The Promise

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is right around the corner. After last year, I believe we are all looking forward to a time of being together to celebrate Advent and prepare for the coming of the Christ child in the manger. Many opportunities await us as we enter into this season and I hope you will read through this newsletter to find all the ways you can engage with us and one another at FullDevotion FBC. Let us remind others of the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love that Christmas brings to a world that is lost in darkness.

For now I want to talk to you about the “Promise of Christmas.” At one time or another, we have all made promises or had promises made to us. But exactly what is a promise? A promise is an assurance that a certain thing will come to pass. It is similar to a vow where an individual will do, give, or arrange something, undertake or declare to make something happen. One might say that a promise is a sacred and verbal commitment that isn’t meant to be broken. When someone makes a promise it means the world to you. That promise is a solid commitment that should never be broken, nor should you yourself break the promises you make to your friends or loved ones. However as hard as we try, sometimes promises are broken and when that happens it stings, it hurts a bit. Often the trust we had in someone or the trust someone had in us suffers.

But our God is different. When God makes a promise we can be confident that he will be faithful to bring it to fruition. The Bible is full of promises from God to His people, and there is one life changing promise we celebrate every year at this time. It is the “Promise of Christmas.”

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

I want to invite you to join us during the Advent season to rediscover the promises found in the Old Testament that prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. Together, let us revisit the New Testament passages regarding the birth of our Savior. The four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas remind us of the hope God was offering His people. The promise to bring salvation to all people. We also recall the peace the angels spoke about to the shepherds as they joined together saying,  “'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'” Let us also embrace the great joy and the great love represented in the birth of Immanuel, God with us.

One thing I know about God. God always, always keeps His promises, even when they take longer than we would like. This Christmas you can be confident that God has not forgotten about you. Even in the midst of the struggles of this life you can experience the promise of peace that God offers. Deuteronomy 31:6-8  reminds us, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." With this promise, we can be assured that He is always with us and encouraged to always be with God in faith and spirit. No matter our past, we can always repent and return to God's loving arms of mercy and grace

This Christmas let’s focus on the promises of God. Let’s worship together and rejoice in the good news of the God who came near to us in the form of a baby and who died for us to give us the greatest gift we could ever be given. The promise of the gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

Wishing You All the Promise of Christmas!

Pastor Kevin, Michi & Family

 

TWENTY-FIVE DAYS OF GRATITUDE

As we enter the month of November it is often associated with gratitude. After all, we do celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of the month. Expressing gratitude has shown that having a grateful heart, a thankful heart can actually make a person healthier, more joyful and more content. I want to encourage us to take some focused time to appreciate our lives and all that we have been blessed with. That is why I am inviting you to embrace twenty-five days of gratitude as you will see on page 2 of this newsletter. Let’s join together in truly giving thanks to God.

The Psalmist tells us in 136:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Sometimes we tend to focus a little too much on the gifts and not the giver. This verse reminds us to give God thanks and focus on who He is and his unconditional love. Think about all he has done to show you how much you are loved. 

In the addition the Apostle Paul goes on to tell us to, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. We recognize we will all face some type of struggle, challenge or life experience we would not choose or even want. Paul says in this moments we are to give thanks for this is the will of God for you. Perhaps you have heard the quote from Bernadette Devlin, “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you." I am incredibly thankful that whatever we experience in life God will not withdraw his hand of grace and protection over us. So, what is a gratitude challenge?

 

Generosity Project 2021 & Beyond

 

Allow me to express my excitement and enthusiasm as we return to a full schedule of ministry opportunities. Restart Sunday proved once again to be a joyous occasion for the church family to come together. It was made even better by the appearance of the Kona Ice truck. Over the past 2 years we have missed out on a lot of great moments because of the precautions put in place to protect us from Covid. Now, regular Sunday and Wednesday opportunities are happening for our church. Our children are getting reconnected, our youth are getting reconnected, and adults are reconnecting. We truly are “Better Together.” We can look forward to a Wednesday meal beginning this month as well.

Unfortunately my excitement has been diminished by the number of members we have lost in recent weeks. With each death announcement, my heart aches for the families whose loved ones have departed this earth. I am reminded of some truly great people who have been a part of this church for many years. People who have sacrificed, taught, served and loved others as God has loved them. They will definitely be missed by each of us who have known them. The other side of the coin is that we have hope. Because of our belief in the resurrection we know the promise the words of Jesus hold,

“ I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

We know will be together again one day in the presence of almighty God and our Savior Jesus Christ. What a glorious day that will be. Well done good and faithful servant.

During October we will return to our annual celebration centered around Missions both locally and in the world. It is always a joy to see how your faithful support enables our church to make a difference in the Kingdom of God. Each week we will be able to focus on a different mission/missionary and receive and update. On the last Sunday of the month we will have our year in review. This year’s Generosity project will draw our attention to the ministry of Hammer’s and Nails here in Canton. You can read about it within this newsletter. Beyond the financial contributions we will come alongside one another to serve on a work project at a house Saturday, October 9th. This is that moment we have been looking for where we get the be the hands and feet of Jesus. This is the moment those words of Jesus ring true, “Whatever you do for the least of these, its has if you have done it to me.” Matthew 25:40  Won’t you please show your support and sign up to join hands in hands with others from our church to complete this God assignment?

Our sermon series for the month is entitled “I Choose.” For beginners I hope you will choose to live generously through the generosity project. We will also focus on the truth that we are the result of our decisions. While we agonize over little things like what to wear and what to eat, are we glossing over the big choices? Are we missing out on the bigger picture of life. Do we make too much of the trivial and not enough about the things that truly matter. Of course the answer is usually, yes! There might be more on the line than you think when you say “I Choose.” In this series God will challenge you to be intentional about the choices you make. How can you learn to live differently than the world? We'll cover topics like surrender, urgency, and priorities. Please plane to be with us each week as we explore God’s word and make the most of every opportunity to be better together!

Again, I hope to see you in-person or online in the month ahead. You are all dearly loved!

 

Milestones

 

Most of us at some time in our lives have used the term “milestone” but do we understand the historical origin? Long ago, ancient Romans placed stone pillars called "obelisks" along the sides of roadways. Typically, the stones were placed a mile apart. Each milestone was given a unique number, serving as a mile marker. Today we use the term milestone in a slightly different way which is to mark our progress and achievement. We use the term milestones to mark significant events in our lives and possibly a turning point. Milestones give us opportunities to reflect, rest, and release. Most milestones are joyous times but they can also be times of sadness and loss. Sometimes they give us the chance to say goodbye to the past and turn the page to a new chapter.

In the book of Joshua, we hear a story about milestones.

When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe,  and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”

In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’  tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.                    Joshua 4: 1-3, 6-7, 9

Joshua marked an important event in the lives of the Israelites – one they were to remember. They were thankful and they celebrated. A new land awaited them. Fresh beginnings. A gift from God.

At this point, I believe most everyone knows that I personally reach a significant milestone this month. I will celebrate the anniversary of my birth for the fiftieth time. You might call it my 50th milestone. Allow me to convey my appreciation to each of you who took the time to celebrate with me at the surprise birthday party on May 23. Let me state for the record that I had no idea a party was being planned. Tuana and all of you did a tremendous job keeping it a secret. I was and still am overwhelmed by your graciousness and your gifts. I truly feel loved and I am thankful! As a bonus, it was so nice to see a the fellowship hall full of people enjoying a wonderful time together.

Another milestone that many are celebrating this time of year is Graduation. We have a number of students we would like to recognize for their accomplishments and we plan to do so on Sunday, June 6th at the 11am service. You can read about our graduates in this newsletter. We will also celebrate Promotion Sunday on this same day for students who “fly up.” Here’s to new beginnings.

We now reach a milestone in the Covid-19 pandemic. We will lift all restrictions regarding our worship services. As of June 6th, it will no longer be necessary for you to wear a mask, exercise social distancing or refrain from singing. This gives us the opportunity to once again fully embrace the opportunities God gives us to come together for fellowship and worship. However, you can personally decide to do what you believe is best for your health. We respect your choice. 

You will see in this newsletter that there are other new beginnings. On June 2nd, I will be leading a new summer bible study. On June 9th, Veronica Allen will be organizing a new weekly gathering of moms and kids which will meet outside at the playground. 

Also during the month of June I want to invite you to join us for a new sermon series focusing on the Old Testament book of Jonah. Together we will discover that God works miracles through those who obey, though often times our nature rebels against Him. Regardless of which path we choose-obedience or rebellion- God is the God of second chances. Few stories illustrate this principle more clearly than the story of Jonah. Join us as we delve into the story of one man and his journey towards surrender. 

To Him who sustains us for each new chapter in life be all the power and glory forever, AMEN!

Pastor Kevin

 

LIFE IS A GIFT

Life is a truly a precious gift from God! If we look back to the creation story found in Genesis, God is the one who created our lives. In Genesis 2:7 we read, “The LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” God breathed life into humankind. The realization of this precious truth is so vital to our comprehension of the reason God has placed us here on this earth. The prophet Jeremiah adds in chapter 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Set apart for what? He sets us apart for the unique life God has called you and I to live. No two lives are identical and no journeys the same.

God brought us into the world through the miracle of childbirth from our Mother’s womb. The Psalmist tells us in chapter 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  We celebrate Mom’s in the month of May for the role they play in the family. I recognize that there are exceptions, but for the majority, our mothers have nurtured and raised us. Therefore it is important that we pause and take time to show our honor, respect and love toward mom. Hopefully more often than just one day a year? I imagine most of us do.

I am so thankful that God placed me in the home of a loving and godly mother who poured a life of devotion into her children. I am thankful that she is still living and I treasure the opportunities I have to talk with her daily. If you are able, celebrate your mom in this coming month. If your mom has already passed, take time to thank God and remember her with fondness. If you are a mom, we celebrate you and thank you for all you have done to share God’s love with your children.

God gave us life, our mother’s nurtured that life and as we reach an age of maturity we set out to carve our own path in this world often still seeking the advice of Mom. I believe you would agree with me that the path was much harder over the course of the last 15 months. I know one of the things that have made this past year difficult is the feeling that the restrictions of Covid-19 have “robbed” us of life. We missed out on opportunities to be physically present with other people. We weren’t able to celebrate important dates and milestones. We were confined to our homes for school and work. Even our physical church services were suspended at times.  Many of us probably cried out, “this isn’t fair, I deserve better than this.”

My prayer is that our recent circumstances have caused us to reflect and consider the precious gift of life we have been given. Perhaps we recognize more now than ever that life can be taken away from us in a moment. Maybe today you go about your daily schedule with a better appreciation for life itself. I know I do.

A very significant verse regarding life is found in the Gospel of John 10:10, “The thief (Satan)  comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Yes Pastor, you don’t have to remind me of Satan’s game plan. I have experienced it all to well in recent months. Perhaps we are too quick to focus on the negative aspects of daily living. That is after all a basic characteristic of a pessimistic worldview. To look at the glass as half-empty. Let us focus on the second half of the verse in John. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and live it to the full.” The Greek translation helps us understand what Jesus is saying even better for it reads not just “full” but a superabundance of life.

Jesus has come and offered his life as a way to give us full abundant life. His gift through the cross will give us beyond what we think we need or desire. He will take care of our every need. He is the connector to our Heavenly Father and the everlasting life God promises. Every once in a while It is good to be reminded that life is a gift wouldn’t you agree?

Let us appreciate and live the life God has given us in full devotion,

Pastor Kevin

EASTER COMEBACK

Who doesn’t like a good comeback story? Life is full of setbacks no matter who you are. Comeback stories inspire us whether they be in the sports arena, the business industry or a recovery from a personal health crisis. We marvel at those athletes such as Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Peyton Manning who snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. We admire the business professional like Steve Jobs who after being forced to resign from Apple returned twelve years later to lead the company with some of the most remarkable innovations including the iPhone and iPad. We also celebrate the person who has beaten cancer, learned to walk again or persevered through life’s adversities.

One of my favorite fictional stories since I was a young child is the story of an up and coming Italian fighter from the streets of Philadelphia named Rocky Balboa played by the actor Sylvester Stallone, who also happened to be the screenwriter. Regardless if you like Rocky Balboa, you can’t help but admire that Stallone successfully navigated the development of the screenplay into a motion picture despite having it rejected over 1500 times. Yes, you heard me correctly, 1500. And if the story couldn’t get any better, Rocky received the Oscar for best motion picture in 1977. 

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is all about coming back from the dead of winter. The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding and the birds return to their singing. The cold gloomy days of winter lend way to the warm and breezy days of summer. Already, I have seem more people, walking, jogging and riding their bikes then I did all winter. This year the comeback is even more significant after having dealt with the lockdowns and restrictions of Covid-19.

But the greatest comeback the world has ever experienced is the true and historically real life account of Jesus Christ. We read in the beginning of the Bible in Genesis how sin and death entered the world through Adam. Romans 5:12 tells us, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” Death is a physical reality that all of us must face because of sin. The sin in the garden broke the relationship that humankind enjoyed with God. The Bible in its entirety is a comeback story as God reveals how he will restore everything to its original splendor. John says in Revelation 21:1, “Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth.” One day even the Earth will have a comeback story from all its destruction.

But nothing we have and will experience with God for all of eternity could have happened without the comeback of Jesus. We celebrate His comeback on Resurrection Sunday—Easter. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance^: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” Yes the glorious resurrection proved that Jesus who sacrificed his life to pay the penalty of our sin conquered death and rose victorious. Recall what the angel said as recorded by Matthew 28:5-6, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Jesus is Alive. Death could not defeat Him, The grave could not hold him. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Jesus has won and reigns victorious. The comeback is complete and our personal comeback is possible because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!

Last year, Easter services were cancelled because of Covid concerns. It was such a huge disappointment to me and so many. I especially remember feeling the emptiness of the Sanctuary on Easter morning. During this past year, we may have experienced many of our own personal setbacks but it is time to make a comeback. This year let us all join Jesus in His comeback story of Resurrection Sunday. I invite you to comeback and celebrate the greatest story every told. I invite you to gather not online but physically in-person (if you are able) in our Sanctuary. I invite you to services held at 9:15 and 11:00 Easter Sunday. Together let us marvel, admire and be inspired by the love of God in His son Jesus Christ who orchestrated the greatest comeback!

Looking forward to the Celebration,

Pastor Kevin

 

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

As the month of March unfolds we are approaching the one year anniversary of Covid being declared a global pandemic. So much has happened in the past year and yet so much has not happened either. The way in which we go about our daily living and interaction with other people has changed significantly. We have experienced levels of higher anxiety and uncertainty because of Covid. In addition, we recognize the financial difficulties that have challenged us and the political differences which have created conflict and chaos. It leaves us begging to ask the question, “will there ever be peace again in 2021?”

When we look to the world for peace, we will always come away disappointed. How many times have you heard someone declare their one wish for humankind and say, “world peace?” It is important for us to realize that sin and peace cannot co-exist. Allow me to redirect our focus and attention to the one who sustains us and gives us everlasting peace. It is Jesus who said,

 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “ John 14:27

 

Take a look with me for a moment at the Hebrew word Jesus uses for peace which is Shalom. At the heart of the definition of this Hebrew word is the thought of harmony & wholeness with God and with one another. Sin is the opposite of this definition. When we talk about sin we focus on the brokenness of our relationship with God. We can look at the chaos that sin has caused in our lives, and in humanity from a historical perspective. As long as sin is present in the world there will never be harmony and there will never be world peace.

 

But once again Jesus is not just talking about outward peacefulness but He is directing our attention to the inner peace within. Most fundamentally, Shalom means reconciliation with God. God can give us peace with Himself or remove it. “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises  peace to his people, his faithful servants.” Psalm 85:8 God gives perfect peace or Shalom. God gives us as the hymnwriter so eloquently penned the ability to say , “ Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul !”

 

I began the year by challenging you to “Be The One in 20201.” Be the one to take the next step in your faith in God. Be the one to grow in full devotion. Be the one to embrace someone else and be a difference maker in their life. Over the course of February, I invited you to go on the journey of the love challenge and we examined the importance of loving one another. I hope that was as fulfilling for you as it was for me. Now, I invite you to be the one to embrace peace during the month of March. To discover what God actually promises we will receive when we look to Him. Take some time to really dive into the words of the great hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” Examine the verses, study the theology  embedded in those words and together we will be able to say with confidence, “it is well with my soul. Join us in-person or online on Sunday mornings at 11am as we take a deeper look at Shalom.

 

Moments of peace are precious. When we find them in this world let us hold on tight and pray they last. But let us also discover a  peace that goes beyond our understanding—beyond the pain and fear we face today. If you've been missing peace lately, come discover it with us and learn to once again say, “It is well with my soul.”

Peace, Pastor Kevin