Urgency! Patience! Both?

The snow and cold are coming! Urgent preparation! Patience when they arrive lest your foot slip on snow, lest you brake on black ice!
Patience in the NFL Playoffs as you run your game plan; but urgent in 4th quarter if you are down by double digits! Urgent demand to lose those Winter pounds….but patience to lose it a pound a week to make it last!

Jesus calls to first century fishermen: “Follow me!” The same call today to us in 2018? Urgency of the eternal moment upon us?! Live as if this world is passing away, says Paul in I Cor 7:24-31. Yet, the Psalmist counsels “waiting.” Waiting in silence my soul is to seek God alone. Psalm 62:5.

Urgency and patience. They are not contradictory but rather can come each day, each season, and flow forth from each life. Wisdom is in knowing when each one is required. The Christian hears Jesus call us by name each day to “follow.” We take Paul at his word that we should consider living “as if” this world, this age and its earthly demands are “passing away.” We believe the Psalmist when we are counseled to “wait in silence for God alone.” Yes, when the call comes we can respond with steadfast urgency or….we know we can “wait upon the Lord.”

What is the Word for us, for you, for our congregation this Sunday…for the week that follows? Trust and obey for there is no other way~~~+

Blessings in 2018 as it continues to unfold before us in both snow and in sunshine!

Pastor Barry

Defeating Negativity

Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse. – Proverbs 19:19 MSG

From experience, we know that it is easy to criticize others. And we know that it is usually far easier to find faults than to find solutions. Still, the urge to criticize others remains a powerful temptation for most of us.

Negativity is highly contagious: We give it to others who, in turn, give it back to us. This stress-inducing cycle can be broken only by positive thoughts, heartfelt prayers, encouraging words, and meaningful acts of kindness.

As thoughtful servants of a loving God, we have no valid reason—and no legitimate excuse—to be negative. So, when we are tempted to be overly critical of others, or unfairly critical of ourselves, we must use the transforming power of God’s love to break the chains of negativity. We must defeat negativity before negativity defeats us.

Winners see an answer for every problem; losers see a problem in every answer. – Barbara Johnson

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, let me be an expectant Christian. Let me expect the best from You, and let me look for the best in others. If I become discouraged, Father, turn my thoughts and my prayers to You. Let me trust You, Lord, to direct my life. And, let me be Your faithful, hopeful, optimistic servant every day that I live. Amen

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

Seeking God’s Plan For Your Life

For I know the plans I have for you'[this is] the Lord’s declaration’, plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 HCSB

Why did God put me here? It’s a simple question to ask and, at times, a very complicated question to answer.

As you seek to discover (or perhaps, to rediscover) God’s plan for your life, you should start by remembering this: You are here because God put you here, and He did so for a very good reason: His reason.

At times, you may be confident that you are doing God’s will. But on other occasions, you may be uncertain about the direction that your life should take. At times, you may wander aimlessly in a wilderness of your own making. And sometimes, you may struggle mightily against God in a vain effort to find success and happiness through your own means, not His. But wherever you find yourself, whether on the mountaintops, in the valleys, or at the crossroads of life you may be assured that God is there . . . and you may be assured that He has a plan.

If you manage to align yourself with God’s plan for your life, you will be energized, you will be enthused, and you will be blessed. That’s why you should strive mightily to understand what it is that God wants you to do. But how can you know precisely what God’s intentions are? The answer, of course, is that even the most well-intentioned believers face periods of uncertainty and doubt about the direction of their lives. So, too, will you.

When you arrive at one of life’s inevitable crossroads, that’s the moment when you should turn your thoughts and prayers toward God. When you do, He will make Himself known to you in a time and manner of His choosing. When you discover God’s plan for your life, you will experience abundance, peace, joy, and power, God’s power. And that’s the only kind of power that really matters.

God has a wonderful plan for your life. And the time to start looking for that plan and living it, is now. And remember, discovering God’s plan begins with prayer, but it doesn’t end there. You’ve also got to work at it.

One of the wonderful things about being a Christian is the knowledge that God has a plan for our lives. – Warren Wiersbe

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, your word says that the footsteps of a righteous man are guided by you. I pray Lord that you will guide my steps and my plans. Thank you that the events in my life are not meaningless coincidences but they are plans that you have set in motion for me. Amen

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

God Can Handle It

I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV

It’s a promise that is made over and over again in the Bible: Whatever “it” is, God can handle it.

Life isn’t always easy. Far from it! Sometimes, life can be very, very difficult, indeed. But even when the storm clouds gather overhead, even during our most stressful moments, we’re protected by a loving Heavenly Father.

When we’re worried, God can reassure us; when we’re sad, God can comfort us. When our hearts are broken, God is not just near; He is here. So we must lift our thoughts and prayers to Him. When we do, He will answer our prayers. Why?

Because He is our shepherd, and He has promised to protect us now and forever.

Either we are adrift in chaos or we are individuals, created, loved, upheld and placed purposefully, exactly where we are. Can you believe that? Can you trust God for that? – Elisabeth Elliot

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever this day may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Let me lean upon You, Father, this day and forever. Amen

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

Phillip Morris, MLK, Jr., and You!

You have to be a certain age to know what “Call for Phillip Morris” means. And to some still young, the name MLK, Jr. is only vaguely familiar in our U.S. history (his birthday is remembered January 15). His voice shaped a nation in transition toward civil rights for all. He called for justice and for true freedom. But, to EVERYONE their own name is impressed upon them early on and frequently and most turn their head toward any call of their name.

We are called for numerous reasons throughout life. Roll call, dinner call, call to go to work, call to attention. We hear our name and we respond. Sometimes we resist in hearing as well! “No, that call must be for someone else….thanks tho for trying!”

God calls too…..we are known by God from cradle to the grave…and beyond. God wants to get our attention, but the call is not always clear to every ear. Or it is clear and we decide to not “hear.” And day in and day out the call is very much embedded in all the necessities and cares of our earthly toil and glad joys!

God calls to individuals even if we are in a ten thousand seat stadium. Samuel heard the call but it took repeating. Nathaniel was called by Phillip and then by Jesus. The call is important. It leads to the fullest, most meaningful life even if shortened, stunted, or only dimly understood! And it can be sent to you strongly once, twice, thrice, but most assuredly throughout life even as a “still small voice.”

What are you hearing from God when you read these Bible passages? Rest assured, it is not just to the people in the past e.g., young Samuel, Nathaniel, or Phillip, or those in Temple or synagogue who sung Psalm 139. It is meant for YOU and for all. Today.

This Sunday’s worship will be a call to listen to God in your own unique way, your own remarkable life, and your own unfolding spiritual path. But, we will be together and always walking side by side as the church. In that togetherness we will more fully understand our own personal call. Jesus’ work of calling was always with his rag tag group of disciples as they became “one in Christ Jesus.”

Hey! Listen up everyone! Your name is being called! “Call for…….!”

Blessings in this New Year~!

Pastor Barry

Genuine Contentment

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises us contentment and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the contentment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.

Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children. But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life—or when we disobey God’s commandments—we cause ourselves needless suffering.

Do you sincerely want to be a contented Christian? Then set your mind and your heart upon God’s love and His grace . . . and let Him take care of the rest.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. – John Piper

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Lord, You offer me contentment and peace; let me accept Your peace. Help me to trust Your Word, to follow Your commandments, and to welcome the peace of Jesus into my heart, today and forever. Amen

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

Surviving the Storm

But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid”. – Matthew 14:26-27

Every day we are confronted by events that strike fear in our hearts. Headlines shout disaster, violence, crime, poverty and depravity—we live in such turbulent times. How do we stay afloat as the waters swirl out of control around us?

The Bible is filled with God’s pledges of divine intervention, but nothing is clearer than the Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1-7 NIV). Christians have the tools to turn back fear!

Rather than using these tools, we often want to live in a world free of fearful situations. When we don’t find this, we give up and exist in hopeless desperation. We may even turn away from God because we expected Him to keep us from harm’s way – something God never told us He would do.

Remember the story of the disciples in the fierce storm in Matthew, chapter 14. They watched him feed five thousand people with a few fish and five loaves of bread. They witnessed Him heal blind men and yet, when it came to facing their first crisis in the midst of the storm, they raised the bar of cowardly behavior to a new level. The bottom line of this story is this, Jesus knew of the pending storm and the struggle they would face, but He allowed them to get into the boat and into turbulent waters.

Here’s what we can learn from this. Sometimes there are valuable lessons that God wants to teach us in our difficult times – before He calms the storm and quiets our fears. God never promised us a trouble free life. He did promise to be there with us in the dark times and the stormy seas, to give us hope in spite of fear. This knowledge becomes the foundation for living free of fear’s chains.

Facing your fear is not based on the abstract idea of simply believing. It is not based on the nebulous commitment to positive thinking. It is based on the concrete promise that He will be there, in the midst of our storm. Whether He carries us through the storm or whether He simply calms it down, we have the guarantee of His word that He will be there. As believers, we cannot simply say no to apprehension. We must say yes to the Master of the storm.

There is only one secure foundation: a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which will carry you through any and all turmoil. No matter what storms are raging all around, you’ll stand firm if you stand on His love. – Charles Stanley

TODAY’S PRAYER:

Lord, I acknowledge that I have the truth of your Word which promises me that You will be with me in the midst of my storm. I stand firm in the truth that You will never leave me or forsake me. No matter how violent my storm might be, You are the Master of my storm. I will not fear. Amen.

Blessings,

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

Facing Our Fears

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

We live in a world that is, at times, a frightening place. We live in a world that is, at times, a discouraging place. We live in a world where life-changing losses can be so painful and so profound that it seems we will never recover. But, with God’s help, and with the help of encouraging family members and friends, we can get through it.

During the darker days of life, we are wise to remember the words of Jesus, who reassured His disciples, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27 NIV). Then, with God’s comfort and His love in our hearts, we can offer encouragement to others. By helping them face their fears, we can, in turn, tackle our own problems with courage, determination, and faith.

So I ask you today, Are you afraid? Are you worried about the future? If you are, remember the words of God through Christ. Remember that God will never leave you during the days ahead. God will walk by your side. God will carry you when the road gets too rough.

So have no fear!

Facing our deepest fears means making peace with our seen self and with our unseen self. – Sheila Walsh

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me. Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect love, a love that casts out fear and gives me strength and courage to meet the challenges of this world. Amen

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

Dangers of Isolation

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

You hear it from almost every corner: American culture is becoming increasingly marked by loneliness and isolation. In one way it’s understandable. There is a sense of safety and control in isolation and disconnection, but it’s a false sense of safety. In fact, living lonely is anything but safe. It’s a dangerous lifestyle because it allows a person to overlook real life, real people, and all the benefits and rewards that go with growing relationships.

And probably more important, our character has little chance to grow when we live life in isolation from others. It allows our thinking to go unchallenged and allows damaging issues we may struggle with to grow and thrive in the fertile soil isolation provides.

If you’re feeling isolated, do what an old commercial on television used to say, ‘Reach out and touch someone.’

You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you. – Dale Carnegie

Blessings,

Chaplain Dunbar

Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj, TN ANG

Bases Loaded or Third Down and Goal

This Sunday is a preacher’s trifecta! The pastor’s three-in-a-row. The Sunday that loads the bases! I exaggerate a little but not by much.  It is also something of a challenge to do justice to a worship service which speaks to Epiphany/Visitation of the Magi (Jan 6), first Sunday Holy Communion, AND Baptismal Renewal Sunday. They really all do come together this weekend. Any time you bring The Three Magi in for our two Sacraments you have a full, full hour of Christian worship!

The texts are wonderful and span so much Bible history and revelation. Isaiah can hardly restrain himself in praise for what is to come, the visitors from the East are like so many today, seeking Truth, and Paul in Ephesus gets to clear up the matter of Baptism with some local disciples. The results in all these texts are impressive. Might we have results of discipleship and commitment and thanksgiving as we in turn receive from the Lord in our own time!

Hear the Word, Remember your Baptism, and partake of The Lord’s Supper. Can it get any better?!

Blessings as we enter 2018!

Pastor Barry

Open hearts. Open Minds. Open doors.