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November 7, 2013 By Phil Ressler Leave a Comment

The Secret of Contentment

I’ve been getting ready for the second message in our Money Matters message series. This Sunday we will be taking a look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30.

In this parable, the master entrusts each of his three servants with a different sum of money. To the first, he gives five talents. To the second, he gives two talents. And to the third, he gives one talent. Keep in mind this is no small amount of money. One talents was worth approximately 25 years worth of wages for a common laborer.

The application for us is that in this life, we have all been entrusted with money and possessions by our master. Some of us have been entrusted with more. Some of us with less. Nevertheless, each of us has been given a tremendous amount. It is more than we realize.

Yet, we are surrounded by affluence. It is not hard to find other people who have more than we have. We are that servant with two talents, but it seems like all our neighbors around us have been given five. It is easy to become envious of other’s possessions. It is a struggle to live content. We want to keep up with the Joneses.

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving. While we talk about the importance of Thanksgiving, there are many Americans who are filled with less than Thanksgiving. I find it very interesting how we have this national holiday set aside to give thanks for all we have been given and then on the very next day so many of us go out of our way to fight, scratch, and claw for things we don’t have. How thankful are we really?

We have much we can learn from God’s Word about contentment. Paul says in the Book of Philippians:

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:12 (ESV)

The secret to contentment has very little to do with possessions. It is all about the place of God in our lives. I wanted to end this week’s email by sharing a few thoughts on how to fight the temptation of envy:

Seek Jesus first! Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and that everything else will be given us as well (Matthew 6:33). The key is to seek first the kingdom of God and not the everything else. God will provide the everything else, but it starts with seeking him. When we seek first the kingdom of God, it will shape our priorities and desires. Many of the things we once desired will no longer be important.

Think about those areas in your life where you sense a lack. Maybe it is with your time. Are you seeking first the kingdom of God with your time? If there are not enough hours in a day, then I can most assuredly say that you are not seeking God with the use of your time. God gave you 24 hours in a day and that was no mistake. God knew what he was doing. He gave you just the right amount of time to do what he intends for you to do. If you don’t have enough time, then you are doing more than he intended for your to do. It means that some of it will have to go. Make God’s priorities to be your priorities and believe him to multiply your minutes.

Focus on what you have been given. This is huge! Because of the affluence around us we are constantly made aware of the things we do not have. But focus on what you have been given. Focus on what you have today that you maybe did not have a year ago or even ten years ago. Many of our necessities today, were once considered luxuries. When we constantly focus on what we don’t have it is difficult to fully appreciate what we do have. The messages we see in commercials on TV is that our life is not complete until we have purchased the new product. Maybe we need to tune those messages out a bit more and tune into God’s Word.

Give and invest in others. I am not talking about giving your leftovers. We are really good at discarding our used and unwanted stuff. It makes us feel good to give that old coat away that we no longer wear. We anonymously put it in a box or donate to a drive. That is not what I am talking about here. Give of yourself. Invest with your time. Make your gift sacrificial. Instead of buying that new coat for yourself this year, buy that new coat for someone else and make due with your old coat from last year.

The irony in all this is that the secret of contentment has nothing to do with getting more. That is a thirst that cannot be quenched. The secret of contentment is all about giving. The more you let go of your possessions. The more you let go of your desire for control. The more you let go and give yourself to Jesus the more you will discover his joy and satisfaction.

Remember in the end, none of it is yours in the first place. And in the end there will come a day when he will ask how you did with what he entrusted you with. Will you hear the words, “well done good and faithful servant?” Having more is not all it is cracked up to be. There are many in this world who have achieved the heights of wealth and fame, but their lives were still as empty as before. There is only one who will fill our cup. Give it all over to him, and you will get back more than you could ever dream or imagine.

So how about you? What are some ways you fight envy? What are ways you live Thanksgiving?

Have a great week,
Pastor Phil

October 31, 2013 By Phil Ressler Leave a Comment

Money Matters

Money matters! Yes it does. Money is huge. Yet, it is a topic which pastors are often reluctant to address in the church. It certainly is a challenging topic, because it is a sensitive topic. But over the course of the next month we will be discussing this very topic.

We need to talk about it! Here are a few reasons why I believe it is so important:

Because Jesus talked about it. In fact, Jesus talked about money as much as he talked about prayer. If it was such an important topic for Jesus to address, it needs to be a topic we address.
If the church does not address relevant topics, the church becomes irrelevant. The world is talking about it and if the world is talking about it, the church needs to be talking about.
If we do not make good decisions with our money, we will become enslaved by our poor decisions. This is why we need to hear from God on this matter. How many people live lives enslaved to debt?
Eternity hangs in the balance. Jesus told us to store up heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19–21). The types of investments we make today have eternal consequences.
The urgency of the mission. God’s mission has a church. We need to recognize that with great blessing comes great responsibility. God will ask us for an accounting of what we did with that which he entrusted us with. Will we hear the words, “well done good and faithful servant”?
For the sake of your relationship with God. Jesus says you cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). While we can give every other part of our life over to him, our checkbook is often the one last thing we hold on to.

These are some reasons why I believe we need to talk about it. I pray you can join us during the next four Sundays in November at 8am or 10:30am. We will also be hosting two workshops sponsored by Thrivent Financial. On Sunday, November 17 we will be hosting Parents, Kids, and Money Matters. And on Sunday, November 24 we will host Your Legacy: Family, Church, Charity. For more information and to sign up, make sure to visit our website.

God’s blessings,
Pastor Phil

October 23, 2013 By Phil Ressler 2 Comments

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

As a pastor, I am sometimes asked if Christians should celebrate Halloween?

Halloween originated under the name Samhain (pronounced sew – in). It was a pagan festival celebrated by the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. It was believed that this was magical time of the year. Contact with the dead and fortune telling through divination were traditions associated with this event.

When Christianity was introduced to this region of the world, November 1 was established as All Saints Day. All Saints Day is a day where the all the departed in Christ are remembered and those of us who are left behind in this world celebrate their new life in Jesus. October 31, became known as All Hallows Eve, the Eve of All Saints Day.

All Saints Day was a big day for the Church. In times past it was as big as Easter and Christmas. And much like Christmas Eve, everyone would come out for a special worship on All Hallows Eve.

This was this reason that Martin Luther chose to post his 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Church doors on October 31, 1517. He knew that the church would be full and that many would have the opportunity to read these Theses. The 95 Theses called into question many of the corrupted Church practices of the day and led to spark the reformation. This is the reason why many Lutheran churches celebrate the last Sunday of October as Reformation Sunday.

At Good Shepherd we will be hosting a Harvest Festival on October 27 at 5pm where we will participate in some of the secular customs of Halloween such as wearing costumes and trick-or-treat. Some may wonder why a church would participate in an event like this. There may very well be people who will choose not to participate in this event because of the nature of the holiday and that is ok.

Pastor Stephen Hower, a pastor of a large Lutheran Church in the St. Louis area, writes in his book, Contrary to Popular Belief, of a Halloween where Jay Leno opened up his monolog by telling the audience that he was so frustrated with the way Americans celebrate Halloween. “It has become so secular,” Leno lamented tongue-in-cheek. “I’ll bet none of you even worshiped Satan today! The religious significance is lost! All Halloween means anymore is candy, costumes, and parties! It just isn’t like it used to be.”

What makes this so funny is the way that Christians lament over the secularization of Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. Because of this secularization, the true significance of these holidays is often lost.

Many would say the same is true of Halloween. They would say that the Satanic and occult element has been diminished to the point that Halloween has become nothing more than a fun and harmless secular holiday. Whether or not this is true can be debated.

I believe that just as Christmas and Easter have not become totally secularized, neither has Halloween. Christmas and Easter are tremendous opportunities the Church has to bring the hope of Jesus into people’s lives. At the same time, Halloween offers tremendous opportunity for Satan and his legions to plant seeds of despair and fear.

But what does the Bible say to this question? After all, that is what is important. We can say what we want about this day. But as believers we turn to what God has to say.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23 the Apostle Paul writes:

Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.

This teaching comes in the context of a controversy in the early church in regard to food sacrificed to pagan idols. There were some who would say that it would be sinful for a Christian to eat such meat. There were others who would say that it was just meat and that it really did not make much of a difference if it was part of a pagan sacrifice or not.

In 1 Corinthians 8:4,7–8, we read:

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one… But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

Basically what Paul is saying is that two Christians could participate in the same activity; one would be innocent and the other would be sinning. If a Christian believes something is wrong and then does it against his conscience he is sinning. He sins not because the activity in itself is wrong, but because it is against his Christian conscience.

Receiving candy, dressing up in a costume, and decorating pumpkins are not evil activities. A Christian can participate in these things with a good conscience. However, if these activities in connection with October 31 weighs on the believer’s conscience, they should refrain from these activities on that day. This also applies to Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and other secularized traditions connected with the holidays.

Even if a Christian were to take part in the more innocent elements of this day, they should still be careful to draw a line and refrain from images, activities, and costumes that portray gore, evil, and fear.

Philippians 4:8 says:

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

While there may be some Halloween traditions which hold some redeeming qualities, there are many traditions that do not. As Christians we do not need to participate in the activities below the standards of Philippians 4:8.

There is another matter to be discussed here as well. That is the matter of nonbelievers and those who are new in the faith who see us participating in what they might consider to be a questionable activity. Continuing in 1 Corinthians 8:9–13:

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone who has a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

In other words, we need to be very careful how we celebrate our Christian liberty around others. Even if we can celebrate a harvest festival on October 37; we should not do so if someone else perceives it as living contrary to our faith as hypocrites. Here we shall deny our Christian liberty for the sake of the cross and the salvation of others.

So what is the answer to the question? Can and should Christians celebrate Halloween? First, let’s not celebrate Halloween – let’s celebrate Jesus. Second, participating in the secular practices of trick or treat, wearing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and other things is permissible but not necessarily beneficial. We should definitely refrain from anything related to Halloween if it goes against our conscience or it would cause someone else to stumble in their walk with Jesus.

If you do participate in Halloween related activities, refrain from images, activities, and costumes that portray gore, evil, and fear. Keep it fun. Keep it friendly. Keep it encouraging. And use Halloween as an opportunity to witness your faith in Jesus.

So what our your thoughts on Halloween? I would love to hear your comments below.

God’s blessings,
Pastor Phil

October 14, 2013 By Phil Ressler Leave a Comment

The Importance of Bible Journaling

©2011 Valarie Lam, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

One of the first things I encouraged at Good Shepherd was daily Bible reading. There is no substitute when it comes to hearing from God. There is no better way to connect with our Savior and Lord on a daily basis. There are many great reading plans to help you engage the Scriptures. Good Shepherd even has it’s own daily reading plan that will take you through the New Testament in a year. You can find the reading plan at philresler.com/biblereadings.

It is so important we consistently hear from God. Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the word’s of eternal life?” (John 6:68) In many ways the Bible is our playbook. Imagine a football player going onto the field without the knowing playbook. When we fail to consult God’s Word, it is much like going onto the playing field of life without consulting the playbook. You will not have much of a chance of success.

A great way to get even more out of your daily discipline of daily Bible reading is journaling. Often the difference between reading and studying is a pencil or keyboard. There is something about writing which helps you internalize and take a message to heart. Keep in mind journaling is different than keeping a diary. Journaling is about wrestling with the text to help you take away life application. It is about asking yourself what God would have you do in response to your daily reading. It causes you to reflect upon what you have read. That is where it starts to connect with life.

You can use a simple notebook. I personally use an app on my computer and phone called Evernote to record my daily journals. When I journal, I use a template I learned from a book called The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordiero. It is a simple template that uses the acronym SOAP. It stands for:

Scripture

When you read your daily Bible reading pick one verse, phrase, or single word that resonates with your heart. Write it down.

Observation

What are some general and specific observations you have regarding the Scripture you recorded. Consider the people involved and what the Scripture might have meant to the people who originally heard it?

Application

What is one thing you can do as a result of reading this text? Be specific. If your application is to be more grateful, write down what that looks like. How will you practically show gratitude this day as a result of the reading?

Prayer

This is the opportunity to offer to the Lord whatever it is upon your heart. Your prayer may or may not relate to the text.

In the end, it is not about Bible reading or journaling in itself. It is about connecting with our God and living out his will in our daily lives. Journalling is a wonderful tool to help us do this, but there are other ways. What are some methods or tools you use to help you apply God’s Word to your daily life?

God’s blessings,
Pastor Phil

October 10, 2013 By Phil Ressler Leave a Comment

6 Reasons God Doesn’t Answer Prayer

Have you ever been discourage because you felt that God was not answering your prayer? The Bible is filled with promises how God hears our prayers and answers our prayers. But why is it that sometimes it seems like our prayers are falling on deaf ears?

One thing I have learned is with every promise there is a premise. There are certain factors each promise of God is dependent upon. For example the gift of salvation is dependent upon the fact that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave. Without those two things, there is no salvation. While salvation is a gift for all people, not everyone receives it.

When we think about prayer, there are certain premises that go along with God’s promise to answer our prayers. If you are wondering why it seems God is not answering your prayers, you might consider the following.

1) You have not asked (James 4:2). Have you put your prayer to words? God cannot answer a prayer not prayed. If it is not prayed, it is not a prayer. This seems so elementary. Yet, this may be the biggest reason we don’t have, because we don’t ask.

2) Persistent sin cherished (Psalm 66:18). We are all sin-a-holics. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. But there is a difference between struggling with sin and cherishing sin in our hearts. If you are praying for God to bless you financially, make sure you are seeking to honor him with what he has already given you. He doesn’t give us more so we can sin more boldly. He gives us more to build his kingdom and better serve him. Those who are faithful with a little, will be entrusted with more.

3) Not listening to God (Matthew 13:14–15). There is a difference between talking with God and talking at God. Are you listening for his response? Sometimes we get so focused in on how we think God should answer our prayer, that we miss how he is actually answering our prayer. Are you seeking him in his Word? Are you seeking him in the Sacrament? It is hard to hear from God if we are not opening up our Bibles and regularly coming to his altar. These are the ways God regularly speaks to us. Maybe God has already answered your prayer, but you have not listened for the answer.

4) Not prayed in faith (John 14:6,12–14). God hears our prayers because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ we have access to the Father. We don’t pray to some ambiguous God somewhere up there in the sky. We specifically pray to our Father in heaven as Jesus has taught us and empowered us to do. Recognize those who pray in a name other than Jesus have their prayers fall on deaf ears. God hears our prayers only because of Jesus.

5) Not in agreement with God’s will (Matthew 18:19–20). This is why it is important to pray with other believers. Other believers will help us to align our prayers with God’s will. Tonight, the Bears play the Giants. I am praying for the Bears to win. Many of you are praying for the Giants to win their first game. We are in disagreement. Whose prayer will God answer? Actually, I don’t think either. I don’t think God really cares who wins a football game. It is not that important. But when we come together and recognize what is truly God’s will and ask God’s will to be done, God shows up in a big way.

6) Not yet (Psalm 13, Psalm 86:15). I don’t like this one. I am an impatient person. I want it now. I don’t like to wait. But I know in God’s way and in God’s time is the best time.

In the end, keep in mind it is not about the answer to our prayers. It is about the relationship with our Heavenly Father. He is not the Almighty Vending Machine, where we put in a prayer request, and the answer is dished out. More than anything else God wants you to experience Him. He wants you to know that in Him you have everything you need and more. In Him there is always enough. In Him there is wisdom. In Him there is healing. In Him we discover a God who is bigger than all our trials, challenges, fears, and setbacks. In Him is abundant life. We discover all this when we take hold of the gift of prayer!

Just a reminder – this Sunday we continue our message series – Build Your House of Prayer. Our special guest this weekend is Pastor Jim Buckman who is an Urban Mission Strategist and Church Planter. He will be sharing how he uses the gift of prayer to help build the Church of Jesus right here in New Jersey. Join us at 8am for Classic Worship or at 10:30am for Creative Worship. The iPray Bible study begins at 9:15 in the Fellowship Center between services.