Pastor John Garrison's Blog

Touching the Depths 

Touching the depths is all we are
able to do when it comes to describing and appreciating our God.   In reading Psalm 18 we discover just how
impossible that is.  Verse 2 uses some
very descriptive and revealing words to paint a picture of God.  David has experienced deliverance from his
enemies, Saul in particular.  He pens a
song of praise to the God who delivered him.
Here are the descriptive words he uses for God (just listing them would
be enough but I want to give a brief description of each):

My Rock – David has been dwelling
among the crags in the mountains of Judea.
He had escaped the malice of Saul, and here he compares God to such a
place of concealment and security.  C. H.
Spurgeon says, “Believers are often hidden in their God from the strife of
tongues and the fury of the storm of trouble.”
The clefts of the Rock of Ages are safe abodes.

My Fortress – A Hebrew word that
means a stronghold, a castle or a safe place.
David could run to God because God is a safe place in which to hide.

My Deliverer – I am sure that David
felt that when he was almost captured, God rescued him from the hand of the
mighty (Saul) by him who is mightier still (God).  What a word!
God delivers and preserves us and enable us to go forth in safety.

My God – Jehovah was David’s
perpetual, unchanging, infinite and eternal God!  This encompasses all that can be said.  When our hope or trust is in God – no one can
overpower us, as David had experienced and feared.

My Strength – The word used here could
be translated “rock” in the sense of strength and immobility.  God is my sure, unchanging, eternal
confidence and support.  So the world
“rock” occurs twice but the first time it is a rock for concealment, here a
rock of firmness and immutability.

My Buckler – Warding off the blows
of my enemy, shielding me from arrow and sword.
The Hebrew word can be translated a shield, protector and (I find this
very interesting) the scaly hide of the crocodile.  Think about that!

The Horn of My Salvation – “Horn”
has to do with an ancient figure of victorious and defiant power.  Horn of my salvation is that which interposes,
or intervenes on the side of my feebleness, conquers and saves me.  Since I am unable to save myself I need a God
who is able.  He is the victorious one
who conquered death and the grave and moves forward with His great army in
power and defeat of His (and my) enemies.

My High Tower – Surgeon says this
speaks of a high citadel “planted on a rocky eminence beyond the reach of my
enemies.”  It is a good place for protection.  It is also a good place to get a vision and a
perspective of life.

Wow!

Commenting on this verse C. H.
Spurgeon says, “Here are many words, but none too many; we might profitably
examine each one of them…we may conclude…that David here equips the faithful
from head to foot.”

Who is Jesus (part 2)? 

One of the other names of Jesus in Isaiah 9 is “Mighty God.”  The Hebrew is El Gibbor and means “all powerful” or “omnipotent.”

The amazing thing is the Mighty God is a child born in a stable in Bethlehem! 

Alexander McClaren says the word “Mighty implies victorious energy in battle.  It is often applied to human heroes, and here carries warlike connotations…Thus strength as of God, and, in some profound way, strength which is divine.”

We see Christ’s power as creator in John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:16.  The universe is not self produced as some scientists try to claim.  Biological analysis has failed to show one particle’s ability to mutate itself into visibility.  And, by-the-way, cloning is not creating, which reminds me of a poem I heard once. 

Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was slightly gray,

It didn’t have a father, just some borrowed DNA.

It sort-of had a mother, though the egg was on loan,

It was not so much a lambkin, as a little lamby clone.

And soon it had a fellow clone, and soon it had some more.

They followed her to school one day, all cramming through the door.

It made the children laugh and sing, the teacher found it droll.

There were too many lamby clones for Mary to control.

No other could control the sheep, since their programs didn’t vary.

So the scientist resolved it all, by simply cloning Mary.

But now they feel quite sheepish, those scientist unwary,

One problem solved, but what to do with Mary, Mary, Mary!

We may chuckle with this little ditty but the fact remains that God is the only author of created beings and things.

He not only created it all, but He sustains it all as seen in Colossians 1:17.  Nothing grows at its own will.  A grain of corn goes through a divinely ordered change.  The sun shines at His bidding.  Earth’s rotation is at His command.  When we see and understand His power – well, I feel really small!

But, (back to the message of Christmas), not only is He Creator and Sustainer, but He is Redeemer.  Isaiah 49:26 says, “…And all flesh will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”  That is why He came to earth – to redeem mankind.

As we proceed through the remaining days of the Christmas celebrations let’s be thankful for our Mighty God who came as the Redeemer to save us.

Who is Jesus? 

Do you remember what the prophet says about who Jesus would be?  “…And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace…” (Isaiah 9:6).  Perhaps one of the best known references to the coming of the Messiah is found here.  But what does all that mean?

As “Wonderful Counselor” we learn something of the fullness of the gospel and the sufficiency of Christ.  In an article in the New York Tribune, the need for a wonderful counselor is underscored.  The article was titled “How Mentally Fit Are We New Yorkers?”  It was an 8 year study by a 5 member team from Cornell Medical Center.  Here is a quote from them:  “Only one out of five is mentally well; one out of four is so psychologically disturbed as to be impaired in his social relations.  The rest have some symptoms of psychological illness but they do not interfere with their lives…The frequency of symptoms does not appear to differ much from other parts of the United States.”

Wow!

Some of us would say, “That’s New Yorkers” but our prejudices are bashed when they report that their findings did not “differ much from other parts of the United States.”  Do we need a Counselor?  Let me break down this name of Christ for you and see how He meets the need in our lives.

“Wonderful” indicates the incomprehensible in the original language.  “Counselor” means one who gives advice and counsel. One who gives counsel must qualify by being able and willing to give counsel.  Several things are comforting to us.  One is that Jesus needs no counselor!  The Bible says he is full of wisdom.  The wisdom of Christ is pure, peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering or without partiality and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).  Colossians 2:3 adds the fact that Christ is full of knowledge.

Anyone like this would be very attractive to those around them.  Jesus attracted people wherever they were.  Christianity has taken root on every continent of the world because of who He is.  Jesus attracts people whomever they are.  He said if I am lifted up I will draw all men to myself.  Men came to Him for counsel.  Women came to Him for advice.  Children responded to His smile and gentle touch.  Jesus attracts people whatever they are.  Theologians sought His wisdom (even at age 12).  Sin-sick souls came for cleansing.  Even his enemies said, “No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46).  What a Wonderful Savior!

Can He do the job in today’s society?  Does He continue to fulfill the “Wonderful Counselor” role?

He can analyze the condition of men and women.   In John 3 when Nicodemus came to him, He saw straight into his heart and knew his need.  In John 4 a woman who knew every trick in the book came to Jesus and He put his finger on her real need.  In John 5 a man of 38 years of age who had sought healing all his life came to Jesus and was made well.

Jesus can meet the need in people’s lives. 

To Nicodemus he said, “You must be born again” (john 3).

To the woman of Samaria he offered her “living water” (John 4).

To the man with an infirmity he said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (John 5).

He never met a need He could not handle.  Whatever your need is – Christ is the answer!  The Wonderful Counselor is yours in your hour or moment of need today.  Seek His counsel – it will be wonderful!

Never Forget! 

It seems every year we move Christmas a little bit further ahead – at least the commercial world does that.  Did you notice this year that Christmas gift buying started before Halloween?  Incredible!  I remember a few years ago we complained when the ads started before Thanksgiving!  Now the money industry and commercialism is moving it further.  Before long we may see Christmas sale ads beginning on the 4^th of July!  Matter-of-fact, I can’t believe I’m writing a blog about Christmas before Thanksgiving – albeit it is only two days from Thanksgiving!

In all the hustle and bustle of the commercial aspect of Christmas it is easy to forget what the real purpose of this time of year is all about.  Allow me to share something with you that some of you may never see otherwise.  Some have read this because they make use of the devotionals we provide for those who attend our church and for people in our community.  The following seven paragraphs are from that devotional introduction.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS!  (English)  ¡ FELIZ NAVIDAD! (Spanish)  FELIZ NATAL!  (Portugese)              عيد ميلاد سعيد!  (Arabic) ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΎΓΕΝΝΑ!  (Greek)  JOYEUX NOEL!  (French)

Regardless of the language it says the same!  What does this mean?  It means that all over the world people will be hearing Christmas wishes in their mother tongue and understand what is being said. 

This also means that the message of Christ can be understood in every language of the world.  I have information that tells me that in the State of Florida we are worshiping in more than 21 languages – just in Baptist churches.  Almost 1,000 churches worship in a language other than English.

The message of Christmas is for everyone everywhere.  God says that He is “not willing that any should perish.”  Therefore, His message needs to get out to everyone everywhere.

What a wonderful opportunity we have to bring you the good news that the “Prince of Peace” is still alive and well!  Born in a stable many years ago, living and dying in and around Jerusalem, buried and resurrected, He still lives and gives new life to all who seek Him. 

Jesus was born into the world as a little baby, but He needs to be born in your heart as the Savior of your soul…  

Is He your Prince of Peace?  I truly hope so!  If not, may you come to know Him during this Christmas season!  Pause from the hustle and bustle of life to celebrate Christmas.  It is not just a holiday season!  It is Christmas!”

So don’t forget what Christmas is all about.  It is not about buying gifts, giving gifts and receiving gifts.  It IS about the greatest Gift ever given to mankind – the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world.

I intended this to be on line some time ago but becasue of technical difficulties it couldn’t happen.  So, albeit it is late, here it is.

Time! 

In a few days we’ll be changing time again.  We’re moving to the end of “daylight savings” time.  Question – did you save any time during the last few months?  What did you do with it?  Just kidding!

Another question – does anyone know what time it is?  The answer will depend on how you interpret the question.  While it is important to be cognizant of the time of day it is, that may not be the most important and sensitive question at the moment.

I’m thinking of a passage of Scripture which talks about all kinds of events to which there is a “time to.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is the one that lists no less than 28 things that are appropriate in its time.  The summary is actually in the beginning of the list – “There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven.”  The Hebrew word translated “event” in the NASV is the word chephets which can be interpreted pleasure, abstract desire, a valuable thing, a matter, or a delightsome thing.  All of these “things” he lists are things done, or experienced “under heaven,” or by man in his earthly existence.  Having set the stage, let’s look at the things there is a time for.

The negatives:

1. A time to die.
2. A time to uproot.
3. A time to kill.
4. A time to tear down.
5. A time to weep.
6. A time to mourn.
7. A time to throw stones.
8. A time to shun embracing.
9. A time to give up searching.
10. A time to throw away.
11. A time to tear apart.
12. A time to be silent.
13. A time to hate.
14. A time for war.

Looking at a few – a time to kill?  Is that the same as a time for war?  Perhaps not, because the writer lists those items separately.  When is a good time to kill?  I don’t think the answer to that question is not in a classroom.  A time to throw stones?  Are they to be thrown at someone or thrown into a ravine to fill a hole?  A time to throw away?  I think I know this one – look in my attic or garage!  Number 12 – a time to be silent!  Is that a negative suggestion or a positive one?  You choose – however it applies in your life, this is what the Holy Spirit is saying.  A time to hate?  Yes, even God hates sin!  Even God hates the result sin brings – killing, destruction, death and disease.

The positives:

1. A time to give birth.
2. A time to plant.
3. A time to heal.
4. A time to build up.
5. A time to laugh.
6. A time to dance.
7. A time to gather stones.
8. A time to embrace.
9. A time to search.
10. A time to keep.
11. A time to sew together.
12. A time to speak.
13. A time to love.
14. A time for peace.

Again, look at a few – number 12 is still a question for me.  Sometimes it may not be a positive thing to “speak” but I’ll take the high road on this one.  I cannot think of a time when it is not appropriate to plant (your life in others, etc.), to build up (your brother – who may be struggling and needing a touch today), to embrace (someone who is hurting), to love and a time for peace.

What the world needs today is peace!  In the midst of a torn world, country, state, county, community or home, we need peace.  The only way we can have that is to know the prince of peace – Jesus.

Isn’t It Just Like God!

By Lori Howard on Pastor Appreciation October 16, 2011

Isn’t it just like God – to send John and Amelia Garrison to Africa for 10 years – to plant seeds – to build hope – and be overseers for pastors…just to bless them 20 years later when they returned…so they could see the fruits of their labors?

Isn’t it just like God – to cause John and Amelia to pray day and night for a wayward son that was determined to find his own way in this world…as a result they were to find that many years of prayer rags tied to nails in crosses that are still hanging in churches across the United States as a testimony to God’s faithfulness of trusting in the unseen hand of God…they would discover that the prodigal would return and begin the path of ministry that he was once called to follow?  Their life of prayer is a testimony!

Isn’t it just like God – to send them to Indiana – where there was great resistance to God – to those who needed a shepherd’s heart to guide them and then realize that even in the valley lives were touched – this too was for a purpose from the Father?

Isn’t it just like God – to take the earnest prayers and cries from 2 broken hearts wrestling with all the “whys” – to bring them through challenging spiritual experiences, in order that together they would seek God for His direction and know that whatever God’s purpose was – it became theirs?

Isn’t it just like God – to answer the prayers of the Saints at Oakview who cried out to God that good would come out of the ashes of our broken hearts and that His most precious will would be done in finding a pastor to lead us…God knew His plan and brought us all together for the purpose of furthering the gospel in Okeechobee?

Isn’t it just like God – to use the past three years – to speak His words through this preacher who has the Father’s heart and desires to be used of God – to pierce our hearts with messages from the throne room of Heaven with words of truth that only the Father knows will resonate within?

Isn’t it just like God – to use this simple farmer from Alabama who only knows to stay on his knees to hear the words to speak – from the Father – that in turn impacts lives for eternity and continues to ruin us for the ordinary?

Isn’t it just like God – to send us a man with a passion for the things of God – a desire to see us grow deeper in God’s ways?

John and Amelia responded to God’s calling to serve – willing to be used wherever God led them.

We, at Oakview, prayed for what our minds could comprehend, for someone with knowledge, a passion for lost souls, someone who loved God more than anything, one who would speak boldly from the pulpit and one who knew the fear of the Lord more than the fear of man.  God blessed us with Luke 6:38 (“a good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over…”) we are grateful to God who sent us a leader with God’s vision who desires nothing more than to please His heavenly Father.

With our heart full of gratitude to the Lord for sending you both to lead us and grow with us!

He answered our prayers more than we could have imagined.

ISN’T THAT JUST LIKE GOD!

 (Italics added)

Prayer – what is it?

I’ve recently been studying a lot about prayer.  I’m teaching a class on the subject and I am preaching from 1 John which deals with the subject of prayer (especially chapter 5).  It is interesting when God wants to drive a point home to me.  In a devotional book I read regularly, today’s devotion was on prayer.  God is definitely speaking to me about prayer in my life and the lives of those with whom I have been called to give spiritual oversight.

The devotional I referred to is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.  Forgive the long quote but it is worth it to make sure the word gets out!

“The illustration of prayer that Our Lord uses here (Matthew 7:9) is that of a good child asking for a good thing.  We talk about prayer as if God heard us irrespective of the fact of our relationship to Him (cf. Matthew 5:45).  Never say it is not God’s will to give you what you ask, don’t sit down and faint, but find out the reason, turn up the index.  Are you rightly related to your wife, to your husband, to your children, to your fellow-students – are you a ‘good child’ there?  ‘O Lord, I have been irritable and cross, but I do want spiritual blessing.’  You cannot have it, you will have to do without until you come into the attitude of a good child…Have I been asking God to give me money for something I want when there is something I have not paid for?  Have I been asking God for liberty while I am withholding it from someone who belongs to me?  I have not forgiven someone his trespasses; I have not been kind to him; I have not been living as God’s child among my relatives and friends…I am a child of God only by regeneration, and as a child of God I am good only as I walk in the light.  Prayer with most of us is turned into pious platitude, it is a matter of emotion, mystical communion with God.  Spiritually we are all good at producing fogs.  If we turn up the index, we will see very clearly what is wrong – that friendship, that debt, that temper of mind.  It is no use praying unless we are living as children of God.  Then, Jesus says – ‘Everyone who asks receives’” (bold italics added).

Wow!  God has really been hitting me hard on this issue of prayer.  I know why!

We live in a country that claims to be “Christian.”  Yet, there are so many things going awry and believers are praying about them.  Nothing is changing it seems! 

Perhaps I, maybe you, need to visit the issue of prayer in relation to what is happening in our lives.  Perhaps there is something there that is hindering God’s ability to answer our prayers.  Our study this week in my class gives the following lists which adds insight: 

Reasons God Answers Prayer

1. The prayer seeks to uphold God’s honor.
2. The prayer appeals for God’s glory.
3. The prayer appeals to God’s character.
4. The prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty.
5. Jesus prays for you.
6. The Holy Spirit prays with and for you according to God’s will.
7. Your Father wants to answer the requests of His child.
8. Your Master wants to answer the requests of His servants.

Reasons God Doesn’t Answer Prayer

1. Anger/wrath.
2. Broken relationships.
3. Doubting/unbelief.
4. Hypocrisy.
5. Idolatry.
6. Indifference to need.
7. Unforgiveness.

Principles for Asking

1. Ask in the Spirit.
2. Ask according to His will.
3. Ask with the mind.
4. Ask in Jesus’ name.
5. Ask while abiding in Christ.
6. Ask in faith.
7. Ask in humility.
8. Ask in sincerity.
9. Ask with perseverance.
10. Ask using God’s words.

Good stuff!  My prayer is that you and I will give serious thought, consideration and diligence to the subject of prayer.  Let’s put it into practice.

I wanted to!

Have you ever had a schedule that “prevented” you from doing all the things on your “to do” list?  I’ve had a few days like that.  I mentioned to my wife last night that it seems I’ve had two weeks of Mondays.

I often (most weeks) have a “to do” list that I print out detailing everything I need to get done.  I have many things scheduled and because the calendar gets so crowded, if I don’t list the things I need to get done some will go undone.  You can call it old age or overload!  Both may be good reasons.

All of this causes me to ask questions like, “What is really important anyway?”  What is important is always a tough question.  A church member reminded me the other day that the “good” is sometimes enemy to the “best.”  That is so true!  There are so many things that are good that we need to give some attention to but, so much is pulling at us.  Sometimes it is difficult to decide!

Some examples – attending an upcoming Pregnancy Center event here in town is important.  Financially supporting that ministry is good – there’s a fundraiser coming.  Do I attend the event?  Do I buy a plate to support the ministry?  Another – a mission trip to a tornado ravaged area where some people need help getting back into their home would be a good investment of time.  Do I make the trip or lead a team to do the project?    Another – a friend in ministry is hurting in his place of ministry and needing to talk to me.  Do I carve out the time to just listen (I can’t change the situation in his life)?  What, if anything, can I do?  The better question is, “Should I?”  Another – an African pastor wants my assistance.  A worthy investment of time, energy and money!  This man could be the catalyst of many people coming to know Christ.  Do I send him help?  I can’t make another trip!  Will he become dependent and not see God’s hand providing if I provide assistance?  Sermon preparation is another challenge for the average pastor.  I have two sermons to prepare each week along with a Bible study for Wednesday nights.  Two weeks of the month I have a study to prepare and lead for a group of men.  Should I close my door and not allow any interruptions to get those studies done, prepared and prayed through?  What about the people who want to talk to me and need my time?  Am I supposed to keep my door closed and tell them I don’t have time?  Perhaps I am the only one through whom they will hear a word from God!

Decisions!  We all have to make them and we are all busy.  Somewhere along the line we do have to draw some parameters and learn to say “No!”  Sometimes for this “I need to fix it person” that is a difficult decision.  Let me share some thoughts on what I do.

I spend time every day praying about what I need to do. 

I spend time thinking through what comes before me and try to make the best decision based on the guidance I receive from the Holy Spirit.

I seek the counsel of others.  The Bible says there is wisdom and safety in the counsel of others.

Don’t misunderstand!  I do not always do a good job of making the proper and accurate decision.  I’m still learning and growing.  Practice makes perfect, they say!