A Lord’s Day Note
05/03/2020

As I sit at my keyboard to type this, I could not have imagined how events would transpire since the last time our church family gathered on March 15th. I have spent a portion of today communicating with the deacons about a proposed drive-in service for our church. We have worked out the technical issues, hopefully, and will be holding a Sunday morning drive-in service each Sunday in May starting May 10. I will be mailing a letter to the church family Tuesday with the details. I hope and pray that the services go well, that God is honored in them, and that the church family can once again have a sense of assembling, even if we’ll being doing so with a shortened format and without exiting vehicles. A drive-in service—only God could have seen that coming.

It does not matter how much intelligence we gather, or how many “models of probability” we consult, only God knows the details of future events. Sometimes, He shares them with the world as seen in multiple prophecies found in Scripture. Many of these prophecies have already come to pass particularly concerning the first coming of the Messiah. Even with theses prophecies, it is sometimes difficult for God’s people to accept what God has declared shall be. Would we have believed our world would be in the challenging place it is today with the coronavirus (regardless of whether we think the greater challenge is the virus or government’s response), even if we had been told in advance? We might answer, “Of course we would have believed it, especially if coming from experts, let alone from God.” I might reply to that sentiment by saying, “Easier said than done.” History is full of world-changing events that were preceded by sentiment that something could not possibly happen, e.g. R.M.S. Titanic sinking in 1912, or France’s Maginot Line not actually being able to protect France from Germany in 1940.

In Jeremiah chapters 27–29 (I shall not quote it because of its length), the prophet received word from God to warn the kingdom of Judah and the other nations around it to yield to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Judah had been under the impression that they were safe, so much so that part of God’s message to them was to beware their false sense of security gathered from the false prophets surrounding them. God singled out a particular false prophet for judgment to demonstrate he was not sent by God. One lesson from Jeremiah is that God allows circumstances that can defy our expectations, even when they negatively impact His people. We find ourselves in strange times, but God has allowed it, and He is still in full control. I hope that we accept the circumstances as humble servants of God and show gratitude for the things He allows us to do rather than prideful indignation at having to change our routines.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Friday
05/01/2020

Today marks the beginning of the new criteria in Maine for wearing “cloth face coverings” when in public spaces wear social distancing is difficult to maintain. I understand most of the settings mentioned (thought I am having a little trouble understanding why outdoor parks are on the list). When it comes to compliance with the new criteria, some will comply, some want to comply but cannot (for medical or other physical reasons), and some will not comply even if they can. Some folks are stressed about the requirements, some have become more fearful because of them, and some have become more angry with government’s increasing reach into everyday life. I have seen good information put out to help people, and some misinformation that has been anything but helpful. It would appear to some that goals, dates, targets, and criteria keep changing, and that has caused some frustration along the way. Lest we think it is just this state’s or country’s leadership that is having trouble with reacting to the coronavirus, this is how circumstances are “playing out” in most other countries as well. All of this is a reminder that no matter how much money, power, influence, science, or any other criteria rests in the hands of human government, those governments can all fail in their response to something so small, it cannot be seen without microscopes. But it shall not always be this way.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Of the increase of His government and peace, There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isa. 9:7–8). Of this rule by Messiah Jesus, John wrote in Revelation 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Philippians 2:9–11 states, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him [Jesus], and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus ‘Every knee will bow’ of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (NASB). It does not matter how much faith human beings place in their government, those governments shall fail, but the coming government of Messiah Jesus shall never fail, be caught off-guard, keep changing criteria, or give quarter to deception within or without. So, take heart in the fact that a better government is coming with the kingdom of God. Whether we like our human governments or not, none shall compare to the glory, power, and majesty of His. Maranatha!

Pastor Glenn Smith
https://brooksbiblechurch.org/daily-notes/

Pastor’s Daily Note
Wednesday
04/29/2020

It has been a few days since my last note, but in that short period of time we have had a very encouraging development. Yesterday, the governor put forth a plan for staged reopening of this state regarding the health crisis. A specific allowance within the directive is drive-in church services. This has been something the deacons and I have spoken about and with yesterday’s announcement, I am now in “testing and development” of this potential service type. The deacons and I will be formulating a plan for implementing this on technical, logistical, and health concern levels. I am excited for this opportunity and have great hope for its success.

In addition to the encouragement that the development itself should provide to us, I want to point to a portion of Scripture that I have turned to repeatedly over the past 6 weeks for both spiritual and physical circumstances. It is a passage that has encouraged me and hopefully encourages all of us. Exodus 31:1–6 reads, “Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying: ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, and silver, and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with Him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:’”

God had a specific plan for how He wanted to be worshiped, in what place and space He wanted to be worshiped, and exactly what that space would look like. He had arranged for the material to be available and for the people who would be involved in crafting and assembling it. God is the One who provided the material and equipped all who would be involved with the wisdom and skill to put together what is required for His people to gather His way—from the largest to the smallest detail. I believe God still does this today. I believe God has assembled specific people and materials, in this rural Maine church, to not only help us with what we’ve done so far in our attempts to minister from afar, but also to take full advantage of this opportunity to once again assemble (in a modified way). I praise God for His daily involvement in the lives of His people on a spiritual AND on a physical level in that He is the One granting abilities and skill. I might be the one whose name is attached to this or that, but like Bezalel, God has equipped others in this church to do work that I cannot do by myself. Praise God!

Pastor Glenn Smith

A Lord’s Day Note
04/26/2020

The multiple springtime snow events have given me plenty to think about. I have already shared some of the things that the storms’ effects have had on my view and application of Scripture. Apparently, I shall get another opportunity for this type of reflection this evening into tomorrow morning. Spring snow can be a challenge for a number of reasons, but on the positive side it can temporarily hide the dirt, mud, and debris that every spring in Maine reveals. Our last snow was a light covering last week, and its lack of causing travel problems (at least in my region) gave me the chance to see its beauty without experiencing the negative side of spring plowing, shoveling, and power outages. It stuck to most surfaces, and I found it quite beautiful in the morning light. It covered the dirt and mud, and even gave a sense of beauty to the debris left over from the previous storm. However, by mid-afternoon it was gone. It temporarily covered a lot of the messy and ugly parts of early spring in Maine, but it did not last. Until the trees leaf out, and the grass grows long and green, it would take a daily covering of snow to shield a view of the grime. This brought to my mind a rush of thanksgiving to God for how He relates to His people now as opposed to the days prior to the cross.

From the time of humankind’s fall into sin in the Garden of Eden until the finished work of Christ on the cross, God’s people were required to offer sacrifice to Him as a part of having a worshipful relationship with Him. Following Israel’s exodus from Egypt, the sacrifices were written into a “Code of Law” given to Israel through Moses and involved various types of animals, birds, and/or goods. The first five books of the Bible are known as “The Books of the Law” because a major portion concerns a relationship with God via the law God gave to Israel. There are multiple aspects to this Law of God, but the truth that sacrifices under the Law only brought a temporary covering for sin and required sacrifice for continued sin was the aspect that brought praise from my heart when reflecting on the temporary covering of the snow. It was a cycle of sacrifice—to cover the ugliness of sin, then an act of sin, and then another sacrifice to cover that sin, etc., etc. But on this side of the cross the sacrificial lamb was a Person who sacrificed Himself once for all.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews wrote about how sacrifices under the Law given through Moses related to the sacrifice of Christ. In 9:26–28, the writer wrote of Christ’s single sacrifice being unlike the multiple sacrifices under the Law: “He [Jesus] then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” The prophet Isaiah wrote in 1:18, “’Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” We no longer need to bring a sacrifice to a physical altar because Jesus is the final sacrifice for all time, and His sacrifice is a permanent “washing away” of sin for all who believe in Him. My sin tomorrow is as covered by the shed blood of Christ as much as my sin of yesterday, praise God! This is not a reason to excuse our sin or view our sin as having no consequences (that is a note for another day), but it is a reason to praise God that the sacrifice we can never make has already been made for us by Jesus. We can praise God that it is done for us and permanently deals with our sin. This snow doesn’t just cover the grime, it washes it away. If that doesn’t bring a rise of praise from our hearts, I’m not sure what could.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Friday
04/24/2020

I own a truck that my wife and I bought new in December, 1998. It’s closing in on 200,000 miles and has been a very dependable vehicle for us (the only vehicle for a stretch of 8 years). It has developed some quirks over the years but all-in-all it has been a great vehicle for my family. There are quite a few things that have been responsible for the truck making it this far. First, the circumstances around my purchase of this vehicle were a blessing from God and He has continued to bless the truck. Second, my wife and I have driven it like we actually wanted it to last beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Third, I have been extremely strict with regular and preventative maintenance as well as being particular about the mechanics working on it. This 20+ year process has required financial and scheduling discipline as well as paying attention to small problems that could quickly turn into larger problems. It has been a great truck, and I hope God blesses it for a few more years, but it has required effort to get it where it is today.

Our spiritual journey also requires effort. Ephesians 4:11–16 reads, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect [complete] man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried away about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” First, yes that is one sentence. Second, it’s a lot to unpack. Third, I included the whole passage to stress the point that our becoming more like Jesus every day is a process that involves God, ourselves, and other people. It’s work, and it takes discipline. Like a vehicle that lasts 200,000 miles, a successful spiritual journey does not happen by accident. Just as I am not surprised that a person loses an engine because they never check the oil, I am not surprised by a believer that has a significant setback in their life because they’ve been ignoring God and His word. God has given us everything we need to “go the distance” and make “200,000 spiritual miles.” I pray we discipline our lives and put in the effort needed to reach the “mileage” God desires for us.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Thursday
04/23/2020

It never ceases to amaze me how often people ignore God in good times yet seek His favor when things go wrong. There is an old phrase from military service in times of war that goes something like “there are no atheists in foxholes.” The point of the statement is that when life is on the line, thoughts of one’s own mortality can lead to thoughts of what might come after. Few things in life are as powerful to a person’s outlook than the thought of death. During this coronavirus crisis, I can imagine many people turning to God and asking for healing, or safety, or perhaps financial help. Believers in Christ shouldn’t find this new in our lives. We should be expressing our complete dependence upon God every day regardless of circumstances. But there are those who don’t have a relationship with the Lord that now turn to Him for help, perhaps for the first time in their lives. If God, in His mercy and grace, grants their request, there arises an opportunity for them to come to understand that God desires more than to be a provider of physical things—He desires that they accept what He has provided at the spiritual level.

When on this earth, the Lord Jesus had great compassion for most of the people around Him (I’m not sure I would use “Jesus’ compassion” in the same sentence with “religious leaders of the day”). Mark 1:32–33 reads “At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door.” Jesus had compassion on them and “…healed many who were sick with various diseases…” (Mark 1:34). The people had physical needs, and they turned to One whom they knew could meet those needs. Unfortunately, as we find out in later passages, many would turn away from Jesus because they only wanted physical things. Jesus made it quite clear that the physical provision was not the primary reason for His coming to earth. After Jesus had risen early in the morning to go and pray, he made the following remark to His disciples after they had found Him. Mark 1:37–38 reads, “When they found Him, they said to Him, ‘Everyone is looking for You.’ But He said to them, ‘Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.’” His message was the need to repent because the Kingdom of God was coming. This repentance involved turning away from rebellion against God and turning to God by relating to Him the way He instructed them to relate to Him. Neither the message nor the need has changed. Let us pray for the opportunity to point people with physical needs to the only One who can meet their spiritual needs.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Tuesday
04/21/2020

Having studied architectural and civil engineering, I am often drawn to news or magazine articles that discuss beautiful examples of architecture or grand achievements of civil engineering. I recently saw a documentary on one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest examples of “organic architecture” (a phrase he used to describe the integration of architecture with its surrounding natural setting). “Falling Waters” is a home in Western Pennsylvania that was built over a waterfall. It is designed in such a way that it looks like it always belonged perched atop the waterfall. As I watched this documentary, given from the perspective of Wright’s apprentices and the son of the man who commissioned the building, I was struck by how Wright was able to see the completed project in his mind before a shovel ever hit the ground. Most of the other people involved could not see it. Wright had such a completed image in his mind that his first drawing of the structure was essentially the finished drawing. It has been my experience that in architecture, that is very rare. Wright took a landscape devoid of development and brought forth a completed house that is one of the most famous and celebrated in American architecture.

The greatest architect in all of creation is the God of all creation. Not only is the physical world a masterpiece of planning and design, but so too are the spiritual aspects. Someday God will physically redeem all of creation, as noted in Romans 8:21, and God is presently at work spiritually redeeming people within His creation. When God looks at a person who has received Christ as their Savior, He sees a completed project even though we are still a work in progress. God sees His adopted children through the finished work of Christ on the cross, and the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus is called “sanctification.” Romans 8:29–30 reads, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” This passage describes a process of justification (saved from the penalty of sin), sanctification (saved from the power of sin), and glorification (saved from the presence of sin). A lot can be written about this passage, but what stirs the architect within me is how God sees us as a finished project completely conformed to the image of His Son, before the “shovel” of His Spirit ever begins the work in us. Therefore, don’t get frustrated if you look at your spiritual life and only see a pile of rocks and some holes in the ground. Know that God has designed a completed “structure,” and He will bring that design to its completion.

Pastor Glenn Smith

A Lord’s Day Note
04/19/2020

Another Sunday has come without the physical assembling of the church family at Brooks Bible Church. To say this is a strange feeling sitting in my office and looking out upon an empty church parking lot would be an understatement. Believers should look forward to the assembling of the saints on the Lord’s Day every week. We assemble to worship our Lord and give Him the glory He is due. We assemble to “…consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We assemble to hear instruction from the Bible and offer thanksgiving and make supplication to the Lord. In addition to these, we should look forward to being with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, fellowshipping with each other through the unity of the Spirit of God who indwells every believer in Christ. Regardless of individual personality or life circumstances, we should long to assemble with other believers.

I have often read over the apostle Paul’s personal comments to the churches that God had planted through him. Paul would write of how much he desired to be with them but could not because of life circumstances. In Philippians 1:8 Paul wrote “For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.” Why couldn’t Paul be with them? He had been placed in confinement (prison) because of his testimony for Christ as shown in Philippians 1:7b, “…inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” Those words written by Paul have become more significant to me since the onset of our current health crisis due to the coronavirus. Though not imprisoned because of the gospel, we have become confined because of a virus. I truly long for the day when we assemble once again as the family of God.

Though we have not been able to meet physically, I have endeavored for God to minister through me by way of the daily notes. Please know also that I have taken Paul’s words to heart regarding the other things I can do in our time of separation and offer them to the church family as an encouragement. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” (Philippians 1:3–6). I pray that we are all encouraged by the fact that God is still at work in us and that others are offering prayer to God on our behalf. Allow me to close with the same simple yet powerful supplication ending Paul’s letter to Philippian believers: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Saturday
04/18/2020

I had an opportunity to speak with an old friend yesterday (on the phone, so please, no verbal lashings from the social distance warriors). I have known this person since I can remember. We grew up together not more than a couple hundred feet apart, and he was the best man at my wedding. As we were catching up, he mentioned that the last time we saw each other in person was five years ago. I told him his memory must be failing, but after checking some time- stamped photos, I discovered he was right (insert Pastor Glenn memory joke here). My perception of those five years was more like 1-1/2 to 2 years. When reflecting on all that had taken place over those years, it is as though I experienced them in a compressed manner. Time can be a funny thing that way.

Human beings are creatures of time. We have a starting point and experience time in a linear (straight line) fashion. If we experience time that way, how does God experience time? Scripture mentions God in relation to time in a couple of ways. First, God is eternal (has always been without beginning or end). Psalm 90:2 reads, “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Second, God’s experience of time passing is also different. In 2 Peter 3:8 the apostle writes, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” What prompted this statement by Peter? He was answering the murmurings of future scoffers regarding how much time might pass before Christ returns to earth. God used this opportunity to work through Peter in not only addressing scoffers, but also offering a glimpse into the amazing love and patience of God. In verse 9, Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering [patient] toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” So, if you experience a time issue today —wishing to have more or complaining about having too much—take a moment to reflect on these passages. Praise God for being the “Self-existent One” and praise Him also for caring enough about the people of His world that He would wait for our repentance. Whether we think we have too much or not enough, whether it passes too quickly or too slowly, I pray we use it wisely by taking time to praise our Lord and serve Him well with the time He has given to us.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Friday
04/17/2020

Though the title of the note reads “daily,” there will be occasions where a note does not get posted every day. Such was the case for yesterday. In the spirit of remaining productive in these coronavirus times, I have been working on a few “shelved” projects from the past year. One of them involves painting at a property in another town, and my wife and have been giving some time each week to trying to finish it . When it comes to home improvement, painting is one of two things I really don’t like to do. I can be a patient person, but when it comes to painting, I have the patience of a two-year-old. I wanted to put a second coat of paint on a large wall because I didn’t like the uneven look of the sheen with the first coat (we are using a satin sheen, though on Thursday I might have referred to it as Satan sheen). When I had finished, I wasn’t pleased with how it looked and began verbally expressing my disappointment. Just as I was working up a good rant, the voice of reason spoke from the other room saying, “It’s not dry yet. It’ll look better when it’s dry, and if you don’t like the way it looks now then stop looking at it.” With my wife completely de-railing my rant, I decided to find something else to do. When it had finally dried, it looked pretty good. I couldn’t see the finished product right away. I couldn’t “will” it to look the way I wanted it to look. I had to wait until it had dried. I had to be patient.

I think it’s safe to say that I need to work on my patience when it comes to painting. There are a few other areas in my life where I need some work with patience, but I’ll save that for another time. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4 “love is patient,” and Galatians 5:22 declares that patience is a “fruit of the Spirit.” Romans 2:4 reads, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering [patience], not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” and Psalm 86:15, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering [patient] and abundant in mercy and truth.” We should be patient because our God is patient, and the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to be patient. At this point, one might think, “Aren’t these daily notes supposed to be encouraging? Do you realize how hard it is to work on being patient!?” Well, here’s the encouraging part: God knows what the “paint” looks like when it has completely “dried” before the roller even touches the wall. He is patient with humanity in general and His people specifically because He knows how we all turn out. So the next time we feel discouraged with our walk with Christ, please draw encouragement from the fact that God is patient with us, and that patience is anchored in the knowledge that we shall be the “finished work” that God plans for us to be.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Wednesday
04/15/2020

I took a walk around the church Tuesday afternoon and was surprised by the amount of damage done to trees all over the property. I had seen the large limbs that the snow had brought down, but I had no idea that so many branches were buried out of sight by the snow on the ground. Some parts along the east side reminded of pictures I had seen of war-torn landscapes where trees had lost all but one or two branches. The damage revealed by the melting snow also reminded me of damage suffered by people that we often do not see.

Scripture reminds us that we know less about what’s going on around us than we think. Job 1:6–12 describes a scene from events taking place in the spirit realm that would have severe consequences on earth. Job finds himself losing his wealth and his sons and daughters in a matter of hours. He was distraught and in mourning when he was visited by three “friends.” These three made assumptions about Job’s circumstances that caused both anger and anguish. They had no idea that under the damage they could see (Job’s loss of wealth, family, and then health), there was a spiritual assault by the evil one himself that was meant to break Job and provoke Job to curse God. They might have gone there to be a help to Job, but they caused more harm. There are times when we too can make assumptions about a person’s circumstances that can lead us to do more harm than good. Let us remember, especially as times get more and more strange, that we should always extend grace to those around us. Maybe we braved the grocery store for milk and had our personal space violated by a person that pushed by us to take the last milk off the shelf that we wanted. Instead of hoping they get a flat tire on the way home, try praying for God to meet their needs. Or, the person that is cussing in the aisle because someone else grabbed the milk they wanted might need our sympathy rather than our condemnation. Only God knows the damage “under the snow,” so let the grace of our Lord work through us always.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Tuesday
04/14/2020

Wind, snow, rain, power outages, and coronavirus lockdowns are a combination that could wear a person down quickly in a multitude of ways. And then there is the mud, and mud, and more mud. As I trudged through the church parking lot Monday afternoon, I started to get a sinking feeling—literally. I really dislike mud. It ranks at the top of my list of things I like to avoid (a few notches down from snakes). Mud is not usually life threatening, but it can be irritating because of the extra work it can cause. For me, the danger of irritation is not immediately physical, but it can present an immediate spiritual danger. It has been known to put me in a foul mood, especially when losing footwear in it, which usually leads to a round of apologies to those I come across afterward—I did say mud causes more work. So how do I safeguard against mud season fouling my mood? I try to focus on what is to come. My wife and I have lived in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest, and by far my favorite place in the summer is Maine. I try to think of what the main mud-making culprit shall bring in the coming months. The rain shall translate into an explosion of colors and fragrances, which for me brings praise to God for the beauty of His creation.

There are times in our lives when figurative mud can irritate us, wear us down, and sometimes discourage us because it seems like we can never be rid of it. The figurative mud can be physical problems, relationship issues, financial hardships, and/or spiritual warfare that seems like a never-ending, mud-rutted road. So, what do Christians have to look forward to that could make the “mud season” worth the struggle? There are several biblical passages that we can turn to for that answer, but one of my favorites is 1 Corinthians 2:9 (which is based on Isaiah 64:4). The Apostle Paul wrote, “But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Dwell on that for a minute. Nothing that we have seen, nor heard, nor can imagine compares to the splendor, magnificence, and glory that awaits us when we enter eternal life with God. I believe the greatest of all the things to come will be the very presence of our great God and Savior. No amount of “mud” would be too great to endure compared to what follows. If we find ourselves getting irritated or discouraged by a figurative “mud-season,” think on the eternal season to come and that God Himself has prepared it for us.

Pastor Glenn Smith

A Resurrection Sunday Note
4/12/2020

Today is the day that gives the whole world hope. It is a day that saw sorrow turn to joy. It is a day that culminated a plan formed before God laid the foundation of the world. It is a day that only God could bring into being. This is the day that God made a way for the people of this world to again have a personal relationship with their creator God without the need for a constant sacrifice for sin because the final sacrifice had been made. This is the day that showed beyond doubt that the final sacrifice had been accepted by the heavenly Father. This is the day that demonstrated once and for all that the Innocent One who suffered unimaginable agony on Friday had become the accepted sacrifice on behalf of the guilty people of this world—taking upon Himself the payment for rebellion against a holy God that no one else could ever pay. This is the day that an empty tomb showed that Jesus of Nazareth is who He claims to be: Son of God and Savior to the world.

The resurrection account of the Lord Jesus is found in all four Gospels in the Bible. Luke 24:5b–6a records the words of angels speaking to a small group of women who had gone to the tomb in which Jesus’ body had been hastily lain. The message spoken to the women is quite possibly the greatest message of hope ever spoken to humanity, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:4 that the resurrection “declared [Jesus] to be the Son of God.” The Lord Jesus did exactly what He said He would do: He gave His life as a sacrifice for many but rose again the third day. With this promise kept, all who believe in Him and receive the gift of eternal life spoken of in John 3:16 can look forward with confidence that Jesus will keep the promise of John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

So on this day, Resurrection Sunday, a day that should be celebrated for the incredible message it provides, let us give praise to our Heavenly Father, let us give thanks to our Savior Jesus, and let us follow the lead of the Holy Spirit when we are given opportunity to share this awesome message of hope to a world so desperate for it. Let us all remember that our relationship with God is made possible not only by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, but also the acceptance of that sacrifice seen in an empty tomb. And if anyone reads these words and is stirred within to receive that gift of eternal life that is in Christ Jesus the Lord, do not hesitate to receive that gift. This day could be the day that you join the people of God to celebrate this truth—the Lord is risen!

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Saturday
04/11/2020

For all the differences in people and cultures throughout the world, there are some universal constants. Unfortunately, disappointment is one of them. When my wife and I were first dating, I told her that I was a committed pessimist because it kept me from ever being disappointed. That she kept dating me after this statement is a testimony to the fact that there is a God. Some of us handle disappointment better than others, and for some the disappointment can lead to devastating discouragement. How discouraging must it have been for Jesus’ disciples on that first Sabbath after His crucifixion? Jesus was the Messiah, wasn’t He? Jesus was the Son of God and the Savior of the world, right? Jesus was supposed to sit on the throne of David and restore Israel, so how could this have happened? I have no doubt they were disappointed and very discouraged. They faced a challenge in knowing they should trust God, but it was God’s own Son that just died on a cross. Trusting in God can be difficult when we suffer
disappointment.

Perhaps on that Sabbath, that Friday evening almost 2000 years ago, the disciples thought of Psalm 30. In this psalm of praise—a psalm that has become closely associated with the dedication of the second temple and the Jewish Feast of Hanukkah—the writer declares an important truth. Psalm 30:4–5 reads, “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” The point of the psalm is praise to God (with keeping the right perspective in times of trouble being a key component). Just as the Israelites were in utter disbelief that God allowed a pagan king to destroy His first temple (even though Israel had been forewarned of this by prophets of God), so too Jesus’ disciples were in disbelief that a pagan empire had executed the Son of God (even though Jesus had forewarned them that it was going to happen). Perhaps they could have drawn strength from the past faithfulness of God and knowing that even when events looked bleak, when expectations were crushed, when all hope seemed lost, the joy of God would come to the people of God. Jesus’ disciples certainly experienced weeping for a night, and what joy must they have experienced that Sunday morning! Disappointment can be devastating, but for the people of God, we must view our circumstances beyond the “night” and wait for the joy of the
Lord that is sure to come.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Friday
04/10/2020

Yesterday afternoon proved to be a little more exciting than I expected. My wife and I had to run an errand and tried to time are return before the snow fell. We were about 30 minutes off. This was a test for our “All-Wheel-Drive” car, which ended up being more like “I’m going to push and pull with multiple wheels at multiple times in just a few seconds in order to wrestle the steering wheel out of your hands.” At one point, we ended up sideways in the middle of the road cresting a hill. After thanking God for getting the car back on the straight and narrow path and offering petitions to get us back to Brooks in one piece, I thought about my reaction while the sideways event was taking place. As the passenger, I was completely helpless in affecting a positive outcome for our predicament. If a vehicle had crested the road, we definitely would not have returned to Brooks in one piece. Sometimes, that helpless feeling actually does help—it reminds us of Who is ultimately in control (hint: it isn’t us).

As the great celebration of Jesus’ victory over death approaches, we must never forget that the cross was part of God’s plan to bring humankind back into a permanent relationship with Him. From a human perspective, the cross can look like a tragedy, but from God’s perspective it was a triumph. When I think of those who had a hand in the illegal arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, I wonder how much they thought they were in control. Scripture records that they thought this was an expedient way to be rid of this “troublemaker.” However, turning to John 10:17–18 we read that Jesus was ultimately in control the whole the time: “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I received from My Father.” Take a few minutes to rejoice in the fact that God is ultimately in control, especially in the plan of salvation. Praise be to the Lord Jesus that our salvation doesn’t rest on our works, but on His. Feeling helpless can sometimes lead us to the greatest help of all.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Thursday
04/09/2020

While working on a project yesterday, I began to sing “Sanctuary.” I had to pause the project as I took time to meditate on the truth to which the song points—the indwelling of the believer in Christ by the Holy Spirit. I thought of all the preparation and skill that went into the building of the tabernacle by Israel after their exodus from Egypt. I thought of the details given by God to Moses for its construction. I thought of the reverence required for this place of sacrifice where God would dwell in a unique way above the cherubim crafted on the cover of the Ark of the Covenant. And then I thought about the words to that song “I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.”

John 14:17 records the words of our Lord Jesus that He spoke in the upper room the night He was betrayed and arrested. The disciples were disturbed by the thought that Jesus would be leaving them, so He offered the encouragement that the Holy Spirit would be their Helper after Jesus went to be with the Heavenly Father. Jesus stated, “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” Take a moment to dwell on that fact. The Spirit of the Living God has taken up residence within each believer in Christ as our Helper. I encourage all of us to take
a few minutes to remind ourselves of this awesome truth—the all-powerful Creator God dwells within us. Regardless of life circumstances, we should be greatly encouraged that God is with us through it all.

Pastor Glenn Smith

Pastor’s Daily Note
Wednesday
04/08/2020

As we try to adjust to our new circumstances, we can sometimes get a little annoyed that we can’t do what we have always been able to do. Whether we like spending time in solitude or spending time in the company of others, we inevitably find a need to venture outside of our homes. Doing so these days can be a challenge with the “Stay at Home” directives found in most states. If we are retired or have been deemed a “non-essential” employee, we might find ourselves with a little more time on our hands now that we are not working or able to go about making daily visits with friends. So, what might we do as we wait for this health crisis to end? Jesus’ first disciples had a pretty good idea—pray.

In Acts 1:14, the disciples “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,” as they waited for the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit made by the Lord Jesus prior to His ascension to heaven. What might they have been bringing before the Lord? Scripture does not give us those details, but we know that praise is always a part of prayer to God. We also know that the disciples were making supplication—requests made to God. We too can be praising God ever day as we consider what He has done for us, especially our salvation. We can also bring requests to our Lord for the protection of loved ones that might be deemed “essential” who risk potential exposure daily just by going to work. We can also thank God for the many who are on the front lines of this battle, particularly some within our own church family. Let us therefore be like the first century disciples and make prayer and supplication in one accord to our God. Praise the Lord for who He is and who we are in Him, and ask that He would protect those who battle daily against this microscopic adversary.

Pastor Glenn Smith

A Palm Sunday Note
Sunday
04/05/2020

As Christians celebrate Palm Sunday today—a celebration of the triumphal entry of King Jesus into Jerusalem the Sunday before His crucifixion and resurrection recorded in all four Gospels—we face trying times with the health crises caused by the coronavirus. My thoughts turn to the disciples of Jesus who were also overcome by fear within five days of proclaiming “Hosanna in the highest!” as Jesus proceeded to enter Jerusalem. The disciples went from praising Jesus as the Savior, to running for their lives after His arrest because of fear, to deep sorrow and disbelief after Jesus’ crucifixion.

We too are challenged by the fear generated from becoming ill with coronavirus, by the sorrow over the loss of many, and by disbelief over the change in our daily lives and routines that most in this country would have thought impossible not more than three months ago. Even after proclaiming Jesus as our King and Savior we can fall into fear and run from Him. But praise be to God for the truth that our Lord Jesus never runs from us! Jesus made a promise to His disciples recorded in Matthew 28:20; “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” That promise is as important to us today as it was to the first disciples who walked with Jesus.

We might not be able to celebrate Palm Sunday gathered together physically, but we can celebrate it together spiritually. So let us think of one another and bring one another in prayer before the Lord. Let us remember that Jesus is always with us, and that He is there waiting for us to lift our eyes up to Him should we stumble into fear or discouragement. And let us give praise to our Savior Jesus today and every day, for He is worthy as our King and Savior. Hosanna in the highest!

Pastor Glenn Smith