Blog Archives

Flexibility

1/30/2017

The most painful part of my workout is not the running or lifting; it’s the stretching. In my world stretching is a necessary evil. It’s evil because it hurts! It’s necessary because stretching increases flexibility, and flexibility is the capability of bending without being broken.

So how flexible are you? I am not asking if you can bend over and touch your toes, or turn yourself into a human pretzel playing Twister. I am asking about your openness to change.

Physical therapists and workout coaches tell us that flexibility varies between individuals depending on muscle length and other factors.

I admit that I am not overly flexible. That’s why stretching is such a painful thing for me. Neither am I overly fond of change. My conservative, midwest nature likes things to stay the same. For example, I don’t like it when I hear that an old restaurant in my hometown of Springfield, Missouri has remodeled, changed locations, or closed. When I go back to Springfield I want that restaurant to be in the same location and even look the way it did in 1979.

Why do we resist change? In his book, Developing the Leader Within You, John Maxwell offers several reasons including these --

The change isn’t self-initiated
Routine is disrupted
Change creates fear of the unknown
People are too satisfied with the way things are

While there are times for us to take a stand saying “I shall not be moved,” an attitude of rigidity is not the healthy way to live. Health requires flexibility.

Paul himself demonstrated flexibility. In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul informed the Christians in Corinth that he changed his travel itinerary concerning an upcoming visit. Rather than visiting Corinth on his way to Macedonia, he decided to visit Macedonia first. While some accused him of breaking his word or being indecisive, Paul explained that he just changed his plans for various reasons and would visit Corinth later (which he did).

Don’t be afraid to let the Holy Spirit change your plans. When change is introduced, don’t automatically default to resistance. At best, we see through a glass darkly. James reminds us that none of us know what tomorrow will bring. Life is following the immutable Spirit of God as He leads us through a world of constant change. Those embedded in rigidity will not survive the journey. Stay flexible and enjoy the trip.

Pastor Todd Weston

The Inauguration of Donald J. Trump

1/23/2017

I don’t know when I have been so moved watching an inauguration!

The inauguration of President Trump set a record for prayer with six members of the clergy offering prayers (four evangelical, one Assemblies of God). Numerous references to the name of Jesus were made. Several quotations from the Bible were given. One of the quotations given clearly states that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind, and that He gave His life a ransom for all. And this at an inauguration!

The Bible was used in administering the oath of office for both vice-president and president. Both leaders concluded their respective oaths by stating emphatically, “So help me God.” And while expressing appreciation in his speech for the nation’s military and law enforcement, President Trump stated that America’s ultimate defender is God Himself.

Undoubtedly, citizens who celebrated the presidential declaration made a few years ago that America is no longer a Christian nation cringed at the overtly spiritual tone of the inauguration. But believers across the land had reason to rejoice because we know that a nation whose God is the Lord is blessed (Psalm 33:10).

I understand that America has a long ways to go. But it was remarkably refreshing to hear national leaders call upon the name of the Lord and implore the aid and blessing of God. In a country where even the slightest references to things Christian have been strictly prohibited, the name of Jesus rang loud and clear in our nation’s capital. I’m sure the pundits of political correctness and separation of church and state were fit to be tied.

As we take a moment to delight in these things, we need to remember that the work of the church is still monumental. Laws can be changed for the better, but if the hearts of people remain the same it’s only a matter of time until those changes are reversed. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes culture by transforming hearts.

So we keep doing God’s work. We keep telling people about Jesus. We keep making disciples. And we continue to pray for our nation and our newly elected leaders. Regardless of your political persuasion, this is something incumbent on all believers (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

I close this article with the same text Franklin Graham used at the conclusion of his inaugural prayer, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

Pastor Todd Weston

Values That Last

1/16/2017

What do you value most in life? In answer to that question many people say things like family, health, financial security, career, friends, happiness, and so on. I have a neighbor who apparently values his red mustang convertible. I have reached that conclusion because nearly every day of the week he is out in the driveway religiously washing and waxing the car.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these values, they all share a common fault. None of them will last. I put a very high value on family. But I am also aware of the fact that the people I love will not be around forever. Job discovered that health and wealth can disappear in a day. Careers can be terminated, or will eventually conclude. Happiness is fleeting. Even that beautiful red mustang convertible will someday be towed to a junk yard and sold for parts.

The apostle John spoke the truth when he said, “This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave” (1 John 2:17). Even the dearest things in life last only for a time, so appreciate them while you have them.

In light of that reality, it might be wise to rethink the question. What do you value most in life? Maybe we should value things that last. Paul helps us here. Writing to the Corinthians Paul said, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).

The word Paul used that is translated “abide” is significant. It means to remain in place. Synonyms include “to stay, stand fast, dwell, continue, last, endure, be permanent.” When used in reference to God the word stresses His unchanging nature. When used in reference to the Word of God it emphasizes the Bible’s enduring quality. In Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians the verb “abide” tells us that faith, hope, and love are values that last.

Faith in God will outlast the world. Hope in God will never die. But love is the greatest of all. The day will come when our faith will become sight, and our hopes are realized. Their work will be complete. But love is eternal for “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Stability in an ever-changing world comes from having values that last. I encourage you to embrace these values that can never be taken away from you. When all is said and done there abides (ever present, always active) faith, hope, and love. These are values that last.

Pastor Todd Weston

What Does Jesus Mean To You?

1/9/2017

What does Jesus mean to you? That’s a good question. As I consider this question, I believe there are three possible answers.

There are those to whom Jesus means nothing. As hard as it is to believe, when Jesus walked this earth there were those who never bothered to go see Him. They never took the time to listen to Him. They went about their lives totally oblivious to the fact that God Incarnate was among them. The same is true today. Many people completely ignore Jesus. They live as if His life, death, and resurrection are inconsequential. To them Jesus means nothing.

And then there are those to whom Jesus means something. The Gospels tell of people who followed Jesus for selfish reasons. Some followed because they wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle (John 6:2). Others followed hoping He would provide another free meal (John 6:26). But when pressed with the requirements of true discipleship, these quickly backed off and “walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). There are still fair-weather followers of Jesus to this day. For them, no true commitment to the person of Christ exists. Jesus just means something.

And then there are those to whom Jesus means everything. After the multitudes abandoned Him, Jesus looked at His remaining disciples and asked, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67). That’s when Simon Peter, a man to whom Jesus meant everything, answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68-69). Simon Peter represents believers of all ages who say with the songwriter --

Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all

To some Jesus means nothing. To some Jesus means something. But to others Jesus means everything. What does Jesus mean to you?

Pastor Todd Weston

A New Year's Resolution

1/3/2017

We are already into the first week of 2017 and I am sure many of you have established some New Year’s resolutions. With that in mind, I have another resolution to suggest. It’s the resolution to look back, but live forward.

When it comes to looking back I think of the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy. This fifth book of the Pentateuch (i.e. five books, Genesis — Deuteronomy) is known as the book of remembrance. As the Children of Israel were camped on the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River, God called to their attention His faithfulness during their forty-years of wandering in the wilderness. Before launching into the conquest of Canaan, God commanded the people, “You shall remember…” (Deut. 8:2).

It’s good to look back and remember God’s faithfulness. It’s helpful to think about the lessons learned. It’s important that we recall the blessings of God. David encouraged this practice in Psalm 103:2, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Determine today that you will pause periodically to look back, remember, and give thanks.

At the same time, looking back does not mean we live in the past. I have watched people fritter away precious time and golden opportunities that can never be recovered as they try to recapture the past. Frankly, that is not a healthy or godly way to live. You cannot brood over the past and still have a vision for the future.

The Bible teaches us to redeem (make the most of) our time. Paul told us how to do that in Phil. 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

The Bible calls us to forward living. Stop longing for experiences that are behind you. Take hold of the new experiences God has placed before you. Remember what needs to be remembered. Forget what needs to be forgotten. Then get on with the business of serving God.

This is a New Year’s resolution worth making and keeping!

Pastor Todd Weston

RLA Pastor's blog

Flexibility

The Inauguration of Donald J. Trump

Values That Last

What Does Jesus Mean To You?

A New Year's Resolution

Pastor Todd

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