Devotional- Needs and wants We start our scripture just after Moses got over dramatic, asking God to end his life because he could not bear the load, the burden of these complaining people. “The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the … Continue reading Complaining – Part 4
Complaining – Part 3
Devotional -“ just unalive me now.” Preface: I recently learned that the term “unalive” (grammatical incorrect, I know) is used online in place of the word “kill.” Perhaps someone is trying to make a joke, but on the internet sarcasm doesn’t really translate…[like at all.]So they might use this term in place of kill. Additionally … Continue reading Complaining – Part 3
Complaining – Part 2
Devotional - What’s for dinner? “Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. … Continue reading Complaining – Part 2
Complaining – Part 1
Devotional “And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and … Continue reading Complaining – Part 1
BackStory: No Guts, No Glory?
Below is Sunday's message in blog-format. If you'd rather listen to the podcaast of this sermon, Click Here or use the Spotify Player at the end of this post. When read the words “King Saul” what comes to mind? Tyrant? Emotionally Unhinged? Angry and controlling? Cowardly? Disgraceful? King Saul was Israel’s first anointed king. Historically, … Continue reading BackStory: No Guts, No Glory?
Preview and a Quick Question
This post is two-fold. This Sunday, I'm planning on speaking on "BackStory." When we take a look further back and deeper into a person's past, we get a fuller story and perhaps a better perspective. I find that certain people in the bible are always presented in a certain kind of light. King Saul for … Continue reading Preview and a Quick Question
Go and Sin No More
Once again a topic came to my mind and heart and it was because of hearing something on the radio. Last week, I forgot to say this, but that song - “True in the Light” played on the christian radio station as I was driving home from dropping off my daughter at school. The day … Continue reading Go and Sin No More
True in the Light
What's true in the light is true in the darkness. Last week in Sunday School class, my wife, Jacki, shared something that she has shared before with us. Our previous pastor in Oklahoma had a saying “What’s true in the light, is true in the dark.” I had not heard this saying first hand as … Continue reading True in the Light
Fresh Start – Grafting
I’d like to start this post with a little story. Many of my colleagues have been eulogizing our District Superintendent, Dr. Donley on social media, sharing memories and photos. I had a handful of experiences with him. I want to share one of those with you. Believe it or not, coming up with a coherent … Continue reading Fresh Start – Grafting
Noel – Christmas Service
Did you miss out on our Christmas Sunday Service? We've tried to recapture this service in blog form. to listen to the service in it's "entirity" CLICK HERE and listen on Spotify. Sing along, read along and reflect on "What God has Done!" Prelude: “ Come Thou Long-expected Jesus” Reading 158 “Our God Comes” “I … Continue reading Noel – Christmas Service
Noel – Evidence For Christmas
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good … Continue reading Noel – Evidence For Christmas
Noel – Light of the Word
Mankind regularly finds itself in dark places. We need to see what is right before us, gain an understanding of our surroundings, our current situation. We need guidance, the light at the end of the tunnel that beckons us to better things. We need to be cleansed and purified from sin and unholiness. Jesus doesn't just point these things out to us,
Noel – Omnipotent Power
Today we start in a very unusual place for a sermon during advent season. Our scripture today is from the Letter to the Hebrews. If you haven’t opened your bible to that yet, go ahead and do so now. Recently Hebrews caused a bit of commotion in the world of Jeopardy! The Clue: “Paul’s letter … Continue reading Noel – Omnipotent Power
Noel – Happy Birthday Songs
Christmas 2022 Sermon Series Imagine for just a moment, it’s your special day. You’re having family and friends come over for dinner or perhaps joining them at a restaurant, and it’s all because you are celebrating your birthday. They are thankful for you, you are grateful to the Lord for another year to serve him … Continue reading Noel – Happy Birthday Songs
#SoBlessed – Jesus At Arm’s Length
Today we are on week two of our series #SoBlessed. Last week we looked at the “Flip-side to blessing.” The very things we think seem to make us blessed, namely material possessions, actually hamper us from being truly blessed. We left off with this word - If Jesus says, “you’re blessed: take comfort. If he … Continue reading #SoBlessed – Jesus At Arm’s Length
#SoBlessed – The Flip-side of Blessing
"If Jesus says we are blessed, take comfort. If Jesus says to us “Woe!” then we ought to be warned."
Sufficient Grace
The Journey of Grace is not just a theme, but a reflection of a person’s life. We continue on the full journey as we interact and cooperate with the Grace of God. We can press pause, sit down, say “I’m tired or sore. I can’t go any further than this…” God is always going ahead … Continue reading Sufficient Grace
Sustaining Grace
I want to do a quick recap of the mile markers along the way of this Journey of Grace. This trip with its winding roads, pit stops and scenic overlooks. It’s a journey not meant to be rushed but enjoyed and experienced along the way. Before we even got into the car, our journey of … Continue reading Sustaining Grace
Sanctifying Grace – Navigating the Gap
Let's recap previous areas we've talked about on the Journey of Grace. This Journey to becoming made a disciple. The first stop along the way has been The Compelling Invitation. Someone's story, their life is so compelling we can't help ourselves. We reflected on the links from John the Baptist all the way to the … Continue reading Sanctifying Grace – Navigating the Gap
Saving Grace – “Different Stories, Same Need.”
Thanks for joining us again at Viroqua Nazarene. We’re in this series called “Journey of Grace.” It’s all about discovering the Grace of God along your path to becoming more and more like his son, Jesus. And becoming more like Christ is the essential characteristic of a person called “Christian.” We talked two weeks ago … Continue reading Saving Grace – “Different Stories, Same Need.”
Sneaky Grace
Thanks for joining us again this week. I usually say when we are in a sermon series that we are “on a journey.” Well this time it is overly intentional. The series is the Journey of Grace. We are discovering how discipleship isn’t a math problem to be solved, but rather a trail to be … Continue reading Sneaky Grace
The Journey of Grace – The Compelling Invitation
I'm going to start this new sermon series by addressing some criticism. It’s not personal to me or to our church, but rather criticism some folks have about the Christian Faith and Christian churches. The top criticism not believers and non-church goers have about church is that it’s filled with hypocrites. We hear this frequently, … Continue reading The Journey of Grace – The Compelling Invitation
Help Wanted. (Devil Need Not Apply)
Making the enemy feel unwelcomed. Two weeks ago, prior to sunday school I was here in the sanctuary praying. I didn’t know why, but an idea came into my mind. You see I was trying to think about rebuking the devil. You know how we sometimes will pray “Holy spirit you are welcome in this … Continue reading Help Wanted. (Devil Need Not Apply)
UnComfortable: Getting What We Don’t Deserve
It is the most bizarre thing I’ve heard in the bible. And that’s saying something since there was a talking donkey in the bible!
UnComfortable: The Sins of the Father
A Series on topics we'd rather not talk about. I’ve titled today’s message “The Sins of the Father.” Today we will look at several verses in the Bible that address this concept. Here’s something uncomfortable to start with: a cursory reading of them might lead you to believe they contradict one another. Where one insinuates … Continue reading UnComfortable: The Sins of the Father
UnComfortable: Armed or Armless
I want to paint an uncomfortable picture for you. Are you ready? You’re sitting in church service, music just ended and the minister is about to begin the message. You hear gunfire going off near the entrance of the building. You wonder if it was gun fire or a car backfiring. Soon you hear a … Continue reading UnComfortable: Armed or Armless
31 days of blogging
Blog post By Pastor Matt Have you ever tried blogging once a day for a month? I did it last year around this time and this summer I planned out to do it in the month of July. 31 days works really well with brief commentary/devotional based on Proverbs. With a busy life: full time … Continue reading 31 days of blogging
UnComfortable: “That is what some of you were”
A series discussing topics that we'd rather not. Uncomfortable topics. Out of all of them, today is one I am probably least comfortable with. Perhaps you are in the same boat. You know about this topic, you have beliefs about this topic, and perhaps you wouldn’t mind discussing it…but not in a church setting. That … Continue reading UnComfortable: “That is what some of you were”
UnComfortable: Port Authority
I’m going to decide that the length of my shoe = 1 Foot, because ya know it’s 1 foot. One of my feet at least. This is not a standard that everyone can measure by. Some people have smaller feet and others, longer feet. If we determined the length of our church sanctuary using that form of measurement, using our own feet as the measurement for “1 foot,” we’d all come up with something different. This is an illustration of our world today. For many people, Truth is not absolute. There is no standard. No consistent measurement. And this is the problem. It was Pilate’s problem.
Proverbs 28 – Cloudy with a chance…
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”Proverbs 28:19 NIV Have you ever seen the movie, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?" It's about a young inventor who tries to use science to make it rain food. It sounds silly and of course … Continue reading Proverbs 28 – Cloudy with a chance…
Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”Proverbs 29:4 NIV For me this seems like a verse that can easily translate into our life. A Leader (king) who actually enforces the laws, supporting justice: all of that gives the area over which they lead - … Continue reading Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
UnComfortable: Discipleship
discussing the topics we'd rather not...
Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
“Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.”Proverbs 26:23 NIV There is an ancient Japanese art of repairing old pottery by infusing it with liquid gold. It’s called kintsugi. What is described here in proverbs 26:23 sounds like the opposite. Instead of the pure metal being added to … Continue reading Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”Proverbs 24:10 NIV Why do we learn to do the right thing consistently? Why is it important even when no one is watching? To train us for when everyone is watching. And it is in the mode moments when true character is shown. … Continue reading Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
Proverbs 23 – Needless Bruises
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the … Continue reading Proverbs 23 – Needless Bruises
Proverbs 22 – Out of Bounds
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.”Proverbs 22:28 NIV I don’t watch a lot of sports. I play even less sports than I watch. However I understand the basic premise of “out of bounds” areas. Most every game has them. They have a field of play where the game is … Continue reading Proverbs 22 – Out of Bounds
Proverbs 21 – God Wins
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”Proverbs 21:30-31 NIV This passage speaks to the amount of planning and preparation we can do for any given task. I’m not sure what you make … Continue reading Proverbs 21 – God Wins
Proverbs 19 – Hearsay
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”Proverbs 19:9 NIV Did you know that perjury is illegal? Our system of laws in the US reflects this scripture but perhaps not the way that justice is carried out. I did a search on this topic, so I saved you some … Continue reading Proverbs 19 – Hearsay
Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”Proverbs 20:15 NIV Do you own any precious gems or metals? No this isn’t a commercial for some financial assurance program. I just want to reflect on the rarity of this items. Some folks have several shiny and rare items … Continue reading Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”Proverbs 20:15 NIV Do you own any precious gems or metals? No this isn’t a commercial for some financial assurance program. I just want to reflect on the rarity of this items. Some folks have several shiny and rare items … Continue reading Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
Proverbs 18 – I Know Just How you feel…
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”Proverbs 18:13 NIV Have you ever started sharing something personal to some one, they jump in with some sort of quip that appears to be empathetic in nature? “I know just how you feel!” And then they go one about their experiences and such. Did you find … Continue reading Proverbs 18 – I Know Just How you feel…
Breakfast
This message originally presented on July 17, 2022 at ViroquaNaz. To listen to the recording CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom for the Spotify Player. It's usually the first meal of the day. In the 80’s there was a movie about high schoolers in an in-school suspension who kind of form a Club associated … Continue reading Breakfast
Proverbs 15 – He Sees You When You’re Sleeping…
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.Proverbs 15:3 Did you ever wonder why people believe St. Nicolas could "see you when you're sleeping," and "knows when you're awake?" It is really the next line that takes the cake: "he knows if you've been bad or good." This is a god-like … Continue reading Proverbs 15 – He Sees You When You’re Sleeping…
Proverbs 14 – Different kind of work
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”Proverbs 14:23 NIV I work two jobs. One, I am a Pastor. I write sermons every week, plan Sunday worship service, connect with my church folks. The other, I work in a grocery store. I’ve had several roles in the store: barista, grocery … Continue reading Proverbs 14 – Different kind of work
Encourage-able or Incorrigible?
Colossians 1:1-14 Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com I was getting ready for this message, I looked at my planning document. It holds sermon series and message ideas, scriptures, themes. I presently have a few that I’m working on, but I’m not quite there yet with my next couple series. One big reason is that the … Continue reading Encourage-able or Incorrigible?
Proverbs 8 – Wisdom and wealth
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV "I wish I had a million dollars!" Have you ever said this phrase before? Heard someone else say it? The pessimist in me thinks, "but after you get that money, taxes … Continue reading Proverbs 8 – Wisdom and wealth
Proverbs 6 – No-Sign On a Loan
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point … Continue reading Proverbs 6 – No-Sign On a Loan
The Problem with Beacons
Genesis 11:1-11 (This message originally presented and recorded on Sunday, July 3rd 2022.) Independence day weekend! Traditionally, we’d hear a message on the topic of freedom, independence, or justice. We might recount the wars and the biblical tie-ins to their call to arms. We could talk about the Constitution and the bill of rights. Identifying … Continue reading The Problem with Beacons
Proverbs 1 – Peer Pressure
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of … Continue reading Proverbs 1 – Peer Pressure
Humble Pie
A biblical undressing of pride As we say hello this next week to the month of July (can you believe it? Half way through 2022 already!) We have to say “goodbye” to the month of June. Unless you live under a rock, don’t read the newspaper, don’t watch TV or go online, you’ll probably know … Continue reading Humble Pie
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