Unexpected

God quite often in life brings things into our lives that are unexpected and are life changing. Such is what has happened to me this week. I was diagnosed with a disease that I am going to have to deal with for the rest of my life. I now now that I have a form of Multiple Sclerosis. It is an autoimmune disease that I am going to have to deal with for the rest of my life. It is not only me, but my wife and my 3 children as well.

It is interesting to listen to people's reactions as the we informed of my condition. Most are with shock and fear of the unknown. People are also compassionate and caring and just wanting to pray for me and to encourage me. Which is very comforting and what Christians should do for each other. Then they ask the question: "How are you handling this unexpected event in your life?"

My response is "What am I supposed to do?" It is just part of life. God gives all of us issues and struggles that we have to deal with that are quite often a surprise. Especially when it is something medical like MS, or cancer, or whatever. God has obviously decided that I am able to endure this disease until such time as He calls me home. He obviously believes that my family can handle this as well as God does not have us endure things that He does not give us the strength to handle.

So how do I pray about this?
1. That God's glory would be revealed somehow through this.
2. That God's strength would be made perfect in my weakness and that I would understand what that truly means.
3. That I would be able to live as "normal" a life as I possibly can.
4. That I would be able to accomplish all that God wants me to do.
5. That I would be able to be a devoted husband and responsible father.
6. That God would heal me.

The first two are the most important. Some might say that number 6 should be in there too. The problem with that is that it may not be God's plan. Do I hope that it is, sure I do but my perspective should not change about my life and purpose because they belong to God.

If you choose to pray for me that is how I would like you to pray for me.

Your Servant,

Pastor Rich

Proper Response to Rapidly Shifting Times

The video used in this morning’s message is one that probably for many of you was overwhelming. Some of you may choose to just ignore the information that the video shares. Others of you it may have made you even more fearful of what the world is going to become. Still others may, just “blow off” what the message was and you just take the world as it comes to you. As a parent of three children whom God have given me responsibility to raise and prepare for this world that is to come, I to, am a little intimidated by what is coming in my lifetime, but even more than that, the world my children will inherit. The question we need to ask ourselves however, is how should we as Christians to what is going on in the world around us.

I do not think we should be afraid of it. That would deny that God is truly in charge and that He somehow does not know what is going on. I do not think that we should “bunker” ourselves into our homes and wait for Jesus to return either. That would be disobedient to the “Great Commission” where it says as we are going, we are to make disciples. You cannot do that if you never leave the “bunker”. Besides, there are a lot of people who need you and me to meet them where they are because they are just as scared of what the future might bring. AND WE HAVE THE ANSWER!!

The key is the passage of today’s message:

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (NIV)

People are looking for a something to bring stability to their ever changing lives. His name is Jesus! Let us show Him to the world to be who He is, the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Pastor Rich