Devotions

James 1:5-11
Pastor Dennis Rowe
The Pursuit of Wisdom

So I was reading a book the other day by Lee Strobel called “The Case for the Creator.”  You may know that Lee is a former Journalist who is now a pastor at
Willow Creek  Community Church in Barrington Ill. (a mega church).  This is one of several books in that series.  It was a very interesting read as I was challenged anew with the question of how humanity came into existence.  

Now God’s Word the Bible is pretty clear on the subject of how we came into existence.  God created Humanity, male and female He created them.  (Genesis 1:27)  What is interesting to me is how quickly we buy the science arguments about how humanity has evolved from lower forms of life to our present state. Strobel does a good job of looking at these supports for evolution from a new journalist perspective. 

 The world is a complex and gloriously intricate system.  This summer I spoke/ministered to a retired professor of Astronomy from Ohio State University.  As we shared about the intricacies of the universe he spoke of wonder and how much we “understood” about the galaxy.   I asked if he could not see the hand of God in the creation that he had studied for over 35 years.  He said no, and then asked me why I believed.  I stated that I looked at the same intricacies and the beauty of the worlds God has created, the complexities and could not help but see evidence of Divine Creation everywhere.  We continued to share and I witnessed to Him of my faith in Jesus Christ, and my assurance of Heaven.  This gentleman did not agree with me, however I was struck by his comment as I asked if I could pray for him prior to leaving.  He said, sure, you may be right and I may be wrong. 

Dear ones I want to encourage you to investigate the world that God has created with all its wonderful intricacies to the fullest.  God’s creation is beautiful, and intricate and science has discovered many systems God ordained.  But in this study do not forget the words of Genesis 1, that God has created the heavens and the earth.   
Blessings
Rev. Dennis Rowe

John 13
Pastor Dennis Rowe
Why Lordship?

Matthew 7:21-23
Pastor Dennis Rowe
What is Lordship?

Merry Christmas!  Who would have thought that those two words could be the center of any controversy?  If you haven’t heard already, let me give you the good news that Wal-Mart is now using these two simple words again – Merry Christmas!  Schools have been pressured to not use these two simple words but to use “Happy Holidays� instead.  Please don’t misunderstand me I have no problem with Happy Holidays, in fact I often use the phrase myself to make reference to Thanksgiving, Christmas and the coming New Year as being a holiday time of the year.  But to feel pressure by others to not use “Merry Christmas� is simply absurd.  If you are part of a minority who feels that somehow using these two simple words is forcing religion on you – let me share this with you, Merry Christmas and get a life!  There are some who just take life way too seriously.  Hey folks, don’t think that as a white male evangelical that I don’t understand what it is like to be a minority.  By and large white male evangelicals according to Hollywood have beaten their wives, have had numerous affairs and force religion on anyone who comes across their path. 

“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.� 
Luke 21:12-19

Here is my point for the Christian toady.  Don’t allow those who struggle with two simple words like “Merry Christmas� take your joy away.  Keep proclaiming what this time of year is all about.  This is the time of year that we celebrate the fact that God became a man.  God chose to come to this earth to teach many wonderful eternal truths and then to die on the cross which made payment for my sin and for the sin of the world.  Yes, Christ death made payment for the sin of all mankind, even those who struggle with two simple words.  But just like a Christmas gift which is already paid for, given freely with joy, but must be accepted in order for the gift to mean anything.  What would a Christmas gift mean to anyone if it is left under the tree?  What does Christ death and resurrection mean to you if you leave the free gift unopened?  The message of Christmas is that Jesus Christ came to earth to give us the free gift of eternal life.  May you accept that wonderful gift today!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.�  Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pastor Jeff

 

 

Joke Of The Day!

An atheist complained to a Christian friend, “You Christians have your special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. Jews celebrate their national holidays, such as Passover and Yom Kippur. But we atheists have no recognized national holidays. It’s unfair discrimination.”
      
His friend replied, “Why don’t you celebrate April first?”

Pastor Jeff