Grateful

What are you grateful for?  We often spend a lot of time and energy focusing on our pressing needs and prayer concerns and forget about the blessings we have.

We all have challenges and needs, but we also have many reasons for gratitude.  The key to thanking is thinking.  Taking the time to count our blessings is a very important part of our spiritual and emotional health.  It is also good for our relationships with others.  

This week my wife and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary.  I am grateful for a wife who has demonstrated her love and commitment to me for 31 years!  She truly is a wonderful blessing in so many ways.  As the Bible says:

“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies.  Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.”  -- Proverbs 31:10, 11 (NLT)

Who or what are you grateful for?

Pastor Dale

Relating

On Memorial Day my wife and I pulled out and filled our little vinyl swimming pool for the two grandchildren.  Here are pictures of our 7 month old grand-daughter, Jadyn, having a great time splashing around in the water.  It was so much fun watching her enjoy herself in the simplest ways.  Her pleasure brought us pleasure!

We followed up the pool experience with some good food and a refreshing time just hanging out with our family and some of our staff.  Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, nothing planned, just being together, talking and enjoying one another.  Just "relating."

Reflecting on yesterday's time with some of the important people in our lives, reminded me that the essence of relationships is "relating."  The word "relate" comes from a mid 16th century Latin word meaning "to bring back."

It is interesting that the experience of "relating," as we think of it today, is all about bringing people back together, after short or long periods of time apart, for the purpose of re-connecting, catching up, and communicating with each other.  As simple as it is, it is also powerful and necessary.

In the busyness of life, we all need to take time to "relate."  It is one of things we really cannot do without!

Pastor Dale

Memorial Day

I am grateful to be a citizen of the United States of America.  Our freedoms are not to be taken for granted.  Freedom always comes at a price.

On Monday, May 26, we celebrate Memorial Day.  This is a time to remember the sacrifices men and women of our armed services have made to secure and protect our liberties.  Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to make sure we remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.

This weekend we took a moment in our worship services to honor those who have served or are now serving our country in the military.  I wanted to add another word of appreciation to all of you.  Thanks for serving our country.  May God bless you, and may God continue to bless and keep the United States of America!

Happy Memorial Day!

Pastor Dale

Happy?

All of us want to feel good about life -- especially about our life.  We all want to feel happy.

Going after good feelings is a common pursuit of our culture.  We chase after happiness in all kinds of ways.  Unfortunately, good feelings are temporary.  What makes us happy today may not make us happy tomorrow.  What we think will make us happy, often leaves us high and dry once we get it.  Going after good feelings is a disappointing way to live.  When our focus is on getting good feelings, we eventually end up doing foolish things and making bad decisions.  We find ourselves strapped in an emotional roller coaster that never ends.  

To get off this roller coaster, we need to be introduced to a different concept -- the biblical concept of joy.  Joy is a very different thing than happiness.  It is stable and predictable.  It is deep and fulfilling.  And it is something we can experience!  It is a by-product of a certain approach to life.  It is the result of living according to set priorities and principles.

One of the principles that produces joy involves learning to live our lives with faith.  Faith is a very practical thing.  It is a way of thinking.  It is a way of approaching life, relationships and decisions.

This weekend at Church of the Redeemer we will be looking at the principle of faith.  Don’t miss it.  I am excited about the difference this study will make in our lives.

Join us for one of our weekend services:

Gaithersburg Campus:

Saturday @ 5 and 7 pm

Sunday @ 9 and 11 am and 1 pm

Frederick Campus:

Sunday @ 11 am @ the Holiday Inn Conference Center (next to Francis Scott Key Mall) in Frederick, MD

I am looking forward to seeing you this weekend!

Pastor Dale

Waiting Patiently

One of the character qualities that is consistently highlighted and exalted in Scripture is patience.  It is also one of the toughest to develop.

Becoming more patient in nature involves choices.  When things don’t happen according to our timetable, when life is not moving forward at the pace we hoped for or expected, when prayers seem to go unanswered or obstacles get in our way, we face decision points.  How we choose to think about and respond to these situations will determine our spiritual and emotional state.

A whole lot of life is about waiting.  God has programmed waiting periods into creation.  Waiting periods allow for gestation processes.  They are a part of God’s plan.  It is extremely helpful to remember that delays, disappointment and obstacles are to be expected in life.  They actually are good for us.

When situations require us to wait, we have a choice.  We can wait patiently or impatiently.  Either way, whether we like it or not, we are going to wait!

The dictionary defines “patience” as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.”  I would suggest that we make a slight but significant adjustment to this definition.  Patience is “a choice to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.”

We can make this choice only when we trust God’s timing and plans above our own!

King David encouraged us to value patience and trust in God’s timing and plans:

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him ...”  -- Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Are you waiting on something?  Let’s choose to wait patiently!

Pastor Dale

Worship Night Recap

This past Friday evening our worship team lead us in a night of worship. I was thrilled to see so many folks from our church family show up to spend an evening in an extended time of praise, thanksgiving and adoration to God.

From the very first song, I sensed the Holy Spirit’s presence. As the evening progressed, the intensity of God’s pleasure with us as worshipers increased. This eventually led us into a tremendous time of ministry. There is no question that lives were changed, people were encouraged and strengthened, and burdens were lifted. There truly is power in worship.

As the evening came to a conclusion, no one wanted to leave. The atmosphere was charged with tremendous joy and faith. I know that I went away refreshed by the presence of God.

A big “Thanks!” goes to our worship team, musicians and choir, along with the technical team for leading us in this time. The biggest “Thanks!” goes to the Lord for showing up in such a wonderful way and pouring out His love and grace on us!

Joy-filled Places and People

This weekend we kick off our new sermon series on the book of Philippians titled “JOYFULL.”

I truly believe that the most joyous places on planet earth should be local churches and the most joyous people should be Christian believers. The book of Philippians is known as the “letter of joy.” In the pages of this four chapter book we find key truths and principles that, when lived out, make church a joyous place and Christian believers joyous people.

This weekend we will be studying Philippians 1:3-11. In this passage we see some amazing things about the joy Paul possessed. Although he was incarcerated by the Roman government when he wrote this letter, he had a perspective of God, life and others that lifted his spirits and kept him strong.

As we get ready to study together, I would encourage you to take some time to read a few background verses that show us the beginnings of the church at Philippi and why Paul felt the way he did about them. Take a look at:

Acts 16

I am praying that, through this series God will increase the level of joy in our individual lives and families and in our church family. Don’t miss it!

Saturdays @ 5 and 7pm

Sundays @ 9, 11am and 1pm

Make sure and invite a friend. I am looking forward to seeing you!


Pastor Dale

Pastors Network and Worship Night

This week Terry and I, along with several other pastors from around the nation had the privilege of launching a new pastors network -- United Pastors Network.  We spent a couple of days providing and encouraging an atmosphere of personal growth and support for pastors and spiritual leaders from various places around the United States.

The response was incredible.  We are looking forward to seeing what God will do with this group as we continue the outreach in the years to come.

By the way, don't forget about the upcoming worship event this Friday night @ 7:30 pm at Church of the Redeemer.  It is going to be a wonderful time to open our hearts to God in worship and praise, and to experience His presence together.  Make it a priority to join us.  I am looking forward to seeing you there!

Pastor Dale

Valuables and Assets

What is valuable to you?  What are your greatest assets?

A “valuable” is something we consider to have great worth -- something we highly esteem and seek to protect, something we give top priority to and hold as extremely important.

An “asset” is a resource for meeting needs or accomplishing goals.  The word comes from an old French term which means “enough or satisfied.”  Based on this definition, an asset is something that gives us a sense of security and satisfaction about our life.  It is something that gives us meaning and worth.  It is something we hold on to for identity -- the thing or things that make us feel like we are “enough.”

Many people think of valuables and assets as “stuff” -- the material things they possess, their net worth on a balance sheet, their jewelry, automobiles, antiques or collectibles.  The security and self-worth of many folks are built on these temporal things.  Sadly and ironically, when this is our mindset we live with a nagging drive to get more -- enough stuff is never enough to completely secure and satisfy us.

The really valuable things in life are not things at all.  Our real assets are not material or measurable on a balance sheet.  The most valuable things in life and the greatest assets in life are relationships -- our relationship with God and our relationships with people.

When I think of what is really valuable to me, when I measure the real assets of my life, I first think of Jesus and my personal relationship with Him.  I think of my wonderful wife and family.  I think of my church family and the friends God has given me.  These relationships are what make my life truly secure and satisfying.

When Paul wrote a letter to his fellow believers in the church at Philippi, he was a Roman prisoner, incarcerated for preaching the Gospel.  When all material things had been stripped from him we see what he truly valued -- what he considered to be his real assets.  Listen to what he said to his friends:

Philippians 1:7, 8 (NLT)  “It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News.  God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

Paul knew that life is all about relationships -- our relationship with God and others.

Take some time this week to let the people you value know how much you love and appreciate them.  Write an encouraging note, send an affirming email, make an appreciative phone call.  Join me in celebrating our most valuable asset -- relationships!

Pastor Dale

Happy Mother's Day

Lessons From The Stairs

A week or so ago my wife and I babysat our 18 month old grandson Elijah at our home.  Over the last few months he had discovered our staircase.  On this particular evening the stairs became his preoccupation.  Repeatedly and tirelessly he went up and down the steps on his hands, knees and bottom, celebrating his successes with enthusiastic hand clapping and gibberish with the completion of each round.

What he didn’t realize was that his successes were dependent on me guarding and guiding him in the process.  Without me present, his ascents and descents would have been dangerous and perhaps even disastrous.  But because I was there with him, intervening when his safety required it, he gained confidence and skills, and experienced the joy of achievement.  I helped make his successes possible.  He thought it was all him, but I was his silent, secret partner; his loving helper.  We did the stairs together, but he enjoyed and celebrated the triumphs.

There are some lessons for us from my stair experience with Elijah.

Whatever is happening in your life right now, remember that God is with you, surrounding and supporting you, guiding and guarding you, making your way successful.  Know that, even when you cannot see Him or feel Him, He is present.  He is your Partner, your Helper –– the One who is behind your successes –– the source of your triumphs!

Pastor Dale

Weekend Update

Terry and I spent the weekend ministering to the wonderful people of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA.  pastored by Dino and Delynn Rizzo.  While we always miss being at home on the weekends with our phenomenal church family at Church of the Redeemer, we appreciated the opportunity to renew relationships with the pastoral staff and friends at HPC.  God is doing some incredible things through the ministries and outreaches of this great church.  It is wonderful to know that Jesus is at work all around the nation and the world through strong local churches.  Being an active part of church life truly is the way to make a difference!  HPC is making a difference in Lousiana, and we (COR) are seeking to make a difference for Jesus Christ in Maryland.

While I was away this weekend, Pastor Steve Homcy did a great job sharing God’s Word at our Gaithersburg campus and Steve Rivera, one of our campus pastors in Frederick did a great job teaching at our Frederick weekend service.  We are blessed to have some wonderful team members on staff providing strong help and assistance in ministry to our church family.

This past weekend we also had almost 200 teenagers and leaders away on a youth retreat.  Pastor Adam Durso from Christ Tabernacle in Queens, NY was the primary speaker.  I received an exciting report about all the kids who committed themselves freshly to the Lord.  It was tremendous to hear about kids pouring their hearts out to God in worship and in the study of God’s Word.  There is nothing more important than pouring spiritual values into the next generation.  It is great to be a part of a church that prioritizes ministry to children and youth.

By the way, if you have teenagers, let me encourage you to get them to our midweek youth service and all the various small groups and activities of the youth ministry.  If you don’t have teenagers, perhaps there are kids in your neighborhood you could bring to our youth services.  It is one way you can contribute to reaching the next generation.

Youth ministry happens Wednesday evenings at our Gaithersburg campus and on Thursday evenings in Frederick.  Check out the youth link on our website (church-redeemer.org) for more information about this ministry.

Church life truly is a great life!

Pastor Dale

Yes, God can!

Can or cannot?  Possible or impossible?  Opportunities or problems?  These phrases represent the daily choices we make – how we choose to think and live – how we choose to respond to life circumstances and events.  Will we approach life from a positive or negative perspective?

Many folks live a very restricted and limited life because of a negative mindset.  Negative thinking results in negative reactions to the situations and challenges we experience.  Negative reactions create more negative situations.  Negativism causes us to perpetuate problems and pain.  Wonderful things happen when we decisively and doggedly develop a spirit of faith.

David was a man who lived with a positive spirit of faith.  I recently noticed a passage that gives us some insight into David’s spirit:

1 Chronicles 11:4, 5 (NIV)  “David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem ... The Jebusites who lived there said to David, ‘You will not get in here.’  Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the city of David.”

Later in the chapter we find this additional comment:

1 Chronicles 11:9 (NIV)  “And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.”

When David decided to capture Jerusalem and make it Israel’s capital city, the people who lived there sent word to David that his plan would not work.  They tried to convince David that taking their city would never happen.  It could not be done.  David would fail if he tried.

True to spiritual form, David ignored the negative words of doom and impossibility.  I love the words the Bible uses to describe David’s response to these folks, “Nevertheless, David captured the fortress ...”

David was a man of faith.  He was a man with a positive spirit.  He was not moved by external obstacles or naysayers.  He believed that God’s plan was possible, and he acted on his beliefs.  His faith inspired others to follow (read the rest of the chapter).  Not only did David’s belief bring him great rewards, it lifted other people to higher levels of life and accomplishment for the glory of God.  It also attracted God’s help and favor.  David believed that God was leading him, and that God could and would help him.  And God did!

Whatever we are facing, let’s remember, “Yes, God can!”  And because God can, we can!

Pastor Dale

Welcome!

I am excited about this new opportunity to connect with you as we get ready for a new message series beginning the weekend of May 17, 18 titled “Joy-FULL.”For 12 weekends we will be studying the book of Philippians and the principles that will help all of us build a better life. Stay tuned with us here for my thoughts and reflections on the series and any inspirational and devotional thoughts and reflections from my heart. It will also be a great way for you to stay updated on some of the things we are up to as a church family. I am looking forward to sharing more of what God is doing in my life and in our church. We have just completed a series called “Heart Check.” For 5 weeks we saw what the Bible had to say about the contents and condition of our hearts, and how our heart condition affects everything we are and everything we do. It was an amazing study. I have already received several testimonies of God’s incredible work in people’s lives through this series. I love hearing the stories of what the Lord is doing in our church through His Word and by His Holy Spirit. He is changing lives. If you have a specific testimony from the Heart Check series or from any other ministry or series in our church we would love to hear from you. Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is coming up on the weekend of May 10, 11. It is going to be a great weekend. My wife will be sharing the message. I took a look at some of her notes (a sneak preview when she wasn’t looking), and I know that you are in for a treat! It would be a great time to invite family and friends to worship with us. Please know how much my wife and I love serving you. You all are an incredible church family. We thank God for every one of you! Pastor Dale