1 Chronicles

SIMPLY WORSHIP

Posted on August 9, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The following was taken from a live presentation by Claire Burkholder on Worship Night, Saturday, July 30 at West Oaks Fellowship

It seems as though it’s easier than ever to take something that was meant to be simple and make it so complicated. See, church isn’t just church anymore. It’s become so focused on perfecting a show just to get people through the door – as if a church is somehow a “better fit” based on its stage production. And, if it isn’t the constant pull of society trying to distort our understanding of our own faith, it becomes “us” that so easily complicate the true purpose of worship.

Christians are being led to believe that worship is an experience made just for them. Nowadays, the true meaning and simplicity of worship is drowning beneath the competition of lights and sound. First thoughts aren’t whether a church’s song choice is biblically sound, it’s whether or not the music is trendy enough. Is it relevant enough? Is it going to give me the experience that I want? When it doesn’t meet such earthly standards, it’s us that are left to linger in our own self-made disappointment … again, as if worship was ever meant to be about us.

It’s not about being able to simply worship God, for many that just isn’t the focus, it’s about how the worship songs make them feel. How lost we have gotten in the true purpose of worship – and the funny thing is, its purpose has always remained the same. It’s us who have made it complicated.

Psalm 34 says,

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord.”

Psalm 59 declares,

“But as for me, I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; Yes, I will sing joyfully of Your lovingkindness in the morning; For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. To You, O [God] my strength, I will sing praises; For God is my stronghold [my refuge, my protector, my high tower], the God who shows me [steadfast] lovingkindness.”

Again and again throughout the Bible, we see this call to praise and glorify the Lord in / through worship. THAT IS THE SIMPLICITY OF WORSHIP! It’s a moment to praise God for all that He is and all that He has done / accomplished. Genuine and authentic worship is not about us, and it has “never” been about us! What an honor it is that believers get to so freely worship our Savior, our King. Such a unique moment to give all that we are, to the Lord, to praise His Name.

Therefore, as a true worshiper, I urge you to give all that you are to the Lord. If that means laying down situations that you’ve been holding onto, resentments that you have, addictions that have a hold on you, then lay them down at His feet so you can simply praise and freely worship the Lord, Jesus Christ.

That’s all it’s about – it’s all about Him and it’s all for Him. So let us go back to the simplicity of worship, pursuing nothing but the Lord.

Blessings, Claire Burkholder

Thank you, sister! As you made this public declaration, Saturday evening my heart / soul was deeply moved as if the Lord was speaking directly to me. Then, I was prompted, actually compelled, to considered these two questions:

“What have we done, is worship at WOF distinct form something our secular world could successfully produce?”
“What have we made worship to be / become in Christ’s New Testament Church at WOF?”

The ultimate point of true / genuine worship for every believer has to be … ascribing “to the Lord, the Glory due His Name” according to Psalm 29:2 and 1 Chronicles 16:29! Please, help us Lord.

–PF

GIVING THANKS

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

God’s people have always been unique in expressions of giving thanks to the Lord for His blessings and provisions. Throughout history (His story), those that acknowledge the one true God have engaged in spiritually-based celebrations and festivities that both publicly, as well as privately, express collective and personal gratitude.

Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to His holy name. –Psalm 97:12

In some nations/people groups “giving thanks” events are deeply imbedded in the culture, as demonstrated in the Hebrew faith and those whose initial values and laws stem from a belief and/or subjection to a divine being.

These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. –Psalm 42:4

As we approach the American Holiday (created from the words for holy (halig) and day (daeg) from the 14th century) of Thanksgiving, perhaps we could/should re-think the whole concept. Are we giving thanks to the Lord based on our material blessings, or is our thanksgiving motivated by the Lord’s character and the spiritual blessing of being in Christ as His own possession?

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. –Ephesians 1:13-14

A few weeks ago, I asked some young people why they needed to go to college. The answers were not surprising or shocking, considering the materialistic influences that currently exist in our modern culture. Generally their responses focused on having a comfortable life style, a good job, and making enough money to enjoy a life of affluence and abundance. That life included concepts of what some would call the “American Dream” … a nice house, cool car, fashionable clothes, kids, comfortable lifestyle, etc. While I’m not sure when the “American Dream” started evolving into a materialistic-based quest, certainly that was not its original prize.

Although material gain may be the fruit or positive by-product of freedom and capitalism, how dare we refer to it as the “American Dream?” Have we undergone a metamorphosis from spiritually-based moral values and the principles of individual freedom into collective hedonistic greed? Assuredly, when people are more concerned with the attainment of things than with the maintenance and continuation of ethics, truth, morals, righteousness, and freedom, it’s a sure sign of moral decadence/spiritual decomposition.

Perhaps this crumbling decay begins when the focus of “giving thanks” shifts from an appreciation and gratitude for God, His character, His holiness, His attributes, grace, mercy, love, etc. to the benefits and blessings of His abundant provisions. Without question, the Lord God lavishes His goodness upon His people, but is that the foundation, motivation, and source for our “giving thanks” and expressions of gratitude? Don’t get me wrong, undoubtedly we should offer thanksgiving for all our material blessings, but isn’t there much, much more that demands an appreciative response?

Consider Psalm 7:17 where thanksgiving is offered because of God’s righteousness:

I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

In I Chronicles 16:34 God’s goodness and lovingkindness is the cause for giving thanks:

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Daniel 2:23 offers an interesting perspective … the prophet is thankful because of God’s provision … wisdom, might, and answered prayer:

To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and power; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You, for You have made known to us the king’s matter.

The psalmist in 107:8 establishes an opportunity for thanksgiving because of His works among humanity:

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!

In the New Testament, I Corinthians 15:57 offers similar insight, focusing on the spiritual aspects of our Lord’s work rather than one’s abundance or excess of material blessing:

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (over the power of sin, the law, and death … which includes our worldly/fleshly passions) through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Isn’t it time for true believers to reverse the trend of thanksgiving being offered upon valuations of possessions and wealth, comfort, or even health? Should we humbly give thanks for these things? Without question! Wealth and assets aren’t evil, just like forks and spoons don’t make gluttons and guns don’t kill people. It’s the greed, covetousness, and love of money that’s the root of all sorts of evil. (See I Tim. 6:10) Remember:

The covetous are never satisfied with money, nor the lovers of wealth with their gain; so this too is vanity.(Ecclesiastes 5:9)

May we never forget the scriptural warnings in Luke 12:15, Ephesians 5:3-5, and Colossians 3:5 – all address this issue for Christ’s church.

Together as individuals and His people collectively, let us be compelled to spiritually, mentally, and emotionally (in the flesh) embrace the words of the psalmist:

Direct my heart toward your testimonies and away from gain.

Perhaps from this assessment will burst untainted, spiritually-birthed thanksgiving that’s pleasing to our Lord and provider, Jesus Christ.

Think about it, then ask Him about it! –Pastor Frank

MIGHT & POWER VS. SPIRIT

Posted on May 2, 2022May 2, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

When Solomon built the first Hebrew temple which the Babylonians destroyed (586 BC – See 2 Kings 25:8–10), he had almost unlimited resources at his disposal since his father, King David, had fought many battles and collected huge spoils of war to be used in building God’s original temple. (See 1 Chronicles 26:20, 27-28) King Solomon was a powerful monarch with a vast kingdom, even ruling over some Gentile populated regions, but the Jews in the days of Zerubbabel and the prophet Zechariah had no such power, authority, or wealth!

In 538 BC, Zerubbabel, a leader from the tribe of Judah, was allowed to return to Jerusalem with other Jewish captives. (See Ezra 1:1-4) The Persian king appointed Zerubbabel as governor of Judah (See Haggai 1:1), and he began rebuilding the temple with the help of Jeshua, the high priest. (See Ezra 3:2-3, 8)

It took Zerubbabel two years to rebuild the Temple’s foundation. Construction was then delayed due to hostile opposition (See Ezra 4:1–5) and as a result, Persia withdrew its support. For seventeen years the temple construction remained unfinished. (See Ezra 4:21)

Nonetheless, while undoubtedly many had given up on the project, our Lord had a different / superior plan for His temple. God then spoke to the remnant of His people in Jerusalem through His prophet in Zechariah 4:6-7:

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”

Here in this text, the word “might” is referring to military strength, what people can do together as an army … but the remnant had no soldiers. “Power” refers to the strength of a commanding individual, but Zerubbabel’s abilities were no doubt limited, nothing like that of King Solomon! The idea of not being discouraged and trusting the Lord was at the heart of the prophet’s message. Is it possible that the Spirit of God would enable them to accomplish something even in their apparent weakness?

There are three ways we can attempt to do the work of God:

1) We can trust our own strength and wisdom.
2) We can borrow the resources of the world.
3) We can depend on the power of God, the Almighty (omnipotent).

The first two approaches may usually appear to succeed, but the true work of the Lord is not accomplished in that manner! Only work done through the power of God’s Holy Spirit will glorify Him and endure the fires of His judgment. (See 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

With limited resources, completing the temple looked to those Jews as impossible as moving a mountain! However, God told Zerubbabel that he would, by the power of God’s Spirit, level the mountain and make it a plain! In a similar manner, Jesus told His disciples that simple faith like a mustard seed (small but alive) could move mountains. (See Matthew 17:20; 21:21).

How often do we say that we are depending on God’s Holy Spirit? Revivalist Vance Havner (1901-1986), in commenting in that context on the methods of the modern-day church, stated:

But actually we are so wired up with our own devices that if the fire does not fall from heaven, we can turn on a switch and produce false fire of our own. If there is no sound of a rushing mighty wind, we have the furnace all set to blow hot air instead. God save us from a synthetic Pentecost!

God finishes His work! (See Zechariah 4:7b-10) God assured Zerubbabel that he would complete the rebuilding of the temple and the people would rejoice. The Lord gave a clear promise that Zerubbabel would complete the temple! (See Zechariah 4:9)

Shouldn’t this remind us of God’s promise and the true working of His Holy Spirit in us?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 1:6)

Are you serving and living in the strength our Lord supplies through the presence of His Holy Spirit? (See I Peter 4:11)

Think about it, pray about it!

His & Yours, PF

POWER

Posted on April 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

This word throughout the biblical text is indicative of might, strength, and force. It is used in the Old Testament to render many Hebrew words like that for valor, rule, and dominion. The principal words for “power” in the New Testament are ‎dunamis‎, from which we get the word dynamite in English, and ‎exousia which refers to jurisdiction over a certain realm, a right, privilege, or ability. In Mark 3:15 and 6:7 Jesus gives His followers authority over demons and/or unclean spirits; and in Ephesians 1:21 Christ Himself is depicted with strength, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and (above and over) every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Romans 9:21 reinforces this understanding of “power” when asking, “does not the potter have a right over the clay?”

This type of “power” is attributed preeminently to God, whose absolute attribute of omnipotence (almighty, all-powerful) is referenced in I Chronicles 29:11-13:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

In Revelation 7:12 the testimony of God’s power is expressed as those gathered around the throne fall on their faces and declare,

Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.

God’s supreme manifestation of this “power,” as in His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, and His love, is redemption.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. — I Corinthians 1:18

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. — I Corinthians 1:21-2

In addition, the preaching of Christ’s gospel is often accompanied by a display, manifestation, or demonstration of “power” as affirmed in I Corinthians 2:4. Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 1:5 that this transforming message of grace, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, and hope, “did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction!” Miracles are also noted by Jesus Christ, when translated literally, as “works of power” in reference to His own supernatural ministry on earth in Matthew 11:21, 23.

As we’ve been studying on Sunday mornings and most recently on Wednesday evenings, we, as faithful followers of JC, recognize and are fully aware of these truths.

1. The power of God raised Christ from the dead.

2. That same power will raise all true believers who are Christ’s as part of the first resurrection.

3. This power, God’s supernatural, incomparable, immeasurable, restorative, rejuvenating omnipotence, resides within us.

Therefore, we shall not be moved, we shall remain steadfast through all things (even physical persecution which may lay at our doorstep) in the hope and confidence of our Lord, Jesus Christ and His provision of great “power” … “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4. In the consideration of “power” I’m challenging all of us to study, meditate upon, and fully embrace II Timothy 1:7:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (dunámeoos – dynamite) and love and discipline.

His & Yours, PF

VICTORY

Posted on April 4, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 King David boldly proclaims:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the VICTORY and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

To us, VICTORY is a powerful concept! The word is often used in numerous contexts such as sports (of all types), political elections, lawsuits, military conflicts, etc. Wherever there is competition, therein lies the potential for winners and losers as participants strive for one end result … VICTORY. That victorious conquest is only achieved or accomplished through the defeat and / or surrender of one’s enemy or opponent.

Here’s a huge question for all individuals that consider themselves faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Are you walking in VICTORY, living a life of triumph, or that of defeat (the correct and proper antonym of victory), disappointment, and discouragement?

1 John 5:4 reminds us:

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.

The Greek work translated here as VICTORY, is “nike” – abstractly meaning conquest and figuratively meaning success. That’s the concept of authentic victory, success over an opponent! In the framework of this word, there is no place for participation trophies or honorable mention awards. This actual concept is beautifully pictured in Revelation 15:2 where those who have been victorious over, “the beast and his image and the number of his name” are seen on what appears to be sea of glass, “holding harps of God.”

VICTORY, biblically speaking, is undeniably an all-encompassing overcoming (devastating to the enemy) event. The same is true in the Old Testament as well, where all such VICTORY is accredited to GOD Himself.

The apostle Paul adds an interesting spin in Romans 8:37, when speaking about the various difficulties associated with living a faithful Christian life when he declares:

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

The Greek word used here is the compound word, “hupernikao”- meaning hyper conquers and that we, as believers, are granted the opportunity to be pre-eminently victorious. That overcoming VICTORY is made possible by God through Christ Jesus on our behalf.

Therefore, this overwhelming position of VICTORY must be fully accredited to GOD as David attributed in 1 Chronicles 29:11 (above)! It’s with this understanding that we, as Christ followers, are able to fully comprehend John 16:33, living / resting in the faith, promise, and undiminishing support of Christ’s words:

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome (Greek – nikao; same root word as VICTORY – meaning conquer, prevail, or to get / obtain the VICTORY) the world.

Christ is our VICTORY, both over sin and death, as well the curse of the law, this world (system and its philosophy), our flesh (sinful nature) and our hostile enemy / adversary – the devil!

In just a few weeks we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday which presents a perfect opportunity for us to gather in Christ’s Holy Name and rejoice over His ultimate, definitive, and unsurpassed, VICTORY!

— His & Yours, PF

RESOLUTIONS

Posted on March 21, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

As 2019 approaches, many individuals will make “New Year’s Resolutions.” This practice originated with the Babylonians and was connected to the planting of crops in mid-March. Promises were made to their pagan deities and in return, as the Babylonians stayed true to their promises, the gods would bestow favor on them throughout the coming year.

Similar practices occurred in ancient Rome, where Julius Caesar modified the calendar, establishing January 1 as the beginning of a new year. They believed their two-faced god, Janus, whose spirit inhabited doorways and arches, was able to look backwards into the previous year and forward into the future. In hopes of a good future, the Romans offered sacrifices coupled with promises of good behavior in hopes of having a blessing in the coming year.

Early on, the first day of a new year became an occasion for Christians to think about one’s past mistakes and resolve to do and be better in the future. In 1740, John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service which was commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, affording worshippers the opportunity to seek the Lord’s help and favor in the coming new year. This type of service became known as watch night services throughout Protestantism in western culture.

Resolutions are a funny thing because they are usually a set of somewhat lofty goals, perhaps far-fetched ideas, things on a bucket list, or possibly a “better version of the you” that one’s hoping and praying to be in coming New Year.

Did you know that, on average, approximately 92 percent of Americans are doomed to fail at keeping their New Year’s Resolutions? One might ask, why? It’s mostly because the goals aren’t specific, measurable and/or realistic (too far-fetched to be obtainable).

As a result, some people simply don’t attempt to make New Year’s Resolutions, which is a personal choice, while others struggle to make the next year different. While I’m in a different camp, that from a perspective of continuous modification and transformation, even on a daily basis, I’d like to share some steps I use to affect substantive modifications in my life.

Now before you jump in, realize two things:

Effective change requires a serious, steadfast commitment!
Generally, affirmative or positive change requires a step by step approach, both spiritual and practical!

STEP 1: Where does your help come from? Perhaps, “I can’t, but with God, nothing is impossible!” (see Zachariah 4:6, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:13, II Corinthians 3:4-5, Luke 1:37)

STEP 2: Be humble and surrender your desire/will to the Lord’s purpose for your life! (see James 4:3, I Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 37:11, I Peter 5:6, I Chronicles 4:9-10)

STEP 3: Own your past, openly acknowledge sin — without excuses or attempts at human justifications! (See Psalm 32, Proverbs 28:13, I Corinthians 11:3, James 5:16)

STEP 4: Walk in forgiveness (seeking forgiveness and forgiving others)! (See Ephesians 4:32)

STEP 5: Lay all your plans out before the Lord! (See Proverbs 16:1-9, 19:20-24, 20:18, 21:5, 29:18, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Isaiah 55:8-9)

STEP 6: Stay connected and listen closely! (See James 1:19, Jeremiah 33:3, I John 5:14, Proverbs 16:20, Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 5:3)

STEP 7: Don’t shrink back, remain steadfast! (See II Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:14, 31:24, Joshua 1:1-9, Deuteronomy 31:6)

Faithful followers of Jesus Christ live daily in anticipation of hearing and responding to the Lord’s direction. If He has placed in your heart a need and desire to change, and you’re committed to that end, then launch the resolution. At that point, share your objective(s) with others, become accountable, and seek wise counsel (See Proverbs 11:4) from the godly, not the worldly (See Psalm 1:1, Romans 8:8)! Satan will use the seemingly good ideas of the world to trap you in the grips of his destructive system. He may help you change, but it won’t be anything that honors or glorifies the Lord (See Hebrews 11:6)!

I pray you enjoy a blessed new year of godly transformation! — PF