How “Super” Was Your Super Bowl?

I relented today and watched the Super Bowl with my husband. Normally, I’m not that interested in football if the Steelers aren’t playing (my hometown team—Go Steelers! Well, maybe next year), but this was a good game. And the commercials, well, I suppose some of them were pretty good.

What did you do on Sunday evening? Who were you rooting for? I know a few people who are disappointed because they are Peyton Manning fans. Sorry, Marge! And I know a whole lot of people who are excited because they are Saints fans.

In the game of football, or any other sport, there is always a winner and a loser. That’s just the way things work. During the regular season there are many who play, but only one team can win the Super Bowl.

Each of us wants to be the winner of the race. We want to get the prize, to wear the laurel wreath, to wear the gold Olympic medal. Some of us will try to work out. And a small few will actually work hard enough to actually win. The apostle Paul recognized this when he compared the Christian life to a race. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

The difference in the Christian life, however, is that the race doesn’t have just one winner, but many. Just like the Saints, those who work together, who live the Christian life, who persevere in faith will find themselves holding the prize one day, along with all of our brothers and sisters in faith, as a part of the Bride of Christ. What is this race we are running? And whom are we competing against?

Unlike the game of football, when you know all of the players on the field, in this race the competitors are more obscure. They come at us from many different areas of life and work to trip us up, to keep us from winning the prize, that is, to be found faithful by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

My first competitor is my own fleshly wants and desires, what Paul called the “sinful nature.” Each newborn child is self-centered, concerned about what he or she needs: food, comfort (clean diapers), shelter (a nice warm blanket). As the child grows that self-centeredness grows, simply because the child cannot fathom the world beyond himself yet. We expect children to act that way; it is normal. When we grow up, however, we are supposed to grow past that self-will and selfishness, but most of us just struggle.

How can I overcome this nature that conflicts within me? Paul continues, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (vv 25-27).

I’m not suggesting self-flagellation (beating yourself), and I don’t think Paul was either. But he was talking about exercising discipline in our individual lives, learning how to resist temptation and self-will. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5). What does the Spirit desire? We can only know the Spirit’s desires by knowing the Spirit of God, by spending time in the Word of God, and by letting the Spirit lead and guide us.

A second competitor in our race to eternity is the riches of the world and its influence upon us. Watching the Super Bowl, we saw multiple commercials that cost millions of dollars, just to sell us a car, a sandwich, a soda, etc. It is called business. The purpose of business is to sell things and to make money. Unfortunately, the money that we make often becomes more important to us than our families, our selves, and even our faith.

Solomon tells us, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). We find ourselves seeking more and more and being satisfied with nothing. It isn’t the money that is evil, but the “love of money” as Jesus said.

To pass this competitor and avoid its tackles and traps, we must put possessions and wealth in their place, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31-34). Should we work? Of course! Should we save money? Why not? But when we save our money to the exclusion of supporting the church and/or providing for the poor and needy among us, we are loving money more than God.

While there are other competitors in this race, overcoming these two will go a long way toward getting us to the finish line victorious. Disciplining our minds and our desires, our thoughts and our wants, will help us see the truth of eternity, that today is just a blip on the radar compared to the overwhelming joy we will experience as we stand at the finish line and hear our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).

Blessings,

Mary Kay Glunt, Pastor
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

WHAT GOES AROUND . . . .

When I was having trouble with someone on the playground or at school, my mother used to tell me, “Don’t worry, Mary Kay. What goes around comes around.” Mothers have a lot of wisdom that we don’t necessarily recognize until we are older. I have to admit that I never really knew what she was talking about back then!

Like a model train under the tree, the things we do and say have a way of returning to us, and not always as we would expect. Like many common “wisdom sayings,” the Bible supports the validity of this “boomerang” effect, in both welcome and unwelcome situations.

The Way We Look at Others

Because we don’t all live according to 1 Corinthians 13 (the “love” passage), we might find ourselves being proud, or envious, or angry with those around us. It is unfortunate when we take those bad attitudes and “put feet on ‘em” with our words and actions.

Cliques and splinter groups are nothing new in the church. They have existed for centuries. If you think about it, these problems go all the way back to Cain and Abel, who each had their own way of doing things, but Cain took his anger and envy too far and slew his brother, Abel. Cain’s anger and hatred of his brother resulted in Abel’s death. The “train” returned to Cain when God judged him, as he had judged his brother, and marked him so all people would know what Cain had done.

Paul told the believers in Galatia, “If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:15). The things we say are more than mere words. They can take a life of their own. Negative, judgmental comments injure feelings, splinter relationships, and can destroy lives, and they will affect us as well.

Remember the story of Megan Meiers, who committed suicide because she was taunted on the internet? The mother of a former friend invented a fake identity of a young man, who contacted Megan and built a relationship, then turned on her, calling her names and saying “the world would be a better place without you.” Not-yet-fourteen-year-old Megan ran up to her room and took her own life.

Our words have power to build up and to tear down, to support and to destroy. The comments we make about others will come back to us, for good or bad, as we have sent them out into the air. Bullies tend to think they will always be on top; however, as Paul says, we could be consumed by one another. What we give away will come back to us eventually.

Jesus taught that “in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). Friends, our words and attitudes affect not only those around us, but they affect us, as well.

In the economy of God, what we give away comes back to us, for good or evil. If we treat others with love, kindness, and compassion, we ourselves will receive the same from others and from God. However, if we spend our days and nights judging, criticizing, and treating others harshly, we will receive the same from others around us.

More importantly, the way we talk, think, and act affects not only our relationships with others, but the people we will become. Consider your daily thoughts. Tally how many of your thoughts are positive and uplifting, and how many are critical and judgmental. Whichever you entertain most, this is the type of person you will become. Our thoughts, words, and actions come back on us from the outside (other people) and the inside (changes to ourselves).

What to do? How can I gauge my lifestyle so that what comes around is beneficial? “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). The Golden Rule is still true today. Because I belong to Christ, I need to treat others with respect, love, and forgiveness, even when they don’t deserve or want it.

When we live according to the Golden Rule, the “comes around” that we receive may not always come from that person, but it will come from God. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). And in the process, we will be changed more and more into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. As James said, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right” (James 2:8).

Care for others and you are caring for yourself. Treat others with respect, and you will learn to respect yourself. Show love to others, and you can’t help but love yourself. And just think how that will affect this crazy world in which we live. It can’t help but make our world a better place in which to live while we wait for our Savior’s return!

Blessings,

Mary Kay Glunt, Pastor
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

I’ve been thinking about church membership and what it means. I guess if you are attending a large church, membership might not be as important, but in a small church, it is an important topic. Just what is church membership all about? Thought I’d share a few ideas this week.

First of all, I’d like to share some of “rights” you have as a member of a church.

1. Since I am a member of this church, I have the right to claim my own pew. Don’t anybody dare sit in my pew without an invitation!

2. When the church gets new carpeting, the members have a vote on the color. It’s my right to fight for the color blue, and I will, because I know I’m right!

3. The pastor needs to visit my third cousin, twice removed, right away, even though he belongs to another church and really doesn’t want a visit. I’m a member, and the pastor needs to take care of my family.

4. Member of the church? My grandparents were charter members. They started this church, so I think I have as much right to say how things go as anyone.

5. Do I have a relationship with Jesus? Well, I’m a member of the church, isn’t that enough?

These were a bit ridiculous, I know. Whatever your belief about the rights of church members (and I hope I didn’t step on any toes above), the Bible has a lot to say about the privileges of membership in the Church.

1. The Bible gives Church members the privilege of forgiving others. “For if you forgive [others] when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). It is a privilege to be able to restore someone else, to be able to make a difference in the life of someone, even if they have sinned against you. By exercising that privilege, we not only restore their dignity and ability to start over, but we also build in ourselves the attitude of Christ, who came to earth to purchase forgiveness for us.

2. The Bible gives members of the Church the privilege of contributing their individual gifts for the good of the gospel and others. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8). We are given gifts, skills, and talents by God. Church membership gives us the opportunity to use those gifts to make a difference in our world.

3. The Bible gives Church members the privilege of putting aside our own wants to serve others. “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). Exercising the privilege of service changes us, it makes us more in tune with the needs of others and helps us appreciate what we have received. By giving up one soda or cappuccino today, I can contribute another dollar to the food bank, to a missionary’s support account, or to a disaster such as in Haiti.

4. The Bible gives members of the Church the privilege of receiving forgiveness. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23,24). Being a part of the Church gives us the privilege of being forgiven, first by God, and also by God’s people, that is, other by “members” of the Church (See Number 1 above.)

5. The Bible gives Church members the privilege of being peacemakers. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17,18). The presence of God’s Spirit in our lives gives us the option of being the kind of people who bring peace to the world around us, starting in our homes and radiating out to our communities and farther. With the help of the Spirit, we can plant seeds of peace, even if we don’t see the fruit of that planting ourselves.

6. The Bible gives members of the Church the privilege of growing in faith and mercy. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). We are not just a part of some social group or country club, but rather an integral part of God’s family. That identity alone identifies us as those who are being changed, transformed, renewed, constantly growing into the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Did you wonder why the word “church” was capitalized all the way through these items? Because I am not talking about your local church or mine, but about the Body of Christ, the universal church, which you cannot join by signing a piece of paper, or making a offering, or stating your allegiance. The only way to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is to believe in the One who exemplified these privileges and showed us the way to live, by receiving forgiveness for our sins because of His sacrifice. Forgiven? Show your membership in the Church today by exercising your privileges!

Blessings!

Mary Kay Glunt
Pastor, Ebenezer Presbyterian Church
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Walking Through the Fog

It was great to be back at Ebenezer today—no ice or snow! We had an enjoyable service of worship and fellowship. Our current lesson on the study of the Apostle’s Creed: Between the Cross and the Resurrection, or “Where did Jesus go after his death and before he rose from the dead?” Join us at 10 a.m. next Sunday to find out!

Although the roads were clear Sunday morning, the air space was less than clear! Fog limited my vision as I drove up to Greenfield, often times making me slow way down. And I suppose that wasn’t necessarily such a bad thing!

Nevertheless, the lack of visibility made me think about other times in my life when my visibility has been limited, not necessary physically, but mentally and spiritually. I remember being a teenager and not being able to see beyond the immediate crises of relationships and cliques, not realizing that in just a short time everything would change.

Another time of limited visibility was when Donald and I started dating. I kind of thought he liked me, but I really wasn’t sure, and I definitely wasn’t patient enough to wait to find out. Twice I caught myself walking in my sleep because I was so nervous about where our relationship would go. I couldn’t see past my fears and hopes for my future to really enjoy the times as they were. Looking back, we have been married 25 years, so I guess I didn’t really need to worry so much.

I guess the problem with fog in our lives is that if we can’t see through it, we get frustrated and assume there is nothing on the other side. Because we can’t see it, it must not be there. However, that attitude is the antithesis of faith.

Hebrews claims that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (11:1). Faith in God is belief in a Being who is higher than us, stronger than us, wiser than us, more loving than us, and yet who cares for us. You can explain the evidences of God in your life, but to accept it I need faith.

The Bible is replete with examples of those who failed to see beyond the fog of circumstances in their lives. One of my favorite examples is that of Peter. The first person to declare that Jesus was truly the Messiah, Peter, had his own ideas about Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus started to teach them about his coming sacrifice, “Peter took [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’” While his intentions were good, Peter could not see beyond the fog of his presuppositions about the Messiah. Jesus replied, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:21-23).

What is causing the fog in your life these days? Is it unanswered prayer? Something you don’t understand? Perhaps the fog you are trying to see through is an illness or financial struggles. Take a cue from good driving practices in fog to help get through the fog in your life.

1. Slow down. Since you can’t see very far ahead of you, it is important to leave room between yourself and the vehicles that may be ahead. So with life, it is important to slow down and give yourself time to react to the occurrences that come your way. Leave space for reacting and adjusting.

2. Turn off your radio and listen for the cars around you, especially when you are making a turn. Use all of your senses to negotiate the fog and stay on the road. In life, eliminate distractions, taking time for prayer and listening for the still, silent voice of the Spirit to lead you on.

3. Watch your speedometer. Studies show that the longer a driver is in the fog, the faster he or she drives. In life, the Bible is our speedometer, our guidebook, our owner’s manual, and God is the owner! Spending time learning and meditating on God’s Word will keep you from speeding too fast through the fog in your life, allowing you time to become what God has planned for you to be.

4. Signal to others to let them know you are there; otherwise, a driver behind you may not see you in time. And if you need to pull off the road, pull over all the way and put on your flashers so they can know you are there. Sometimes the fog is so thick that we feel as if we cannot continue. “Pull over” and take a few moments to let some of the fog pass. Paul tells us to carry each other’s burdens. Be sure to signal so your brothers and sisters in Christ can see that you need help. Let your family minister to you and help you through times of limited visibility.

The analogy isn’t perfect, but it makes an important point. Fog is inevitable, just as snow, rain, and other impediments. But we can make it through times of limited visibility in our lives by relying on the One who can see through the fog, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Mary Kay Glunt, Pastor
Ebenezer Presbyterian, Greenfield
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

When Words Give Strength

Ebenezer Presbyterian wishes to express our condolences on the passing of Dr. Troy Morgan to his family and to the congregations of Golden City and Lockwood Presbyterian churches, whom he served as their pastor. I have worked alongside Dr. Troy and have always appreciated his commitment to faith and his sense of humor. He will be missed.

On the Christian calendar, this Sunday celebrated the baptism of Jesus. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, meaning that those who submitted to it were testifying of their desire to repent. They had heard John’s call to put God in first place. However, Jesus had nothing of which to repent, hence, John’s reluctance. At first, John refused, but when Jesus insisted, John relented. However, unlike all the others who had been baptized, something different occurred when Jesus came up out of the water.

I’ve often wondered why it was necessary for Jesus to be baptized. Maybe it was a witness to John, so he would recognize his cousin Jesus as the Messiah for whom he prepared the way. Perhaps it was meant to show those seeking God’s will that Jesus was the “Way.” In any case, there is one part of this experience, as recorded in Luke 3, that struck me today: God’s response.

Reading my e-mail today, I found a story about a math teacher who had her students write one positive comment about every other student in the class. After receiving their classmates’ thoughts, the students carried around those affirmations from their peers for many years. Positive comments can strengthen us, just as negative words tear us down. The end of that e-mail insisted that we not wait to tell others how we feel, that we tell others what we appreciate, what we love, what is special about them.

One of the most essential affirmations a child can receive is from his or her parents, especially the father. The opinion of the father will go a long way toward lifting up or tearing down a child’s, especially a daughter’s, self-esteem. God models this truth for us in Jesus’ baptism when He affirms Jesus, expressing His love for and approval of His only Son, Jesus.

Luke reports that after Jesus was baptized, “the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (Luke 3:22). In that sentence, we sense the connection between God and Jesus. In front of many, as a testimony to John, God empowers and speaks words that lift up and encourage His Son.

“How does that apply to my life?” you might ask.

First, in God’s affirmation of love for and approval of Jesus, we can recognize God’s love for and approval of us, not because of what we have done right, but because of who Jesus is within us. When we experience salvation, Christ’s righteousness—His lack of sin—is imputed, or given to us. We are no longer seen by our own promises or faults, but by the lack of fault found in Jesus Christ.

Paul tells us, in Roman 8:15-17:
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Today, if you are in Christ, you are God’s child, and because of Christ, God says to you today, “You are my son. You are my daughter. In you I am well pleased.”

Second, God’s response in Jesus baptism is an example for us, how we can show the love of Christ to others. Throughout the Bible God speaks to His people with words of affirmation and love. While it is also true that God speaks words of judgment to them, God’s end purpose is always the lifting up of the people back to a right relationship, not to tear them down.

Matthew records Jesus’ words: “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (5:46-48). How can we be “perfect”? One way is by loving those with whom we come in contact, by loving others even when they are not our friends or the people we would ordinarily choose to love.

We can love our friends and enemies by using our words to build them up and not to tear them down. Like the students in the story mentioned earlier, you have the opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life, not just for today, but for years to come, by the words you use to speak to them.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to tell someone how you feel. Let them know that you love them and God loves them. And if the person doesn’t know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, be sure to tell them just how much Jesus loved them, so much that He gave His life.

Blessings!

Mary Kay Glunt, Pastor
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Before You Pack Up Christmas . . .

In the Christian calendar of the western church (which includes the Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations), January 6 is the celebration of Epiphany, when the Magi came to worship the newborn king.

Before you break into song about the “Three Kings of Orient,” there are few things we need to understand. First of all, it is never said that there are three of them, and it is never said that they were exclusively men.

Second, the Magi, as they are called, were not kings but wise men, astrologers. They were the dreamers and thinkers of their time, searching out ancient wisdom from all quarters and looking for the fulfillment of prophecies discovered there. Most likely they were pagans, that is, not Jews. Yet, they still found something of value in the prophecies of the Old Testament and followed the star to find the newborn king that was foretold.

Finally, they never visited the manger, knelt by the shepherds, or heard the angels sing. In fact, the Magi visit occurred as much as two years after the child was born, when the family had settled into daily life with a toddler.

The celebration of the Epiphany not only extends the Christmas season, but it also takes us back to the meaning of the holiday we have just packed up in plastic bins and placed in our attics. The gifts are put away (or broken) and the new year is already a week old, but we are reminded, again, of the wonder of that first Christmas and its meaning for our lives.

There are many significant topics in the story of the Magi, more than I could elaborate about here. However, one aspect stands out as I write: When a God-seeker enters the scene, his or her presence always disrupts the status quo.

Consider the Magi’s arrival in Jerusalem. They knew only what they had read in copies of manuscripts. They naturally went to the “headquarters” of the Jewish faith to meet the new king. Such an entourage drew the attention of King Herod.

Not a king according to the line of David, Herod ruled by Rome’s pleasure. Such a position was tenuous at best, especially if someone else struck up a sweetheart deal with Caesar. Herod ruled not from a place of benevolence and care for his people, but rather with cruelty and arrogance. The appearance of the Magi disrupted his plans and security, especially when they announced the birth of the new king. Not only was did Herod have new competition, but this new “king” was also mentioned by the prophets. The new guy had God on his side!

When a God-seeker enters ones life, his or her very desire to meet God brings conviction to the person who is not serving God. Herod knew about God’s laws and what it meant to lead God’s people. But he also knew what he wanted out of life and would do whatever he needed to achieve it. Enter the Magi, and Herod realized just how easily he could lose everything. He could continue to live as he had or choose to worship this child-king as well. He pretended to do the second, but only to do the first and protect himself.

The presence of someone who wants to know about faith makes others nervous. You see, if he finds God, I will be challenged to acknowledge God, too. If she discovers a better way to live, by seeing the change in her I am convicted about my way of life. You want to avoid that person so you can avoid the necessary decision.

But it isn’t only the life of the sinner that is disrupted by a God-seeker. The Magi’s arrival at the home of Joseph and Mary disturbed their simple lives. Having begun their marriage in tremendous turmoil and hardship, the couple had settled down to raise their firstborn child. Joseph worked to provide for his little family, and Mary cared for them at home. No doubt the commotion of the night of Jesus’ birth had become a little hazy around the edges in the context of everyday life. There were no angels, no shepherds coming to worship.

When a God-seeker enters the life of a Christian, his or her desire to meet God challenges the believer to return to the basis of his or her faith, to the simple truth that Jesus is Lord. Living the life she had dreamed of—Joseph’s wife, a mother—Mary went about her day-to-day activities. Jesus cried, as all babies do, and had to be potty-trained, as all babies do. In the midst of this appears a caravan of strangers from the East, with gifts. They didn’t bring diapers, or baby blankets, or little outfits for the baby, but gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the kind of gifts Herod would expect to receive.

Once again, with their arrival and their gifts, the Magi reminded Joseph and Mary why they were there in Bethlehem and who their son truly was. In case the busyness of everyday life had overshadowed all that they had seen and heard, this visit brought them back to the messages they had heard from the angels concerning their child.

We who profess to believe in Jesus Christ, too, get involved in the day-to-day of our lives. We get busy doing the Lord’s work and being good stewards of our families and our gifts. And in all of that, we sometimes forget the true reason for our lives and the reason for the season of Christmas: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”

The presence of a person who is seeking God, one who wants to know about the truth and asks questions, will disrupt our status quo by reminding us how we became who we are, by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The presence of this seeker challenges me to go back, as the songwriter said, “to where I first believed.”

It isn’t said that the Magi became believers. They could have, or they might just have remained dabblers in many religions. But their presence did challenge Herod, Joseph, and Mary. Whether you, like Herod, are living your own life your own way, or like Joseph and Mary, are busy doing the right things and living for God, on this Epiphany, as you think about the wise men, my prayer is that you would be challenged to faith or to renewed faith. Extend the season of Christmas in your heart by asking God to fill you with faith for the first time, or once again.

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay Glunt
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

New Year’s Resolutions: Whatever You Do . . .

The epistle lectionary passage for this past Sunday is Colossians 3:12-17. I believe this portion of Scripture provides a pattern that is especially appropriate as we begin the new year, 2010.

Each of us stands at a different place in life at the change in year. Some are closer to the beginning, some to the end, and many of us are just trying to get along. The one uniting factor, however, is that we are all a potential part of the “whoever” identified by Jesus in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We are dearly loved, so much so that God sent His only Son to this earth to walk with us and to suffer and die for our sins, to pay our debt.

Because we are so loved, we can reflect that tremendous gift in our own lives. Paul tells us first of all: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Books have been written about how to dress for success, how to look thinner, and for many other purposes. Young people dress to identify with their friends and to separate themselves from other groups. What we wear and how we appear in large part reflects who we are or hope to be. How we dress reflects how we feel about ourselves.

What we wear spiritually is no different. Paul told the Colossian believers to clothe themselves, to wrap themselves up, in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It isn’t enough to “look good” spiritually, but our appearance and interaction with those around us need to reflect God’s mercy and grace.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. As the clock turns to midnight, we look forward to a new year, to new opportunities, to new relationships. However, many of us lack success in those new endeavors because we fail to let go of the past. Paul’s challenge is to let the past go, to find freedom from the anger and bitterness that consumes our thoughts and our time, to forgive as we have been forgiven. What did we give to receive forgiveness? Nothing! God made the first move and offered to us salvation through Christ. As God’s children, then, we should reflect God’s love by offering forgiveness to others.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. It isn’t enough to just go through the motions of kindness, forgiveness, compassion, etc. It is important to do so because of the love God has shown toward us. To quote an old gospel song, “I am loved. I am loved. I can risk loving you, for the One who knows me best loves me most.” It is because we are loved that we can love others, in spite of their failures, faults, and foibles.

How can we do these things? Do we just decide and all of a sudden we are able to forgive and love and be patient and compassionate? Not really. It is a practice, a way of growing into our identities in Christ. And there is another ingredient, as well: focusing on God’s presence in our lives.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. How can I have peace in the midst of struggles, arguments, and frustration? By allowing God’s peace to rule in my heart. I can dwell in peace because I know that God is over all and able to bring “all things together for good” because I love God and have responded to God’s call to salvation (Romans 8:28). Turning over my fears and problems to God keeps me from worrying and fretting over them.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. God’s peace grows as we grow in discipleship. Resolve to spend time reading and learning God’s Word. Hide it in your heart where the Spirit can use it to bring you growth and change. Fill your life with the music of faith, not just hearing and singing music about heartbreak and partying and loss, but music that fills your mind and your spirit with hope and gratitude.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

What are your new year’s resolutions? Lose weight? Make more money? Spend less money? Whatever your resolutions, whatever you choose to do this new year, allow God’s Spirit to work through you, to fill you with God’s love so that you might share that love with others. Choose to live a life of peace, filled with God’s Word so that you can reflect the peace that comes from knowing the God who loved you and sent His Son to earth.

May you be blessed in 2010 not only with things, but with the knowledge of the love of God for you and that love and peace that comes from acting upon and living in that knowledge.

Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay Glunt
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

God on the 26th

In the words of Fernita Cook, “It wasn’t Broadway, but it was great!” And so, this year’s Christmas program at Ebenezer Presbyterian is put to rest, but not before “wowing” everyone in attendance. Before you hand me the Oscar for best script, let me give a special nod to our youngest actors, Cody and Casey Short; CeCe, Bubby (Jimmy), and Morgan Miller; and Brody Romine. You brought the story to life. And to the narrators, Danielle and Donny Glunt, thanks for your help. Three cheers for all of you!

After the play we had a special visitor in attendance, the one and only St. Nicholas himself. I had the pleasure of interviewing him regarding his origins and how he became the beloved Santa Claus we know today. I’m not sure he could have imagined, so many years ago, that helping the poor children in his care would have grown into such a wonderful history/tradition. Thanks, A.M., for helping with that (you know who you are)! Oh, and did you ever notice that whenever the “jolly old soul” comes to visit, cousin Andy is missing? Hmmmmm. Kind of like that Clark Kent character!

Also, I had the pleasure of “staying over” in Greenfield this past weekend so we could be there for rehearsal on Saturday and worship on Sunday. It was nice to wake up, get ready, and get to Sunday school without the 45-minute drive! Thank you, Fernita, for sharing the hospitality of Christmas with us!

By the time you read this, it will be Christmas Eve or later. And although this article is largely about Christmas, it is really about the day after, December 26th.

Back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we celebrated Christmas all the way to January 6, which was known by some as “Little Christmas.” You see, for many years, our friends and relatives in the Orthodox Christian churches celebrated the birth of Christ not on December 25, but in January. Therefore, our decorations at home stayed up at least until January 6, and sometimes later. If you are in Springfield the first week of 2010 and ride past my house, don’t be surprised to see my Christmas lights still blazing!

Many of you will read this article and, when you are done, might use it to wrap and pack your lovely ornaments until next year. The day after Christmas: When the decorations come down and life returns to normal. Yet, the point isn’t when you put your ornaments away, but rather, who you will celebrate once the nativity crèche is put away: each cow and sheep, each king and shepherd, and the blessed family. Once you close the box, who will be your God on the 26th?

After the lights are wound up and stored again. And after you put away all the bows and wrapping paper and the holiday dishes, the question remains: Who will you celebrate and worship and sing about on the 26th?

You see, it is my contention that we are all a little “romantic” about Christmas. The memories of our childhood, watching our children and grandchildren as they make new memories, these help carry us through the stress and hubbub leading up to Christmas. We sing carols, old and new, and tell the Christmas story. We might even get a little spiritual and attend church with our families. But the day passes, as quickly as it came, and the romance fades, and we find ourselves facing the stark winter months on an emotional low. Who will be your God even in the dark of winter?

When you rush out on Saturday morning to hit all the after-Christmas sales, will you still be singing about the babe in the manger and the One who came to save Israel and the nations? As you jostle in the lines and wearily carry home your prizes, will the peace of that “silent night” still be in your heart and mind? Who will be the God of the 26th and all the days following?

No matter what we sing this time of year, Jesus wasn’t really born on Christmas Day, December 25. But He was born. And the magi didn’t come to the manger to see baby Jesus. It may have been a year or so later when they arrived, but they did come to see Him! And it wasn’t just about the shepherds and the angels, but the One who had come, not just from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but from heaven to earth. This One came from God, not just to be born in ignoble circumstances, but to grow in wisdom, to serve God, and to one day give His life for each of us, that we might be forgiven for our sins and restored to relationship with God.

Christmas isn’t just about the decorations and the “feelings” of the holidays. Christmas is about the coming of God into our lives, not just for a day or two, or for a month between November 26 and December 25, but for every day and every minute of our tiny, seemingly inconsequential lives. It is the coming of Christ that gives our lives meaning, not just the baby, but the resurrected Savior who welcomes us just as Joseph and Mary welcomed the smelly, poor, excited shepherds to the manger that night.

So as you take down your decorations, whether this week or in January like me, why not leave out one ornament to remind you of the beauty that is yours, not just during the “holiday” season, but every day? Each time you look at that ornament, remember the peace and joy and hope and love you experienced at Christmas, and then remind yourself that Christ didn’t come on just one day, but He came and walked this earth. And when Jesus returned to heaven in glory, God sent the Holy Spirit to walk with us, not just for one special day, but throughout our lives.

My prayer is that you and your family and friends will have a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and blessed new year. May you find joy in each new day, reliving the glory and joy and love of Christmas on the 26th of December and on through 2010. By the way, one way to show who your God is on the 26th is to be in church on Sunday the 27th. Hope to see you there!

Blessings,

Mary Kay Glunt
Pastor, Ebenezer Presbyterian
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

The Message Belongs to . . .

Join us next Sunday at 11 a.m. for our annual Christmas program. We will have special music, a Christmas play, and even a special guest.

If you are anything like me, you have been watching a slew of movies about Christmas, many of them about people who were lost and lonely, but found love and meaning along with Christmas joy. While some of the story lines are tremendously stretched, they have a truth to them that begs to be heard this Christmas season.

In fact, when we read the Bible story we find that there, too, Christmas is about the least, the lacking, the poor, and the lonely. It is about humility and compassion and joy in the midst of dashed hopes and unrealized expectations.

As a young bride-to-be, I had plans for my wedding day. Excited about the plans and my new life, I spent hours making sure everything would be just perfect. It was wonderful, even though it wasn’t perfect. Mary, engaged to Joseph, was preparing for her new life, too, learning all the skills that would support her family, but God had a different plan.

A young girl in Nazareth, Mary was a simple girl who had no other claim but that she was a descendent of King David. Her family was not powerful. They were not wealthy, as far as we know. She was a simple girl from a simple town, being married to a simple tradesman. But God saw more in that young woman. God saw faith, and that made all the difference. A simple girl with dreams of marriage and family became the mother of our Savior. A common vessel became, through her faith and response to God’s call, a vessel of honor. The message of Christmas belongs to the least among us.

Joseph, as well, was descended from King David, but he had no pretense that he would be anything but a carpenter, as was his father. He would take his young bride to his home, and they would build a life together. Imagine his distress when his wife was found to be with child before the marriage ceremony. Engagement in Israel wasn’t just a ring and a plan, but a sealed contract. They were really already married, although it would not be consummated until the day of the ceremony. But that is another article!

Joseph was a man of humility and compassion. He had no way of knowing how or by whom Mary became pregnant. He only knew that he could not embarrass her and subject her to public ridicule. He chose to divorce her quietly and send her away, where no one would know what had happened. That is, until the angel appeared to Joseph, explaining his role in God’s plan for the world: his wife would bear a child conceived by the Holy Spirit, a child who would save his people from their sins. What a fantastic tale! Who could believe such a thing as a virgin birth? Joseph did. He took Mary as his wife and her child as his son. The message of Christmas belongs to those who are hurting and confused.

It wasn’t long until Joseph and Mary made the trek to Bethlehem to register, according to the decree of Caesar. Bethlehem was a small town, but God foresaw its significance. Not only was King David, the greatest king of Israel born there, but the King of kings would be born there according to the prophet Micah. Unfortunately after the death of David, Bethlehem most likely lost its significance and was just another small town in Israel, probably a lot like small towns in Southwest Missouri. At one time they were busy and bustling, but time and commerce left them behind.

Thing is, no one realized what was happening in that small town. The people went about their daily lives, which had been upended by the influx of visitors because of Caesar’s decree. They were most likely busy and distracted, trying to get their regular work done while entertaining relatives from miles away. They couldn’t have known that the Messiah would be born there. They didn’t realize that the child for whom they had no place would be the child who would save them from their sins. And yet, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The message of Christmas belongs to the busy and the distracted.

There is nothing like spending time in the great outdoors. They shepherds lived on the hillsides outside of Bethlehem, tending to the flocks of sheep, guiding them to safe pasture, and protecting them from danger. Not a very glamorous profession, shepherding.

Shepherds were an important part of the commerce of the time, as the sheep they raised were most likely used for sacrifices in nearby Jerusalem. But they did not enjoy the esteem that others may have received. They lived outdoors, slept outdoors, and weren’t the best dressed of all the residents of the community. And the smell! When the shepherds came into town, it was obvious. And yet, it was to these ignoble workers that God sent the first announcement of the birth of the Christ. The message of Christmas belongs to the outcast and the unacceptable.

The least. The busy. The distracted. The hurting and confused. The outcasts. The unacceptable. The message of Christmas belongs to all of these. And before you assume that I am excluding you from this miraculous message, I’d like you to think about your own life.

The Bible says that we were going our own way, much too busy to see what God was doing in our lives or to realize how very much God loved us. We didn’t love God, but instead chose this world instead of God’s grace. We were hurting and confused, separated from God, and destined to remain so for eternity. But in our darkness, God sent His Son, a baby born in a small, seemingly forgotten town, to parents who were common people.

The message of Christmas belongs to those who are hurting, grieving, and confused. The message of Christmas belongs to the outcasts, the unacceptable, and the least among us. And yes, the message of Christmas belongs to you and to me.

And this is the message: For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life.

May you find the joy that comes with this message as you celebrate this Christmas season. God loves you. Pass it on.

Blessings, and Merry Christmas,

Pastor Mary Kay
revmkg@sbcglobal.net

 

Christmas Tears

Greetings this wonderful week in Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. We had a wonderful morning of worship this past Sunday, remembering the work of John the Baptist. We were challenged from the Scriptures that to find God’s peace in our hearts, we must follow John’s example of taking time away to pray and hear from God; decide to follow God wherever He may lead us, and finally to be a living witness to the truth of Jesus’ coming: that He came because of love so we might be reunited with God.

A special birthday was celebrated this week. Our own Eloise Sloan celebrated her 102nd birthday. The congregation celebrated with her by having a card shower and sending her a Christmas rose bouquet. Happy birthday, once again, Eloise!

Many years ago now, in 1991 to be exact, a personal testimony about my Christmas experience was published in the Pentecostal Evangel. I have decided to reproduce it here. If you are experiencing some of the same feelings I had, my hope is that you, too, will turn back to the God who loves you and wants to make you new again. God is waiting to hear from you. Need to talk to someone about making that choice? Contact your pastor or other spiritual leader for help. And you can always feel free to contact me at my e-mail address, on this blog, or on Facebook.

Christmas Tears

Hushed whispers floated across the candlelit church. I marveled at the crowd. Many of the people lining the pews hadn’t been in church since Easter. It seemed now was the time to make it right. It was Christmas Eve 1974.

As the first peal of the bells rang out, marking the coming of midnight and Christmas Day, the procession to the nativity crèche began. First came the Wise Men and shepherds. Next, Joseph and Mary took their positions. Finally, the moment for which humankind had waited for centuries was portrayed, when the Baby Jesus was placed in the manger. At that moment the massive church bells rang loudly, as if to tell the whole world that Christ had indeed come for His creation.

So it was Christmas Eve in the Roman Catholic church where I grew up. But this year was different. As the organist played and the congregation sang, I could only cry. Try as I might, I couldn’t stop the river of tears that flowed from my eyes onto my new Christmas clothes. Why the tears on this wonderful day?

As a child I was taught that Jesus died for my sins. My immigrant grandmother, Baba, taught me early to love God and the church. I enjoyed going to church. I sang the hymns at the top of my voice, hoping God would hear and accept me. From those early days when my mom and Baba taught me to pray, I rejoiced in an innocent love for God and everything sacred.

Alone in our kitchen I would often hear the sounds of a not-too-distant neighbor’s wind chimes. For me they were a melody of love played by the angels in heaven, music that drew me to worship and love my Jesus. I would dream of standing with the angels at God’s throne. At those times I felt God’s presence and love and returned to Him my love and devotion.

As I grew, I felt God’s call upon my life. I wanted to serve Him. I loved to play church with my friends, and I always wanted to be the priest. I memorized the liturgy. Although I never thought of becoming a nun, I did take my religion seriously.

My teen years, however, were a challenge to my innocent faith. Growing up and realizing the world isn’t a pristine garden caused disillusionment and confusion. The call to be my own person drew me away from the faith of my childhood.

And there I was—Christmas Eve 1974. Seventeen years old, about to graduate from high school, and I couldn’t stop crying to sing a Christmas hymn.

Several years and many heartaches later I opened my eyes to the loss that I felt. I missed the faith of my youth. A hollow place in me had once belonged to Jesus Christ and God my Father, but I was sure I couldn’t go back. Day after day, knowing I was away from God, I cried myself to sleep and longed for God’s presence. Lamenting a broken engagement, I longed for the Christian husband for which my grandmother prayed.

I took a job that required moving to another city. I tried to piece together the situations that had brought me to such a place in life, but my despair and loneliness led to more and more partying to avoid the pain.

There was a bright spot, however. A young woman on my staff seemed happy and always carried a Bible. I started to ask her questions about God and how to know Him. Through her I found that Jesus had died for my sins and that I could do nothing to earn forgiveness—it was a free gift. I saw in her a joy and a love for God that I remembered experiencing a long time ago.

One late night in July the truth of the Scriptures and of salvation were opened clearly to me. My sin separated me from God, but Jesus’ blood—the blood of that same Jesus who was so close to me in childhood—was still effective to cleanse and forgive sin. I asked Him to live with me again—this time forever—and I was born again at 2:30 a.m. on July 24, 1979.

Christmas Eve 1979, I worshiped Christ and celebrated His coming anew. Everything had changed.

How could I have known on that same day five years earlier that my tears came from a massive divide between me and the God I loved so dearly? How could I have understood that going to church and knowing the ropes wasn’t enough—that He wanted my entire heart?

Now I knew. As we sang the hymns of Christmas I cried, but this time I understood. As I celebrated Christ’s coming, I wept for joy at the new person I had become. This time I wouldn’t grow out of faith; I would grow deeper into it.

Have you walked away from the faith of your childhood? Jesus is there to receive you back. Ask Him to forgive your sins and make you God’s own child.

This year as you celebrate Christmas, remember that Jesus wants your whole heart. He wants to unite you with your Heavenly Father through His own blood.

This Christmas, may you celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ not only in your home, but also in your heart.

Originally published December 22, 1991, Pentecostal Evangel
Blessings,

Pastor Mary Kay