“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” Jeremiah 1:17 (NIV)
I believe that I have been preparing for the last part of 2011 all of my life! When I was a kid in Sunday school; when I was an athlete growing up; when I went to college; when I went to graduate school; when I was a youth pastor; when I was being discipled; when I started this church; when my heart was broken; when I saw miracles; when I was raising my children, building my marriage, and learning from my friendships- - - all of my life has prepared me for the greatest moment of life- - - To meet the challenges that we face as a church between now and December 1st. I will not shrink from this challenge! I will be the person that God has always wanted me to be. I will step into the Spirit-empowered, Jesus-directed, God-fortified zone! Jeremiah stepped into it and I will too. I will not shrink from my challenges, because I am playing for an audience of one.
I believe in this great caring network called Washington Cathedral. I believe we are going to change the world one dump at a time. I believe that God has given us a positive, Christ-centered faith to share with a cynical world. I believe that the eye of the tiger is tougher in a man who is gentle, loving, kind, patient, forgiving, and self-controlled. I'll take the Fruit of the Spirit over a spirit of cursing any day.
If you want to stand back and watch a miracle - that’s fine with me. But as for me, I am preparing to see God work in my life and our church as He has never before. Get back critics- - - prepare to eat your words. Watch out fearful spectators- - -cover your eyes, because God is going to do mighty things in our midst.
I'm just saying- - - No, I’m just believing, because- - - It’s time to believe!!!
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Your Body: is a Temple
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
I am so proud of the Health Resource Center (HRC) which is the flagship of our Round Table of the great caring network. Last week they sponsored a health fair in which Cardiologist, Dr. Paul Huang, his son Aaron, and a great team from the HRC tested as many people as they possibly could- - - people of all nationalities and all income levels. Each person really appreciated the free examination. Many, many people were uninsured who would not otherwise have access to this kind of care. It saved lives. As I visited with the people and the physicians I thought that Jesus, the Great Physician, would be so proud of this! And that is what we are in this for- - - to please Jesus Christ. That brings joy to our hearts and blessings on our church.
If you would like to get involved in the many projects of the Health Resource Center talk to the President, Dr. Rey Vath, M.D. or the Executive Director, Colonel Erskine Austin. They are out to change the world and are building a key component to “the greatest caring network that the world has ever seen!” We have people from all nationalities and each of our church congregations involved and they are as fine a group of people as you will ever meet.
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
I am so proud of the Health Resource Center (HRC) which is the flagship of our Round Table of the great caring network. Last week they sponsored a health fair in which Cardiologist, Dr. Paul Huang, his son Aaron, and a great team from the HRC tested as many people as they possibly could- - - people of all nationalities and all income levels. Each person really appreciated the free examination. Many, many people were uninsured who would not otherwise have access to this kind of care. It saved lives. As I visited with the people and the physicians I thought that Jesus, the Great Physician, would be so proud of this! And that is what we are in this for- - - to please Jesus Christ. That brings joy to our hearts and blessings on our church.
If you would like to get involved in the many projects of the Health Resource Center talk to the President, Dr. Rey Vath, M.D. or the Executive Director, Colonel Erskine Austin. They are out to change the world and are building a key component to “the greatest caring network that the world has ever seen!” We have people from all nationalities and each of our church congregations involved and they are as fine a group of people as you will ever meet.
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
Friday, October 14, 2011
"Encourage One Another"
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor 13:11
The Bible is in essence a collection of stories about man’s encounter with God and how that changed their lives These stories give us guidance and hope for ways to better our lives. This process continues to the present time.
Washington Cathedral has many such stories that need to be told to give us all guidance and hope for these troubled times. I would ask that Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and TLC facilitators to bless our congregations by bringing such life-changing experiences to our attention. This will serve to encourage all of us to pursue a deeper relationship with God as we seek His solutions to our life’s problems.
Some of the stories might appear in our weekly eRadiance, some might be shared at TLC meetings and some might be shared with the congregations during worship services. God is great and God is good - let’s share the glad tidings!
Raymond E. Vath, MD
The Bible is in essence a collection of stories about man’s encounter with God and how that changed their lives These stories give us guidance and hope for ways to better our lives. This process continues to the present time.
Washington Cathedral has many such stories that need to be told to give us all guidance and hope for these troubled times. I would ask that Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and TLC facilitators to bless our congregations by bringing such life-changing experiences to our attention. This will serve to encourage all of us to pursue a deeper relationship with God as we seek His solutions to our life’s problems.
Some of the stories might appear in our weekly eRadiance, some might be shared at TLC meetings and some might be shared with the congregations during worship services. God is great and God is good - let’s share the glad tidings!
Raymond E. Vath, MD
Friday, October 7, 2011
A Real Adventure Classic: The Drama of Life
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Most people don’t realize it, but the Bible has a lot to say about courage. For some reason, in our society today, courage has become a trait that isn’t as highly prized as it was in our parents’ day. Our society is enthralled with stories about those whose success came by accident, and we are thrilled when we hear that they hardly even tried―an overnight success! We like the “get-rich-quick” stories- - - buy a lottery ticket and become a millionaire overnight (no work necessary). We love the idea of someone discovering us! Maybe that’s why movie stars and pop musicians are the new “heroes” of our society.
I praise the people of courage who are all around us: the single parent, the businessperson daring to conduct business God’s way in a dog-eat-dog world, the hero struggling to overcome a chronic or even life-threatening illness, the person with an impossible dream! We all cheered Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France, but just imagine his hard-fought battle against cancer! People flock to successes, but some of us live in admiration of those who have fought the odds and continue holding on to the impossible dream.
Courage cannot be born without the cradle of adversity. If you feel like a failure or that everything is going wrong, let me salute you for your courage! I admire the writer who has never published; the policeman or fireman, and their families, who live with the constant threat of danger; the idealistic school teacher who continues to give everything day in and day out to each child they’re given; the Small Groups facilitator who ministers and really nurtures people’s souls; the person who sticks with their dream even when the results are not so encouraging. I am not the only one who notices- - - there are children watching and learning. God is watching and applauding from heaven!
“Lord Jesus, I pray for the people of courage! Give them this moment to hear your applause of heaven! Amen.”
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
Most people don’t realize it, but the Bible has a lot to say about courage. For some reason, in our society today, courage has become a trait that isn’t as highly prized as it was in our parents’ day. Our society is enthralled with stories about those whose success came by accident, and we are thrilled when we hear that they hardly even tried―an overnight success! We like the “get-rich-quick” stories- - - buy a lottery ticket and become a millionaire overnight (no work necessary). We love the idea of someone discovering us! Maybe that’s why movie stars and pop musicians are the new “heroes” of our society.
I praise the people of courage who are all around us: the single parent, the businessperson daring to conduct business God’s way in a dog-eat-dog world, the hero struggling to overcome a chronic or even life-threatening illness, the person with an impossible dream! We all cheered Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France, but just imagine his hard-fought battle against cancer! People flock to successes, but some of us live in admiration of those who have fought the odds and continue holding on to the impossible dream.
Courage cannot be born without the cradle of adversity. If you feel like a failure or that everything is going wrong, let me salute you for your courage! I admire the writer who has never published; the policeman or fireman, and their families, who live with the constant threat of danger; the idealistic school teacher who continues to give everything day in and day out to each child they’re given; the Small Groups facilitator who ministers and really nurtures people’s souls; the person who sticks with their dream even when the results are not so encouraging. I am not the only one who notices- - - there are children watching and learning. God is watching and applauding from heaven!
“Lord Jesus, I pray for the people of courage! Give them this moment to hear your applause of heaven! Amen.”
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Living Life with Devotion: What have you bitten off?
A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:22-26
On October 5, 2005 ABC Evening News ran a story about a freak accident. In the Florida everglades a python had swallowed a six foot alligator. They were both found dead and the python’s stomach had exploded. I think that many times we are like that snake- - - our lives, and what we have bitten off, seem like more than we can stomach.
Christians have coped with this challenge since New Testament times by learning to look for God’s will in the priorities we set. A generation ago this practice was called devotions. Christians would ask their brothers and sisters to, “Pray for my inner devotional life to be renewed.” They would also challenge one another on the deepest friendship levels and guard against a fall by continually cultivating a deep inner devotional life. They sought never-ending personal renewal by experiencing spiritual focus, emotional restoration, and affirming that Jesus held first place in their lives. The fathers, mothers, teenagers, business people and singles all held each other accountable for their ever growing capacity to offer praise and thanksgiving as well as study and memorize scripture. Every time they met, they would ask each other, “How does it go with your soul?” Many times the look on the other person’s face was all the response needed (it was the look of the snake who had just swallowed an alligator). Then, they would share, pray together, study the Word and learn- - - then make another stride at living life with the devotion that was needed.
What is the alternative to living without devotion? We will miss the focus and serenity that’s essential to our emotional and spiritual health. The apostle Paul writes about such issues in Philippians- - - and the Philippians believe that he knows what he’s talking about.
I have been privileged to meet a lot of people who have faced more than their fair share of life’s problems. Often they can only handle them one day at a time, but their devotion changes everyone who’s privileged to observe them. Yes, many times it’s not only people that swallow more problems than they can handle- - - but sometimes problems swallow people with more faith than any problem can handle. Maybe there’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us.
When Paul was in Philippi he tried to start a church. He and Silas were not only thrown in jail, but they were taken to the hard-core prisoner section- - - the inner dungeon; and if that’s not enough- - - they were then put in stocks. Paul is stuck, he can’t move. In fact, it is surprising that he’s not overwhelmed by claustrophobia! But instead, he and his buddy Silas begin to sing praises and hymns and they don’t give it up- - - they are still singing at midnight! The jailor thought that Paul had been swallowed by the prison, the inner cell, and the stocks- - -wrong! Later the jailer becomes a Christian because he has been transformed by the power of praise in Paul’s life. I pray that all of us practice such a life of devotion this week!
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
On October 5, 2005 ABC Evening News ran a story about a freak accident. In the Florida everglades a python had swallowed a six foot alligator. They were both found dead and the python’s stomach had exploded. I think that many times we are like that snake- - - our lives, and what we have bitten off, seem like more than we can stomach.
Christians have coped with this challenge since New Testament times by learning to look for God’s will in the priorities we set. A generation ago this practice was called devotions. Christians would ask their brothers and sisters to, “Pray for my inner devotional life to be renewed.” They would also challenge one another on the deepest friendship levels and guard against a fall by continually cultivating a deep inner devotional life. They sought never-ending personal renewal by experiencing spiritual focus, emotional restoration, and affirming that Jesus held first place in their lives. The fathers, mothers, teenagers, business people and singles all held each other accountable for their ever growing capacity to offer praise and thanksgiving as well as study and memorize scripture. Every time they met, they would ask each other, “How does it go with your soul?” Many times the look on the other person’s face was all the response needed (it was the look of the snake who had just swallowed an alligator). Then, they would share, pray together, study the Word and learn- - - then make another stride at living life with the devotion that was needed.
What is the alternative to living without devotion? We will miss the focus and serenity that’s essential to our emotional and spiritual health. The apostle Paul writes about such issues in Philippians- - - and the Philippians believe that he knows what he’s talking about.
I have been privileged to meet a lot of people who have faced more than their fair share of life’s problems. Often they can only handle them one day at a time, but their devotion changes everyone who’s privileged to observe them. Yes, many times it’s not only people that swallow more problems than they can handle- - - but sometimes problems swallow people with more faith than any problem can handle. Maybe there’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us.
When Paul was in Philippi he tried to start a church. He and Silas were not only thrown in jail, but they were taken to the hard-core prisoner section- - - the inner dungeon; and if that’s not enough- - - they were then put in stocks. Paul is stuck, he can’t move. In fact, it is surprising that he’s not overwhelmed by claustrophobia! But instead, he and his buddy Silas begin to sing praises and hymns and they don’t give it up- - - they are still singing at midnight! The jailor thought that Paul had been swallowed by the prison, the inner cell, and the stocks- - -wrong! Later the jailer becomes a Christian because he has been transformed by the power of praise in Paul’s life. I pray that all of us practice such a life of devotion this week!
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
Friday, September 23, 2011
Being Alone with God: Watch Out!
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.” Matthew 10:38 (The Message)
Oswald Chambers in “Being Alone with God” points out “it was the twelve disciples who asked him questions and who were puzzled about what was happening.”
It’s in the one-on-one times where we find what we need. “He gets us alone through heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, broken friendships or a new friendship.” Oswald Chambers
It’s when we are all alone in a struggle and no-one else “gets it” no matter how close they are to us; it’s only us that can feel what we feel. But if we seek after God in these times we learn more about His tenderness, caring and willingness to provide (if we let Him) than at any other time. It can’t be explained until it happens―this sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s real. We can’t draw closer until we’re to that place where we are willing to let go of all the stuff that holds us. Things like pre-conceived ideas of what we think our future looks like, relationships that are built on the wrong foundations, the self that has got us into the messes in the first place. It’s those places of self-will and “kingship” of our own lives that doesn’t allow room for God to work. I have heard it said “God only goes where He’s invited. He doesn’t force himself on anyone.” But on invitation- - - watch out! Things will begin to happen and your world will be rocked as re-building takes place. He has a plan for us and it is good, but there may be areas that need dismantling in order to bring good out of it. This is why aloneness with God in so necessary. It is in that time (devotions, quiet time, and Bible study) that He builds up trust with us as He is working so we don’t get discouraged and give up.
The disciples didn’t understand all that was happening, but we have the books and letters written by them about what they learned from it all. They shook the world with what they’d learned and passed it along. Can we expect any less?
Fiona Monaghan
Oswald Chambers in “Being Alone with God” points out “it was the twelve disciples who asked him questions and who were puzzled about what was happening.”
It’s in the one-on-one times where we find what we need. “He gets us alone through heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, broken friendships or a new friendship.” Oswald Chambers
It’s when we are all alone in a struggle and no-one else “gets it” no matter how close they are to us; it’s only us that can feel what we feel. But if we seek after God in these times we learn more about His tenderness, caring and willingness to provide (if we let Him) than at any other time. It can’t be explained until it happens―this sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s real. We can’t draw closer until we’re to that place where we are willing to let go of all the stuff that holds us. Things like pre-conceived ideas of what we think our future looks like, relationships that are built on the wrong foundations, the self that has got us into the messes in the first place. It’s those places of self-will and “kingship” of our own lives that doesn’t allow room for God to work. I have heard it said “God only goes where He’s invited. He doesn’t force himself on anyone.” But on invitation- - - watch out! Things will begin to happen and your world will be rocked as re-building takes place. He has a plan for us and it is good, but there may be areas that need dismantling in order to bring good out of it. This is why aloneness with God in so necessary. It is in that time (devotions, quiet time, and Bible study) that He builds up trust with us as He is working so we don’t get discouraged and give up.
The disciples didn’t understand all that was happening, but we have the books and letters written by them about what they learned from it all. They shook the world with what they’d learned and passed it along. Can we expect any less?
Fiona Monaghan
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Battle: Bringing Honor to All
If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26b (TNIV)
On Thursday September 15th, 2011 President, Barak Obama honored the United States Marine Corps and every soldier fighting in the messy war in Afghanistan. He gave the Medal of Honor (the highest honor that our country can give) to a 23 year-old farm boy from Columbia, Kentucky for the worst day of his life (there are only three living recipients of this honor for this war).
When a Marine recruiter first saw Dakota Meyer as a senior he asked him what he planned on doing after high school. Dakota, a big strong boy, told him that he planned on playing college football. The recruiter said, “Good. That’s what I would do if I were you, because I don’t think you have what it takes to make a marine.” Those words haunted Dakota so he enlisted in the marines. He was stationed in the Ganjgal Valley where they were talking to village elders about supporting the Afghanistan government and encouraging them to refuse siding with the Taliban. There were only six marines on this mission. Dakota was asked to stay outside the village and guard the Humvees. Taliban snipers had been positioned in the surrounding mountains and in the village and opened fire on the marines. The gunfire was so thick that it sounded like static. The marines called for support and were denied. The two outside asked to go in to get them and they were denied. So Dakota and his friend, who won the Navy Cross, went in anyway. Dakota was asked if he had thought they would come out alive and he said, “No, but they were our brothers. We just couldn’t leave them there. They would do the same for us.” The press asked Dakota if he deserved the award. He said, “No. I’m not a hero. Those who died are the heroes.” They asked him why he would accept the award and he said, “Because it brings honor to everyone in the Marine Corps.”
Did you know that there are other battles going on in this world? Maybe not with guns, but they are battles for life and eternity. Risk and courage is still displayed; and every act of heroism brings honor to the all those who serve humanity in the name of Jesus Christ. So every time a Sunday school teacher does their best to teach the children who will lead our future- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every time a youth leader sacrifices to spend a couple days with the young people of our church and those young people commit their lives to Christ- - - it brings honor to the whole body of Christ. Every time someone gives a sacrificial financial gift or tithe to keep the church up and running and in the game to make this world a better place- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every missionary we send, every ministry we launch, every act of service that we do reflects on the entire body of Christ. Let’s honor Jesus Christ this week in all that we do.
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
On Thursday September 15th, 2011 President, Barak Obama honored the United States Marine Corps and every soldier fighting in the messy war in Afghanistan. He gave the Medal of Honor (the highest honor that our country can give) to a 23 year-old farm boy from Columbia, Kentucky for the worst day of his life (there are only three living recipients of this honor for this war).
When a Marine recruiter first saw Dakota Meyer as a senior he asked him what he planned on doing after high school. Dakota, a big strong boy, told him that he planned on playing college football. The recruiter said, “Good. That’s what I would do if I were you, because I don’t think you have what it takes to make a marine.” Those words haunted Dakota so he enlisted in the marines. He was stationed in the Ganjgal Valley where they were talking to village elders about supporting the Afghanistan government and encouraging them to refuse siding with the Taliban. There were only six marines on this mission. Dakota was asked to stay outside the village and guard the Humvees. Taliban snipers had been positioned in the surrounding mountains and in the village and opened fire on the marines. The gunfire was so thick that it sounded like static. The marines called for support and were denied. The two outside asked to go in to get them and they were denied. So Dakota and his friend, who won the Navy Cross, went in anyway. Dakota was asked if he had thought they would come out alive and he said, “No, but they were our brothers. We just couldn’t leave them there. They would do the same for us.” The press asked Dakota if he deserved the award. He said, “No. I’m not a hero. Those who died are the heroes.” They asked him why he would accept the award and he said, “Because it brings honor to everyone in the Marine Corps.”
Did you know that there are other battles going on in this world? Maybe not with guns, but they are battles for life and eternity. Risk and courage is still displayed; and every act of heroism brings honor to the all those who serve humanity in the name of Jesus Christ. So every time a Sunday school teacher does their best to teach the children who will lead our future- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every time a youth leader sacrifices to spend a couple days with the young people of our church and those young people commit their lives to Christ- - - it brings honor to the whole body of Christ. Every time someone gives a sacrificial financial gift or tithe to keep the church up and running and in the game to make this world a better place- - - it brings honor to all of us. Every missionary we send, every ministry we launch, every act of service that we do reflects on the entire body of Christ. Let’s honor Jesus Christ this week in all that we do.
Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White
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