I use a small notebook as a prayer journal.  It doesn’t make me more spiritual than people who don’t, it just helps me stay faithful.  Years ago I became bothered by hearing people’s prayer requests and promptly forgetting some of them.  So I write them down.  It helps me keep faith with those for whom I have promised to pray.  One section of it is devoted to the things for which I am grateful.  It is worth going over.  Every time.  Think about the things for which we should give thanks:  
     How about beginning with life?  As it says in the book of Job:  “If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish
together and mankind would return to the dust.”  Not only is He the Author of life but also its Sustainer.  
     What about our gifts and abilities?  We are each born with different inborn aptitudes, physical attributes and talents.  We may work at developing them but we do not generate them.  
     Our health?  Praise God if you are healthy but living as we do in a fallen world, disease and decay are a fact of life.  No one is healthy all the time and we have to die of something someday.  Praise God for our body’s ability to mend itself and overcome pathogens.  Praise God for its ability to heal from injury.  We didn’t come up with this, it is a gift.  
     What about our ability to earn our living?  We may do work, earn a wage but our ability to do so is not self generated.
     What about this amazing world where we live?  And along with it, what about the senses that God has given to us that allow us to enjoy it.  After a winter storm I look out on a sunny morning and praise God for the beauty that I see and for giving me the eyes to see it.  And ears to hear the meadowlark, and a nose to smell the sage after a rain, skin to feel the breeze, a mouth to taste my food etc.  
Not only has He placed us here in the world but He has equipped us to enjoy it.  
     As you look around your home and see your children and mate, do you praise Him for that?  I remember holding our firstborn and marveling at his perfectly formed body.  I hold my wife, children and grandchildren and am moved to thanksgiving.  How He has enriched my life!  I can remember when all I thought I had in the world was an old truck, a black dog and some clothing stuffed in a backpack.  He has blessed me abundantly.
     Do you thank Him for adversity?  If our way was always smooth would we ever grow?  He shapes us through the difficult times.  
   Do you thank Him for physical closeness?  The hug of a loved one, the bond of shared lives and experience, the grubby kisses of the small ones?  How poor we would be without them!
    Are you thankful for the “basics?”  A roof over our head, electricity, heat, indoor plumbing, food in the refrigerator (even having a ‘fridge!) - most of the world would count these incredible luxuries.  
    I could go on in this vein for as long as I can type.  Maybe longer!  In doubt as to where to begin?  Start with the basics and move outward.  
    “ Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thess 5:18.  If you are dubious about why to be grateful this should help you out.  It is God’s will that we be thankful in all circumstances.  Boy does this cover a lot!  Not just being thankful for the what but for the when and how - that is His will for us.  Not everything is good or enjoyable but He works in and through all things.  That is the truth behind Rom 8:28 - He causes all things to work together for good.  That is why Job praised Him in disaster.  That is why we praise God.  It is a declaration of faith in His benign will and purpose toward us.  Even when we cannot see it in our present circumstance.  It is a declaration on our part that we trust Him to cause all things to work out according to His will for good.  
     Are you thankful to Him for our Lord Jesus?  Consider what He has done for us and who He is?  The Lord and Creator of the universe regarded us enough, had compassion on us despite our sin and identified with us in our humanity, taking upon Himself our collective guilt and satisfying God’s justice.  All this through His incarnation, death and resurrection.  And at the Father’s right hand He intercedes for us.  He is not ashamed to call us His family and He is preparing to spend eternity with us.  He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit and will complete in us the work that began when we placed our faith in Him.  
    Are you thankful for the Holy Spirit?  He is the one who places us into the family of God the moment we believe, seals us as His own, leads, comforts, convicts, teaches and opens up God’s word to us.  
    This is just a beginning.  One could go on (and on) this way for a long while.  And we should and it is healthy to do it.  Here we are in Fall 2020.  Who could have predicted what this year would bring at this time last year?  All the political upheaval, COVID 19, drought, fires and much more.  But, if you are reading this you are still here!  As stated in an old Persian saying, “This too will pass.”  Sooner or later there is change.  There always is.  But God remains the same, can be trusted and is the Source of everything good.  Search your hearts often and be thankful.   Happy Thanksgiving 

       Here we are at the beginning of another new administration.  One regime leaves and another takes its place.  When I was 18 I voted for the first time in any election, national or otherwise.  It all seemed so new and "adult."  Since then, it seems like a revolving door - Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama and now Trump.  And over the years those who liked the loser in any contest reviled, poked fun etc. at the new leader.  Humor is cathartic and at times very refreshing.  We need to be able to laugh at ourselves.  And, humor can be used to make points that need to be made.  I do think that we often  cross the line that exists between valid criticism and disrespect.  In scripture (Ex 22:28 and Act 23:5) we are commanded not to speak evil of or curse the ruler of our people.  I hear and see professing believers violate this constantly.  Whether I care for a leader and their policies or not,  I need to speak respectfully about them and pray for them. In 1 Tim 2 we are commanded to pray for our leaders.  In 1 Pet 2 we are called on to "fear God and honor the king."  The king referred to in the latter passage was reprobate, matricide, murderer, sexual predator etc. etc. - Nero, emperor of Rome.  Peter no doubt detested Nero's deeds yet he was determined to honor his position as king/emperor.  In the same manner, some of us who have served in the military know that although a superior officer or NCO may be unethical, incompetent or worse, we still needed to respect their position and rank.  
   Beloved, however you voted, pray for our leaders, pray for their decisions and speak and write about them with respect.    We do not have to agree with them to do so, just show proper respect.  Even if we oppose them.  Read Rom 13:1-7.  I have a challenge for you all - seek to express your political opinions by sticking to issues and acts and avoid ad hominem attacks.  We should hold our leaders accountable - all of them.  And again, do it respectfully.  Lev 19:18, Gal 5:14, Eph 5:2,  1 Jn 3:11.  How do people know we are Jesus' disciples?  How do we speak and act toward all men, as well as toward one another.  Jn 13:34-35.  

"IF YOU AIM AT NOTHING..."

     There is an old saying about aimless drifting that goes, "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time."  There is a lot of truth to this.  Churches especially run the risk of merely maintaining programs and allowing inertia to control direction.  We at Standish have a three fold reason  for existence.  We want to proclaim the gospel, we want to make disciples and we want tot strengthen families.  Everything we do as a congregation ought to fulfill one or more of these goals.  Our prayer is that in doing so we will glorify our Maker and make a difference here where He has placed us.  This focus is a good idea to have in our lives as individuals as well.  How do we approach living our lives?  Is there a purpose that drives us or do we simply let life Happen?"  I think that it is a very important challenge for each of us to try and live life intentionally to glorify God.   Seize the day!  Make the most of the opportunities that each day presents to you.  Start it with time in prayer and the word.  Communicate throughout the day with God and be watchful for opportunities to serve Him.  God will certainly use us if we seek Him and are available for Him to use.  So, will you just let life happen or approach it with purpose?  The way we each answer this will make a big difference in the fruit that we produce.  In Jesus, Tony

​Revival

     If you are getting weary of the strident tone of the political "industry," don't feel alone.  Here we are,  nine months and a few days from the next major election and the pundits in print, radio, on-line and televised media have been overwhelming us for almost a year already.  Talk radio never really quits.  As believers in the Lord Jesus, how should we approach politics?   As a pastor, I want our people to study candidates and issues and vote their conscience.  Am I or Standish Bible Church endorsing any candidates?  Not likely.  Ever.  And never forget that the talking heads in the media are only entertainers.  Stirring the pot keeps listeners/watchers engaged.  These people make their money advertising.  They do not offer a public service.  In fact, a nuisance abatement might be an appropriate response.  They are strident, at times bombastic and they constantly "stir the pot."  They keep their place in the ratings by stirring people up.  
     Listen or watch with discernment.   Philippians 4:8 definitely applies here (as in music, movies etc.).  Is what we listen to, watch or participate in honoring to God?  Are you politically active?  There is nothing wrong with that.  In fact, I find that commendable.  We need to see more believers engaging in government (as well as in every other facet of society).  But remember this,  a leader in and of themselves is not who we are to look to.  We need to look to God and His priorities.  If God's people in our nation would strive to love God and their neighbor as priorities, this nation would change for the better.  We need revival, more than electoral victories.  
     Can you imagine the impact of applying the resources and energy that is now being poured into politics instead being poured into feeding the hungry, funding missions, preaching the gospel and caring for the needy?  If the American church has a failing, it is in failing to keep first things first.  Pray for our nation!  Pray that God's people will step up and seek God's priorities.  For a long time now the church in our nation has increasingly mirrored our society.  There is a lot of the world in the church.  We need to proclaim Jesus to the world in our deeds and words.  Only then will revival come.  

     Here again we come to that time of year called “the holidays.”  Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Traditionally families gather, feast, relax and travel.  For some, lots of travel takes place.  More than anything else in our society it portends feasting and football.  And it is good to hang out with loved ones and friends and to enjoy seasonal treats that we seldom indulge in at other times of year.  But commonly lost in the shuffle is the actual reason that we celebrate such days.  When Cindy and I lived in Germany we watched with curiosity the festival processions, special church services, parades etc. that the people of our part of Bavaria joined.  Yet when we asked what the reason for the day was we were commonly told, “It is a tradition; we always do this.”  It made us think of our own traditions and why we celebrate them.  As a society we have come far from the original mood and intent of so much of what we celebrate.  It helps to understand Israel’s falling away that the bible records.  They were (and are) like us - they often did “what they always did” at certain times of year.  Special days and seasons lost significance for many and were doubtless commercialized.  Sukkoth, Passover, Yom Kippur, Chanukah surely meant more to some than to others.   How do we confront this?  There are several ways but here are some to consider:


1.  Focus on the main thing:  On Thanksgiving, remember the Lord and His goodness and give thanks.  On Christmas focus on the incarnation of Jesus and the reason for it.  Parents, it is a very good thing to make Him the focus.  What an opportunity to tell your kids about salvation!
We have tried hard to avoid the increasing “paganization” of any holiday observances with roots in our faith.  We celebrate our Savior.  Likewise, for Easter we focus on the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.  On veteran’s day it is important to remember the sacrifice of those who have served and are serving in the uniformed services.  You get the idea.  


2.  The commercialization of the Christmas season is especially annoying and ungodly.  It is all about stuff.  Advertising starts in September in some places.  There is a short detour for Halloween and Thanksgiving pretty well gets skipped over (except in grocery stores where there is money to  be made selling the traditional foods).  We have chosen to give modest gifts to our grandkids and donate in one another’s names through Samaritan’s Purse or similar care ministries.  It doesn’t make anyone more “spiritual” if one does this, it just helps us focus better on the reason that we celebrate.  Maybe you have a different way to remember Him - this is merely our way.  But to see the emphasis devolve down to crass and kitschy myths and an orgy of spending is painful.  Fight it!


3.  Jesus said that it is “better to give than to receive.”  Look around you for people in need of encouragement and/or help.  Volunteer to help or give.  There are many opportunities to give year round but especially at this time.  When most are enjoying the holidays some are in pretty bleak circumstances.  Love your neighbor.

Dear Ones In Christ,
I am going to vent a little. But you already knew that I was a bit of a crank anyway!  I am getting increasingly weary of hearing the term “worship” applied to the portion of a church service devoted to praising God in music and song. I hear people describe that portion of a service as worship, as in “Man, the worship was awesome today.” What exactly does that mean? That the music and words resonated with them as they participated? That it caused them to praise our Lord? This can be a good thing, but I fear that often it simply reflects a person’s enjoyment and approval of the music, the words and the skill of the music ministry folks.

I have known quite a few people over the years who seek out churches based on the style of the music. What I fear that this says about us when we do that is that we are into self worship. We seek out what moves us instead of possibly what actually feeds us. If you like the old hymns and that is what “does it for you,” it can be the same thing. The genre doesn’t matter so much as the attitude of the worshipper. Who is this thing we call worship supposed to be all about? If it is about me and my preferences, then it is self worship. If it is about knowing and seeking God, it is about Him.  

In our world people tend to shop for churches like they do for other things, be it food, clothes, entertainment, cars, etc. It is about my choices, my comfort, my desires. Trying to find what makes me happy. That road eventually leads to bad places, probably sooner than later. It can produce spiritual shallowness, and weakness, that is certain. American churches are “discipling” people to be spiritual consumers.

But, beloved, the church is not a marketplace, nor is it all about “me.” It is a community of people linked together by a shared faith in and commitment to Christ and one another. We don’t “do” church, we are the church. Here are some things to remember as we contemplate the church:

1. Christ is our Head and Master. If He is not at the center of what we do and who we are, ! something is wrong.

2. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Not the building.

3. The church must be Word-based. In 1 Tim 4:13 Paul, speaking by the Spirit, exhorted Timothy, a young pastor, to focus on three things: the public reading of Scripture, preaching and teaching. The Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit should be the focal point of our gatherings. When we spend 35 minutes in musical pursuits and 15 in the Word, things are out of kilter. Drama and singing are fine, but nothing can be allowed to usurp the rightful place of the Word in our worship.

4. Listening attentively and asking God to reveal His truth to us is worship too. Read, listen, take notes if it helps. Ask God to show you what the Word is leading you to do or change as you read and listen.

5. When you sing, what are the lyrics about? Is it Him or is it about me and how I feel? Music certainly can be worship if the focus is on Him and what He has done. Many old hymns and contemporary songs and choruses magnify Him and if we are actively seeking and praising Him as we sing it is worship and can be a powerful thing in our lives. But if it is merely fun to sing a catchy tune - not so much.


6. I dislike the term “worship team” to describe musical ministry. Praise Team or Music Ministry is better I think. No one can lead worship. We can point people to Him and try to facilitate worship, but that is a personal issue for each participant.

7. If we are seeking Him as a life priority, a daily walk, our gathering for worship will most likely be sweet to us, profound and even moving. If we live like atheists all week and put our Christian “hat” on Sunday morning, it will most likely be stale, even stilted unless there is some kind of worship “experience” to move or jolt us. And even then, being merely emotionally moved but not spiritually challenged easily ends up becoming self deception.