Psalm 121: 1-2

I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

We all face dangers, disappointments, tragedies and heartache in the course of our lives because we live in a sinful, fallen world. How do we then draw strength to know that we are not left utterly alone to cope with our issues? The Psalmist provides the answer! It is our Lord who provides our protection.

Film maker Peter Jackson, whether intentionally or not I do not know, provides a vivid image of this in the Lord of The Rings trilogy. Every time the end seems near and that good is about to be smashed by evil, there on top of a nearby hill, is a large army of protecting forces that throws the enemy into confusion. He further magnifies this theme with bright sunlight directly behind the conquering forces that blinds the enemy.

God is our protector and our shield. How great is that?!

Blessings
Mark

Luke 6:12-13

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.

Think of the kind of men that Jesus chose to be his apostles. There were a lot of fishermen and even a tax collector. But no church leaders or theologians. Not exactly what you might expect especially with Mathew the tax collector. Tax collectors were not only charged with collecting taxes for Roman but they would overcharge and keep the extra (remember the story of Zachias and his response when Jesus eats at his house).

God used imperfect servants, something that he continues to do today and that is encouraging news for us flawed vessels, knowing that we do not need to be perfect to be able to serve him.

Blessings
Mark

Malawi

My family is knee deep in preparations for a trip to visit our church's sister church at the end of this month. We have had a relationship with the church in Malawi (for those of you who enjoy geography, you are probably scrambling for your African map) which is in south central Africa. A pastor from our Presbytery has been serving in Malawi for the last year and he had the opportunity to visit with our sister congregation a few weeks ago. His observations of a Sunday worship service reveal an experience far different from what Christians in the states usually experience.

First of all, the usual service will last 3 to 4 hours. When people walk for hours to attend worship, I guess you want to make it worth while. The sermon is usually lasts at least 45 minutes to an hour. The pastor of our sister church stayed with us last fall and he said that the congregation would think that the pastor did not know what he was doing if he only spoke for the traditional 15 or 20 minutes.

The collection apparently is quite amazing. Being the 4th poorest country in the world, the congregation is not very wealthy. That being said, the collection is frequently in the form of livestock, vegetables and money. The collection is counted by the church Elders immediate and the total given. If it is not enough to provide for the churches needs, everyone comes forward once again!

Elders in the African Presbyterian church have far more expanded roles than those of us here in America. I will need to be prepared to teach a sermon or two along with several Bible studies. I might also be asked to officiate a funeral. Fortunately, we are taking our own pastor with us, so he can cover any funerals.

We have spent many hours in training focused on culture, protocol, and preparation for conditions a bit more rustic than those to which we are accustomed. I can't wait to see what God has in store for my wife, daughter and me! I know that we will learn much from our brothers and sisters half a world away and I look forward to sharing those learnings with you all.

By the way, if you ever get an opportunity to do some mission work (either foreign or domestic) go for it. It will change your life forever.

Blessings
Mark

Revelation 2:12-16

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live, where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death in your city, where Satan lives.

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolatians. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

What is being said of the believers in Pergamum? Here believers are praised for hold fast to their faith but yet, God still has some complaint against them. Picture this. Here you are, in the middle of a lake ready to water-ski. With your right hand you hold a tow rope attached to a very powerful boat. In your left hand is another tow rope attached to an equally powerful boat. You shout your OK to "Let 'er rip" and you get the picture as both boats accelerate away from you. Something has got to give. We do this with our spiritual and physical lives. In one hand we hold firmly to the Word and in the other hand we grasp the world.

The Nicolatians mentioned practiced synchronism, that is using parts of pagan religions merged with orthodox teachings to compromise the true faith of Christianity. Examples today might include: Christianity and Materialism, Christianity and Nationalism, Christianity and Sexual Freedom, Christianity and anything not Christian.

This dualism is very difficult to deal with and can cause great confusion in our lives. Do you recognize any of these behaviors in your life that keeps you from fully enjoying the relationship that God has planned for you both?

Blessings
Mark

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Therefore let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

Here we find the writer of Hebrews (this is a letter written to the early Christian converts from Judaism) condemning the believers for a lack of diligence in their faith. These are not new converts but rather they should now be teachers themselves as they have been long exposed to the foundational teachings of Christ. I would think that the writer of Hebrews would have a very similar comment about the state of the church today.

Think about it. We all expect our doctors to continue to learn long after medical school. I would not want my doctor to have never studied since school. How would he stay in touch with all of the latest advancements? Many of you in your jobs are required to take continuing education in order to stay certified or keep your jobs.

Do you know more than the basic foundations of the Christian faith? Do you study the Bible on your own and in groups? We send our children to Sunday school but do you send yourself? Does your church even offer adult education opportunities? Do you know what the Bible says about predestination, God's omnipotence, whether a believer can lose their salvation, or the final days? These are all things believers should be striving to understand what scripture does say so you can:

* Recognize good or bad teaching when you hear it.

* Teach your own family. It is a very common misperception that your church is responsible for your family's spiritual growth. The job belongs to you with your church as a partner, not the leader.

* More fully understand what God's plan is for your life.

* Be equipped to share the Good News with those who have never heard it. Yes, every believer is to be able to share their faith, not people like Billy Graham.

So how do you rate? Carve the time out of your family's crazy schedule to make time for God through prayer and Bible study. It is only THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING!

In His service, for His glory
Mark