Monday, August 26, 2013

Pastor's Ponderings: August 26, 2013

Almost two years ago, I received some disturbing news; I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  My dear father had passed the same year with the same disease and I had a decision to make.  I could watchfully wait to see if the cancer was slow growing, I could have radiation treatments, I could have surgery or I could desperately cry and moan, “Why me?” Each decision could lead to major lifestyle changes. I felt led to have the surgery and months later, I have no evidence of cancer. Thank God!

All of us have come to some crossroads in our lives where our decisions can have life changing consequences.  However, we don’t have to make our choices alone.  We can go to God and ask for directions.  Although our way may seem bleak and hopeless, our friends may have turned against us, our employment may have ended, but our Creator promises to never leave us. 

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was a great example of someone who received bad news. He was surrounded by a great army and did not know what to do.  He and his whole city turned to God who delivered the entire city and destroyed his enemies. 

Each day we have choices but our God stands ready to protect, help, direct guide and comfort us. We can walk daily knowing He is always there. We can walk confidently knowing that Jesus will meet us in whatever situation that may show up. 

Have a cheerful walk with Jesus today!


2 Chronicles 20:12
New International Version (NIV)


12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Pastor's Ponderings: August 17, 2013

Recently, I have had a major lifestyle change. Because of my youngest daughter’s encouragement, I have begun to run three and six mile races. Until I started racing, my past runs were limited to running to the refrigerator. Now I am eagerly preparing for a 13.1 mile half-marathon race this fall.

When I run, I am reminded of the race that Jesus spoke about in Hebrews. I put aside everything that might distract me or slow me down. I run in spite of the pain in my legs, sweat on my forehead, laborious breathing, and sometimes nausea in my stomach. But when I complete my race, all of the effort is forgotten. I am thrilled at being a part of a group of finishers. Some ran faster than others and others just walked, but we finished our course.

Today is a bright new day for each of us. God has given all of us a unique opportunity to begin over again on a fresh path. He encourages us to forget about past failures, missed chances and failed goals. We are all standing at our own unsullied starting line. It does not matter how we performed yesterday, we can run this race with patience. We can get through our difficulties, our challenges, our failures and our victories. We can run with joy knowing that Jesus is leading us.

Happy running with Jesus!

Pastor Dennis Fair

Hebrews 12:1, 2
New International Version (NIV) 

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith...