Pastor's Posts Archives

Two Tips For The Next Two Months

Kayleen Dreesman on November 11, 2020

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | November 11, 2020

2020 has not turned out like most people had envisioned, and more could happen in the next two months. At the time of this writing, the election results are not yet certified. Covid-19 is still a real issue. Some folks are trying to uniquely navigate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many are dealing with the other typical November and December issues like weather, health, relationships, and finances. With all these situations, please allow me to share “Two tips for the next two months.”

1. Endure

I have compassion on those who have suffered terribly this year. For one man I know, this has been the worst year of his life. My heart goes out to him. So, what does a pastor say? I’m so sorry? God cares? All things work together for good? Yes, these statements are true. It is also true that most of us will get through our difficulties if we can just endure.

To endure means to hold up, to not turn back or flee, to preserve or sustain, to get to the other side. God constantly reminds us in His Word to press on. Get through tough times. Many great Bible stories point this out, especially the story of Job.

James 5:11, “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

The Lord is merciful and full of pity towards His people. There is an end coming, and God knows when the end will be. We should not declare it until God does. Until then, we must endure; there may be no other choice. With some aspects of life, we need to simply bear patiently and endure.

Thankfully, every morning starts a new day of hope and mercy. Even when problems are self-incurred, they are often temporary. Just go forward one more day.

Lamentations 3:22-23, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Psalm 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

2 Timothy 2:3, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Success should be measured by tenacity over talent. Understand, we have been equipped by God to handle far more than we ever thought possible. Get through one more day. Do right one more day. Love one more day. Live one more day. The truth is, sometimes we just endure. If you endure, you will get through 2020.

2. Enjoy!

While we may truly have to endure some parts of life, we should really try to enjoy the rest! God knows how easy it is for man to go into pity party mode. So, He had Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, remind us to enjoy life.

Ecclesiastes 2:24, “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”

Ecclesiastes 3:13, “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”

The New Testament echoes the emphasis on enjoyment.

1 Timothy 6:17, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

These things include people, places, purpose, and more. Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings. A little girl in our church is doing the November thankfulness challenge. So far, her list includes thankfulness for hugs, toes, kisses, and fingers! Maybe we should take inventory too!

Also, take inventory of the special people in your life including family, friends, neighbors, co-workers as well as our relationship with God. Wow! We are really blessed! Don’t let your blessings be just a list. Let them be constant sources of enjoyment.

God reminds us to rejoice. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

We may look back on 2020 as the most challenging and interesting year of our lives. Make some memories. We will never have a redo of the next two months. So, my two tips for the next two months are…endure and enjoy!

4 Laws of the Harvest

Kayleen Dreesman on September 22, 2020

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | September 22, 2020

Galatians 6:7-9, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

1. We Reap Where We Sow

Where is our emphasis? Is it in:

Family
Ministry
Work
Finances
Relationships
Recreation
Spiritual
Evangelism
Giving

We will reap where we sow. Let’s not expect to reap in a field where we did not sow.

2. We Reap in a Different Season Than We Sow

“In due season…” Let’s not get weary in well doing.

We live in a “now” generation. Farmers usually have to wait months, sometimes years, after planting seeds before reaping their harvest.

Parents, don’t give up. Don’t get weary. Continue training your children even in the difficult times. Have patience that the right harvest will arrive in due time.

Make our marriage a priority. Men, treat her like a world class business associate. Ladies, treat him with respect and love. You may be surprised by the wonderful results.

The Bible teaches that if we faithfully witness with compassion for the Lord, we will eventually reap. Psalm 126:5-6, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Work diligently. Faithfully tithe. Give offerings and alms. Be patient and trust His Word. He will bless in due season!

3. We Reap What We Sow

Galatians 6:8, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Flesh reaps flesh. Spirit reaps spirit.

Sadly, many people expect something different than what has been sown.

Job 4:8 says, “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.”

Hosea 10:12-13 says, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.”

Saved people have their old nature and, thankfully, a new nature. “…and these are contrary the one to the other…” Galatians 5:17

To sow bad things is not hard. Those who try to maintain a beautiful lawn know that dandelions and crabgrass can grow naturally without effort.

That is why it is easier to stay home Sunday morning than to go to church.

It is easier to criticize than to build up.

It is easier to watch TV than to read the Bible.

It is easier to shop than to tithe.

To sow good things will take desire, a plan, and work. But the investment will be worth it.

Sow love, joy, truth, mercy, forgiveness, and longsuffering, and you can look forward to reaping the same.

4. We Reap More Than We Sow

One kernel or seed of corn reaps one full ear of corn, which yields an average of approximately 1056 kernels each.

What we sow is often multiplied in ourselves, our family, or those around us.

Selfishness
Alcoholism
Drugs
Lying

Kindness
Forgiveness
Giving
Service
Godliness

We cannot sow like the devil and expect the blessing of God!

Our godly works will be rewarded and multiplied on earth and in eternity.

Be intentional on where and what you sow and expect a wonderful harvest!

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

Kayleen Dreesman on July 29, 2020

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | June 29, 2020

We have all felt disappointment. I recently ordered a certain meal at a restaurant, only this time the meal was different than last time (even though it was supposed to be the same). Was I disappointed? Yes!! Why? Because of my expectation!

An expectation is a strong belief that certain things will happen.

Disappointments can easily come when our personal expectations are not met.

We develop expectations from things, people, and perhaps even from God.

What are some of yours? Are you setting yourself up for disappointment?

Here are three tips to help manage our expectations.

1. Lower expectations from THINGS

Things may not always meet our expectations. If we live for the next purchase or activity, we may be searching for satisfaction from the wrong places of life. We all like modern conveniences (cars, houses, clothes, etc.), but cars get old, houses need repairs, and clothes go out of style. Even “fun” activities can leave us unsatisfied (in spite of all the great selfies). Appreciate what you have and get to do, but remember things have the potential to disappoint.

2. Lower expectations from PEOPLE

Bad news flash: “Everyone in your life has the potential to disappoint you.” Friends, children, parents, spiritual leaders, employers, employees, government, neighbors, church family, etc. can all disappoint. People are great, but they all come with both assets and liabilities. Be careful to not get too dependent on any one person to meet all of your expectations. Some folks get to the point they don’t even want people in their lives. Please do not give up on humanity, just put them in the right expectation category.

3. Raise expectations from GOD

First, ask yourself, “Have I even really ever expected much from God?” We should! We should expect blessings, guidance, and fellowship that comes from being a child of God.

Notice the following thoughts from Psalm 62:

Psalm 62:5, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”

What can we expect from God?

We can expect SALVATION – Psalm 62:1, 2, 6; Rom. 10:13; Jn. 3:16
We can expect JUSTICE – Psalm 62:3-4, 12; Romans 12:19
We can expect HELP – Psalm 62:8-11
We can expect MERCY – Psalm 62:12, Micah 7:18, Lam. 3:22-23

Look through other Bible passages for promises you can claim and rest in.

Lower expectations from things and people, and really raise your expectations from God.

6 Characteristics of the Perfect Father

Kayleen Dreesman on June 19, 2020

By Pastor Raymond Wicks

Father’s Day reminds us to honor our earthly fathers, perfect or not. Take some time to think about and thank your earthly father for his influence in your life. Remind him of the good things you have learned from him. It will do you both good.

We are instructed in the Bible that once we are saved, we are to pray to God the Father. Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate example of fatherhood! Let’s honor Him as well this Father’s Day! Here are a few characteristics of our perfect Father. Read them and thank God today for being the perfect Father. What would you add to this list?

1. He Cares for His Children

1 Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

2. He Supplies all Our Needs

Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

3. He Forgives His Children

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

4. He Disciplines His Children

Hebrews 12:5, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.

5. He Comforts His Children

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

6. He Listens to His Children

1 John 5:14-15, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Happy Father’s Day!

7 CHOICES THAT LEAD TO LOVING LIFE AND SEEING GOOD DAYS

Kayleen Dreesman on June 5, 2020

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | June 5, 2020

If I were to say to you, “love life and see good days,” what would that look like to you?

Recently our country has gone through some difficult days. How are you doing? In spite of all the world’s difficulties, each of us get to make personal choices that affect the outcome of our lives.

1 Peter chapters 3 and 4 lay out seven choices that lead to loving life and seeing good days.

1. Speak Wisely

…let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. (1 Peter 3:10)

Many of our troubles come from opening our mouths at the wrong time and saying the wrong things.

Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

For example, we should be careful not to show obvious disrespect, to tell a lie, or to spread gossip. These things may bring some satisfaction in the moment, but evil words do not lead to a happy life.

Choose your words carefully, and try to be a blessing to people around you.

2. Shun Evil

Let him eschew evil, and do good… (1 Peter 3:11)

Eschew means dislike or avoid; to hate.

Just like water and oil do not mix, right and wrong do not mix either.

Proverbs 29:27 says, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”

Billy Sunday used to say, “You can’t love flowers unless you hate weeds.”

What do you love? Shun the opposite. Hate the sin, not the people.

3. Seek Peace

…let him seek peace, and ensue it. (1 Peter 3:11)

In his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

How would those who know us best characterize us? Would they call us troublemakers or peacemakers?

Peacemakers are enjoyable to be around. This quality is something to look for when choosing friends. Avoid those who are always arguing or causing contention.

Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Be a peacemaker!

4. Share Scripture

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God… (1 Peter 4:11)

The oracles of God refer to Scripture.

Having Scripture on our mind and tongue will help us to love life and see good days.

Before we can share the Scripture, we must know the Scripture. Read it, hear it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. This will help us to share it with others.

5. Serve Others

…if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth. (1 Peter 4:11)

God has given every believer abilities and gifts, and we can use these for God’s glory. We need to be careful not to compare our abilities to others.

If we have the ability to sing, then we should sing. If we have the ability to teach, then we should teach. If we have the ability to help, then we should help. If we have the ability to give, then we should give.

God sees the little things we do. Find something to do for others or for God today!

6. Suffer Boldly

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed… (1 Peter 4:16)

Christ suffered for us, and there may be times when we must suffer for Him. Peter did, and in fact, all of the apostles did.

As believers, we should never be ashamed that Jesus loves us and died for us! Never be embarrassed of your faith or your Saviour.

7. Show Christ

…but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16)

What is the purpose of your life? The purpose of humanity is to glorify God!

Everything we do and say should prove our love for God and it should bring Him glory! We are not perfect, but if we try to glorify Him instead of living for ourselves, we will have a better life.

“Let him…” The choice is up to us.

First Baptist