Pastor's Corner
A message from Pastor Andy Ross...

Past Devotionals

It Doesn't Have to Be Complicated! - December 16, 2005

Read Matthew 11:2-11.

Dear friends,

I enjoy nice fountain pens. I have a collection. They're fancy, I suppose, and the collection is a bit impressive. But it's good for us to remember life with God doesn't have to be fancy or complicated.

During the space race of the 1960s it became apparent that the normal ballpoint pen would not work in space. NASA spent money and time developing a pen which would work effectively in a zero-gravity environment. To this day it is called the "Space Pen."

The Russians? They used pencils.

In Matthew 11:2-11 Jesus answers John the Baptist's questions by describing the kind of life that demonstrates the kingdom of heaven. Jesus essentially points out it doesn't have to be complicated! Jesus says that it's the life that preaches and seeks repentance, righteousness, baptism and holiness.

John the Baptist wasn't a "space pen." He didn't wear fancy clothes or attend highfalutin' social gatherings. But he was the real deal.

Let's live today as the real deal, shall we? It begins with prayer. And then it goes on from there to living out our life of faith, humbly and in real ways - with the Spirit's help each moment - in holiness, love and character that is shaped by Christ.

This is the way you can be a sharp "pencil" in the Savior's hands!

Discussion questions for groups studying Matthew 11:2-11:

• When and how did you know you found the "right one" in terms of someone who is your best friend, or spouse or partner?
• What does Jesus say here about modeling behavior?
• How do he and John the baptist model a way to live?
• What does Jesus say here about the role of evidence in the character of living our lives?
• Are there any "prisons" you're facing that can cause you to doubt Jesus' evidence?
• How can you be an encourager to someone in your life this week?
• What piece of evidence for being a Christ-follower do you need to demonstrate this week?

God's blessings to you this day!

Andy Ross
Pastor