NCC - Points to Ponder

Summer 2007

September 16, 2007

As you read the stories of those who survived the Nazi death camps of World War II, a common attitude begins to emerge. Interestingly, the thing that distinguished survivors from those who perished was their giving. Even if a prisoner was on the verge of starvation, but had a crust of bread or scrap of potato which was shared, this attitude under girded his survival. One such survivor or Treblinka described it this way, "In our group we shared everything, and the moment one of the group ate something without sharing it, we knew it was the beginning of the end for him." Because you and I reflect the nature of God when we live as givers, our generosity sets in motion a force that is at the heart of God's creation.

Pastor Mike Rothwell

September 9, 2007

I recently heard the story of two little boys who were both given a box of chocolates by their grandfather. The first boy took the package into his bedroom, tore into it, and stuffed the candies into his mouth until he was one big mess of smeared chocolate. The other boy unwrapped his package there in front of his grandfather. He opened the box and looked at all the candies. Then, he raised the box to his grandfather and said, "Thank you for giving me this candy. Here, you have the first piece." John 3:16 clearly explains to us that God's limitless love was proven when He gave. We're really not very close to God if our lives aren't known by love and we can't claim love--if we don't give.

Pastor Mike Rothwell

September 2, 2007

I came across this poem in my reading a few weeks ago. It spoke to me in such a powerful way that I wanted to share it with you! I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I'd rather one would walk with me than merely show the way. The eye's a better pupil and much sharper than the ear. Fine counsel can confuse me, but example's always clear. The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true, But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do. Author Unknown

Pastor Mike Rothwell

August 26, 2007

Do you ever read food labels? You know, that official breakdown of the nutritional value of what you're about to put in your body. (Unfortunately some of my favorites have better taste than numbers!) Research has determined what you and I require as a minimum daily allowance in order to live a healthy life. The Bible gives us similar information for a healthy spiritual life, a life moving from the spectator mentality to one actively involved in the cause of Christ. On a minimum level it means I'm a faithful worshipper in corporate celebration, I'm participating in a small group committed to life transformation and I'm finding a particular place of service in which to use my gifts and talents. We should ask ourselves--Am I meeting the minimal daily allowance for spiritual growth?

Pastor Mike Rothwell

August 19, 2007

Have you ever joined a health club? I have. It doesn't't take long to realize that most of these clubs have space for only a fraction of their membership. They're able to continuously sign up new members because of the dramatic drop in participation of those who signed on enthusiastically but quickly lost their passion to burn fat. Does that sound familiar? Some churches even keep a list of "active" and "non-active" members! We must constantly examine our hearts, realizing that you and I have not simply joined the community of Christ but also the cause of Christ. Our motivation cannot simply be the results that we receive, but our lives that we can give. My dream for us is that we will be a people who live by faith, are known by love, and are clearly a voice of hope.

Pastor Mike Rothwell

August 12, 2007

Come to church and have your needs met! That sounds great doesn't it? After all, the Bible tells us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory to Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Even as you read this, each of us can think of several needs in our lives--it's part of being human. But where is our focus? If we're not careful, we'll view the church as a place that serves consumers instead of a place that creates servants. We have been called to give freely of the life God's given to us. It's interesting this verse from Philippians was written in response to a group of believers who had given of themselves with great sacrifice. You know...we usually see things not as they are, but as we are. Are your eyes opened wide,--alert for opportunities to serve?

Pastor Mike Rothwell

August 5, 2007

Do you realize that all a painter has to work with are three basic colors? Blue, yellow and red--all the beauty the artist creates flows from these three--powered by imagination, passion and skill. For those who are following Christ, our three components are Faith, Hope and Love. Paul speaks of these in I Corinthians 13:13, instructing us that they are the essential expression of a Christian's life. Think of all the beauty that will spring from the palette of these three when empowered by the Holy Spirit's creativity! We will truly be a people who live by Faith, are known by Love, and lift a voice of Hope to those around us.

Pastor Mike Rothwell

Back to Points to Ponder Main