Pastor Bomey's Blog - SalineAG

You Have the Answer to the Question People Are Asking

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:57:22 +0000

Only one other time in our history have the economic times been as tough as they are now. That was during the Great Depression of the 20's and 30's. Today, not a day seems to go by without hearing about family, friends, and neighbors who have had to "bite the bullet" in some way or other, either to make ends meet or involuntarily imposed upon them by their employer.

Nevertheless, here's good news -- you can survive even when others are falling all around. Remember, to stay focused on Jesus Christ. Calamity comes when people fail to grasp the truth of the fact that the only kingdom that will stay standing is the Kingdom of God. What the world has to offer is only temporary and unstable. Banks, businesses, and brokers can be helpful, but they aren't what we're called to put our trust in, or to lean on in hard times. The Bible puts it this way, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever" -- Isaiah 40:8. The hymnist says the same thing in a little different way, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." Keep your eyes on Jesus, and stay connected to Him in frequent prayer and times of listening. He will lead you through this wilderness, it will happen. Determine to patiently wait and obediently follow Him - He knows the way out.

Tough times are also a great opportunity to introduce others to Christ. They too are looking for any kind of helpful shelter from the storm. Interestingly enough you just so happen to personally know the One who can calm the storm by speaking to it "Peace be still!" The Bible says that when Jesus did that the great storm became a great calm - Matthew 8:26. People are looking for hope more than ever in the midst of these troubles and the Bible says you serve "The God of hope" - Romans 15:13. Families who have lost jobs or had their homes foreclosed are wondering what's going to happen to them. You serve Almighty God whose very name, Jehovah Jireh, means "Our Provider." What I'm trying to say is that people will respond to Jesus today more than in the past...He has exactly what they need! This is a great time to point people to Him. The simplest way is to invite them to church where we'll encourage them, bless them, help them, pray for them, and show them Christ - they'll respond positively, and He will do the rest. Try it out; you'll like the results, and so will they.

Love,

Pastor Bomey

Grace is More Than What You Say Just Before a Meal

Sat, 16 May 2009 03:01:10 +0000

In a few days I plan to preach a message on the incomparable subject of God's grace (unmerited favor; unearned blessing; mercy/love). In researching for that sermon I came across some excellent information on the subject in a Bible study book written by Nancy Leigh Demoss and Tim Grissom called Seeking Him.

I feel the few paragraphs from the book which I quote below are so excellent that I could not summarize or paraphrase them any better than they were originally written by those authors. Here are their comments from pp.87-88; I hope you're as blessed by these words of encouragement as I am:

"Humankind's sinful condition was more than an annoyance to God. Sin was not something we could apologize for, thereby patching up the relationship as if we'd simply had a disagreement with God. We were children of wrath - guilty and condemned. Not a pleasant thought, is it - that our eternal soul sat on death row? But where there is God there is grace, and where there is grace there is pardon. By His grace God did for us what we could not do for ourselves: He gave us life for death and pardon for condemnation. At the cross, God satisfied His own vengeance, met His own demands of justice, extended mercy, and then added the surprise of His grace. Having punished sin, God forgave sinners; then He went on to adopt all who would believe, making them fellow heirs with His only Son. Such is the extravagant love and grace of God...God's grace is always a gift given to the undeserving. That's what makes it so amazing...If you have received God's saving grace, have you come to take it for granted or lost a sense of the wonder of what God has done for you? Take a few minutes to pray, thanking God for giving you life and saving your soul."

John Newton said it well, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me..." -- indeed!

Love,

Pastor Bomey

The Auto Industry, Fear, God, and You.

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:47:47 +0000

Some people are having fun asking "What Would Jesus Drive?" One writer says it's a vintage Plymouth because the Bible says, "God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden in a Fury." But some say that Psalm 83 indicates God drives a Pontiac and a Geo since it urges the Lord to, "Pursue your enemies with the Tempest and terrify them with your Storm." Some say it's a Dodge pick-up truck because in the Old Testament Yahweh warned Moses' followers not to go up a mountain until, "The Ram's horn sounds a long blast." Perhaps the Almighty uses an old AMC product says another writer because He promised to drive out Israel's enemies by sending the, "Hornet ahead of them." Some scholars say it was a Honda that Jesus did not prefer to discuss much. The Book of John quoted Jesus as saying, "For I did not speak of my own Accord." Indeed, some have written that Moses' chosen form of transportation may not even have been a car at all but an old British motorcycle as evidenced by the passage which says, "The roar of Moses' Triumph is heard in the hills."

Truthfully though, there's nothing humorous about the current state of the automotive industry. What's happening is a big deal -- not because a manufacturer or two may go into bankruptcy, or some parts supply companies may have to close, or even because these companies' stock price is plummeting. It's a big deal because all of these things affect people!

People are what Christ cares about. People - they have families, lives, hopes, futures. I believe Christ cares very much about what's happening in this arena...He's even invited His people to "Cast all their cares upon Him for He cares for you" - 1 Peter 5:7. Go ahead and off-load your fears about the future if you and your family are being affected by the auto industry woes (or any other woes for that matter). But, may I also make this suggestion? In the midst of praying for God to save your job, protect your income, and provide for your family, would you also have enough faith to pray "Lord, nevertheless, not my will but thine be done."

Jesus prayed exactly that (Luke 22:42) in the midst of the most difficult and uncertain time of His life up to that point - in the Garden of Gethsemane knowing He was about to be betrayed and handed over to be crucified. And we know now what Jesus knew then - that God and God alone knows the way through this wilderness; that God and God alone knows what's best for everyone in this mess; that God and God alone "Works all things together for good to them that love God who are called according to His purpose" - Romans 8:28.

God has a plan, and we can be confident that it's a plan for our good and not for evil, whatever is to happen. Pouring out the desires of your heart to God is never a bad thing. But, let's be honest and admit that none of us knows the best thing to do in this complex issue. So, it's critically important that we express our faith in God to work it out, and then lean hard on Him in believing faith while He does.

That's doing something about the situation, because He is everything.

Love,

Pastor Bomey

Poem

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:54:34 +0000

My educational background is in philosophy, theology, and law. Notice that it's not in English, or literature, let alone poetry. As a result I'm afraid I must confess to being fairly shallow when it comes to poems - I generally only like them when they rhyme! Not very profound, I know, but at least real.

Nevertheless, I want to share a nice poem I had saved for later use that I recently found in one of my "idea" files. I think you'll like it too, especially since we're in the days leading up to the observation and celebration of His crucifixion and resurrection. Here it is (author unknown) entitled, THE U IN JESUS:

Before U were thought of or time had begun,

God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see that it's true,

You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,

For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died,

It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand

He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stone rolled away, the golden trumpet blew

And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,

He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true

That I love them all - just like I love U."

So many people are spelled with a U,

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

The ball's in your court now, what will U do?

He'd like them to know, but it all starts with U?

It's been said that C.S. Lewis once wrote, "It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things; but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion." Blessings on your spring season!

Love, Pastor Bomey

Do-Overs

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:07:12 +0000

Seems like the world is full of “do-overs” these days. Millions of viewers looked on the recent swearing-in ceremony of the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20th only to witness both he and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court mangle the oath of office. As a result, just to be sure (since the oath of office is specifically prescribed in the U.S. Constitution) the two of them performed it again for a small audience…what the media called in essence a “do-over.” I suppose this is at least consistent with the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.”

There have recently been other “do-overs” too. There are reports that Mike McCarthy, head coach of my beloved Green Bay Packers, received one for the coming football year. He fired most of his defensive coaches and hired replacements. This coming off a 6-10 record following a 14-4 record the previous year – they say he got a onetime “do-over” rather than being fired himself. And of course every recreational golfer is familiar with the concept of a mulligan – an unofficial part of the game where the golfer gets one shot per round to hit over and not count the previous attempt – once again, a “do-over.”

You may be for or against Presidents, football coaches, or golfers getting a “do-over,” but born-again Christians in particular ought to very thankful that each one of us has been the recipient of a Heavenly “do-over.” I’m referring to the washing of the blood of Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to participate in that big theological word called justification. Because of the mercy and grace of Almighty God through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, forgiveness flows abundantly and freely to anyone who repents of their sins. The Bible describes this Heavenly “do-over” in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “The past is finished and gone; old things are passed away, behold all things have become fresh and new.” A Heavenly “do-over” if I’ve ever heard one. Make good use of it, and don’t leave home without it.
Comments anyone?
Love,
Pastor Bomey

Small Beginning, Great Ending

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:11:37 +0000

The Bible tells us to, “Despise not the day of small beginnings,” and looking at the beginnings of the ministry of Christ Jesus it’s no wonder. As a little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, His birth was noticed by only a very few. Talk about a humble start! But…

…WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE AT HIS SECOND COMING!!!! Then, all heaven and earth will hear the shout, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first and then those living, born-again Christians will follow and go to be with the Lord too. The Book of the Revelation tells us on that day “Every eye shall see Him, even them that pierced Him (emphasis mine).” They’ll all see our spectacular King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!

Until that day though, as the Apostle Peter wrote, “How ought we to live?” Let me apply to today’s world the Bible’s answer to that question. You and I don’t have to feud, or fear, or fuss over bailouts or bankruptcies; over cash or credit; over peace or prosperity; or over insurance coverage or medical carnage. We have a Heavenly Father that cares so much for us that, like Hallmark, He cared enough to send His very best…His only Son. That Son, our Savior Jesus, came to give us life, and that more abundantly the Bible says. That includes blessings in this small, humble life we live on earth for 70 or 80 years, and then blessings untold in eternal life forever! Small blessings, great ending. He said He’d be with us in these days too; in fact, He said He’d be with us, “Always even to the close of the age.” He said He’d, “Never, never fail or forsake us.” He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.” And He said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, who was, and who is to come.” Then He promised, “Behold, I am coming soon!” Believe it, he’s coming again. Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Then our troubles will be over. Until then, “Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me (emphasis mine).” Draw near to Him in these difficult times; pray; trust Him; listen for His still, small voice; obey Christ. He and He alone will bring us out of these present dark times and into His glorious light. Small beginnings…great ending!

Friends, please pray for our Saline First Assembly of God Christmas Blessing Outreach. On December 20th we’re giving away free food, warm clothes, books, fun, fellowship, song, and hot chocolate. The first 50 families in need from outside our church will be given the groceries for a complete Christmas dinner -- turkey, potatoes, rolls, stuffing, and vegetables. It’s going to be a great day! Hope to see you there.

Love and Merry Christmas, Pastor Bomey

Battlefield

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:58:10 +0000

At Saline First Assembly of God we strive to keep our preaching and teaching current and relevant. The Iraq War is as relevant as it gets. May the Lord bring a swift and peaceful resolution to that horrible conflict!

In days gone by people kept current about news from war fronts and battlefields of the world through various means. Stars and Stripes is a battlefield reporting newspaper that originated during the Civil War. Newsreels were popular from the 1920’s to the 1960’s and were short documentary films that often told of wartime stories and events. More recently in Operation Desert Storm and the Iraq War “imbedded” journalists bring us up-to-the-minute coverage of the battlefield and its victories and defeats. These brave men and women are reporters who are assigned to live, work, and report right alongside the soldiers as they fought and sometimes died.

Though you and I are mercifully far from present theaters of war, unfortunately there is an enemy closer than you think…one the Dept. of Homeland Security is ill-equipped to deal with! He goes about seeking to do nothing else except to steal, kill, and destroy -- your health, marriage, reputation, future, children, even your very life. The enemy wars against your soul and is referred to in the Bible as Satan, Lucifer, and the devil among other titles and names. HE IS REAL! The educated and sophisticated of the 21st century will laugh and ridicule belief in such a being, but their blind denial merely proves the reality of 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” They cannot even see the battle raging all around them!

Of course, one can carry this fact to an extreme blaming every difficulty, struggle, and problem on our war with the devil. But that is as out-of-balance a view of the world as those who go the other direction and deny his existence altogether. Never lose sight of the fact that Satan hates you (the image of God) and hates your allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyday he is doing everything in his power to bring you down and turn you away from God. Whether you believe it or not, you are in the fight of your life!

However, as a pastor imbedded in the same war you’re in, I can report that there is good news from the battlefield today. Let me give you the encouragement of some of God’s powerful Word. And, praise the Lord, it spells “VICTORY” in Jesus our Savior! Then, you should post a comment below sharing your battlefield encouragement scripture for the rest of the readers of this blog. Here’s are a half-dozen pieces of good news:

“The battle is not yours but the Lord’s.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15
“If God be for us who can be against us?” -- Romans 8:31
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
“We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” -- Romans 8:37
“Do not fear for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -- Isaiah 41:10
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.’” -- Psalm 91:2

There are many, many more. Please share one that means a lot to you, it may be just the support another “soldier” in the battle for the soul needs to hear and hang-on to.

Blessings from the battlefield,
Pastor Bomey

What Bugs/Blesses You?

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:51:06 +0000

WHAT BUGS/BLESSES YOU?
Everyone in the world, including people in the congregation of our Saline church, have things that are annoying or get under their skin from time to time, me included. It doesn’t matter how nice, how tolerant, or even how Christian you are. From the sweetest grandma to the easiest going “B-type” personality the world has some head scratching moments that defy understanding. Thank God though, that there are also great and precious blessings, breathtaking gifts from on high, special touches from the Master’s hand that encourage us to keep on keeping on.
Let me give you some of each of the one’s I’ve observed and then ask you for yours – First a bug, then a blessing: BUG – It bugs me when coverage of a sports event on TV has the camera shot so far back you can’t tell who the players are or even read their numbers. I don’t need to see the whole field, just where the action is.
BLESSING – I am blessed to have such a wonderful wife who partners with me in ministry, and to have two kids who have never complained when the ministry takes up so much of our lives.
BUG – It bugs me when people say “I could care less” when trying to describe their lack of caring about something. The correct phrase is actually “I couldn’t care less.”
BLESSING – I am hugely blessed by the privilege I have of talking with God in prayer any time, any place (and I’ve prayed for people in some pretty unusual locations) and knowing that He not only hears me, but He cares about me too.
BUG – Election campaign ads and electronic campaign telephone calls…does anyone actually listen to these?
BLESSING – I can’t tell you how much it blesses me when someone from Saline First Assembly of God says they prayed for me! I know that to do so, they had to put their own problems, concerns, and prayer requests on hold to pray for me and mine. Thank you everyone who has ever done that for me!
BUG -- $3 double cheese burgers at Burger King when they only cost $1 at McDonald’s. Same size.
BLESSING – Freedom…to speak, worship, associate, travel as I choose, and to work when, where, and for whom I want. Thank you all U.S. military personnel (past and present) for helping me keep these God-given freedoms.
BUG – I understand that there is a popular piece of women’s clothing today sort of like a tank top t-shirt. It’s not the clothing I mind, it’s what they call it – a “Wife beater –T.” I’m speechless.
BLESSING – Eyeglasses, without which I would be nearly completely handicapped. How did people get by in biblical times?
BUG – The increasing number of marriage failures among ministers. What, aren’t they paying any attention to their own sermons? They preach it but don’t expect them to practice it I guess!? It bugs me.
BLESSING – Willing-hearted volunteers who see the need and respond positively when asked…and an even bigger blessing to me are volunteers who don’t wait to be asked but who come to you and say they’re available if needed.
BUG – It bugs me when people are asked to guess (a price, a weight, a date, etc.) but who say they can’t because they just don’t know – exactly, that’s why it’s called “a guess.”
Finally, let me say that it blesses me when people read this blog, and even more so when they post a comment. Go ahead, give it a try – post what bugs or blesses you…I know you have some of each!

Love, Pastor Bomey