So, how may we help you? Feel free to contact us and let us know.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

                               who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?        Psalm 113:2-6

As we continue our march through the book of Joshua in Sunday Morning Worship, consider the implications of these stories of God’s amazing provision, protection, and power on behalf of the Israelites as they took possession of the land of Canaan in accordance with God’s promise to Abraham.  It is interesting to note the parallels between some of the Old Testament stories and the New Testament message of our salvation in Jesus Christ and our call to serve the kingdom of God.

    For example, the story of God bringing his people Israel out of their slavery in Egypt through wondrous acts of deliverance in order to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey is often viewed as a picture of the salvation God has provided for us in Christ Jesus and our ultimate destination of spending eternity with the Lord in heaven.  Likewise, the story of the Israelites’ conquest of the land of Canaan can be viewed as an illustration of the work to which God has called us as followers of Christ Jesus.  Just as God called Joshua to lead Israel in taking possession of the land and promised that he would give them every place where they went in the land (Joshua 1:3), Jesus Christ told his disciples that they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Just as God planned for Israel to be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 60:3), Jesus called his disciples the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).  Just as the foreigners living among them received God’s forgiveness alongside the Israelites through the sacrifices Israel offered to God (Numbers 15:26), so we as disciples of Jesus are called to be peace-makers (Matthew 5:9) and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), helping others to come to faith in Christ and experience his forgiveness, cleansing, and empowerment for holy living and kingdom service.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10 that the stories of the Israelites’ sins and God’s punishments against them are written in the Scriptures as examples and warnings to all who read them, in order that we might avoid those mistakes and sins of unbelief.  In the same way, the stories of the miraculous victories God gave to the people of Israel serve as reminders to us that God is able to accomplish amazing things in and through us today.  Let’s pray that he will.  Let’s look for opportunities to let the light of his presence shine through us.  Let’s commit ourselves as his servants to be available for whatever he desires to do through us in building his kingdom and helping those who don’t yet know him come to a personal relationship with him through Christ Jesus.

CONNECTION GROUPS are starting up.  These are great ways for you to get connected with other believers for discipleship, Bible-study, and mutual edification in Christ.  I encourage you to get involved.

A MEMBERSHIP CLASS will be held on Sunday, March 11 following Morning Worship.  If you are interested in becoming a member of WLFMC, or in just learning more about the Free Methodist Church, I invite you to register for the class.  Lunch and childcare will be provided.

God is on his throne and we are called in Christ to serve his kingdom in this present day.  Let us each and all give ourselves wholeheartedly to the work of advancing the kingdom of heaven in full faith that God is with us, God is leading us, God is going before us, and God is empowering us.

The hymn writer Charles Wesley wrote in A Charge to Keep I Have:

To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;

O may it all my powers engage to do my Master’s will!

We love you and we are glad to serve in Christ’s kingdom with you,

Pastor Roland and Elaine Kramer

Jonah disobeyed a direct command from God. He was told to go right, he went left. He endangered others around him. When he finally does what God tells him to do, he finds success to be an unhappy occasion. In fact, the story ends with Jonah more concerned with his own comfort while waiting for the people of Ninevah to be destroyed. And who doesn’t like to be comfortable when watching death and destruction?

So, for those of you keeping track, we have a prophet that doesn’t want to actually be listened to. I imagine some of the other prophets might have put a beat down on Jonah, only wishing their audiences listened as well. A prophet wanting to be ignored is like a musician wanting only to sell his art to the deaf.

Perhaps, if we were to go back in time, we would find that Jonah never wanted to be a prophet. Maybe it wasn’t his choice. I understand that. But it is his total lack of compassion that earns him disdain by those who hear his story.

However…

Let’s not be so hasty. After all, February is Compassion month. Where is our sympathy for Jonah? Even more importantly, where is our sympathy for those less fortunate than us. Others may have physical ailments, emotional traumas or spiritual problems. Hmm, don’t we all?

I am offering up a challenge for us all. What if we spent this month finding and supporting some ministry that was already showing compassion? What makes your heart break? What makes it beat and feel alive? Jump in and make a difference. You may just find someone else out there who feels as you do.

The difference you make may not be earth-shattering, but I imagine that it will change the world of someone. After preaching to Ninevah, Jonah was upset by God’s show of compassion, showing he had none himself. On the flipside, we can read many stories where Jesus had compassion on those who were lost and hurting.

The compassion you show may be to someone or group inside our church. It may be to someone who has yet to see the face of God through acts of caring and love. I’d recommend doing something inside and outside the church. And when you find someone that shares your burden, praise God! You just doubled your efforts.

It’s too easy to criticize Jonah while forgetting that God has called us to go as well. Are you heading in the right direction?

*To see more of what is going through Rick’s head, or to continue this discussion, follow him at www.ricknierwoo.blogspot.com