CHRISTMAS IN CRISIS

As I write I am in shock again by hearing of another police officer killed. This time it was in Tacoma in a domestic violence situation.  It seems like the news is filled with stories like that across our country. How tragic an event especially at Christmas time; the lives of countless people are affected. 

When will it all end? Is there something that could be done to stop it?  Political candidates decry the situation and pledge to make it better; but the problem persists.

However, Christmas does bring a true and lasting hope in view. The Magi declared the birth of Christ who was a king. Although this was a threat to Herod, this kingdom began in the hearts of men at Christ’s first coming but will materialize in fullness at His second coming. Revelation 19:11 describes it. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.”  This is the opening picture of Christ coming in power to set up His kingdom on earth which He will rule (cf. Rev. 19:11-16; Ezk. 38-39). His rule will deal with evil effectively and bring a lasting peace ultimately.   

This weekend is our Living Nativity (Dec. 3-4). Keep this in prayer.  Rejoice in it also because the hope of Christ’s true, just and lasting kingdom is still ahead. We can also say “Hallelujah” with the multitudes of Heaven because ultimately the just Judge will come.

Invite friends to come and walk through this amazing event.  It’s almost like being there. See you Saturday or Sunday evening Dec. 3 & 4 from 5-8pm.

-Pastor Mark

SO THANKFUL

Being thankful is not always easy to do. Our human nature, having been affected by sin, can tend to pull us down. When the cup is half full we see it as half empty, and the traffic light at the intersection we see as a “stop light” rather than a “go light.”  But, in God’s Word it reminds believers to be thankful.  Paul said to the Colossians, who had their problems, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Col. 3:15). Paul encouraged them to be thankful even though he was actually in prison when he wrote the letter.

I want to be thankful this Thanksgiving regardless of problems. A few blessings recently have been to celebrate Zhatva (A celebration of thanksgiving for the harvest.  See my blog Passports & Applause) in Ukraine during October. What a blessing to join other believers in giving thanks in spite of being in a country at war. I am thankful for three new grandkids this year; Bella, Titus and Samuel. I am thankful for being able to be at the baptism of two of my older grandkids, Isaiah and Rachelle, a few days ago.

I am thankful for the work the Lord is doing in our church.  Barbara Hoegen recently sent me a “THANKSGIVING TESTIMONY.” She wrote it in the wake of the loss of her husband Tom five years ago and all that God has done since. Here are some excerpts, “Being alone in a foreign country is not easy, especially when you lose someone you love.” “Thank you God for making me become a happy single mom.” “Thank you God for making me a happy widow.”  “Thank you God for giving me three boys, They are different but they are good boys.”  Full copies of her poem are available on the credenza in the foyer.

God has also blessed her and she recently moved into the new house her husband Tom started to build before he died. She now prays she will have the opportunity to someday help spread the gospel in her native Thailand.   

This year our Thanksgiving Offering is going to the Chris Galbreath family. I talked with Chris and Tiffany this week. Chris was hit by a car while walking across a dark street on his way to work September 30th.

“After being hit I flew through the air for four seconds. Now that doesn't seem like a lot of time, but I had a lot of thoughts go through my head in that short amount of time. I remember thinking, " Well, this is probably it, and if it is 'it' then I've lead a good life. I helped bring five wonderful children into the world and started them off with a foundation centered on the Lord and kindness towards all. And I was given by God a partner who would reinforce those values even after I am gone. But if this isn't 'it' then He must have a plan and a use for me yet." And then I hit the ground. That ran through my head all in four seconds and one hundred seven feet. God is good all the time. And He is in control. I can't wait to see His plans for me... but in His timing of course.”

Since then he has had many surgeries, lost a leg and still may lose the other. They are now living with Tiffany’s parents, Norm and Shanon Myers, on the KP. As he goes through continued treatment there are many expenses. Funds have already been given through the gofundme.com website. Gifts marked “Thanksgiving Offering” can be placed in our wall offering box in the back and will go to the Galbreaths.  The offering will be open until January 1st.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving,

Pastor Mark

ELECTION REFLECTION CONCERNS

One question I was frequently asked while in Ukraine recently was, "What do you think about the election?" I wondered if there was something going on there which I was unaware of. But, they were referring to our own presidential election. I thought in Kiev I had escaped all that.

The Motherland Statue in Ukraine was built just prior to the fall of the U.S.S.R.  Note the hammer and sickle on her shield. 

Ukrainians are understandably concerned about our election because it could have a significant impact on their war torn country. They are aware of the failure of the current administration in honor protection treaties when invaded. They were also aware of Donald Trumps statements and his connection with Vladimir Putin. 

My usual answer was that it was perhaps the most difficult election cycle I had ever seen.  Most of us expected Mrs.. Clinton to be a candidate but few expected Mr. Trump to become the Republican nominee.  Both candidates had negatives that seemed to clearly outweigh their positives.  I said that Christians were in a quandary as to what to do or who to vote for. I usually pointed out that these may be signs of the times of the nearing of Christ's return.  He did warn about such troubled times. 

We are on the eve of an unprecedented election. We must look to Scripture for direction and be in much prayer as this election happens.  Pray for our country.  Things can change quickly like they did in Kiev.  The great Motherland Statue pictured here reminds me of our Statue of Liberty.  Communism built it as an emblem of the U.S.S.R..  But, a few years later the whole country fell apart. Some today want it demolished. The "eternal flame" at the war memorial near by now is only lit on special occasions now due to the cost of gas. Who knows what the future holds for them or us?  

Pray for the candidates and for God to be glorified in it all as He continues to be our ultimate King.  Pray for the church as we continue to be a light on a hill that won't go out.

For a little more insight on this I suggest you listen to Dr. Al Mohler's commentary from a Christian perspective for today on the matter of the election.  Click on http://www.albertmohler.com/ and then on The Briefing 11-07-16 for Monday. 

Pastor Mark