As I reflect this morning on the significance of this day, I am filled with great joy. It was a day much like today, filled with the crispness of a winter morning, that a young couple experienced the birth of her child. They had left the comforts of their home town in response to the edict of the Romans and traveled the miles over rough terrain to the birthplace of their family, the little town of Bethlehem.
There surrounded by strangers, in a strange place, under difficult circumstances the Christ Child was born. Jesus, the Savior, the ultimate gift from God came into this world not as a warrior, but a child.
The Bible says “God SO LOVED HE GAVE.” That is the core truth of Christmas. Love always is expressed in giving, not receiving.
As you reflect on Christmas, think with me about giving. I am prone to think about tangibles gifts, things I know people would love. Of course there is never enough money to buy everything we are tempted to buy for those we love. So let me suggest a list of gifts you can give that will not cost you anything.
1. The gift of encouragement. Who in your life is dealing with tough times and needs a word of encouragement.
2. The gift of a hug. There are times when words fall short. An embrace will say more than a thousand words.
3. The gift of helps. Perhaps some small token of helping someone in need with say “I love you”.
4. A note of appreciation. Use your words not Hallmark!
There are others I am sure you can think of. My prayer for you is that there would flow from your heart the gift of love to those God has brought into your life.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Paul
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Hero's and Heritage
In the hectic lifestyles we live today, it is important to hit the pause button from time to time in order to reflect on the bigger picture. It is in the pause mode that we come to appreciate the reality that the impact of others is what has made it possible for us to be who we are. It also helps us reflect on the foundation of what we presently enjoy.
Last year, Glenda and I accepted the invitation to be the Pastors of Windsor Assembly of God. It was a dramatic change for us, having been in Arvada, Colorado for almost 20 years. The challenges have been great, the rewards overwhelming, and the people warm and friendly. We love the church family and the community family. We share conversations and stories where ever we meet people.
One of the extreme highlights has been to meet a modern day hero. Although I knew him by name, I did not know his story. At a point in the history of Windsor Assembly there was a moment when it seemed like the best decision would be to close the doors and send the small remnant of believers to another church. Instead, Pastor James Call volunteered to come out of retirement to pastor the church. Pastor Call was 71 years old at that time. He and his precious wife Eula had a long history of pastoral experience and also had traveled as evangelists all over the country. Instead of taking the easy path of remaining in a comfortable lifestyle, Pastor Call accepted the challenge of bringing Windsor Assembly back from the brink of extinction to vibrant health.
Some of the highlights that were accomplished during his nine year tenure as pastor:
Paid off all bills that were currently owed by the church
Build the size of the congregation so that they filled the Oak street facility to overflowing.
Saved over $250,000 for a future church building.
Began the process of selling the Main Street property in order to purchase the current property on HWY 257 and WCR 72
However, the most important impact that the Calls had was to create a climate of faith, loving the community, hard work and commitment. Sacrifice on their part personally was just the way they looked at the role as pastor. That heritage is a part of the DNA of Windsor Assembly today. Pastor Call is truly a hero. He laid down the mantle as pastor of Windsor Assembly after 9 years. His beloved wife of 66 years passed away two years ago. Today at 89 years of age he continues to love the Windsor community and the church. We are so pleased to declare Sunday, May 18, 2008 as Heritage Sunday at Windsor Assembly. It will be a day of reflection on our heritage and gaining new insight and appreciate for our roots. My hero, Pastor James Call will be sharing a message from his heart about his journey with God. Come and enjoy this special time together bridging the past with the present as we look to the future.
Last year, Glenda and I accepted the invitation to be the Pastors of Windsor Assembly of God. It was a dramatic change for us, having been in Arvada, Colorado for almost 20 years. The challenges have been great, the rewards overwhelming, and the people warm and friendly. We love the church family and the community family. We share conversations and stories where ever we meet people.
One of the extreme highlights has been to meet a modern day hero. Although I knew him by name, I did not know his story. At a point in the history of Windsor Assembly there was a moment when it seemed like the best decision would be to close the doors and send the small remnant of believers to another church. Instead, Pastor James Call volunteered to come out of retirement to pastor the church. Pastor Call was 71 years old at that time. He and his precious wife Eula had a long history of pastoral experience and also had traveled as evangelists all over the country. Instead of taking the easy path of remaining in a comfortable lifestyle, Pastor Call accepted the challenge of bringing Windsor Assembly back from the brink of extinction to vibrant health.
Some of the highlights that were accomplished during his nine year tenure as pastor:
Paid off all bills that were currently owed by the church
Build the size of the congregation so that they filled the Oak street facility to overflowing.
Saved over $250,000 for a future church building.
Began the process of selling the Main Street property in order to purchase the current property on HWY 257 and WCR 72
However, the most important impact that the Calls had was to create a climate of faith, loving the community, hard work and commitment. Sacrifice on their part personally was just the way they looked at the role as pastor. That heritage is a part of the DNA of Windsor Assembly today. Pastor Call is truly a hero. He laid down the mantle as pastor of Windsor Assembly after 9 years. His beloved wife of 66 years passed away two years ago. Today at 89 years of age he continues to love the Windsor community and the church. We are so pleased to declare Sunday, May 18, 2008 as Heritage Sunday at Windsor Assembly. It will be a day of reflection on our heritage and gaining new insight and appreciate for our roots. My hero, Pastor James Call will be sharing a message from his heart about his journey with God. Come and enjoy this special time together bridging the past with the present as we look to the future.
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Underdog Wins Again!
It was not supposed to happen! The New England Patriots were on an amazing streak, 18-0. All of the stats and the hype were heavily on the side of the Patriots. The New York Giants were a lowly wild card entry without a prayer of a chance. Their quarterback, Eli Manning, was streaky at best.
Glenda and I tend to always cheer for the underdog. There is something about a team coming though in the big moment, when the pressure is on, when no one believes they can do it! We had stocked up on snacks and settled in our little trailer on the farm to strain at the little nine-inch TV. We munched and cheered and hung on to the hope that the Giants would pull off the upset. The Patriots’ final touchdown with only 2 minutes and 42 seconds left in the game deflated our hopes. Brady had come through once again.
The moment of the game came when Eli Manning seemed trapped in the backfield; it appeared inevitable that he would go down in a sack and with it all hope. Somehow he escaped wheeling to his left, lofted a pass to David Tyree, who in a superhuman effort, outfights Rodney Harrison to make a 32- yard pass. They are already calling this moment “The Great Escape.” It takes its place with “The Holy Roller,” “The Immaculate Reception” and “The Catch.”
As the final pass of the drive floated into the end zone to be hauled in by Plaxico Burress, joy, excitement, and exhilaration came spontaneous. The underdogs had done it again! WOW! I nearly bumped my head on the low ceiling of the Prowler trailer in expressing my joy. Of course, the little negative voice whispered, “It’s only a game”. SO WHAT! It was a moment of great joy.
It reminded me of the host of stories in the Bible about underdogs, people who were powerless, insignificant, but key characters in moments of great victory. I think of Gideon who defeated the vast armies of the Midianities. He went into battle with an improbable army of only 300 equipped with trumpets and torches hidden in clay pots. As they came to the edge of the camp, they shouted, “For the Lord and Gideon.” There was such confusion that the enemy turned on each other and many were slaughtered. The underdog wins!
We often find ourselves in the role as underdogs in so many of life’s circumstances –
unemployed, underemployed, unsolvable relational problems, financial burdens crushing us, ongoing medical issues, problems with children, depression, or overwhelming anxiety, just to name a few. The good news is that being an underdog does not dictate failure. Underdog + God = success. In Matthew 19:26 Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." That is the formula. Without God, failure, with God, success.
When you face the impossible, when there are giants in the land, when no one sees you coming through, TRUST God.
Glenda and I tend to always cheer for the underdog. There is something about a team coming though in the big moment, when the pressure is on, when no one believes they can do it! We had stocked up on snacks and settled in our little trailer on the farm to strain at the little nine-inch TV. We munched and cheered and hung on to the hope that the Giants would pull off the upset. The Patriots’ final touchdown with only 2 minutes and 42 seconds left in the game deflated our hopes. Brady had come through once again.
The moment of the game came when Eli Manning seemed trapped in the backfield; it appeared inevitable that he would go down in a sack and with it all hope. Somehow he escaped wheeling to his left, lofted a pass to David Tyree, who in a superhuman effort, outfights Rodney Harrison to make a 32- yard pass. They are already calling this moment “The Great Escape.” It takes its place with “The Holy Roller,” “The Immaculate Reception” and “The Catch.”
As the final pass of the drive floated into the end zone to be hauled in by Plaxico Burress, joy, excitement, and exhilaration came spontaneous. The underdogs had done it again! WOW! I nearly bumped my head on the low ceiling of the Prowler trailer in expressing my joy. Of course, the little negative voice whispered, “It’s only a game”. SO WHAT! It was a moment of great joy.
It reminded me of the host of stories in the Bible about underdogs, people who were powerless, insignificant, but key characters in moments of great victory. I think of Gideon who defeated the vast armies of the Midianities. He went into battle with an improbable army of only 300 equipped with trumpets and torches hidden in clay pots. As they came to the edge of the camp, they shouted, “For the Lord and Gideon.” There was such confusion that the enemy turned on each other and many were slaughtered. The underdog wins!
We often find ourselves in the role as underdogs in so many of life’s circumstances –
unemployed, underemployed, unsolvable relational problems, financial burdens crushing us, ongoing medical issues, problems with children, depression, or overwhelming anxiety, just to name a few. The good news is that being an underdog does not dictate failure. Underdog + God = success. In Matthew 19:26 Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." That is the formula. Without God, failure, with God, success.
When you face the impossible, when there are giants in the land, when no one sees you coming through, TRUST God.
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