From the Desk of Pastor Ed ... 2021 Archives
The Humble Birth of the King from Heaven December 23, 2021
We might imagine how much Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of their Son. Mary had been told by the angel Gabriel that the baby would rise to assume the throne of His Father King David.
Infant clothes and a baby blanket were needed. Mary busied herself with loving care. And we might imagine Joseph gathered his tools to design a new cradle. They lived in the city of Nazareth nearly 15 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. Silence was broken.
Some Roman soldiers announced a shocking edict from the desk of Caesar Augustus, the emperor of the Roman Empire. All citizens must return to their birthplace to be counted in the census.
Joseph must have thought carefully--my wife is pregnant; travel over hills by foot and donkey(s); it’s not easy travel miles over 60 miles to Bethlehem. This is the City of David the king and Messiah.
The Son of God chose this man, a righteous man to be His father (Matthew 1:19). Joseph was faithful, obedient, loving. I would think he believed he was the man to fulfill the prophecy in the book of Micah 5:2.
God led Joseph to know these prophecies in the Holy Bible. Some one expressed this, "See how a man proposes, but God disposes."
What must we do to become a Christian?
Hear --"We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son (Jesus) to be the Savior of the world.” and, "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and every loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him." 1st John 4:14 and 5:1
Pastor Ed Anderson
The Ups and Downs in the Life of Moses December 16, 2021
Threatened by death at birth at the Pharaoh’s executive order (Exodus 2:1-10 - kill every boy at birth). His parents, Amram and Jochebed, refused. God interfered by the bringing’s the Pharaoh’s daughter and a baby’s cry together. Mother and sister Miriam’s miracle plan worked just as God pulled out the great deliverance.
His infancy was at home with wages paid for by the killer’s daughter. Moses grew and was given a free college Egyptian education (Acts of the Apostles 7:22.) And best of all, God grew in the soul of Moses a love for the LORD, the true God.
Testing how deep his devoted heart was went liked this. He protected a Hebrew man in slavery. In an Egyptian uniform that erupted a fight, he killed and buried the evil man. News got out and he became a fugitive immediately. Pharaoh ordered soldiers to find and kill him. Moses made a long journey some 150 miles east, and stopped in a land called Midian. The 2nd 40 years of the of his life he had to get a job—a shepherd. At a place sheep are watered, he sat down to rest. Soon two large flocks appeared—the shepherds that arrived first were women (a man had 7 daughters). The second brought their sheep to closer to push the women away. Moses did not like this. So, he got up off the well and ordered them to stay back. This is the kind of man he was—soft-hearted, but strong.
Pastor Ed Anderson
APOSTLE: LOVE COMES FROM THE LORD OF HEAVEN, Pt.2 October 17, 2021
The First Epistle of John came from his heart. When Jesus came down from Heaven, with Him came an everlasting love. “God is love.” -- that is what tamed the souls of the 12 apostles.
In the four Gospels, you will discover a few of them begged for higher positions in the kingdom of Jesus (Matthew 20:20-22). Made others jealous! At another time, Jesus hiked with many miles to preach the Gospel a city named Capernaum. He walked into a house and ordered the 12 to sit down quietly. “He asked, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?’ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the 12, and said to them. ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” I am certain their heads were down and hearts were humbled.
John’s heart, and the rest of followers of Jesus learned by sermon, by scolding in love, and by watching how Jesus behaved. That changed them.
In 1st John 1: 1 the apostles had heard all that Jesus that preached and all that He taught them privately. Their eyes saw many, many multitudes be healed their Savior. They looked closely with scrutiny. The apostles handled Jesus both in the crowds and sitting under shade olive trees. Yes, Jesus was a real man—flesh and bones. He was no phantom or a vision.
Why did Jesus come down from the right side of the throne of God? Jesus proclaimed the reason Himself: “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give a ransom for many.” (Gospel of Mark 10:45).
That is the reason. The ransom was not in money, and not Satan’s world. The ransom was the life blood of Jesus dying on the cross. That changes the believer’s status.
John, the apostle of love, gathered all church members and encouraged Christians to love each other. This “fellowship” follows the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And such love blossoms into joy in heaven and earth. (see 1st John 1:1-4). Let’s make yours and mine a wonderful fellowship!
Pastor Ed Anderson
APOSTLE: LOVE COMES FROM THE LORD OF HEAVEN October 1, 2021
The First Epistle of John
John, and his older brother James left their vocation as fishermen to answer the call. Their father Zebedee stopped mending his large nets along the Galilee seashore. He had listened with amazement to Jesus preach the Word of God. Yes, He must be the Son of God. His two sons immediately left father and boat to follow Jesus the Nazarene. They committed their lives to Him and become fishers of men.
On a trip to Jerusalem from Galilee on foot and hungry, Jesus sent John and James ahead to ask for some food. Samaritan villagers denied to be kind to Jews. They returned in a bad mood. They asked to permission to command fire flash down from the sky and destroy all those villagers. Jesus rebuked John and James. He did not come to “destroy men’s lives but to save them.” James and John earned the tag of “Sons of Thunder.”
They were humbled by the rebuke. Jesus loves everyone. They became two of the three closest apostles to Jesus for all 3 to 3 ½ years. They learned to love as Jesus did in heart and soul. John escaped wicked Christ-hater persecutors, out-lived all the apostles, and wrote a five chapter letter on LOVE. In this book he used love 35 times! He passed away known as the Apostle of Love.
How close was John to Jesus Christ? 1st John 1:1-2
· John HEARD Jesus preach love and teach spiritual truth
· John SAW Jesus almost every day
· John had LOOKED upon with thorough scrutiny & observation
· John’s HAND joined His many times in ministry & activity
JESUS CHRIST IS FOR REAL, not a mere spirit or apparition
HE IMPACTED more than a million lives while on earth
HE DIED ON THE CROSS and RESURRECTED on 3rd day
HE CALLS to all peoples to believe in Him to become a Christian
Why not believe in Him now….
Pastor Ed Anderson
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH September 1, 2021
RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING
Just to be faithful in things that are small,
Just to walk steady where others fall;
Just to be willing if JESUS should call.
This is my duty to Him.
Just to be friendly to those I dislike;
Just to act kindly when others would strike;
Just with busy with things that are right,
This is my duty to Him.
Just to drive somebody’s darkness away,
Just to make brighter the world today’
Just to strew flowers along life’s path,
This is my duty to him.
Just to let Jesus have perfect control,
Just know His daily grace makes me whole;
Just to heavenly grace in my soul,
This is my duty to him.
By J.Wilbur Chapman
The Son of God is Closer Than We Think July 31, 2021
I have been digging into the book of Genesis for the last few weeks. Most professing Christians believe the Bible’s account recorded by Moses entitled Genesis. He wrote the Genesis account from the mouth of God.
God is true! The Holy Bible is true.
In fact, the threesome of God the Father, God the Son of God, and God the Holy Spirit combined their divine powers to create everything in the spatial heavens and all the earth this awesome, beautiful, and perfection.
God the Father was the architect. “On the 7th day God ended His work He had done, and He rested ....” (Genesis 2:1-2). After those 6 days God were finished and pronounced creation “very good (Genesis 1:31; Colossians 1:16-17). Notice something here. God “had made/finished/ended His work/had done/He rested”
May I say that the Father completed His part of the creation.
At this point God the Son demonstrated His creating powers. John’s Gospel’s clearly says, “He (Son of God) was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (1:2-3; see 5:17-19). “All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in His all things consist [hold together—gravity? yes]. (Colossians 1:16, 17).
Moses recorded all the essentials of creation in Genesis 2:4-25. Take notice of the name of God at this point. Chapter 1, only used the general name “God.” In chapter 2:1-3 it is the same. Then at verse 4, Moses was led by the Holy Spirit to change. Here the “LORD God” name appeared 11 times. “God” the Father and LORD God formed a man out of the dust of the soil, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [living].
This act of creation of a human being reveals that God is threefold person, a trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Proof? Read this: Genesis 1:26 – “Then God said, ‘Let US make man in Our image, according Our likeness; let them have dominion....[masters over every living creature].
Pastor Ed Anderson
The Son of God is Closer Than We Think July 31, 2021
I have been digging into the book of Genesis for the last few weeks. Most professing Christians believe the Bible’s account recorded by Moses entitled Genesis. He wrote the Genesis account from the mouth of God.
God is true! The Holy Bible is true.
In fact, the threesome of God the Father, God the Son of God, and God the Holy Spirit combined their divine powers to create everything in the spatial heavens and all the earth this awesome, beautiful, and perfection.
God the Father was the architect. “On the 7th day God ended His work He had done, and He rested ....” (Genesis 2:1-2). After those 6 days God were finished and pronounced creation “very good (Genesis 1:31; Colossians 1:16-17). Notice something here. God “had made/finished/ended His work/had done/He rested”
May I say that the Father completed His part of the creation.
At this point God the Son demonstrated His creating powers. John’s Gospel’s clearly says, “He (Son of God) was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (1:2-3; see 5:17-19). “All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in His all things consist [hold together—gravity? yes]. (Colossians 1:16, 17).
Moses recorded all the essentials of creation in Genesis 2:4-25. Take notice of the name of God at this point. Chapter 1, only used the general name “God.” In chapter 2:1-3 it is the same. Then at verse 4, Moses was led by the Holy Spirit to change. Here the “LORD God” name appeared 11 times. “God” the Father and LORD God formed a man out of the dust of the soil, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [living].
This act of creation of a human being reveals that God is threefold person, a trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Proof? Read this: Genesis 1:26 – “Then God said, ‘Let US make man in Our image, according Our likeness; let them have dominion....[masters over every living creature].
Pastor Ed Anderson
The Son of God Is Closer than We Think July 19, 2021
I have been studying Genesis for the last few weeks. Christians always declare that God created heavens and the earth. That fact is true! In fact, the majestic threesome of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit combined their powers to make them “very good.” God was extremely pleased with everything created (Genesis 1:1, 31; Colossians 1:16, 17).
“God the Father finished and “ended His work,” on the 7th day [Genesis 1:31; 2:1-2] “and “He rested from all His work He had done (2:1-2). We ought to know God is never tired out. God the Father finished His part of what He created and made.
The Holy Spirit instructed Moses to write this history of the heavens and the earth we call Genesis. [Exodus 24:4; 17:14; 34:27-28]. Notice Moses called the Creator of this second phase of creation as “LORD God.” LORD means “Yahweh”, “Lord” means “Elohim.” He would create all the essentials. (see Genesis 2:5, 7, …11 times in one chapter!) What came next?
Moses recorded the essentials of creation in Genesis 2:4-25. The LORD God created the first man out of the soil and breathed into that creating Adam, the first human. His occupation was to cultivate the large Garden of Eden.
Another essential was a river gushing out its pure waters of the Garden of Eden. These water-works fed four great rivers divided into four lands for fields and forests. Next, the LORD God created both beasts and birds around the world. Do you know Adam and all animals were created from the soil? (2:19). He had a brilliant mind to accomplish naming every creature (maybe 100,000 plus) without using a name twice! (2:20).
The best gift the LORD God gave to Adam was a woman, an essential being created miraculously for a comparable companion for Adam. The Son of God often visited them.
Even now, Jesus is closer than we think He is.
Pastor Ed Anderson
Part 4, Why do good people suffer? June 27, 2021
Our Christian family friends have asked me to answer the question—why do good people suffer??
This third example is a true story in First Kings 14:1-18. Like other kings of northern Israel, King Jeroboam was evil. In verse 1, we are told his son Abijah fell sick. His mother was grieving Abijah would die. His father had only one choice to save his son’s life.
But there was a problem. The wicked king was afraid to show his face to Ahijah, a godly prophet. He was afraid the prophet would refuse him. Jeroboam told his wife, “Please arise and disguise yourself, that they might not recognize you as the wife of Jeroboam….” Ahijah knew this king turned his back on God and his prophet. She and her servants hurried with the dying son to the old prophet. He sent delicate foods as a bribe gift hoping the prophet would be willing to heal him.
God intervened and told Ahijah, “Here is the wife of Jeroboam coming to ask you something about her son for he is sick. Thus and thus you shall say to her; for it will be when she comes in, that she will pretend to be another woman.” Verses 6-12 list many charges God had again the king. The prophet gave bad news to Abijah’s mother. When you reach your city gate, he will die.”
All except one male in the family of wicked king Jeroboam were slaughtered by the southern army of Judah. Their carcasses were left to wild dogs and vultures. God himself struck down Jeroboam (2nd Chronicles 13:20).
Why would God take away the life of a good son?? Why did his mother have to suffer?
God gave His reason, a good one. “And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he is the only son of Jeroboam who shall come to the grave because of in him there is found something good toward the LORD God in the house of Jeroboam.” (1st Kings 14:13, 18). His personal faith in the LORD had to be “that something.” God gave Abijah a peaceful death and a royal funeral. His soul is in Heaven. Suffering a short illness was better than death on a battlefield.
THE ETERNAL IS SUPERIOR THAN TEMPORARY SUFFERING
Pastor Ed Anderson
Part 3, Why do good people suffer? June 20, 2021
Let’s move on to a case in our lives: “Why do good people suffer”
I personally know a family that in four generations each lost a baby in birth—in 1919 a baby girl; in 1950, a boy; in 1978, a girl; and in 2013, a miscarriage. Why? I do not know. They just happen.
In 1919 my grandmother, Violet Moberg Anderson, gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl. Only my father, Everett survived. He was cared for by his aunts until my grandfather married again. The Spanish flu might have reached the upper peninsula of northern Michigan. We do not know. In my father’s Bible in the “Family Tree” is written “Gave her life for me.”
In 1950 my parents had 3 healthy boys (Dale, Edwin, and David) when John Earl was born. He died the next day. I do not know the cause.
In 1978, Virginia and I were so happy that our first baby was coming. She had an easy time with her pregnancy. We named her Amy Earlene (Mom liked her middle name). We took a class in pregnancy and birth tips. She was born! Dead…. What a gift from God on December 18th, 1978??
All was a surprise.
How should Christian parents respond in such a sad time of death? We prayed and wept quietly together. Our heavenly Father comforted us. We knew she was not “lost.” Her soul went to heaven. Knowing this we knew she was in good hands. So, we changed name to “Amy Joy.” And for true Christians, death is our souls leaving our body on earth and living with our Savior, the LORD. Jesus is preparing dwelling places for all of His believers.
The apostle Paul considered death and arriving into his eternal home better than living on this planet. [John 14:1-3; Philippians 1:19-23; 2nd Timothy 4:6-8] To comfort others, I wrote a short article about Amy Joy for the local paper. The title was: “Heaven is Sweeter Now.” And, I have encouraged those who know friends who are grieving.
WE TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST. HE TASTED DEATH, BUT OVERCAME SORROWS. WE ARE SURE THAT OUR BABY GIRL IS WELL-TAKEN. WE WILL SEE HER ALIVE WHEN WE REACH HEAVEN.
Pastor Ed Anderson
Part 2, Why do good people suffer? June 13, 2021
Our Christian family friends have asked me to answer the question—why do good people suffer??
When God created the first Man, Adam, God included the ability to make choices. Adam and Eve, being deceived by Satan, made the terrible choice to disobey God. But their choice brought worldwide suffering. I do not claim to have all the answers. I do have some comforting answers from the Bible, the Word of God.
Here are some occasions in which real persons responded to suffering. ( 2nd Samuel 11:1 to 12:23).
When King David was a young man God told the prophet Samuel that David was “a man after His own heart.” (1st Samuel 13:14). Many years later his eyes were tempted and succumbed to lust and adultery. At God’s order, Nathan, a close friend, exposed him to his face. David confessed his terrible sins while laying on the ground and praying for 7 days. In mercy God pardoned him. On the 7th day the baby died.
Upon his son’s death, David said to his servants, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not come to me.” (12:22-23). Where would David go? Psalm 23:6 has the answer. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Upon his
passing away, his spirit joined the saints in heaven. David joined his son in heaven forever.
Some believers, good ones, may suffer for their fall into sin. No one is perfect. Our LORD and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is always ready to show mercy and pardon our sins.
Psalm 103:6-14
GOD KNOWS WE ARE LIKE DUST, WE DO WRONG AND COMMIT SIN; BUT OUR LORD CAN FORGIVE & HELP YOU.
Pastor Ed Anderson
Part 1, Why do good people suffer? June 6, 2021
Our Christian family friends have asked me to answer the question—why do good people suffer??
Grandpa and grandma lost their farmhouse to a fire racing across the dry wheat fields. Strong southern winds robbed them of virtually all possessions. A neighbor attempted to run in and save an 1800s picture of great-grandma. Hot flames made that impossible. No one was hurt because neighbors alerted them.
Within less than 10 years, the older daughter and family hurried to the basement of their home to escape a tornado. Their house had to be rebuilt. No one was hurt. Their daughter and family moved to California. They had to escape for safety; this time a fire did not destroy their home. This all happened in three generations. The best response is this—seek our Creator & Almighty God. The curse of God brought natural disasters as an alarm reminding all the first sinned.
Colorado has a reputation for bad hail storms. Both our van and sedan’s mirrors were damaged by hail. Insurance companies raise the price coverage. Those storms often will bring help from neighbors. We think more about our mortality and values for our possessions in times of the suffering and pains. Is anyone picked unfairly? Wise King Solomon declared that “in the hand of God” …. All things come alike to all: the righteous and the wicked; to the good, the clean and unclean” [Ecclesiastes 9:1, 2]. Ever since Cain murdered his younger brother Abel, the world is feeling these punishments of collateral damage. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in our tribulation, that we be able to comfort, who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which ourselves are comforted by God.” [2nd Corinthians 1:3-4].
Pastor Ed Anderson
A Picture of Our Life Journeys on this Planet April 7, 2021
Every one born since God created Adam and Eve has a life measure on a calendar. Take for instance, the journeys of my relatives:
My father’s mother was Violet. She died in the Spanish flu in 1919: 38 years old. My father Everett lived to age 95. His twin, a girl, died at birth when Violet died. My mother Ida Earlene, lived to 83 (same as her mother). Our first born, Amy Joy, died in birthing. Our 3 more children are 40, 37, and 34. We have 8 grandchildren now—all are blessing to us. The ages are all over the calendar. Our testimony is: “Heaven is sweeter now for us.” Our compassionate Almighty God comforted us here and our baby there.
Bible history records deaths at every age. These died: a child Abijah, a young boy ... God found “something good” toward the LORD God (1st King 14:1-18). The boy was kept from being murdered. All his brothers were killed and their bodies eaten by wild vicious dogs and birds. (verse 11). The wife of the prophet Ezekiel; God told him that she would die that night. She died calmly and in peace. (Ezekiel 24:15-24). Someone scratches his/her head, wondering -- why this? Ezekiel’s wife would have been tortured, raped, and body mauled. The boy and the lady were in Paradise. God is merciful to His own people.
One way to examine it is a railroad: the engine has a slow take-off and many places to do this or that. The office gives out a planned route, planned times, and the arrival in the last station. The LORD knows the route, the beautiful sights through farm countries, cities, and mountains. The LORD knows the broken bridges, some rails are damaged, and if a car or truck is trapped at the crossing. He has saved trains many times.
Moses, a man of God, was inspired to live out a better stretch of the “railroad.” “The days of our lives are 70 years, and by reason of strength they are 80 years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is cut off and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the FEAR of YOU, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:10-12).
Let’s get real. We must rescue true Americans! Some passengers in this model train have “jumped board” to tear it up, bomb the bridges, rails, and kill innocent bystanders. We also must take on the journey that is set before us. God will help us.
It is not death to die, to leave this weary road,
and join the saints who dwell on high,
who’ve found their Home with God.
It is not death to close the eye longed dimmed by tears,
And wake in joy before Your throne,
Delivered from our fears. --Henri C. Malan
Pastor Ed Anderson
The Three Trees of Passover — palm, fig tree, and the Cross March 30, 2021
The 8-day feast and celebration named the Passover commemorated Jewish freedom from slavery under the pharaoh of Egypt. The Bible again and again reminded generations of the awesome parting of the waters of Red Sea—a highway miracle by the hand of the LORD. The earthly parents of Jesus always made the journey to Jerusalem. Matthew 21 recorded the most unusual and dramatic in the last few days of Jesus.
This true story can be measured by three trees; a palm, a fig tree, and a cross. A huge multitude followed from Galilee and kept growing larger all the way to the Mount of Olives facing King David’s holy city Jerusalem. Jesus stared at its magnificent temple weeping knowing it would be destroyed. He mounted an unbroken borrowed donkey and rode over the green carpet of palm branches what is called “the Triumph Entry.” Those following Him were quickly joined by a 2nd multitude to singing, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!!” All the city was disturbed, asking who is this?? The Galileans shouted back, “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth!
Jesus dismounted abruptly and strode into the temple complex where merchants were gouging worshippers out of their money. He overturned every one of their tables and chairs. Jesus shouted as they scurried away, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves!!”
Before temple officials could stop Him, Jesus began healing hundreds of lame and blind people. Besides that, a large group of children sang out loudly, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Angered, chief priests and scribes demanded Jesus to stop the children, “Do you hear what these are saying!?” Jesus stared at them, then answered with heaven’s authority, “YES.” Jesus’ answer silenced them, “Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” They slipped away in fear.
Jesus and His disciples awoke the next day and headed back to the city. Being hungry, He noticed a fig tree. No figs… Jesus commanded the fig tree to wither away and die. What for? My opinion is that this is a parable charging the religious establishment with corruption. (Jeremiah 8:12-13 – they were withered religious sinners who did not know how to blush for their sins. 24:1-3,8; 5:30-31).
What was the 3rd tree? The apostle Peter saw Jesus crucified, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness. By whose stripes you were healed.” (1st Peter 2:24). Almost the world of Rome, every one of the hypocrites in the temple, and His fellow Jews did not receive Him (John 1:11).
Many blasphemed the weakened, dying Savior. Despite such cruelty, Jesus was still ready to forgive 4 soldiers who hung Him on the tree, a centurion, and a criminal. He is one and only Savior who “endured the cross” for me, for you. Won’t you believe in Jesus?
Pastor Ed Anderson
The Fear of God Is the Fear That Ends All Fears March 16, 2021
The last web observation ended with hope, “I plan to encourage those who suffer fear.”
The Greek philosopher Aristotle is said to say, “Men are swayed more by fear than by reverence.” He may have said that when enemies marched to battle Greece. His gods and goddesses were not dependable—how can something non-existent come to rescue something existent?
The famous French general Napoleon Bonaparte figured that “Men are moved by two levers: fear and self-interest.” True? False? If his soldiers had bad fear, the battle will be lost if they high-tail it out of there. If his soldiers were self-interested, their battalion would scatter, lose power, and lose the battle.
Genuine love will protect and assist others. Fear looks at himself; self-interest. Genuine love grows more and more. Fear will tend to do evil or give no help.
Genuine love enables one to be busy today. Fear is afraid of tomorrow and gets very afraid and trembles.
Where does genuine love from? I know. My father. In World War II those Japanese bombers attacked the US army. Captain Anderson bravely calculated how to point a “box” in the sky through which those planes were to fly. Anti-aircraft guns had to aim to that “box” to force explosions in the sky to upset enemy bombers so bad that they would miss American troops. He and his crew saved many lives. Devoted patriots, regardless of color, forgot about fear and fought gallantly.
Where did my father get such courage? From the LORD almighty. When a teen, my father believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew God would take care of him. Even if he died on the battlefield, his soul would be in Heaven. He wins!
Here is your answer: “There is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1st John 4:18. True! Do you calculate that God is love? My father and mother, and us seven children of our family, all have saving faith in our Almighty God. Christ will take good care of those who follow Him. We know. Whether good times or bad times, we have come through by God’s hand.
Here is how: “For whoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome is the world—our faith (in Jesus). Who is He who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1st John 5:4-5. Will you?
Pastor Ed Anderson
The good FEAR and the bad of FEAR March 4, 2021
The U.S. News & World Report ran a true story of a wonderful school teacher. In the classroom she came across as a competent and calm. Her family took a summer vacation to beautiful Colorado. The famous Pikes Peak (a ‘fourteener”), sounded like a good place to visit. Her husband and their two teenage daughters were exhilarated by the panoramic sight. They walked casually in the gift shop and parking. Then it hit. Her calm erupted into a hyperventilating, crying, and trembling teacher refusing to get out of the back seat of the rental car. Acrophobia! A paralyzing, irrational fear. This was bad.
Others, whose names you may know, were afraid: cats scared Napoleon, Queen Elizabeth I was afraid of roses; in 2004 Donald Trump had chirophobia; Sigmund Freud, the psychoanalyst suffered from agoraphobia (fear of crowds). This is not so bad.
Many have some good fear. I know a pastor sealing tar leaks around the church steeple. Coming from the top of a 2 story ladder his ears recognized a young voice, “Can’t do it Daddy. Can’t do it Daddy”. The pastor answered: “Hold on, I’m coming, I’m coming”. He moved across the roof carefully to the rescue praying for his 4-year-old son. Daniel was grasping the top rung of the ladder. The father held a scraper in his right hand and his young boy’s wrist by his left hand. Job done We descended down safely. Both father and son experienced good fears: be careful, be positive, be safe.
Ann Landers revealed that the number #1 issue from her readers was FEAR. It has been figured that Americans spend millions of dollars for medicines to overcome fears and headaches and anxieties and....you name it. There are a google of phobias. That is a poor way to live. I will show you how to reduce, or even overcome a phobia...
In the beginning of humanity, our Creator sat down to marvel at all His creatures. Adam and Eve were happy. What did they have that we do not have? The Garden of Eden. All of the animal kingdom was at peace. A lamb could be cozy and at peace next to a hungry tiger. Those early years everything was truly a paradise!
Napoleon Bonaparte declared that, “Men are moved by 2 levers only: fear and self-interest.” The latter broke the Paradise. They saw the beautiful, but forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil. Eve was fascinated. Silently a new figure approached her. She never saw such a more attractive, multi-colored serpent as this creature. Its voice was warm and enticing. Satan deceived her. Her self-interest enticed Eve, so she stepped forward and picked a choice-looking fruit with KGE’s flavor. Adam was nearby in the orchard. What was she eating? She shared it with him. God had warned them never to eat any fruit from that deadly tree. Adam and Eve were the first to ever experience FEAR.
King David was a wise man who understood passions good and bad (Psalm 27).
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? .... Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.” Next week I plan to encourage those who suffer fear.
Pastor Ed Anderson
Pastor Ed’s Recommendations for Loneliness January 28, 2021
Experts in human emotions have compiled a list of 288 fears. They examined them all and narrowed 288 to the 6 most common fears. Here’s the list: fear of poverty, criticism, illness, loneliness, old age, and death. Loneliness might be solitary feelings that come and go. Loneliness can erupt in a real panic. Conversely, a soul may just take loneliness as it is and win an emotional victory. Loneliness can be overcome best with an “Anchor” of the soul.
That soul was Job [pronounce his name jobe]. He had it all—a good wife, mother of 7 boys and 3 daughters, and had a huge farm loaded with 17,000 livestock. Job and his wife heard from his hired hands that all his livestock was stolen. He was richer than anyone in the Middle East about 4,000 years ago. His sons and daughters were ages about 10 to 30. Suddenly, while his children were celebrating a birthday, an awful tornado crusted totally. All 10 died. Falling to his knees with tears flowing, Job prayed, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Besides such horrific losses, Satan infected his body with running sores, scabs, tropic fevers, blackened skin, and almost 40% weight loss. For months his wife and 3 friends could hardly recognize him. At first, the 3 sat in silent loneliness. Job wished he had never been born. As it often goes, their unwanted advice was extremely painful, unkind, and had false accusations making his suffering worse. His wife suffered depression. Some help!?
Job had an Anchor who helped him to survive loneliness. His Anchor described this man as “blameless, upright, and feared [with reverence] God and shunned evil.” If you think that he was an angel for those dreary months, sorry. Job was human. He confessed this: “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth like gold, my foot has held fast to His steps, I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my food.” Job 23:10-12
In the end, God the Anchor blessed Job (healed 100%) and his wife by granting double and more than they had before. If you and I trust in God, we can have victory over loneliness. The LORD can be our Anchor!
Loneliness in the 19th century, yes. “It can be an affliction more harrowing than homelessness, hunger, or disease,” wrote Maggie Fergusson in The Economist’s1843 magazine.
Loneliness in the 21st century: the British government was/is seeking a person to become an “Official of Loneliness.” Believe this or not! What has brought this to an issue and problem? Britain’s idea will not work.
America’s motto: “In God We Trust”— a majority in our country does not.
Leaving God out our lives, we have no ANCHOR.
THE PROBLEM can be lessened when we repent of our sins, believe Jesus Christ as our Savior and Friend. Read the Bible, the Acts of the Apostles 3:19-20 for the cure.
Pastor Ed Anderson
Hopelessness January 12, 2021
Several years ago my father met Bob in a local coffee shop in Wisconsin. Jokes, laughter, and coffee brought them together. One morning Everett, my father, invited him to our house on a Tuesday evening. Surrounding a table in the basement were a few other men with opened Books that had changed lives.
Bob’s religion had little to do with that Book. The men were filled with questions and answers from the Book. Verses like this caught his attention: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1st John 1:9. God’s Book drew Bob to confess to the Lord his sinfulness and sins. He repented and put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died in his place. The more he read the Bible the more his life became worth living. Several years later he was asked to be the leader of a group passing out Bibles everywhere. Only Jesus knows how many were drawn to the Book – Holy Bibles. But then, cancer.
Yes, that word—cancer-- frightens people hearing it from a doctor. Bob was not frightened. During his journey with that deadly enemy he had this answer for his family and friends: “You’ve got to play with the deck with which you are dealt.” To Bob death was not hopeless. When cancer took his body, His soul ascended to heaven where he rejoiced with the angels at his arrival.
My father and mother loved Bob and his wife. At Bob’s funeral, my mother hugged his wife. Mom and Dad went to bed. Without warning, Mom did not wake up in the morning. Her soul ascended into heaven meeting her personal Savior. This was not hopelessness. The Book says, “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.” and “We are confident, yes, well pleased to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 5:6,8.
Do you know about sorrowing Job? His 7 sons and 3 daughters died when a huge tornado flattened the house. “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head (his culture did this to express grief). The comforting words of the Book rang true: Job had faith in the Lord: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” The Book of Job 1:20. This family will be re-united in heaven.
Fear always initiates this hopelessness. Hopelessness can bring waves of deep depression.
A genuine Christian can sing, “This world is not my home, I’m just a’pass’en through, ...”
Faith (f.a.i.t.h) in the Almighty means = Forsaking All I Trust Him. So, fasten your faith in Jesus. You need not be a prison of hopelessness. Jesus has the key. Luke 17:5 tells us that “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” He did! He can do it for you.
Pastor Ed Anderson
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