Boating is big in SW Florida.  As a matter of fact, I heard that yesterday (Memorial Day) was the biggest boating day of the year.  And of course, we’re not talking about going out on the lake. We are talking the Gulf of Mexico.

I don’t own a boat, but I know that an anchor is considered standard equipment.  To go out without an anchor, especially in deep water, would be a very foolish and even dangerous thing to do.  And yet, many people today are going through life without an anchor. 

Why do you need an anchor?  Because the storms of like are strong.  Without an anchor you will be like the disciples in Matthew 14:24.  When caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee they were tossed by the waves because the wind was strong.  Life can get rough.  A storm can hit suddenly and rock your world.  If you don’t have an anchor, you can get tossed around like a beach ball on the waves.

Why do you need an anchor?  Because the doctrines of men are deceptive.  Very!  Ephesians 4:14 describes people being blown about by every wind of doctrine because they are not grounded (anchored) in the truth.  Deception isn’t going away.  Jesus said it’s only going to get worse the nearer we get to His return.  You better have an anchor! 

Why do you need an anchor?  Because the Bible says the last days are going to be perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1).  In other words, things are only going to get harder out there.  How are you going to make it without an anchor?  You need something to hold you when everything else is flying apart.

Having an anchor will not exempt you from life’s troubles, but it will hold you through it all.  So, do you have an anchor?

Pastor Todd Weston 

Have you heard the story about the single guy who was looking for a wife?  As he boarded an airplane one day, a beautiful young woman also boarded and sat down next to him.  He couldn’t believe his luck, so he decided to ask her what kind of man she was looking for.  She said, “Well, I like Indian men; the tall, dark, silent type.”  She added, “But then again, I like Jewish men.  They are good businessmen and very smart.”  She continued, “Then again, I like outdoorsmen who are, you know, the rugged type who wear jeans and a flannel shirt, drive a four-wheel-drive pickup, and like to camp out.”  After a moment of silence the woman said, “By the way, what’s your name?”  Thinking quickly, the man responded, “Geronimo Goldberg, but my friends call me Bubba!”

There are people today who, in their desire for love, make all kinds of concessions and compromises.  They are willing to become something they’re not in order to win or keep the love of another.

Love that is won by masquerading as something or someone you’re not isn’t true love.  It’s false love that is based on a faulty premise.  It won’t last because you cannot keep up the act forever.  Sooner or later, the true you will come out.  Then what?!

The love of Jesus is REAL LOVE!  The Greek word used to describe it is agape.  Love with no strings attached.  Love with no loopholes.  True love that keeps on loving.  Every person can honestly say, “Jesus loves me just as I am.”  That’s true.  But aren’t you glad He loves us too much to leave us just as we are?  So He begins His work in our lives, transforming us into His very likeness.  This is a great work He has promised to complete (Phil. 1:6).

Don’t make the mistake of trying to be something you’re not in order to win the affection and acceptance of another.  Instead, rejoice in God’s love for you.  Jesus is the one who knows you best, and loves you most!

Pastor Todd

This is a very special week for our family.  Our oldest son, Nicholas, and his beautiful fiancée, Jamie, are getting married.  This morning Sheri and I reflected back over the years.  We talked about the day we brought Nicholas home from the hospital to our little grey duplex in Kearney, Nebraska.  What a bundle of joy and energy!  It seems like yesterday and yet so far away.

Three years later we took Nicholas to the Cox South hospital in Springfield, Missouri to meet his new brother – Paul David.  It was love at first sight (sort of), and they have been buddies ever since.  Nine years later little sister came along.  As Tori grew, Nicholas and Paul David were tagged, “the brothers.” 

This morning Sheri and I thought back to Nicholas’ first day of school in Manhattan, Kansas.  I can still see him standing there outside the school with his blond hair shining in the sun and his brown eyes just dancing with spirit.  Amanda Arnold Elementary has never been the same since!  I believe the teacher survived.

The next twelve years went by in a blur of activity until graduation day came along.  And now in just a few days, Nicholas and Jamie are getting married. Wow!  Tell me, where does the time go?

Life is full of special days and defining moments.  The greatest day in anyone’s life is the day you give your heart to Jesus.  That single day not only changes the rest of your life, it determines your eternal destination.  The second greatest day is when you become united to that special person God created and ordained for you.

There is another great day coming – the day we see Jesus face to face.  As the old song says, “What a day that will be!” 

While some days are more special than others, every day is a gift from God.  So slow down.  Don’t be in such a hurry.  Live each day to the full.  Live each day for the glory of God.

Pastor Todd Weston 

Have you ever considered what a job description for a mother would look like?  After just a brief consideration, here are some things I thought would appear on a job description for moms – attorney, advocate, chauffeur, coach, cook, counselor, disciplinarian, doctor, intercessor, judge, maid, nurse, nutritionist, psychologist, referee, sleep therapist, social director, spiritual mentor, teacher, and trainer. 

Or as someone suggested – manager of miracles – which spells MOM!

Several years ago I came across this acronym for M-O-T-H-E-R –

·        M is for the many things she taught me
·        O is for the other things she taught me
·        T is for all those things she taught me
·        H is for the hundreds of things she taught me
·        E is for everything she taught me
·        R is for the rest of the things she taught me

Moms are teachers.  And of all the things moms teach their kids, instilling the things of God into those young hearts and minds ranks right up there at the top. Remember, it won’t return void.  God promised! 

So keep up the good work moms.  Stay at it.  And when you are having one of “those” days, hang in there remembering that you are doing God’s work!  And 1 Cor. 15:58 gives this word of encouragement, “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.”  (The Message).

Happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor Todd Weston