific office.<br />
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I've often heard and said that if Christians are obedient to God's Word, they WILL pray for those in public office and not sin by being an angry voice that continually says negative and ugly things about certain politicians that they don't like. God's Word, not mine. Check out the writings of Paul. Prayer is a great calmer and a great antidote for an angry spirit. We are not going to influence the world towards Christ by acting in opposition to what He told us.<br />
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Living Hope Church's founding pastor, Jim Erickson, said often that a defining verse in God's Word is " A soft answer turns away anger". So how am I doing on that one? How are you? How is the world going to know we are Christians if we don't act like one? The Book of James is the great mirror for all of us. To say we are religious (Christians) and yet to say things and do things that are contrary to the Word is to fool ourselves. When we aren't demonstrating (living out) our faith by what we do (like reaching out to help the poor, ministering to those in need, having control of our tongues, talking less, listening more and not becoming angry, etc. etc. etc. -- then we are just another loud angry voice that joins all the others.<br />
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Some defining verses for me are found in Proverbs 3. "Pastor Jerry, and all Christians, Trust In The Lord With ALL Your Heart and Don't Depend On Your Own Understanding. Give Him First Place In Your Life and Everything Will Turn Out As God Directs." JBV Version (Jerry Bruette Version) :)<br />
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Let me end with this from Max Lucado: "I believe that many of us go through life sucking on pacifiers. Oh we don't see them because they're in our bank. Or they're parked in our garage. Or we live in them. Don't put your hope into things that change -- relationships, money, talents, beauty and health. (And into certain politicians - my add). Set your sights on one thing that can never change; trust in your Heavenly Father." AMEN! And Up North Wisdom adds one more thing for those of you who choose to trust God in all circumstances -- The Best Is Yet To Come!<br />
<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-26518284893775889322014-10-30T08:20:00.000-07:002014-10-30T08:20:02.546-07:00A Time For EverythingIn Ecclesiastes chapter 3, the writer says there is a time for everything. How true and how difficult it is for so many to get a proper grasp of this truth.<br />
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Gordon MacDonald says that the central principle of all personal organization of time is simple: time must be budgeted! Most learned (or should have) this about money a long time ago. When we discovered that we rarely had enough money to do all the things we wanted to do with it, we found it prudent to sit down and think through our financial priorities.<br />
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When money is limited, one budgets. And when time is in limited supply, the same principle holds. The disorganized person must have a budgeting perspective. And that means determining the difference between the fixed -- what one must do -- and the discretionary -- what one would like to do.<br />
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Sometimes we have to learn the hard way that we have to say no to things I really wanted to do in order to say yes to the very best things. Approval from people many times has too great an influence on us. We want people to really like us so we find it hard to say no. When a person learns to say no to some good things, he runs the risk of making enemies and gaining critics; and who needs more of those?<br />
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But if we are to command our time, we will have to bite the bullet and say a firm but courteous no to opportunities that are good but not the best. That demands, as it did in the ministry of our Lord, a sense of our mission. What are we called to do? What do we do best with our time? What are the necessities without which we cannot get along? You know, like our relationships: with God, with our spouses, and with our children. Everything else has to be considered negotiable: discretionary, not necessary.<br />
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I love reading good things that are so helpful to make my life more effective for God's Kingdom work. Thanks Gordon MacDonald for your help in this area.<br />
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So Up North Wisdom suggests you consider some questions: What activities require more time than they are worth? What relationships could use a bigger time investment? Are you spending some time each day talking to the God who loves you and desires to do good things in your life? How could you use time with your family better? So after evaluating your schedule, reorganize it so that it accurately reflects your priorities.<br />
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And always remember that with God's help and your cooperation -- The Best Is Yet To Come!!<br />
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<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-68046645218863443462014-10-21T12:29:00.000-07:002014-10-21T12:29:38.405-07:00A NEW BEGINNINGThis from a card that Jeanne received:<br />
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"There's a better way to think of retirement -- call it your refirement! Look deep inside yourself for those sparks that have been smoldering all these years, waiting for you to lay the necessary aside and take a deep breath. As the oxygen rushes in, those sparks are sure to burst into flame once again. You are more than a job, more than an occupation. You are God's amazing and unique creation. You have faithfully carried out your first calling. Now it's time to joyfully embrace the second and third and fourth.....Congratulations on your refirement?"<br />
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"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21 NKJ<br />
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I love that! We have used that word, "refirement" ever since. As my friend Mike Grall often told me, "you can't buy back time." I have reflected often about time since the Sept 7 transition service where Living Hope Church commissioned Mike LeClaire to be the new Senior Pastor. The Word has a lot to say about time and I want to share some of those with you in blogs to come.<br />
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One thing for sure friends, everybody has a ministry that God has called them to. Up North Wisdom says it doesn't make any difference whether you are a teacher, mill worker, house wife, office worker, business man, pastor, etc. Wherever life takes you each day, that is your ministry -- that is your mission field. Your neighborhood, your family, your place of occupation or your church - everyone is called to serve, to minister in those places. Am I redeeming the time? Are you? As my beautiful wife, Jeanne, has often said: Each day is a gift from God and we need to see it as such.<br />
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And of course remember and never forget: The Best Is Yet To Come! I hope you still believe that.<br />
<br />Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-55073507727543397762014-08-18T11:44:00.001-07:002014-08-18T11:44:31.038-07:00TransitionI haven't written a blog in a very long time. I guess my time and attention has been on other projects that I must have felt were more important. Well, things are changing. On September 7, I will handing off the baton of Senior Pastor leadership to Pastor Mike LeClaire. Mike has been an associate of mine for many years and God has prepared him well for this new place in his life. I am excited for him and for Living Hope Church for what God has in store.<br />
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Many people have asked me why now for this transition. They tell me I am still doing a great job and the church is growing and moving forward. My response is: shouldn't I end doing my best? I think so. My only answer is one that I have often found wasn't satisfactory to me when others used it. And that is this: God has clearly told (directed) me to make this change at this time. And actually He led me to start the process of transition about three years ago. With the OK from our Elder Board and from Pastor Mike, we began to set in motion the things that needed to be accomplished to get us to this point.<br />
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I confess that it seemed a lot farther away three years ago and now that the time has arrived, I can't believe the three years have gone by so fast. I am both excited and somewhat apprehensive about just what this is going to be like. Many have asked me what am I going to do. Well for one thing, my wife Jeanne, who is also retiring from her position at the Green Bay Packers, and I are going to take a lengthy sabbatical from the church for many reasons. It will be good for us, good for the church and good for Pastor Mike. I truly believe that. When we return, we look forward to doing some teaching, mentoring and just generally helping Pastor Mike in whatever way he directs. Maybe he will even let me preach once in a while. :)<br />
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I plan to do a lot more blogging and would love it if you and others would follow my blog. If I can figure out how to use the gadgets ( phone, internet, etc.) I will post them to my face book as well. I would love to hear your comments and thoughts about the topics I blog about.<br />
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I have loved being a pastor these past 33 years at Living Hope Church (as I say sometimes -- formerly Interfaith Fellowship). I can truly say it has not been a job to me but a high calling from the Lord. I told the Lord one time that I was not qualified, competent, strong enough, smart enough, etc. to do this. And you know what - He agreed with me. :) And reminded me that as long as I realize where my strength and help really comes from I would be OK. So friends, I can truly say: To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done. And of course, for Living Hope Church, Pastor Mike, and for Pastor Jerry and Jeanne -- THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-61991516021674311132011-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:002011-12-23T08:56:00.217-08:00A Random Act of KindnessLast evening, Jeanne and I were in the Festival Foods parking lot unloading the stuff from our cart into the car. Jeanne started to take the cart back to the rack and a man walking by said, "Let me do that for you." He just grabbed the cart and took it to a rack; I'm not sure if he said Merry Christmas but he then disappeared into the store. Jeanne said, "Cool, that was so nice of that guy. A random act of kindness at Christmas."<br /><br />I thought about that. Christmas seems to bring out random acts of kindness in many people. People give extra money to the Salvation Army. People donate coats for kids. Other donate toys for tots. At our church, people buy presents for kids of prisoners who otherwise wouldn't have a good Christmas.<br /><br />I like all of these random acts of kindness. The Word of God says kindness is one of the marks of the love of Christ. So.......if I claim to have the love of Christ in me, then acts of kindness should never be random but frequent. Frequent acts of kindness. Would the people in my life say that kindness is one of the marks of 1 Corinthians 13 love that they can see in me. They should.<br /><br />We live in an unkind world. Let's make it a point as a child of God to work to counteract that. Ask God to show you how you can go counter to the world system and frequently show acts of kindness to the people that God puts into your life. Family, yes certainly. Friends and co-workers, yes. Neighbors, yes. And to the stranger, absolutely. It will be one of your best witnessing moments. Up North Wisdom says that if you have that desire, God will give you an opportunity today to do that. And not just this Christmas season but every day of the year you will never lack for these opportunities. I guarantee it.<br /><br />A very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. The best is yet to come!!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-86514342493342975522011-11-11T10:08:00.000-08:002011-11-11T10:20:52.188-08:00Can We Talk?Can we talk? The Bible calls "sin" sin because sin kills and destroys. If sin didn't kill and destroy, the Bible would have called it something else. There is a tendency in our society (churches?) to call sin something else: messing up, mistakes, moral failures.<br /><br />It is sickening what happened at Penn State University to those young children. To protect a school's reputation and keep the sports money (we are talking millions and millions of dollars) rolling in, many people looked the other way to the horror that took place. This nation and our churches had better wake up. In the face of (and fear of) the "rights" crowd -- this group's rights and that group's rights -- you know what I'm talking about; our nation is tumbling headlong into a moral abyss that will destroy it.<br /><br />What do we do? Pray, live right, do right, stand for right even in the face of opposition and violence - and that will happen. Up North Wisdom says when you vote, vote the Bible. Nothing will change if the church (Christians) stand for nothing and do nothing. Come on people -- Let the Church be the Church. Armor up and get moving into the war zones. And always remember from 1 Cron. 20 -- Be not afraid, the battle is not yours, but Gods. Thanks for reading.Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-24601784027196957992011-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:49:05.789-07:00Happy Birthday, TonyToday is my nephew's birthday. Tony (Little Tony) Piantine is 43 (I think) today. That is so hard to believe. I want to honor him today and give thanks to God that he is a huge part of my life.<br /><br />I think one of the reasons that Tony has such a special place in my heart and life is that he had such a special place in my mom's and dad's heart and lives. Dad loved all of his grandchildren in a beautiful way, but because Tony spent so much time in the summers of his growing up years with mom and dad at the up north cabin, he and dad developed a great bond. I loved to watch how they interacted in some very humerus as well in some very serious times. Mom and dad were good for Tony and he was good for them. Thank you, Tony, for loving and caring for my mom and dad as you did.<br /><br />I admire and love Tony. He is a great example to me as I see his heart for people who many times are the rejected and neglected in our society. To see him as he directs the summer camps for people with disabilities is an inspiring thing. He has a way of making people feel special and for many of these people, it is the first time that have had that feeling. If you are a helper at camp, you feel that what you are doing is important and making a difference.<br /><br />Tony is not a yes-man and as his uncle, senior pastor, and colleague, I appreciate that about him. He will tell me what he thinks and not what he thinks I want to hear. He gives good council but equally as important, also receives good council. I love people who don't want to stay stagnant in their lives and ministries and Tony is certainly one of those men who want to move forward and is not afraid to make changes that can often be painful. He would say as many have -- no pain, no gain.<br /><br />I love you Tony, and am so glad you are in my life, my family, and my ministry. I am a better person for having you in my life. I am excited as I see God doing great things in your life and I know (and you have heard me say it often :) The Best Is Yet To Come! For you, for your family, for Camp Daniel, for Living Hope Church. Thanks for being who you are.<br /><br />HAPPY BIRTHDAYPastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-26724551580359402642011-09-05T11:45:00.000-07:002011-09-05T12:50:20.577-07:00A Deadly DeceptionWow! It has been so long since I have posted a blog. No particular reason but I don't just want to say things to say them if they haven't really spoken to my heart as well.<br /><br />On Sunday, Sept. 11 (9-11), I am going to speak on the topic "A Deadly Deception". It has to do with the deception of undealt- with offenses which has led to unforgiveness, which the Bible says is deadly. My wife Jeanne and I will then lead a study on Wed. evenings starting on Sept. 21 called "The Bait of Satan". We taught on this some years ago but I think it is even more relevant now.<br /><br />So many Christians are missing out on grasping God's plan for their lives because of this area of deception. As John Bevere so clearly says, satan is not as blatant as many believe. He is subtle and delights in deception. He disguises himself as a messenger of light. One of the most deceptive and dangerous things that Christians can encounter is -- offense. And it is only deadly if we pick it up and feed on it in our hearts. . Offended people produce hurt, anger, outrage, jealousy, resentment, strife, bitterness, hatred and envy.<br /><br />Some of the consequences of picking up an offense are insults, attacks, wounding, division, separation, broken relationships, and backsliding. Often many who are offended do not even realize they are trapped. They are in denial and they keep the focus on themselves.<br /><br />Friends, Up North Wisdom says it is imperative that we recognize this most deadly of traps. Ask God to reveal to you any undealt-with offenses and any unforgiveness that you may have deep within you. Repent and ask God to forgive you as you forgive anyone who has sinned against you. Live free from offenses and watch God use you in incredible ways for the sake of His Kingdom. Then you will really know and believe: The Best Is Yet To Come!!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-57464971348486603582011-04-20T12:37:00.000-07:002011-04-20T13:05:23.211-07:00God's Choice or ChanceHow do you determine God's will for your life. Do you go on your feelings; do you go on the circumstances you find yourself in; or do you look to God's Word for the final say on His will?<br /><br />Many people make major decisions in their lives based on how they feel. And friends, feelings are probably the poorest determiner of the top three. "It can't be wrong, when it feels so right" has gotten many Christians into troublesome situations. Feelings are so dependent on present circumstances and can often lie to us about what is really true. We all have feelings and they are often legitimate barometers in our lives that should drive us to find truth where it really is.<br /><br />Circumstances are also shaky determiners of God's will for our lives. They come and go and change often. They are the basis for feelings and we know that feelings can often lie to us. Based on where you find yourself right now and what has just happened or has happened in the past, you feel that God doesn't love you. You feel that He has abandoned you. You feel that life is not worth living. You feel isolated and alone. When circumstances leave you with feelings like these, be careful in what direction you choose to go. It could be disastrous.<br /><br />The only true and never- failing way to really know God's will is to know His Word. It is clearer than most people would want to admit. When people say the Bible is too hard to read, they really mean that they don't like to read it or don't want to read it. The many versions of the Bible average out to about a sixth grade reading ability. Wow! What excuse do you come up with too often to not read His Word? To know His Word is to know His will. His Word will destroy lies. God has and will always love you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Your life is precious to God. His exceeding great and precious promises will always blow away the lies that the enemy of your soul tries to destroy you with.<br /><br />Friends, one final word. Doing God's will is not like going to a grocery store. You know: like going down the aisles of The God's Will Store. Oh, blessings -- yes, I take some of that. Prosperity -- yup, I really want a lots of that. Grace -- oh, can't have enough of that. What's that there, sacrifice -- no, I'll pass. Suffering -- no, thanks. Generous giving -- don't need that right now.<br /><br />Get the picture. Up North Wisdom says we have two choices: doing or not doing God's will. It's all or nothing. It's not ours to pick and choose. Make a commitment today. "Lord, with Your help, I am going all the way with you. I will read Your Word and I will live by Your Word. I choose everything you have for me. Thank You for forgiving me, Lord, when I fail and go my own way. I will not go back. The World behind me and the Cross before me -- no turning back, no turning back." Amen.Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-55646435022893318542011-04-14T09:02:00.001-07:002011-04-14T09:21:40.493-07:00Post ItI write a lot of notes to myself. It's the only way I will remember to do certain things --or to not do certain things. And I post those notes in the places that I have to see them. I understand one can post notes on their computers as well. I don't -- at least not yet. :)<br /><br />My mother wrote notes to herself and put them in places where she would be prone to see them. We found some of them after she went to heaven. They were notes to remind her to do or not do certain things. Things like: "Don't get bitter when things don't turn out the way I want them to." "Be easy to be around." "Develop a sweet spirit as I get older." "Don't be a complainer." "Be an encourager." You get the picture?<br /><br />The Psalmist prayed that his words, thoughts and spirit would be acceptable to God. Are yours? Are mine? Maybe we need to write more notes to ourselves. How do people see you? How do you see yourself? What changes do you want and need to make in the way you talk, act and think? If you ask God, believe me He will show you very clearly just what those areas are.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says "take a chance." Listen to how God speaks to you about these and other areas of your life that both you and He want to change. Write many notes to yourself and post them in obvious places where you have to look at them many times throughout the day. As one wise former pastor who is now in heaven used to say often: "It's not how you start that really matters the most, but how you finish that really counts." I want to finish well, don't you? Get those posty-notes ready, friends. The Best Is Yet To Come!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-79706935214248103242011-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T09:25:54.777-07:00Listen and Respond"I just wish God would speak to me about this matter." "I wish I could hear clearly from God." Have you ever said or thought those things? I think we all have. What keeps us (me) from hearing? Maybe the question is : why should God speak clearly to us if He knows we won't respond?<br /><br />There are many areas where God is speaking clearly to the church and yet waits for a proper response and a proper response will take us far out of our comfort zones. We live in such a me first society. It would be hard to believe that any one would doubt that by just watching and listening to what is going on around them.<br /><br />A huge change that God wants to take place in our lives when we become a believer is to change us from me first to others first. If life has to be always about me, then we have missed something and continue to miss one of the great essentials of the Christian Faith.<br /><br />Ask God (if you dare) to reveal what areas of comfort that He wants to move you from and what will that look like in your life. How will you know? Easy.<br /><br />Read and respond to God's Word.<br />Listen to the people who love and care for you.<br />Listen to your pastors on Sunday mornings and the times you need to be speaking to them.<br />Be open to being made very uncomfortable.<br /><br />I know so many are not happy or content in their life's journey. Stop getting so angry and bitter about life's circumstances. Can you hear that? Repent. Do it now. Forgive others (and yourself) and then receive God's forgiveness. Up North Wisdom says understand the times. We are moving at breakneck speed towards the final hours. We don't have time to indulge ourselves in selfishness, self-pity, self-anything. God, others and me in that order may make you uncomfortable but it will bring you fulfillment that no other way can.<br /><br />Open yourself up to that truth. Listen and respond (and join the uncomfortable club). Do it for the sake of God's Kingdom. You will learn to love it. And remember: The Best Is Yet To Come!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-78482205690312927392011-03-15T10:22:00.000-07:002011-03-15T10:49:34.222-07:00Remove Those CataractsTwo verses from God's Word: from Isaiah 6, it says "be ever hearing but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. The people have closed their eyes so they cannot see". And from Matthew 13 where it says: "for they look, but they don't really see".<br /><br />Tomorrow, I will have the second of two cataracts removed at the hospital. My vision had started to become blurry and it was not only irritating, but also limiting in my ability see they way I needed to. So even though I didn't look forward to having it done, I am really happy with results of the first cataract surgery and am looking forward to the second one being done tomorrow. I could immediately see the positive results from my right eye and I have no doubt I will have the same results from the left eye. Praise be to God!<br /><br />It's amazing what can be done in that area of medicine. What was a long, arduous, and somewhat dangerous surgery with a very long hospital stay and a long recuperation at home has become an in and out in a few hours and back to work the next day. Wow! I was and am impressed and am glad that I live in our time.<br /><br />I was reminded of these verses from scripture that warns us to not be "blind" spiritually when it comes to understanding what God is trying to show us in our lives -- both those things that God wants us to "see" that need to be changed and those things that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">satan</span> doesn't want us to "see" that makes us effective for the work of His Kingdom.<br /><br />The key, my friends, is clearly God's Word. There are tons of books written and programs shown that tell us how to become effective in 7 easy steps, so to speak. How to lose weight, how to gain friends, how to break habits, how to make money, and how to influence people, etc. Don't waste much valuable time but instead keep your main focus on the Word. God doesn't hide His will and His plans for us. As one wise writer said: "it isn't the parts of the Bible that I don't understand that trip me up, but it's those parts that I understand all too well and won't apply (see).<br /><br />Jesus said to His followers, "blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.: Up North Wisdom says if you need enlightenment for your life, then "hear" the truth from the Psalmist when he said concerning God's Word: "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Get rid of those spiritual cataracts and see clearly in this day that we live. God's Word, now more than ever. See and hear: The Best Is Yet To Come!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-41535185542878074352011-02-21T14:01:00.000-08:002011-02-28T07:18:25.115-08:00PeacemakersThe Word of God says, "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Notice that it doesn't say, Blessed are the peace keepers. The United Nations is often called upon to be peace keepers around the world and it never seems to work. There was a reason why the gun named to help tame the wild west was call a "peace maker" -- if you catch the meaning. :)<br /><br />I have watched with interest the events unfolding the last several days in Madison and cities around the state. There are thousands of people protesting the Governor's proposed "budget repair" bill. I was a teacher for 10 years and three of those years I was the chief negotiator for the teacher's union. Now I am just a tax payer who wants his taxes to be used wisely. So whose side do I take in this issue?<br /><br />Neither one. What would the person be called who could come up with a peaceable solution that both sides would accept even though not entirely happy with that solution? Amazing? Incredible? A genius? etc? I am not sure but there is one thing I am sure of. Christians are to be peacemakers. A word of wisdom, a word of knowledge, a word of Peace. Are you a person who brings peace into troubled situations. Are you a person who helps calm stormy seas, so to speak, or are you one of those who stir things up and adds "fuel to the fire" in situations of conflict.<br /><br />Pastor Jim used to quote often, "A soft answer turns away anger". Wow, friends that is so true. The Bible says we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. How about praying for peace in our government. How about praying for Godly wisdom to prevail. How about praying for God to use you to bring a word of reason in unreasonable situations. How about praying to be an instrument of peace. How about just praying, then praying, then praying.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says we need to believe that God knows what is going on around this state, as well as around the world, as well in my heart, mind and life. Let's release His power to do what no other power can do. A calm voice, a calm and gentle spirit; Don't be anxious about anything, but ...... Oh yea! I remember that. And: Blessed are the Peace makers. Amen!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-54113559209824999732010-12-31T10:32:00.001-08:002010-12-31T10:59:19.132-08:00WOW!!In a daily devotional, Sara Young presents an intimate conversation with God, where He invites her, and the readers of the devotional, to come closer and experience the peace of His presence. Here is the word for her, you and me as this year draws to a close:<br /><br />"As this year draws to a a close, receive My Peace. This is still your deepest need, and I, your Prince of Peace, long to pour Myself into your neediness. My abundance and your emptiness are a perfect match. I designed you to have no sufficiency of your own."<br /><br />Wow! What a powerful word as we enter this new year. "no sufficiency of your own". What a contrast to my ego, my pride, my "self-sufficiency". I read the words from Philippians that says, "I can do all things through Christ..........." My actions say I often stop at: "I can do all things."<br /><br />I want to have the attitude of Ruth and Mary in the scriptures where they say, in essence: "who am I that You would redeem me, that You would show such favor, that You would consider me someone who could be used for Your Kingdom purposes?"<br /><br />I know what God is calling me to do in this upcoming year, and I don't like it but I receive it. It sounds like what He was calling me to do in the year just completed. And the one before that and the one before that and ........................... You get the picture.<br /><br />Humility -- discipline -- fasting and prayer -- accountability -- patience ........... You also get that picture, don't you? Up North Wisdom says it isn't that difficult (to understand). But it is not easy to put into practice. Whoever said it was? The way of the cross? My flesh says no. My spirit says it's the only way -- to anything worthwhile. To peace -- to joy -- to satisfaction -- to acceptance -- .................And you get that picture as well, don't you.<br /><br />And like Sara Young, I end the year saying to the Lord: "Thank You for Your Peaceful Presence, regardless of my feelings." Amen. For 2011, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-62090383695686655002010-12-24T06:59:00.000-08:002010-12-24T07:14:58.275-08:00It's Not About MeChristmas should remind us if nothing else does, that this life is not about us, even if we try so hard to make it so. If we are Christians, then even the church is not about us. The church is about reaching out to those who do not know, who do not believe that their only hope and salvation is in Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Are you making life all about you? You will never be content or at peace if you do. Jesus came into this world because of you (every "you" out there). If your life revolves around you, then you will always be seeking, searching and trying to do what is impossible to do: that is, find satisfaction from what you do and from what you achieve. We have nothing to offer Christ except the only thing He wants -- our life committed to Him. Our talents means nothing in light of all that Christ gives to any who ask.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says stop trying so hard to be appreciated, valued, accepted in what you do instead of in who you are. The theme of our Mega For Kids says: God created you, God loves you, and God has a plan for your life. Rest in that and quit trying in your own power to make God (and others) love you more. We serve because we are loved.<br /><br />Thank you, God for sending Jesus Christ to make real life possible. You came to give us LIFE and to give it to the very fullest. Wow!<br /><br />MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-6747180567687748052010-12-01T14:16:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:51:36.806-08:00The Greatest ComplimentAt a recent staff meeting, I asked my associate pastors what would be the greatest compliment that someone could give them. After hearing some excellent feedback, I told them that I heard my sister say of a person some years ago, "That person was the best listener I have ever talked to."<br /><br />If relationships are at all important to us, then it is critical that we be good listeners. Are you? Am I? Someone said that good leaders are good listeners and great leaders are great listeners. The Bible says in James chapter one that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Good counsel -- too bad we all don't heed it better.<br /><br />I like to talk to God; and to my wife; and to my kids and grandkids. Do I like to listen to them as well. God wants my attention and so does my wife and the other important people in my life. Stephen Covey in "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" puts it this way: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Wow! Did you get that?<br /><br />I guess we need to be less concerned with whether people hear and understand us than we are with whether we hear and understand them. We need to listen more and talk less. I think since God created us with two ears and one mouth, it should tell us something.<br /><br />Here are some barriers that keep us from being effective listeners: (They are not original by any means.) No. 1 being preoccupied and not listening. Parents do this a lot with their kids. God forgive me for all the many times I tuned my kids out thinking it wasn't as important as my immediate preoccupation. No 2 Being so interested in what I have to say that I listen mainly to find an opening to get the floor. No 3 Formulating and listening to my own rebuttal to what the speaker is saying.<br /><br />No 4 Listening to my own personal beliefs about what is being said. No 5 Evaluating and making judgments about the speaker or the message. And finally No 6 Not asking for clarification when you know that you do not understand.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says that I need to follow my own teachings that I gave regularly to the teens when I was the Youth Pastor. That is: to listen up, lighten up and shut up. Their language. You get the message. And so do I. And when it comes to our relationship with God, let's be like young Samuel when he said, "Speak Lord; your servant is listening." Blessings!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-44192172173831092632010-11-09T17:32:00.000-08:002010-11-09T18:04:38.939-08:00Flattery vs. ComplimentsFlattery: "a deception of others and ones self" "insincere and excessive compliments for personal advantage"<br /><br />Another title for this blog could be: selfishness vs. selflessness. That is because flattery is always about the flatterer and compliments are about the "other" person. I read where a well-known widow at a big reception asked a young man to guess her age. "You must have some idea" she said as he hesitated. "I have several ideas," he admitted with a smile. "The trouble is that I hesitate whether to make it ten years younger on account of your looks, or ten years older on account of your intelligence."<br /><br />Giving sincere compliments is a powerful tool for creating and building relationships. Flattery destroys them. Praise rightfully earned helps develop the self-esteem of those we care about. Insincere flattery (which may be an oxymoron since flattery is by definition insincere) makes us feel less worthwhile, makes us feel hurt and used and less trusting of the flatterer. The flattery may for a short time make one feel good but ultimately it will make that same person feel empty and used. The Bible is full of verses warning against falling into the trap of either giving or receiving flattery.<br /><br />It is important to understand that a flatterer depends on giving compliments for his own personal gain when he doesn't usually believe the compliment itself. Every one likes a sincere compliment. However people with a low self-confidence can be susceptible to the flatterer. Ironically a person who attempts to flatter a person, thinking that his flattery will work, really shows how little he thinks of that person.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says we should and must be more complimentary of others. Use the gift of encouragement. Sometimes out of fear that our compliments may be mistaken for flattery, we often neglect to build others up and to give deserving compliments and encouragement. Motive is the difference between flattery and a sincere compliment. One is intended to encourage and give credit where credit is due, the other is self-serving. Avoid being manipulated by flattery and being a flatterer. Flattery is a lie. The Bible calls it sin and so should we.Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-57420152583924479972010-10-22T12:18:00.001-07:002010-10-22T13:00:50.394-07:00TensionTension: " The act of stretching something tight" -- "the feeling of uncertainty and interest about the outcome of certain actions" -- a balanced relation between opposing (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">different</span>) elements" -- "the interplay of conflicting elements that make up an effective piece of literature and esp. a poem".<br /><br />OK, what's the point? Just this: we tend to think of tension as something negative; something to be avoided at all costs such as a "tension" headache or an emotional (mental) strain. I want to propose that tension can be very good in helping us be more effective in relationships as well as in ministry. Because it can tend to make us somewhat uncomfortable, we generally want to avoid tension but I think we should learn to embrace it.<br /><br />An effective musical instrument with strings needs to have proper tension to sound good. Too much and it can break; too little and you get nothing. In my relationship with my wife, tension between ideas, thoughts and feelings can make me uncomfortable but it can produce power and intimacy that otherwise wouldn't be there. It's like the place where two powerful rivers come together: There are strong, sometimes dangerous currents, whirlpools that look bad, and rapids that can leave you breathless. But downstream a ways, the river is stronger, wider, deeper and much more effective that either river was on its own.<br /><br />It can be that way in ministry when people are working together: Thought against thought, idea against idea, feeling against feeling. You know -- tension. But when you put together the conflicting elements and have some patience, what comes out of it is like a beautiful piece of literature. And it ministers to so many.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says that if I love and appreciate the person I live with, the person I have relationship with, the person that I minister with, then I will give way when it is needed, speak up when it is needed and press forward. I will not give in, give out or give up even when I am really tempted to. Begin to see tension as a positive force in building something really good in your relationships and your ministry. God will give wisdom to know when the tension is too great (and in danger of breaking) or when the tension is too loose and nothing happens -- no growth, no building, no progress and no intimacy.<br /><br />Take a chance and see what God will do when you turn over your fears and doubts to Him. When you understand and embrace Godly tension, you will really believe that: The Best Is Yet To Come! Blessings!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958684909357593675.post-73164731603222021342010-09-28T11:48:00.000-07:002010-09-29T06:55:06.512-07:00Who Are We?I normally wouldn't comment about a football game but after the very disappointing Packer loss to the Bears, I heard some things from the players that really got my attention. The team played very poorly in many regards and made so many mistakes (penalties) that contributed to the defeat. Some of the comments of the players went like this: "We didn't execute" (meaning "we were awful") -- "We're a smarter team than that" (no actually they're not; they were like they played) -- "That's not the way we play" (yes, actually, that's exactly how they played). Most excuses for bad play were just that, excuses.<br /><br />Living Hope Church founding pastor, the late Jim Erickson, used to say this: when you get older, you will just be more of what you were when you were younger -- unless you make the decision not to be like that. In other words, if you are an angry person growing up, you will be a more angry person as you get older. If you are a bitter person, (unforgiving, unfeeling, uncaring, etc. -- you get the point) you will be more bitter, unforgiving, etc. as you get older. That is, unless you are honest about who you are and decide you want to change and be better as you get older instead of being bitter.<br /><br />The point is this: do I really want to change? Do I want to grow and be more effective in my Christian walk than I am right now? Anyone can change if they really want to and understand the need to. The scripture says "I can do all things (make any good changes in my life) through<br />Christ who gives me the strength to do it" Phil. 4:13 <br /><br />Do you want to be more of what you are right now as you get older? Or is Christ (maybe through the people He puts into your life who are trying to speak to you but you aren't listening) telling you to put off those old, unproductive, damaging ways of thinking, talking, and acting and with His help to put on a new way.<br /><br />Up North Wisdom says change is never easy. But if I see the need and value of making good changes, I understand that Christ will give all the help I need. I hope the Packers make some changes that will help them be more effective in their game, but even more importantly, will you and I decide that enough is enough and begin to put the past behind us? With His help, the best is yet to come. Believe it, Confess it and claim it for Jesus sake and His Kingdom and certainly for your good. Amen!Pastor Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08694350014032414973noreply@blogger.com7