Value

I remember several years ago when someone I knew was selling a house. Or, at least, they were trying to sell it. But they couldn't get any buyers. Now, if there is one thing that everyone eventually learns about real estate, it is that a house is only worth what someone else will pay for it. These people I knew were refusing to bring their asking price down any lower, insisting that, "our house is worth more than you are saying we need to ask." But, of course, when you are trying to sell someone else something, that just isn't true. Something is only worth what someone else will pay for it! So what are you worth? Well, I actually know the answer to that one. Because someone has already paid the price for your life. It was God and He paid the price of His own Son. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh, and he paid for you with His own life. You are worth the life of Jesus Christ, God the Son. And so is that person you are currently mad at. Just a thought.

Pastor Ken

Uniting together

Sunday we had our first potluck social since the Glendale outreach joined our congregation at WVCC. The Glendale outreach represents six or seven nationalities, while WVCC represents a few more. So, with only about 65 people, we have almost ten different nationalities represented. Or do we? Because really, even though we may represent that many countries of birth, we really only represent one nationality - God's kingdom. And that is exactly what we saw Sunday. Different people of different ethnicities and different backgrounds all sharing a meal and Christian fellowship. It may have been a small thing, but it represents a really big thing. For you see, someday we will all of us sit down at table together, from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, with our Head at the head of the table. And then we will have real fellowship and real unity. Until them small times will have to suffice. Now is OK. Then will be glorious!

Pastor Ken

New Friends

We all know that in the church of Jesus Christ, all members are brothers and sisters with each other. That is why so many groups over the centuries have referred to each other as "brother so-and-so" or "sister so-and-so." But that doesn't mean that we are friends - that takes a personal relationship. Well, for the past month WVCC has been the site of some new friend making. A group of future church planters from Glendale has joined the "regulars" to make a new congregation. Now, that new group is hosting a "potluck" for the entire church tomorrow. Today we are going to set up for it. It really is exciting to watch as friendships are beginning to form between people who previously did not know each other. If there are some brothers and sisters in your church that you are not yet friends with - why not go out of your way and get to know them. You might just find that you have a new friend!

Pastor Ken

Family

As I write this my wife's parents are visiting with us for a couple of days. Last night, we all went over to my daughter's house to visit with their great-grandson. Four generations in the same house, all laughing and playing and oohing and aahing over the newest genius in the family. In a day when "family planning" is all the rage, it was interesting to note that my wife was born before family planning was really very possible, my daughter was not planned, and neither was my grandson. Or were they? Perhaps there is a plan that goes far beyond what we plan. I have always been immensely thankful that God overruled our plans to only have two children. And I know my daughter and son-in-law are thrilled with their unexpected and unplanned surprise. What makes it all work so well is the knowledge that, when you do the basics as God has told us - marrying before you have children, being faithful to Him and to each other, and loving as Christ loved us, the seemingly unplanned things just become opportunities for God to do something we never expected. It may not look like what we had originally expected, but oh what He comes up with! We are living in a day when God's plan for the family is under assault. We need to stand strong for God's revealed will. But we need to go far beyond that - we need to live it ourselves, and expect the unexpected as God goes beyond our plans to bring His own about. Family is a great place to be!

Pastor Ken

Elections

Last night was a (fill in the blank - important, non-important, meaningful, fruitless) election. Obviously the Republicans are happier than the Democrats right now. Lost in most of the hoopla was the results from Maine on Gay marriage. This is the most contentious issue currently on the front burner of American politics. Frankly, I still think abortion is more important, since every time a child is killed - well, a child is killed. But the issue of gay marriage is the hot button issue right now. I am afraid that it is only a matter of time until it is legalized. And, in spite of the protestations of supporters, I am convinced that it will eventually be used a a cudgel against the church. After all, it already is in Canada and Sweden. So what do we do? The only answer I have is to keep loving everyone, realize that one sin is not more heinous in God's eyes than another, and keep standing up for God's word and standards. And one more thing - pray for revival in our churches and then in our nation. Because I know of nothing else that is going to change the direction of our country. Or so it seems to me.

Pastor Ken

Money and Christians

Probably one of the thorniest issues with which to deal as a Christian is money. We know that Jesus told us that we cannot serve both God and money. And we know that our culture has elevated money to the status of a god. And, we know that we do need money in order to pay bills and provide for ourselves and our families. So what do we do? What should our attitudes and actions be regarding money? For me it has been the willingness to admit that I can be more affected by money than I might want to admit to myself. As a result, I have always refused to discuss salary before making a decision about whether or not to take a position. How do I know that my family's needs will be met? I trust God! I know that sounds simple, and it is. But for me, there really is no other choice. As a result, God has always taken care of me. I live in a nice house, drive a nice car, wear nice clothes and (obviously) eat enough food. Someone once told me that God will be a debtor to no person. Well, He certainly has given me more than I have given Him! And I would rather have God be my supplier than any church or business. Or so it seems to me.

Pastor Ken

Endings and Beginnings

Today I sit down and begin to write the last chapter in my dissertation. That means that the end is in sight. Like most Ph.D. students, I can hardly wait to get done, and do not expect to do any serious writing for at least a couple of months after I finish my dissertation. But what I do intend on doing is some of the other projects around the church that I have not gotten to for - well, for more time than I care to admit. One is a library ladder system for our front room. It will be a welcome change to work with my hands for a couple of weeks in my spare time instead of research. It reminds me that God has made us whole beings, body, mind and spirit. Each must be nurtured and each has its pleasures. I enjoy pursuits in each area. It will be nice to get to some of the physical pursuits again. Besides, we need to get to those books on the top shelves of the library, too!

Pastor Ken