Pastor's Blog
Transitioning from Summer to Autumn
Written by Dennis Whitter Tuesday, 28 June 2011 08:22
The Summer season is about to end. Many of us are looking forward to the fall colors in nature, football, hunting seasons, and even back-to-school! The changing of the seasons always brings with us the demand to leave some things behind (like outdoor swimming, sun bathing, gardening and other hot-weather delights).
Also during the seasonal transition, we brace ourselves what what we know is only weeks away. In the case of our current adjustment, we may have some uncomfortable things in our foresight, for example: chilly weather, snow, elevated heating fuel costs, and similar concerns.
Just as in our physical lives, we are accustomed to seasonal challenges, gains and losses, we find ourselves facing change in the spiritual dimension.
As we mature in the Lord, we are expected by Him to continue "growing up". He asks us to lay aside "childish" ways. We are to cease being children and move on to adulthood and all that entails. The insignificant things of life are to fall away from us as we learn to discern the difference between that which is temporary and that which will have eternal impact.
I happen to enjoy lists. I like reading them and I like making them. At times, I have listed the things in my life with which I should be finished. These are things which, if lost, will not cause deep or important injury. So, I discard old shoes, irrelevant papers, unused garage items and broken trophies. The tossing of the old, useless items makes place for more important things which will have value and will assist me in my life.
In spiritual terms, I also need - from time to time - to jettison some cargo which may have at one time been important or "vital" in my life. The abandonment of those now-useless items or practices helps me prepare my heart for more of what the Lord has planned to introduce into my life.
This is a scary proposition, but an exciting one. For the next several days, I plan to allow the Lord to help me adjust, correct, remove, and replace parts of the contents of my spiritual "house". With His help, the next season of my life will be a great improvement over the present one. I move forward with confidence in Him.
Blogging . . . by Pastor Dennis Whitter
Written by Dennis Whitter Thursday, 16 June 2011 00:23
This weekend will be highlighted by Father's Day on Sunday, June 19. On Saturday morning, June 18, we will be having a breakfast for Dads and their kids (and grandkds). We are excited about getting the people together to honor God by honoring the Fathers in our lives. We'd love to have you join us for breakfast and fellowship.
We're going to have a very nice, entertaining visitor who the kids will really like. We'll also be giving some great door prizes!
If you need more information, you can call the church number at 952 884 0594.
There will be no charge for the dinner, but an opportunity will be given to make donations to offset the cost of food.
Please, come and join us at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday the 18th (at the church)!
Reflections from a Garage Sale
Written by Dennis Whitter Monday, 13 June 2011 12:58
Despite occaisional teasing from my friends, I sometimes enjoy going to yard sales, garage sales, and even church rummage sales. Most of the time, I try to buy something from the people who are trying to transform some of their no-longer-needed posessions into some spending cash. It is at times, very interesting to see the items with which people are willing - and frequently, eager - to part.
Earlier this month, my daughter and I stopped by a few sales in the Bloomington area. Among the many objects which could be purchased for a very small fraction of their original cost, I noticed that a number of the sales featured trophies. They were the sort of awards which are given for bowling, and golf, and little league baseball. I found it interesting that more than a few of the families who were "clearing out" their garages, attics, and basements had placed their used trophies on display - and for sale.
On the day I'm describing, I noticed a few things in particular about the trophies. The trophies were aged, they were cheap, and they were not "selling". Without a doubt, the people who had won those formerly shiny statues had worked very hard to earn them. In most cases, I would assume there had been a great investment of (in the words of Winston Churchill), "blood, sweat and tears" so that the recipients of the trophy might gain the privilege of displaying the prize on a living room shelf, or an office desk. But, those used trophies are not the kind of thing which most people which to buy - or to use. I suppose we feel somewhat sorry for the sort of people who would buy - and display - a used trophy. So, the trophies stayed where they were not hot items on that day.
The purpose of the display at the sales was different on this day. The owners (or relatives of the owners) of these symbols of a past victory or achievement were doing their best to dispose of them. What had once been worthy of applause and admiration; that which had come at a terrific costs were now - literally - one stage away from being trashed by the once-proud winners.
As we were leaving the last of the sales, I noticed a lone racquetball trophy which stood amid other seemingly worthless items in a rain-damaged cardboard box. The older couple who was hosting the sale had placed the items at the end of the driveway - next to the trash can. Someone had scribbled on the outside of the box the word: "free". For just a moment, I paused, wondering where the person was who had conquered his opponents and had taken home such a nice souvenir of the competition.
In a very brief moment of reflection, I asked myself: "Dennis, are you knocking yourself out to win or achieve something which will have no lasting significance?"
I was reminded that Jesus told us: "Do not lay up your treasures on earth . . . but, lay up your treasures in heaven . . . "
Today, I ask myself - and you: "What are we working hard to achieve which will have no impact on eternity?" Over the recent days, I've spent more than a little time reflecting on this question.
By the way, I'll probably hit a few more sales this weekend - if I can find someone to ride with me. God bless you.
Easter
Thursday, 21 April 2011 12:28
The weekend of Easter (or, Resurrection Day) is in many ways the most wonderful and event-packed weeks of the entire calendar year. During the course of just a few days, Christians will recognize and commemorate the final days of Jesus' life on earth, as well as His arrest, torture, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection!
Let's all take some time each day to reflect on the events of Christ's life and death which changed all history. May your Resurrection Week be a time of enlightenment, revelation and inspiration!