Disappointment

How do you handle hurt and disappointment? How do you respond when life comes up short of your expectations? Joseph must have been disappointed when Mary turns up pregnant and he was not the father (Luke 1:18). In the face of this disappointment, Joseph hatches a plan to divorce Mary “quietly.” One translation of verse 19 reads, he “planned to send her away secretly.” I recognize this strategy. When disappointment comes my way, I just wanna move on. Don’t make a fuss. Stuff it “quietly.” Fix the problem and move on. “Send it away secretly.” Instead, God comes near and invites Joseph to move toward what he wants to push away. Joseph says yes, and Salvation is born.

Coddling disappointment is never a path toward growth. But neither is ignoring, fixing, or numbing. As I move toward pain and invite God into my hurts, new birth and blessing are possible.

Pastor Steve

Yours for Jesus, 

steve@clpc.org

Every Heart Prepare Him Room

“Joy to the World” begins with transformation of the human heart. In verse one of his famous hymn, Isaac Watts implores “every heart” to make room for the coming Savior. Our wants, longings, and desires are found in the most intimate space of the human heart. When we make room for Jesus there, God becomes Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). 

Do you know what you want today? Not what you’d like to want, or what you think you should want. What do you really want? Give that ‘want’ to Jesus. Invite Immanuel God into the sacred space of your longing and let him love you there.

If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

In the Savior’s Joy,

 
Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Sheep and Goats

The key to understanding the judgement scene in Matthew 25:31-46 lies in the response of each group. As the Son of Man separates the sheep from the goats, he reveals what each unknowingly does or does not do. Both groups respond, “When did we do that!?” The sheep naturally and effortlessly respond to the needs of those around them while the goats naturally and effortlessly ignore them. Left to my own devices, I naturally and effortlessly ignore the needs of those around me. Gradually, however, I am becoming a different kind of person. Not by muscling up and trying harder, but by daily surrendering to the easy yoke of Jesus’ way of living (Matthew 11:28-30). 

If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

When Jesus Comes Back

Jesus is coming back, and the Thessalonians are getting ready! Yet they’re concerned about their loved ones who have already fallen “asleep.” Will they miss out when Jesus returns? Using imagery of an emperor visiting a colony or province, Paul explains that the dead will rise. They, along with the living, will form a royal delegation to welcome King Jesus (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jesus isn’t coming to take us away from earth. Jesus is coming to rule on the earth - to establish God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Our life’s calling and greatest joy is getting ready for Jesus’ return. If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Difficult People

Are you contending with a difficult relationship today? Nehemiah had difficult people in his life. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem opposed Nehemiah and aimed to strike fear in him (Nehemiah 6:1-14). The opposite of fear isn’t bravery. It’s generosity. Nehemiah demonstrates generous love, full of grace and truth, toward his detractors by 1) staying in relationship, while not taking responsibility for problems that were not his, 2) handing this difficult relationship over to God, and 3) speaking with “I” statements and avoiding “you,” “we,” or “us” statements. For a fuller explanation and the rest of the message, listen to our podcast or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Hey, why not tell someone about what God is up to at CLPC? You help others connect with CLPC by liking our Facebook page, YouTube channel or Instagram page. Spread the word!

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Life-Changing Church

A life-changing church is one that has had its life changed by the Gospel. Ephesians 4:1-16 talks about the characteristics of such a church which is ultimately evidenced in mature love. A church that walks in a manner worthy of the Gospel (cf. Ephesians 4:1) is a church that loves well. 
If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

 

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 150

You and I were created for joy. Psalm 150 reminds us that the goal of the God-life is not about getting rules right. We were made to “glorify God and enjoy him forever” (see Question 1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism). Psalm 150 invites us into full-orbed joy with all of creation giving praise to God. If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel. 

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 131 - The Quiet Soul

Psalm 131 introduces us to a world that is largely unfamiliar to our hyped-up, 24/7, grab-and-go, culture. It is the world of calm and quiet trust in the Lord. Over the last couple of months, I’ve been experimenting with intentionally pausing a couple of times in the middle of my day to be quiet and still in God’s presence. It’s what Peter Scazzero, in Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, calls the Daily Office. I’m surprised how this simple practice of pausing for 5-10 minutes, a couple of times, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, reconnects me with God’s constant presence. While there’s no strict formula for a Daily Office, the one Scazzero suggests is: Two minutes of silence, then reading a verse or two of Scripture, a brief prayer, then two more minutes of silence. 

If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel. 

In Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 103 - Bless the Lord

Psalm 103 is a wonderful summary of the way Lord God’s salvation works. Six verbs in three verses say it all. Lord God forgives all our iniquity (sin.) Lord God heals all our diseases. Lord God redeems our life. Lord God crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. Lord God satisfies us with good. Lord God works righteousness and justice (Psalm 103:3-6.) Wow! What a list! 

What do you need today? Why not ask God for it?

If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel. 

Our Summer Psalm of the Week is Psalm 109. Read it once a day, every day as we prepare for worship next Sunday.

Yours with Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 91 - Safe Place

Psalm 91:14-16 ends with a flurry of promises from Lord God. When I feel trapped, God promises freedom (“I will deliver”). When I feel threatened, God promises protection (“I will protect”). When I feel lonely, God promises companionship (“I will be with you”). When I feel attacked, God promises deliverance (“I will rescue”). When I feel shame, God promises honor (“I will honor”). When I feel desperate, God promises satisfaction (“I will satisfy you”). The wonderful thing about these amazing promises is that they are available for the asking! “Because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer.” 
 
What do you need from the Lord today? Will you dare to call on his name and ask? If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel. 
 
Our Summer in the Psalms continues this week. Read Psalm 103 every day, at least once a day. I look forward to worshipping and learning with you this weekend.
 
Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 73 - Until

Does the world around you seem unfair? Are there people in your life (family members, co-workers, classmates) who aren’t getting what they deserve for the wrongs they’ve committed? Furthermore, does God seem distant and unconcerned about it? If so, Psalm 73 is for you! Here the psalmist lays his jealously, resentment, and disappointment squarely in God’s lap. This is what the psalms of disorientation do for us. They give space for us to whine. Listen to Sunday’s message to learn how the psalmist copes with his unfair world. You can listen to the message here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Psalm 90 is a our “Psalm of the Week.” Read it every day, at least once a day. Then join us on Sunday for a deep dive into this powerful psalm of communal lament. I look forward to learning and worshipping with you.

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 1 - Planted

Our Summer in the Psalms kicks off in earnest this week with Psalm 8. Read Psalm 8 at least once each day. Perhaps you’ll want to read it twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Or even three times(!) morning, noon, and evening. Remember, the righteous person “delights in the law of the Lord.” (See Psalm 1:2). Let’s plant roots deep in God’s Word this summer!

If you missed yesterday’s message, listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel. 

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Table Memories

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and CLPC’s year-long emphasis on Worship, during the month of May we’re focusing on Worship as Remembering. Tending to our memories is an important aspect of emotional well-being. And worship is an act of remembering. This Sunday we reflected on the remembering we do at the Lord’s Table. At the Table, we remember we’re forgiven. At the Table, we remember we are family. At the Table, we remember the best is yet to come. 

If you missed yesterday’s message, listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel.

 
Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Walking and Worship

We’re all on a path, a road, a journey somewhere. In Luke 24:13-35, Cleopas and his friend are on a path when Jesus makes an appearance. As they walk, Jesus opens the Scriptures and shares a meal with them. These simple acts change everything – “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:31). The resurrected Jesus is still making appearances. He shows up every time we worship. In worship, Jesus opens the Scriptures and at the communion table he shares a meal. These simple acts of worship, week in and week out, can change everything. 

If you missed yesterday’s message, listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel. 

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Invited to Prepare

We’ve been preparing for Holy Week since Ash Wednesday, nearly six weeks ago. This is a special week of remembering the crucial events of Christ’s ministry that stand at the heart of everything we believe as Christians. Many of us have prepared for this week with fasting, special prayers, and readings. Decorations and visual symbols in our homes are other ways we prepare. 

But what does it look like to live our whole lives prepared for Jesus? Jesus’ invitation to the disciples in Matthew 21:2 can serve as a framework. Using the verbs from this verse (Go, Find, Untie, and Bring) yesterday’s message encourages us to see all of life as holy moments where God is at work.

If you missed yesterday’s message, listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel. 

Preparing for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Invited to See

Everyone sees the man born blind as a problem (see John 9:1-41). The townspeople see a beggar. The Pharisees see a nuisance. The Disciples see a sinner. But Jesus doesn’t see a problem. He sees a person. Jesus sees someone to be loved, healed, pursued, and restored. When I see others the way Jesus sees others, I begin to see myself like Jesus sees me. 

What are you seeing today?

If you missed yesterday’s message, listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel. 

Seen by Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Invited to Believe

Believing in a God we can’t see, and following a God whose voice we don’t (often) audibly hear, can be difficult. In noonday heat, at a watering hole near the town of Sychar, Jesus invites a Samaritan woman to believe. Yesterday, I spoke about five ingredients of belief found in this famous story in John 4. Does God feel distant to you today? Are you struggling to believe there is a God who is present and at work in your world? If so, you may find this message helpful. You can listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Invited to Surrender

Three of our greatest human needs are provision, protection, and power. We want to know that we’ll have enough, that we’ll be safe, and that we matter. In Matthew 4:1-11, the Devil tempts Jesus to take these needs into his own hands – to make his own bread (vs. 3), make a spectacular leap (vs. 6), or to grab control of earthly realms (vv. 8-9). In each instance, Jesus resists. Rather than seizing control, Jesus chooses to surrender to God’s loving care. Instead of a weary life of managing outcomes, Jesus chooses a life of responsive obedience.

What outcomes are you trying to manage today? What situations are you trying to control? Jesus invites you to surrender these things to God’s loving care.

If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here. Or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

The Future of Worship

 Revelation 7:9-17 reveals that worship in eternity will be diverse, God-focused, and satisfying. It will be diverse as we’ll worship alongside other cultures and traditions. Our personal style preferences will pale as our full attention is focused on God. And lastly, as we bask in God’s presence, giving our lives and worship toward to Jesus, we’ll find our deepest longings satisfied. 

This profound and beautiful picture of eternal worship is what we’re preparing for now. We want our earthly worship to reflect our heavenly worship – diverse, God-centered, and soul satisfying. 

On March 26, we will hold a single unified service combining worship elements from our traditional and contemporary services. Afterwards, we’ll hold our annual congregational meeting. Mark your calendars now for this very special Sunday.

If you missed yesterday's message, you can listen to the sermon here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

For Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

The Liturgies that Shape Us

Speaking of the human person’s relationship to God, the fifth-century theologian and philosopher Augustine of Hippo wrote, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” In other words, it’s the longings of our heart – our desires and wants – that shape the direction of our lives. It’s not our brains, but our gut, that defines our loves and loyalties. In Christian worship we submit our hearts, over and over, to the gentle re-forming work of Jesus (we call it “liturgy.”) Christian worship tunes our desires toward God’s life-giving purposes and builds our resistance to the noise that restlessly lures us away. Daniel 3:1-18 is a great example of what restful, confident, and well-formed hearts look like in the face of temptation to wander. 

If you missed yesterday's message, you can listen to the sermon here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

For Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

A God Worth Worshipping

Worship makes us who we are. That is, what we give our attention to shapes our longings, desires, and the direction of our life. Weekly Sunday worship is the practice of paying attention to God. But, is God worthy of our worship? 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 says, yes! 

In this scene, God’s presence descends on the temple in holy fire. Even the priests cannot bear to stand in the presence of God. And yet as the people bow in worship, they don’t say, “God is really scary!” or “God is unreasonable” or “God can’t be trusted.” Instead they say “God is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 7:3). God’s character is pure goodness and love. God is worth our worship. No matter what difficulty, hardship, or uncertainty you may be facing this Monday, God’s steadfast love is for you because God is good. 

You can listen to the sermon on our podcast, or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel.

For Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Made to Worship

“There’s no such thing as not worshipping,” writes secular novelist and essayist, the late David Foster Wallace. The problem is what we worship. Because, what we worship makes the kind of person we are. When Israel made a golden calf in Exodus 32, they didn’t think they were being unfaithful to Yahweh God. Their theology was intact. But, their hearts were still stuck back in Egypt (see Acts 7:39.) We were made to worship, and our worship makes us.

2023 at CLPC is the Year of Worship. All year we’re intentionally focusing on what and how we worship. Much of our focus for this year comes from the book You Are What You Love, by James K.A. Smith. Perhaps you’ll want to read this book along with the session, pastors and staff this year. Also, why not make Sunday worship at top priority for your weekly rhythm in 2023. Commit to joining God’s people for worship each and every week this year? If not in person, then join the livestream or engage with the YouTube service recording.

If you missed yesterday's message, you can listen to the sermon here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

For Christ,

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org