Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Good morning, good afternoon; I’m not sure when you get this. But will you listen? What am I getting at? That little word, “but.”

So often we say, “yes…”

  • We’re going to do what God wants, but….
  • We’re going to put God first, but….
  • We’re going to be obedient, but….
  • Well, I meant to do that, but….

It’s a pretty powerful word. I’d just like you to take a look at number one: who IS first in your life? No ifs, ands, or buts. But who’s first? Who’s needs do you put first? Who is it that you trust first? Is it God? Or is it someone or something else?

And don’t forget about that little word. The disciples struggled with it. “Yeah, I’ll follow you, but I have to take care of this first. I have to do something else first.” Who is first? No buts! Look honestly at your life and at our world. And WHO IS first? “But, Pastor Paul… But…” Just be honest with God. Who’s #1?

Have a great day!

Midweek Message Email June 29, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re at Bible School. That’s right. V.B.S. right now. It’s happening! Over a hundred kids, so many volunteers, so much energy. It’s not an easy undertaking. I’ve watched the leaders work hard to make it all happen. Are we at Vacation Bible School? You see, that’s the real choice. Are we going to follow, or are we going to fade away? In John 6:66, it talks about Jesus’ disciples and how some followed, and some didn’t. It’s not easy. It’s not easy to step up and to make things happen. And we have to be reminded, and I am reminded with Vacation Bible School what Matthew 18:3 says, and that is unless we become like little children and believe, we’re going to struggle. So maybe we all need to go to VBS. Maybe we all need to be committed. Maybe we all need to be like little children and follow rather than fade away. Have a great day. Thank you for wondering. God bless.  

Midweek Message Email June 22, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Good morning!  Welcome to Wednesday Wondering and I’m wondering do you remember “Hide and Seek”? Maybe when you were a kid, and you would look and look and look for your friends and your family and just seek all the time. Or maybe it’s as a parent or a grandparent or an uncle or whatever. And you watched the kids look for you and look for you and pursue you and seek you.

It says in Scripture, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 How are you at seeking the kingdom of God? How are you at giving it your all, never giving up but always looking at every turn for the hand of God in your life? I know it’s scary. It’s probably the most difficult thing to do. And when we really trust the kingdom more than this world, it’s scary.

But we also need to remember: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). Nobody! Nothing! So regardless of what happens, regardless of how you might move in a different direction than the world, God’s got your back. So today, seek the kingdom of God and know that nothing can ever separate you from Christ. God bless.

Midweek Message Email June 15, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Good morning! I’m wondering: how is your check book? Well, maybe I mean, how is your bank account? Or another way to say it is: how wealthy are you? Or maybe we should think about what 2 Peter 1:4 says: “that we are partakers of the divine nature.” Do you realize how wealthy you can be, to be one with Christ, to be one with the Holy Spirit? To, as Christ always told His disciples, to be one with the Father and to enjoy that power, that responsibility, that wealth of being part of the family of God! Because it’s then that we get in the habit of rising to the occasion. Ephesians 1:18 “that we might know the hope of His calling.” That’s right, that He is calling us to a divine purpose, that He’s calling us to something special in our lives here on earth. How wealthy are you? That you are a child of God and that you have a purpose that God has given you to execute in this world. Wow! I wonder how wealthy are you feeling nowadays because we are extremely rich if we walk in step with our creator, savior, and Lord. Have a great day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email June 8, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I wonder if you like to watch people the way I like to watch people. I don’t care where I am, I find myself observing and it’s so interesting. Lately though, it’s been sad because I see so many people who are so angry, so frustrated. I find myself there sometimes. But lately, more and more, wherever it might be, even in church and in our own families, there’s anger. And I’m reminded that we need to think more like God, more like Christ. Or, as 2 Corinthians 4:10 “that the life of Jesus may be made manifest in our flesh.” That we may have a conscience void of offensive thinking towards God and other people. (Acts 24:16)

I’m just wondering how you’re thinking about others. Are you angry? Are you frustrated? Are you pointing fingers? Or are we trying to be like Jesus: welcoming, loving, accepting, caring, and when need be, challenging? But not angry. Not angry and hateful. Today’s a day to just wonder – how are we getting along with God and with our fellow human beings. I wonder. How about you? God bless. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email June 1, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

How is your addition? That’s right! I’m wondering, how is your addition? Are you adding to your faith daily? Do you have a vision for what’s next in your life, in your faith? Whether you look at 2 Peter 1:5 or Proverbs 29:18, they both challenge us to be moving forward. If we don’t have a vision, we don’t have a future. What is it that God is calling you to? And He’s always calling us to add to our faith, to do more in order to walk with Him and change our world.

So, today I’m wondering, how is your addition? How is your vision-casting? Are you moving forward? Or, just okay with where you’re at? Have a great day. Keep on wondering and keep on dreaming of the future.

Midweek Message Email May 25, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And I’ll be honest, this Wednesday I’m wondering. I’m wondering about a word we use a lot which is “intercession” – that we will pray for the intercession of God into the lives of others. I’m wondering, do we really get this idea of intercession? If you look at Philippians 6:18 or Hebrews 10:19, you see this idea of praying with all that we’ve got for our brothers and sisters. And yet, intercession means that it’s about what God wants for them, not what we want. It’s about our ability to put aside our agenda and simply ask for God to reveal Himself. And I’ve realized how difficult that is. We may want peace in the Ukraine, but do we want it for the well-being of others? Or because gas prices will go down? The list goes on. Why do we ask for God to intercede? It’s only when we can truly allow God to act, to live in us completely, that we allow God to get in the middle and change things. So today, I’m wondering can I really, honestly, ask for intercession for others? Or am I too worried about myself? Is it God’s agenda or my agenda? I’m wondering. I hope you wonder too. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email May 18, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Good morning! And welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you are feeling loved. Or maybe you are sharing the love. Well, how about: do you know what love is really all about? Is it really just a “secondhand emotion” like the song says? Look at 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Begin to understand the amazing power of love and that love is something that is beautiful and spontaneous and a wonderful healing moment within our lives. So I guess I’m just wondering: how are you doing at feeling love, sharing love, and living in a manner in which love overflows? Hey, if we don’t have love, we don’t have much, period. Remember, above all, God loves you enough to send His Son. Let’s start there and let it overflow. God bless! Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email May 11, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And I’m wondering what you want. I’m wondering what you’ll get. That’s right. We live in a world in which we often wonder what we want. What do we want for dinner? What do we want for clothes? What do we want for a job? What do we want for friends? We ask it a lot.

And then, what will we get? Have you ever gone through a fast-food drive-through, and you open the bag and its something different? In Jeremiah (45:5), God makes two promises: First – seek the great things for your life. And also know that I will give you a life to be part of. So what do you want and what will God give you? Have you been talking about that to God? Having you been sharing your heart’s desires? Have you been looking for God’s leading? Or, you’re just ignoring it all. I wonder if you know what you want. I wonder if you’re beginning to understand what God has for you. I hope and I pray that you understand He wants to make straight your path. God bless, have a great day. And I hope, I hope you understand what you want and what you get. God bless.

Midweek Message Email May 4, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

It’s Wednesday and welcome to some wondering! Mark 16:12 – “After that He appeared in another form unto two of them.” Has Jesus appeared to you? That’s right! Easter is now over with. We’ve moved past it, and it was after Easter that Jesus appeared to the disciples. Do you see Jesus? Do you look for Jesus? Do you want Jesus to be that guide within your life? It’s amazing, because once we’re willing to look for Jesus at every turn, then we can begin to understand what it means to “take His yoke upon us.” (Matthew 11:29) Understand what it means to live for Jesus and experience the invincibility of being a child of God, a sinner of His redeeming, a sheep, a lamb of His flock. So, have you seen Him? I guess I’m wondering. I also wonder, will I see you tonight at the fellowship dinner. I hope so! Even if you didn’t sign up, come and hang out. We’ll make things work! Again, welcome to Wednesday Wondering. God bless.

Midweek Message Email April 27, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you remember what Sunday was like. That’s right. Just a few days ago it was Easter and we celebrated. Around the world – celebration! And yet, you know what? So often, we forget quickly. Even Jesus, in John, talks to His disciples in John 16:32 where He lets them know that they will scatter. Scatter because they’re more concerned about their own interests.

Or we have to ask ourselves, are we really ready? The words from Exodus 3:4 where God calls him and we must respond, “Here am I.” So, it’s the Wednesday after Easter. Are you still fired up? Are you still ready to share the good news? Are you still ready to celebrate with a song in your heart?  Or, have we already scattered? Have we already moved on to what we want rather than what God wants? I’m just wondering. And I hope you wonder too. God bless. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email April 20, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering how much have you lost over the last few weeks? That’s right. How has your diet gone during Lent? Here we are just about to celebrate Easter and I’m wondering how much have you lost?

Okay, it’s a trick question. A trick question based on the gospel of John, chapter 3 verse 30 where it says, “He must increase but I must decrease.” This is a week to reflect on: does Christ reign in your life? Is Jesus #1? Are we and our personality and our opinion and everything else decreasing so that Jesus might increase? Because ultimately it is our job to preach the gospel – to truly be people who reflect Jesus in all that we say and do. So how much have you lost? How much are you willing to lose so that Christ might fill us up? Get ready. Easter is coming, but let’s lose a little bit more before we celebrate. God bless, have a great day.

Midweek Message Email April 13, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Boo! Did I surprise you at all? It’s Wednesday – time to wonder. You know what? Jesus surprises us. And the question is, are we ready to be surprised? That’s right. In Luke – in all the gospels – it asks us: “Be ready.” Easter is only a short time away and are you ready for the collision? What do I mean? The collision where Jesus Himself bears our sins in His body on the cross. Jesus surprises us with a visit. Are we ready? Jesus collides headfirst with sin for our benefit. Easter is around the corner. Palm Sunday is this Sunday. Are you ready for Jesus to enter your life and to collide with the sin that we all have? I’m just wondering. Have a blessed day.

Midweek Message Email April 6, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

That’s right, it’s another Wednesday Wondering. This one right in the midst of Lent. And I’m wondering, what does it mean to be crucified? What does it mean for you or I to be crucified? It says in Galatians 2:20 that I am crucified with Christ. Huh. I guess that means that we give everything we have to follow Him. So the question is, are we not only going towards the cross but are we willing to join Him on that cross? And the truth is, it’s easy for us to go away. John 6:67 – He simply asks, “Will you also go away?” I’m just wondering today: are we willing to give it all? Or are we the ones who will go away? I hope you wonder with me and make that commitment to Him and Him alone. God bless, have a great day.

Midweek Message Email March 30, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Good morning!  Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! Welcome to the season of Lent! Welcome to March Madness! That’s right – that crazy time of year with all those basketball games, where those underdogs are going up against the chosen favorites. They battle like David and Goliath and who knows what upset might take place?

The question I have for you today is: do you feel like a winner? That’s right! Are you feeling like a winner? Because you are! You’re more than a winner, you are a conqueror! What am I getting at? Romans 8:37 “No, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”  More than conquerors! More than winners! It’s amazing! Because of the love of Christ we are changed forever. So today, in the middle of Lent, in the middle of March Madness, as you wonder, are you a winner? Because you are more than a winner, more than a conqueror. You are a child of God. God bless. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email March 23, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. It’s real simple this morning: I’m wondering, do you love pizza? Ok, maybe that was easy. Do you love ice cream? That’s even easier! How about liver? Do you love liver? Or do you love dogs? Or cats? Do you love the Tigers? The Lions? You get my idea. What do you love?

If you look in John 21, you see a discourse between Peter and Jesus. And Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” Peter gets frustrated but every time says, “Yes, Lord, I love You.”

Or maybe I should ask do you love the dentist? What am I getting at? We’ve got to love Jesus, but even more so sometimes when we love Jesus it hurts a little bit like the dentist. So today, just simply ask yourself – wonder – do you really love Jesus? Do you love Jesus enough to frustration? And maybe a little bit of pain? Is Jesus #1?

Hey, have a great day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email March 16, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering and don’t forget, this is the season of Lent. Lately I’ve noticed that there have been commercials on TV for online counseling. Really creative commercials to just ask the question: how are you dealing with some challenging feelings, thoughts – maybe even depression, despair, or anxiety? None of us like to admit it. And yet, it is part of who we are. It’s part of how we have been created. It’s been said that if we don’t every now and then get depressed, how is it that we experience the highs and exaltations of life? And so given our world situation and given that depression, anxiety, despair is higher than ever before, what do we do?

1 Kings 19 reminds us: God says to Elijah through an angel, “Arise, and eat.” Arise and eat because the journey is long, and you need to be strong. We need to arise and eat! We need to take care of one another. Or Jesus when He says to His disciples: “Rise and let us be going.”

Depression can be a challenge but it’s a reality. Despair the same, anxiety the same. But the love of God can help us to overcome – to arise and be victorious. God bless, have a wonderful day.

Midweek Message Email March 9, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Good morning!  And guess what – it’s Ash Wednesday, Wednesday Wondering. That’s right, the beginning of Lent. It also means that, well, quite honestly, I just came from the doctor’s office. The doctor told me a few things and now the question is whether or not I’ll listen and follow through.

How about it? Do you listen and follow through? Last week we talked about listening, but Lent is a season of commitment and of following through. Or simply put, the discipline of heeding – of heeding, of following, of doing what God asks. Jesus says in Matthew: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roof.”

How about it? Do we proclaim what God is telling us? Do we listen for God and then share what we’ve heard? Are we willing to be people who are disciplined in heeding in our lives? We do it for our doctors, we do it for our investment counselors, we do it for other people in our lives but when it comes to the Almighty, do we heed His voice? Do we stand on the roof and proclaim the goodness of God?
Welcome to the season of Lent. Have a wonderful day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email March 2, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re listening. I’m wondering if you’ll hear anything. What do I mean? Well, who do you listen to? It’s easier to listen to your co-workers than your boss, your team-mates rather than your coach. It’s easier to talk to your siblings than to your parents. We don’t always like to talk to the person in charge.

In Exodus, the people said to Moses, “Speak, and we’ll listen. But don’t let God speak with us, lest we die.” We struggle! It’s okay to listen to people at church tell stories and talk, but if we really hear from the Almighty, the living God, well we don’t want that because then we might be held accountable.

Right along with that is the whole idea of hearing. Do we really want to hear? Do we really believe the words from Samuel, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears.” I just wonder, who are you listening to? Are you really listening to God or just the voices around you? Are you really hearing God – taking the time? I’m just wondering. Maybe you’ll wonder too. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email February 23, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you like the cloud game. That’s right, you know what I mean? You’re driving down the road, you’re sitting outside, you’re in your boat on the lake and there’s those clouds up in the sky. You start to look at them and pretty soon you see animals, or you see Elvis or who knows what you see but you use your imagination. Do you ever do that with God? Do you ever use your imagination to wonder what God is like, looks like, sounds like? Or is your imagination starved? You don’t even bother to try to imagine God.

In Isaiah (40:26) it says, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?” When was the last time that you looked up and where you imagined God, where you saw the presence of God? It’s Wednesday. I’m wondering if you have time to imagine God watching over you. God bless. Have a great day!

Midweek Message Email February 16, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering whether or not you have thought about your offering. Well, you know what I mean – you’re offering. You are an offering. So often we think of offering as something we put in a collection plate. And yet Scripture is clear in Philippians 2:17, “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering, on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Or from 2 Timothy 4:6-7, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
How about it? I’m not talking about putting something in the collection plate. I’m talking about offering our lives up, pouring ourselves out for the kingdom of God. Well, that’s what I’m wondering about, and I hope you wonder how you have been pouring yourself out as an offering for the glory of God. Have a great day and keep wondering and remember you’re an offering.

Midweek Message Email February 9, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

It’s Wednesday and welcome to Wednesday Wondering! I’m wondering, how is your vision? Or maybe I’m really wondering what is your vision connected to? When you see something, what happens? Do you just look and say, “That’s nice,” and move on? Or when you see something does something happen? Kind of like a batter in a baseball game: he sees the ball but he then swings the bat. 

Throughout Scripture we’re asked to look and to see. But after the fact, do we think and do we commit ourselves to that which we see? It says in Matthew 6, “Take no thought of your own life.” What in the world does that mean? Then it goes on and it says, “If God so clothe the grass of the field shall He not much more clothe you?” Amazing! And do we commit to God’s clothing us?

So this week, look around, but don’t just look – act. Take action. God bless. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email February 2, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Well, it is Wednesday Wondering and I’m wondering, have you figured out the meaning of life? What is your purpose? Or another way to look at it is, what is God calling you to? Maybe it is a lifelong calling or maybe that calling changes depending on your life stage. Early on in school, later in a profession, then in retirement, who is God calling you to be?

In Isaiah it says, “’Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ Then Isaiah said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’” How about it? Are you ready to step up? Are you ready to do something amazing for God? Not only is Jesus calling, but God is calling you to a purpose, to a plan, to meaning in life and I hope you’re willing to listen and be sent. Have a great day! God bless.

Midweek Message Email January 26, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Jesus began to teach by the lake, the crowd gathered around Him. “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.” It’s Wednesday. I’m wondering if you know what comes next. That parable about the farmer and how he scattered the seed. Do you know all the details?

I’d like you to think about Mark 4:10 where it simply says, “When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.” When He was alone… How much time do you spend alone with God? How much time does God spend alone with you? Over the last few weeks, I’ve been alone a lot recovering from COVID. And sometimes it was difficult. Many of us struggle in our alone time. And yet God teaches us and helps us to be wiser during that alone time.

So, I want you to think about that parable. I want you to think about sitting at His feet, just you and Jesus, just you and God and let the Holy Spirit teach you as you wonder. Have a wonderful day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email January 19, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

I’m wondering, what day is it? Is it Wednesday Wondering? Is it January? Is it 2022? This year has begun in a strange way for me. Covid has messed up so many things, including my ability to really worship. What do I mean? From Genesis (12:8) we hear about Abraham where it says: “From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” Worship.

Worship. How has the new year been for you and your life of worship? To really give God your attention. To really lay yourself before Him and enjoy the presence of God in your life – to really worship, even in the midst of Covid, even in the midst of who knows what. Are we able to clear our minds and to give God our best?

2022 – I hope I know what day it is pretty soon, and I hope that my worship becomes amazing. God bless. Have a great day.

Midweek Message Email January 12, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Happy New Year and welcome to a new Wednesday Wondering. We’re going to be going through something entitled My Utmost for His Highest.

How about it? My utmost for His highest. Are we giving it all for the kingdom? Are we giving it all for Jesus? So all that we do promotes the highest in His glory and honor.

From Philippians 1:20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether in life or in death.” How about it? As we begin the new year, is 2022 going to be a year in which we truly exhibit our utmost for His highest? This is going to be a new journey – a new challenge with a classic Christian devotional and yet again it is all about His glory and His honor and our gratitude in every day of 2022. God bless. Welcome to a new year of Wednesday Wondering.

Midweek Message Email January 5, 2022

 

 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

It’s Wednesday and Happy New Year! Okay, it’s a little early but really the new year is just around the corner. And I’m wondering, who’s leading you into the new year? Do you trust completely in God’s plan for your life? With so many uncertainties, do we believe that God’s got a plan that this physical world does not understand?

From 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 13-14, 16 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

How about it? A new year. Are we still going to trust the living God? Have a great new year! God bless!

Midweek Message Email December 29, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Hey, it’s Wednesday and I’m wondering if you’re wondering about Christmas? It’s just around the corner. I’m wondering if you’re thinking about Joseph, who had to head back to Bethlehem, that town of David because he was from the line of David? Or Mary, who was pledged to be his wife, who was expecting? Or of course, that big event: “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7)

And then do you remember the party afterwards? Again, those shepherds – all those shepherds living in the field who were attracted by the light, the angels who told them not to be afraid and that great company of heavenly host appearing praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

Christmas is around the corner. It’s not about those gifts that aren’t wrapped, the food that’s not cooked. It’s about that amazing story – the amazing gift of Jesus and the beautiful refuge He gives each of us. God bless you and have a merry and wonderful Christmas.

Midweek Message Email December 22, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Good morning and welcome to a Wednesday Wondering. Again, what if Jesus would be calling? Right now, I know that Jesus looks around and sees so many people in transition. So many people who are changing things in their life because our world is changing. And yet sometimes we don’t like change. But we need to remember we need to be willing to make Jesus the focal point of any search we have for security. Any journey we’re on, Jesus has got to be in the middle.

And sometimes on that journey we need to be willing to go out on a limb. That’s right. Change. Sometimes search, sometimes wrestle and struggle but we need to remember that Jesus says, “Don’t forget. I’m always there.” Or from Psalm 139:7-12, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”

So even in these days of change, even as you may be journeying in a different direction, don’t forget that Jesus has got you by the hand. Look to Him. Hold on to Him. Let Him lead and let Him guide. God bless and thank you, Jesus, for caring.

Midweek Message Email December 15, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. I’m wondering if you’re happy that the Lions won! That’s right! Or maybe you’re happy about Alabama’s win or about Michigan’s win. I don’t know, but our world is filled with competition. And right now, there are many, many spirits that are competing for your attention.
Or another way to think about it is, you are under attack! Your mind, your soul – there are many things in our world and many things of the spiritual world that are trying to draw you into the craziness of life so that we lose sight of, guess who – Jesus. That child in the manger. And this morning I just want to remind you of the words from Luke where the heavenly host gathers together, the angels praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Peace on earth!

Or later on at the end of His ministry in John 20 where Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” Not once, but twice! Peace be with you! It’s my prayer that each of us might snuggle into that manger, to sit by that baby Jesus and to take a breath from the rat race of life, from the competition from our mind, and simply find peace. Peace be with you. God bless, have a wonderful day.

Midweek Message Email December 8, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. And again, if this were Christ calling this month, it would be that little child looking at you with those expectant eyes to see your face and to see your response. From Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. Be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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.”

It is Advent. As we look at our world, it can be full of unrest. And yet we know that problems are part of life and challenges will come. But we are called to be people of peace and people of thanksgiving and so my prayer is that this little Child would rule in your heart, would hold on to whatever is inside of you and let you find that thankfulness and joy, even in the midst of the storms of life. Have a great and amazing day and be blessed.

Midweek Message Email December 1, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Good morning!  I’m wondering, what day is it? If you’re getting this you’re thinking it’s Wednesday Wonderings so it must be Wednesday. Maybe you’re thinking this is a reminder that we have Thanksgiving Day worship tomorrow at 9:30. But I’m just wondering, what day is it?  That’s right, I mean DAY. What kind of a DAY is it?
Isaiah 12:4-5 And on that day you will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the Lord in song, for He has done glorious things; Let this be known throughout the earth. (NASB)

Is that the kind of day today is for you? Have you been giving thanks? Have you been letting people know how amazing God is? Have you been letting them know how blessed you are? What day is it? Is today, tomorrow, every day a day to celebrate and give thanks for the Lord is good. For the Lord has blessed each of us. Have a wonderful and amazing day! And let it be one of thanksgiving.

Midweek Message Email November 24, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering. If it were Jesus calling, and He asked, “How much have you been thinking about Me?” What would your answer be?

We’re entering a season of Thanksgiving and of Christmas – the birth of Jesus. And it’s a time of reflection. Especially in our world today, reflecting on how God is good and how we are called to walk with Jesus. So today, I just want you to think about being still and quiet, and with Jesus; focusing all that we have on knowing Him better and what He means to each of us.

Remember from Psalm 46:10-11 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Be still and know. Be still and know.

Midweek Message Email November 17, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! It’s Jesus calling and the question is, how close are we? How close of a relationship do we have? You see, throughout history God has wanted a relationship with us and shown us that time and time again. And Jesus came to have that relationship. In Romans, Paul writes: “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (8:39)

Really, how close we are is up to us. Whether or not we want to walk with God, whether or not we want to know how much Jesus loves us. Even in the tough times we need to remember Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

How about it? How close are we? How close are we to Jesus every day, good times, bad times, laughter and tears? How close are we? I’m just wondering.

Midweek Message Email November 10, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering. Remember, it just might be Jesus calling.

I’m wondering about wandering. What do I mean? Well, so often we know that we disappoint Jesus, that we don’t do, say, act the way that we should. And we can become discouraged. But the beautiful thing is that Jesus understands and never gets discouraged in loving us.

Hebrews 4:14-16 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Don’t get discouraged! Don’t get discouraged in following Jesus. We all have our ups and downs. Be strong and be courageous. And hold on to that message of a great High Priest who knows us and loves us all the time. Wander is okay, wonder is okay because Jesus is always there. God bless, have a great day!

Midweek Message Email November 3, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wonderings. Remember it’s Jesus calling. I’d like you to think about where we might meet.  That’s right! A busy restaurant for lunch? Maybe an email or a text? Maybe over the phone? Someplace in the busyness of life that we connect.

Or maybe in the still quiet place. That place where you finally let your guard down, where you finally open yourself to me and you listen for My voice. It’s there that we can talk, it’s there that we can connect, it’s there that I can fill you and transform your life.

Remember these words: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)

Take a minute, be still. And let Me fill you up with the love of God the Father. Have a great day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email October 13, 2o21

 

 

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Hey! Welcome to Wednesday Wondering! And today, it’s not Jesus calling. It’s Pastor Paul. But I wanted to pass on something that Jesus gave me that really made me think. And that’s this: It’s time for us to let go. Time for us to let go of possessions, of control, of anger, of everything in our lives that hinders getting closer; or as it says in Isaiah 41:13: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

How about it? Are we willing to even go a step further and be willing to wait on the Lord? Give up control and wait on the Lord. It says in Isaiah 40:29-31 – an amazing, amazing passage: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Jesus shared a message with me. Now I’m sharing it with you. Have a blessed Wednesday and let go and let God in your life.

Midweek Message Email October 6, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Good morning!  Welcome to your Wednesday phone call from Jesus! I know, you’re wondering: what’s up today? It’s a simple question. Do you trust Me? Do you trust Me? Many of you, well, you answered quickly, “Yes.” Just like Peter did before he denied Christ three times. But I’m talking about trusting me one . day . at . a . time. That’s right! Every morning waking up knowing, as it says in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Again, are we able to TRUST one day at a time? “Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

If we can trust, amazing things can happen. If we can trust, we can rejoice. So today, just one day, trust Me. Rejoice and celebrate the fact that I’m with you and love you!

Hey, have a great day and a great rest of your week. God bless.

Midweek Message Email September 29, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Good morning! It’s Wednesday and Jesus is calling. Jesus would ask you the same thing a lot of people ask at job interviews: what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? That’s right! Are we willing to look at our strengths and our weaknesses, to really understand who we are and to understand, as Jesus would say, that He is always with us?  He always has our back and always wants to bring strength to our lives. But in order to understand that strength, we need to understand our weakness.

It says in Joshua 1:5-6a, 7a, and 9, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people…” “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law…” “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

You have got a great, great Presence in your life! A Strength. But in order to understand that strength, you need to understand your weakness. Let’s do some soul-searching and remember, Jesus loves you. Have a great day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email September 22, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Good morning and guess what? Jesus is calling. I’m wondering – would you like to be happy? Maybe it is better to say, would you like to be joyful? I mean, I’m just wondering. Or are you hesitant to really be joyful? I know it’s crazy to think about, but it really is true. Sometimes we just don’t want to be. But let’s be reminded of 1 Peter 1:8 where it says: “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” How about it? Have you received the joy? Do you live the joy? Or, are you still hesitant?

And part of that joy comes due to the fact that I love you. That’s right. Can you imagine Jesus calling and saying, “I love you”?

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) How about it? You’re loved, you’re a child of God. You should be filled with joy!

Have a great day! Don’t forget, I am calling always.

Midweek Message Email September 15, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Good morning and guess what? It’s Jesus calling with a real strange question. Do you believe in Santa Claus? Or maybe have you ever believed in Santa Claus? Have you ever believed in something that you can’t see? Well, you know what’s coming next. Do you believe in Me? We need to be people who walk by faith, not by sight. We need to be people who are able to wait and trust and hope in that faith.

It says in Hebrews 11 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It goes on to give us examples of great faith throughout Scripture. And then in chapter 12, a great passage: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”

How is your faith? With everything going on, do you believe in what you can’t see? Do you believe in a future, a hope? Do you trust? Are you waiting? I’m just asking. How is your faith? Have a great day and trust in Jesus.

Midweek Message Email September 8, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Good morning! And guess what? It’s Wednesday and Jesus is calling. Jesus would say to you, “Let Me help you through this day.” I mean, even David understood it in Psalm 63 where he said, “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. I cling to You, Your right hand upholds me.”
Are you letting Jesus help you through life? I wonder! Because we need to learn to live above our circumstances. That’s right! Where Jesus said in John 16, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
You know, Labor Day is coming. How hard do we work at building that relationship with Jesus? How hard do we work at learning to live through Jesus in all things? How much are we willing to humble ourselves and say, “Help me! Help me Jesus! Just think about it. I’m always here, basically a phone call away.” That’s what Jesus would say. Have a great day. God bless.

Midweek Message Email September 1, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Good morning and welcome to a wonderful Wednesday Wondering.  Again, imagine it’s Jesus calling.  And the first thing He says, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in Me will live even though they die. And whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.” (John 11:25-26a)

Do you believe? A huge question! The most important thing we can do is know and trust in the amazing love of Jesus, the resurrection, life eternal. How about it? Because it is a way to get through this life – to dream on the promise of the next. So we must continue in this way, Jesus would say. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him;” (Psalm 37:3-7a)

Enjoy the resurrection, believe the resurrection, and don’t ever stray from that path. God bless you and remember, Jesus is always calling.

Midweek Message Email August 25, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wondering! Imagine, if you would, it’s Jesus calling with one word and that is “STOP.” Over the last year +, it’s been easy for many people to question decisions that were made, to question opinion, to question leadership, to question family, the list goes on. But above all, many of us have questioned ourselves. And it is clear that Jesus would tell us stop questioning yourself. Stop the self-pity. Stop tearing yourself down.  He’d say Look to my word.  Look at Hebrews 12 where it says, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Or from Isaiah 61, “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness.”

Remember, God’s got this all under control and God loves each of us. Stop beating up God’s children. Stop beating yourself up and enjoy the life God has given. Have a great, great day and week and remember, Jesus is always calling.

Midweek Message Email August 18, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

It’s time for a Wednesday Wondering.  And hey, imagine that Jesus is calling. 

This past weekend I spent a good amount of time in a pool.  It felt great, but what surprised me was when I left the pool.  Each step on my way out seemed to add more and more weight to my spinal column.  By the time I got out I felt like I was weighed down with all sorts of stress. 

Sometimes that’s the way we feel.  Sometimes we have a difficult time – especially lately.  Who do we trust? Where do we go? How do we find hope? And yet we remember the words from the prophet Habakkuk (3:17-19):

 Though the fig tree does not bud

    and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

    and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

    and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

    He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

    He enables me to tread on the heights.

How about it?  Sometimes it feels like the world weighs you down.  Well, just remember, Jesus is there for you.  God has got your back.  Have a great day!

Midweek Message Email August 11, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, August 1, 2021

Good morning! Remember, it’s Wednesday and Jesus is calling. 

Have you heard the latest numbers? How many cases are there? Have you looked at the economy and the inflation rate? How about unrest, whether it be racial or whatever?  Have you heard about the violence? The list goes on of things in our world that can cause us stress. And yet, we need to learn to live. Learn to live by trusting in Me.

From Colossians: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful…. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Col 3:15,17a)

Or you remember the words from Thessalonians: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

How about it? Are you hiding or are you living? We need to make every moment count. And we do that when we trust in Jesus.   

Midweek Message Email August 4, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Good morning!  It’s Wednesday and don’t forget, it’s Jesus calling.  We believe that He is a risen, living God.  We’re reminded of that experience the women had at the tomb where the angel looked at them and said, “He is risen from the dead.”  He is risen indeed!  We need to remember that Jesus is alive and wants to be with us.  Because sometimes we can feel alone.  Sometimes we can feel like, where is God?

But we’re reminded of the words of Zephaniah where it says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.  He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.”

How about it?  Do you believe I’m alive?  Do you believe I am with you? Do you believe that I’ve always got your back? I’m there for strength, comfort, peace, hope, and above all, I love you?

Have a great day and a great rest of your week knowing that I’m alive and I am with you. God bless.

Midweek Message Email July 28, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Hey! It’s Wednesday and guess what? It’s Jesus calling.  I want you to just think about it – it’s summertime and with summer comes a trip to the pool or to the lake.  And so often we walk into that water a little bit at a time. A toe… a foot… up to our knees… maybe, maybe up to our waist, but sometimes we never fully get in because we’re just not sure. It’s just too difficult.

And yet, are you willing to give yourself fully to Me? Give yourself completely to Jesus. Jesus completely gives Himself to you.  So remember these words from Hebrews 12:2-3, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” And from Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” And finally, these beautiful words from Psalm 48:14, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”

We can’t just dip our toe in. I don’t want just part of you with Me. I want you completely with Me. This is Jesus calling. Just wondering, are you all in, or just your big toe? Have a great day!

Midweek Message Email July 21, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday! And guess what? It’s Jesus calling.  I’m wondering, do you like being alone? I know a lot of people don’t. I know a lot of young kids who grow up always kind of fearing that time when they get left home alone for the first time or when they babysit for somebody in a big house and they’re all alone. Do you like being alone? Well guess what? You never, ever are.

“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. Or, “But I trust in Your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise for He is good to me.” Psalm 29:11

How about it?  You know, God is always with us, Jesus is always by our side.  We need to be willing to bring our loneliness, our weakness, our joy, our sorrow, our celebrations all to Jesus – to Me! Because I am with you always. So, this week when you feel alone, remember, I’ve got your back. Have a great day!  

Midweek Message Email July 14, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Hi!  It’s Wednesday, and Jesus is calling.  Jesus might very well call and say, “Hey, do you have a place for Me in your day planner?”

It’s July. Things are getting busy again after a crazy year and calendars are starting to fill up.  The question is, is there room for Me – for Jesus?  Are you willing to follow Me and make Me a priority? It says in Psalm 91 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Don’t you get it? I want you to follow me and I won’t let you fall. 

You see, the other problem is that when we fill up our planner, you don’t have room for Me.  But you also simply miss Me.  And when we miss God, we don’t renew our minds.  From Romans: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Remember, it’s Jesus calling. Do you have time for Me? Are you willing to think like Me? Are you willing to have that extraordinary week and be like Jesus? Have a great and a blessed day. 

Midweek Messages Email July 7, 2021

 

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Well, it’s Wednesday. Just imagine that it’s Jesus calling and He’s wondering how your week has been going. Ordinary? Or extraordinary? That’s what we talked about on Sunday – the challenge to live extraordinary lives. 

And then as I thought about these devotionals, it struck me: do we keep our focus on Christ at all times? Do you start every day looking to Jesus? For it says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) 

Or another way to think about it: is Jesus / am I your strength and your shield? Yeah, that’s right! In Scripture it says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

How about it?  Has it been ordinary or extraordinary?  Is Jesus your focus, your shield, your strength? Or Jesus might look at us and say, “Am I #1 in your life?”

Have a great Wednesday and hopefully an extraordinary rest of your week. 

Midweek Messages Email June 30, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Good morning, happy Wednesday, and yes, it’s Jesus calling.  How about it?  Are you still trying to figure out when the perfect life will happen?  You know, when you’ll be able to solve all the problems and just sit peacefully in your chair? I hate to tell you, it’ll never happen.  This world offers us trouble, and we focus on the problems.  We strive for all the solutions, and we forget about the promise of God.  Psalm 112 reminds us “Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  Good will come to those who are generous, and lend freely, whose conduct is just. Surely the righteous will never be shaken. They will be remembered forever.”

We need to find the ultimate gift of peace.  Not that we’ll solve every problem, not that everything will be perfect within our lives, but that we have the peace that passes all understanding. 

In the book of John it says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble.  But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Those are My words – Jesus’ words that indeed promise us of an amazing future.  Let go of the problems, let go of trying to solve them, trust God today.  God bless.  

Midweek Messages Email June 23, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Good morning!  Guess what?  It’s Wednesday and Jesus is calling.  But before that, I want to know – do you remember an old TV show called, “Who’s the Boss”? I remember watching it when I was a kid. It was a lot of laughs, kind of an interesting story line, but the question was always, who is the boss? The same is true for you and me.  And Jesus would look at you and say, “Who is the boss?”

Do you approach each day with the awareness that God is the boss?  Do you approach each day saying that the most important thing that I can do is seek God’s Face and seek God’s ways?  Jesus would say, “Look at Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.’” And then later on in verse 13, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

So, it’s Jesus calling, simply asking, “Who’s the boss?” And do you seek His face every day in all ways? God bless and have a great day!

Midweek Messages Email June 16, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Good morning!  Guess what, it’s Jesus calling.  Hey, are you ready for the day? Are you ready for tomorrow? Are you willing to let Me, to let Jesus prepare you for the day? I mean, if you think about it, think about Moses, who didn’t know what the future held. And still he remembered the words of the Lord who said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Moses didn’t know what was coming, but he trusted God.

How about it?  Is every day an adventure?  We may not know what is going on, but God is in control.  God has His hand upon us. And so, we think of the words from the book of Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 Are you ready for today? Are you ready to see it as an adventure? Are you ready to believe and know that I am always with you and will never leave your side? Have a great day. Can’t wait until we talk again! God bless.

Midweek Messages Email June 9, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Hello!  Remember, it’s Jesus calling.  He would ask you when was the last time you went to the bank?  You know, to make a deposit or withdrawal, to save up for that rainy day… You see, every time that we affirm our trust in Jesus, we have a big savings account, so that when times get tough, we can trust, when we’re weak we can trust. 

It says in Psalm 33:20-21, “We wait in hope for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.” We need to go to the bank.  We need to deposit some more time trusting and rejoicing.  That’s right. 

Have you thought about 1 Thessalonians where it says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That’s right, we should be giving thanks as much as possible because trust and praise together make coping with life so much easier. 

So, remember, it’s Me calling.  And I’m just asking you: trust Me more and more and rejoice and celebrate and praise My name more and more. Have a great day. Don’t forget, Jesus is always with you. 

Wednesday Wonderings Email June 2, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Hello and Happy Wednesday!  Remember – imagine that this is Jesus calling.  That’s right, Jesus, who says you can achieve the victorious life through living in a deep dependence on Me.  Not just the victorious winnings of this world – victory on the field, straight A’s, – but even in the tough times victory!  Psalm 17:34 “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, He delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who have a crushed spirit.” Victorious in all things! 

And don’t forget that I’m able to do far more than you can even imagine. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21) That’s right!  Far more than we can imagine!

So, remember, you’re a winner in my book. I can help you along the way. When you stumble and fall, I’m there to pick you up.  Remember it’s Jesus calling, and I’ve got your back. Have a great day! God bless.

Wednesday Wonderings Email May 26, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday…. well, I’m wondering if anyone’s wondering anymore.  I know from hearing about it that some people see the church’s phone number and they think, “Oh, it’s Pastor Paul again – ‘brothers and sisters in Christ at North Park’ and all that stuff…”

But what would you do if you knew it was Jesus calling?  If you knew that Jesus had something to say?  Would you get tired of it?  Would you check caller I.D.?  Would you let it go to voicemail?

I want to take an adventure with you and imagine what it would be like if Jesus called us and had something to say to us. And so we’re going to begin.  I’m going to be the one sharing the messages, but I want you to think, “Hey, this is Jesus calling and He’s got something to say.” Make sure you listen to the scripture, read the scripture, check the brief devotionals, and remember it’s Jesus calling, not, “Ugh, it’s just Pastor Paul all over again.”

Think about this: Psalm 27:8 “My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face.’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Or from Romans 12:2 “Don’t conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God’s will, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Get ready!  Because Jesus is going to be calling.

Wednesday Wonderings Email May 19, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Welcome to a weary Wednesday Wonderings.  What am I getting at? Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of a lot of the things that have gone on over the last year, and right now I’m very tired of having a broken leg and being on crutches. And I’m tired of trying to find so many solutions for so many issues. And yet, you know what? Scripture is clear. It says:

 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9).

Therefore… be steadfast, immovable… your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert… And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Peter 5:8, 10).

We as human beings get tired, and we get weary.  But God wants us to know that He’s got our back.  Jesus wants us to know He wants to inspire us.  And so, this day I hope and I pray that yes, we’re weary, but we can overcome because we serve and love a great God! Have a great day and a great wondering and don’t be surprised if things are a little different next week! God bless!

Congregational Letter and Wednesday Wonderings Email May 12, 2021

 

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wonderings and I’m wondering what it will be like to drive again.  That’s right, it’s been 5 weeks for me since the doctor said I couldn’t drive.  I’m hoping that as you read this, I’ve gotten the clearance to drive again! I mean, I don’t know about you but for me driving is freedom, work, and everything else. 

When I think about driving, I think of Jehu. If you read from 2 Kings 9:20, it says “And the watchman reported, ‘He came even to them, and he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.’” I wonder, how do we drive?  And does our driving reflect our relationship with God, our bumper stickers, the things that are in our windows? I mean, driving – so much of it we do and yet what is the testimony that our driving gives?

I hope you have a great Wednesday and thanks for listening and thanks for thinking about these crazy thoughts.  And I hope to see you on the road!

Wednesday Wonderings Email May 5, 2021

 
 

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wonderings.  I’d like you to wonder about this passage:

“How magnificent is grace! How malignant is guilt! How sweet are the promises! How sour is the past! How precious and broad is God’s love! How petty and narrow are people’s limitations! How refreshing is the Lord! How rigid is the legalist!”

I wonder, can we really live that out?  This week I just want you to think about forgiving yourself, about forgiving others, the ability to let go of the past – maybe it was yesterday, a week ago, maybe it was ten, twenty years ago – something that still hooks you, that you feel like, wow, I’m such a failure or wow, that was such the wrong thing to do.  It’s time to experience grace and love and forgiveness and live in the joy of knowing how loved you are as a child of God. 

So mend that broken wing and fly – fly like an eagle because God loves you and so do I.

Wednesday Wonderings Email April 28, 2021

 

 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Good morning and Welcome to Wednesday Wonderings.  How much silence can you handle?  How do you like quietness, a chance to reflect? 

It says in the word of God:

“And the work of righteousness will be peace,

And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.

Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation,

And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places.”  (Isaiah 32:17-18)

How about it?  Are you willing to find some quiet time, a place to reflect, a place to pray, a place to grow in your relationship with God?  Most of us are too busy and find it uncomfortable but maybe it’s time to take some quietness and make it a priority. 

Have a wonderful day!

 

 

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wonderings.  I remember it like it was yesterday – a big, shiny, gold stone.  I thought I was rich!  I’d found gold! But what I didn’t know was that there was such a thing as fool’s gold. Something that was worthless.  Pretty soon my bubble was burst. 

You know, it is the same in our world today.  There are a lot of people, there are a lot of websites, a lot of radio shows, TV shows, a lot of books, that say that they’re filled with gold, with truth, and yet they’re fool’s gold.  They’re fakes.  They’re out there to trip us up, to lead us away from the truth, from the grace of God.  It says in Corinthians, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.”

We’ve got to be careful.  There’s a lot of things that are out there that taste good, look good, sound good – they’re attractive.  But they’re fake.  They’re not the real deal.  They’re fool’s gold. 

As you wander through this world, I hope and I pray that you search out and discern the real gold, the real truth, the real Savior and Lord. Have a wonderful day!

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wonderings.  I’ve got one word for you – three little letters – as I sit in my chair or on the couch or lie down somewhere with this broken leg.  Those three little letters pop into my mind – WHY?  Why a broken leg?  Why now?  Why after all the hard work I’ve put in over the last year? Why now when the weather gets nice? Why at all?  Why? Why? Why?  I think we all ask that quite often. 

And yet when you think about it, think about Job.  Imagine – you’ve lost your livestock, they’ve been stolen. Your sheep and camels were also destroyed. Your employees murdered, your children crushed – all of them, all ten!  And then, you’re going to get a horrible disease.  I mean, did Job say, “Why?”  I know his wife did.  His wife advised: “Curse God and die!” But Job quickly responded wisely, “Shall we accept only good from God and never adversity?”

I wish I didn’t break my leg.  I wish bad things didn’t happen to people.  But it does.  And we quickly get stuck in the “Why?”  It says in Romans, (11:33) “Oh, the depth… of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”  Maybe we just need to trust more and believe in the hope of Easter. 

 

 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Welcome to Wednesday Wonderings on this Wednesday of Holy Week.  By now you’ve either heard or maybe you’ve seen that I’m on crutches.  And of course, the question is, what happened?  Well, I’m just going to give you the simple version, and that is, I stumbled.  None of us like to stumble.  But the truth is we all do. 

In the book of James chapter 3 verse 2 it says, “For we all stumble in many ways.” We all slip and fall physically and spiritually.  The question is whether or not we’re willing to get up.  Or as one person said it, “God wants to use us – stumbling and all – but He won’t use us if we refuse to get up.” 

It’s Holy Week.  It’s time for us to admit that we’ve fallen and that we can get up and that God wants us to get up in our brokenness to create us new and to let us share the good news of a risen Lord and Savior.  So this week, let’s just admit we stumble, we fall, but let’s scratch and claw and stand up and share the good news of Christ every day. Have a blessed Holy Week.

https://mailchi.mp/d178fb594b9d/wednesday-wonderings-march-31-2021

 

 

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wonderings.  Spring is in the air!  And pretty soon we’ll be going to the beach.  What amazes me is looking at how, over the last few years, Lake Michigan has eaten away at the beach – seeing those images of houses and buildings falling into Lake Michigan because of all of the erosion.  Again, the lake taking back that land and undermining the stability of the buildings. 

I’m wondering, over the last year, have you experienced erosion?  Has your foundation been eaten away?  I know the quick answer is, “Oh no! No way, I am still solid.”  But the truth is, erosion is sneaky and slowly pulls away that soil and pretty soon things crumble.

Just look at King Solomon.  Again, probably the wisest of the wise, richest of the richest, and yet he crumbled and fell.  I just want you to think about erosion and make sure that your foundation isn’t being eaten away.  Have a GREAT week!  Have a GREAT day!  Have a GREAT spring!  Just check out that foundation. 

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wonderings. How about it? Never ever let them see you sweat. Or even more so, don’t EVER let them see you cry. Again, those are things we were raised with, especially men. Don’t ever let people see you cry. Yet in Psalm 56 it says that God puts our tears in a bottle and enters them into the record He keeps on our lives. Or David says, “The Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.” Or we look at the prophet Jeremiah, who couldn’t even preach without tears because he was so passionate, and he became known as the “weeping prophet.”

When is the last time that you had a good cry? When was the last time you let your feelings come out and show them to someone – about how much you cared, about how concerned you were? Who knows what the tears were for? But you were willing to be vulnerable and share your innermost passion.

So, just think about it. Tears are part of who we are, part of who God created within us. Don’t be afraid to show them. Have a great day and thanks again for Wednesday wondering… or weeping! God bless.

 
 
 

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

 
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday Wonderings! Over the last couple of Sundays, we’ve been looking at the idea of being blessed in order to be a blessing to other people. And then I came across a devotional that posed that question or that idea in a different way. Simply put, the author says, “Are we friendly inside and out?” Are we friendly to the world in which we live? It says in Proverbs, “A man/a woman that hath friends must show themselves friendly.”

But they take it a step further. They don’t only look at it externally, but they look at it internally. Are we friendly to ourselves? Or are we a blessing to ourselves? God created us fearfully and wonderfully. Do we believe that? Do we believe how special we are? Because we need to believe how amazing we are in order to be amazing to others.

And so, I’m wondering, are you friendly to yourself? Do you bless yourself? Because in order to love others, in order to bless others, we’ve got to believe that God created us for special things. I’m wondering how friendly you are to others and to yourself. Have a wonderful day and keep on wondering.

https://mailchi.mp/c81d0d296a5d/wednesday-wonderings-march-10-2021

 

 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday… oh, wait a minute, it’s Wednesday Wonderings. But it’s my birthday too. You know, throughout my life I’ve struggled to really believe that my life has mattered, that I am important.

But then I’m reminded that God created me with a purpose. That Psalm 139 reminds me that He made me, He knit me together in my mother’s womb. He had a plan before I even knew. Or I am reminded of others in Scripture, like Amos: “… I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’”

You know, YOU ARE IMPORTANT! God has got a plan. Even in these challenging times, each of us has a purpose and God doesn’t make junk. So, Happy Birthday to me. But more importantly, Happy Birthday to each of us. Because God loves you, you’re a child of God, and you have an amazing purpose in life. Have a GREAT day! Happy Birthday!

https://mailchi.mp/b1ee80b3b4a9/wednesday-wonderings-march-3-2021