Comments by Pastor Howard W. Marshall

Updated 11-June-04

Fellowship

This week, have there been days when you woke up singing “…Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day, I’ve got a wonderful feeling, everything’s going my way”???  I have.  But I keep forgetting that some are not old enough to know some of these vintage songs.  Of course this one I am referring to is not a Christian melody, but could be if a few words were changed.  Such as the last line could read, “…Jesus is leading the way!”

One old hymn I have had on my mind was “Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine, Oh what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine.”  Another one is a rather new song by Bill Gaither “…I’m so glad I’m a part of family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.  Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, I’m so glad I’m part of the family of God.”

Today, in my next-to-last message to this Assembly, I’m sharing the importance of fellowship.  If you’re in a boat by yourself, it’s pretty difficult to have “fellowship” with just you alone.  So, it takes at least two in a boat for there to be fellowship … at least there should be fellowship.  It could be the two are not speaking which paints a different picture. 

My devotions this week were in the Gospel according to John.  In the 15^th chapter, there is a relationship that we can relate to.  The Vine and the Branches.  In order for us to maintain the “life flow” in our Christian walk, we must stay connected to Jesus Christ, the Vine.  That is fellowship with the Son of God. 

“…but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”  (I John 1:7)

A word of caution: Let’s make our fellowship inclusive not exclusive.  Our church is not a social club where only members are welcome, but we welcome all into our fellowship.  Amen?

Definition of fellowship:  “…the condition of friendly relationship existing among persons: comradeship…  That’s it!   

Memorization Works!

The Psalmist wrote “…Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee….”  Psalm 119:11 is the best way to keep a close walk with the Lord.  To do this means we have to apply ourselves in familiarizing ourselves with His Word.  We accomplish this by spending time in it. 

While packing the office at the parsonage I came across “handwritten” verses that we had banded together.  There were about 125 of them and are remnants of my Navy days when Dad Rattan had us memorizing scriptures for personal evangelism.  We had written the reference on one side of the card and the verse on the other.  Then in spare moments we would have someone quiz us on the verses by asking either the reference or reading the scripture and we’d give the reference.

You may be asking me why I am bringing this up.  What happened was I realized that I do not spend enough quality time trying the memorize verses.  My challenge is for us to renew our efforts in “…hiding or treasuring God’s Word in our hearts.”   Believe me, folks our ability to share the Word of God will be greatly enhanced.

Try this for a start.  Write Psalm 119:11 on a 3x5 card and carry it with you, whether in your shirt pocket, or your purse, or how about placing it on the dash of your car where you will see it every time you get into your car.  When that one is memorized, add another one, and at the end of a year, IF we have been faithful, we’ll have learned 52 new verses … IF we did one a week. 

Let’s reflect a little on the children and youth who ministered in our service Easter Sunday, under the leadership of Florence Manier, Brian and Donna Templin, and their helpers.  We greatly appreciate their hard work and efforts in sharing the truth of Easter, that Jesus did not stay in the tomb but was resurrected for our benefit.  Praise the Lord! 

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He Is Risen Indeed!

What does Easter mean to you? If you were a “city dweller” you might be tempted to join the Easter parade in your new Easter “outfit”.  If you attended one of the mega churches down south, you may be tempted to “strut your stuff” in front of your friends who do the same thing.  Been there, done that!

This morning there were people whom to attended the Community Service at the Veterans’ Field here in Klawock.  We were blest by the Community Choir, the Word of God, congregational singing and a message by Pastor John Steinberg.  At the writing of these comments all we can say about the weather is…it is unpredictable, hopefully the rains held off.

For every believer the Resurrection demonstrated a number of things.  I want to repeat, but modify them from last Sunday’s bulletin, at least four things the Resurrection demonstrated: 

            {1} All of the Words of Jesus are true

            {2} Jesus was more than man

            {3} Shows Jesus died for all men

            {4} You and I will rise again!

  Remember the message of the angel to the women who visited the tomb that early morning… “He is not here, He is risen!”  (Mark 16:6)

Because He lives, we all can face each day!  Because Jesus paid the supreme price for our salvation, we can enjoy the benefits of His resurrection.  Through His death, we find LIFE and that life is abundant.  Amen?

Special thanks to Florence Manier, planning the Resurrection Easter Egg hunt last Sunday, then directing the children today.  Thanks to Brian & Donna and the youth for the puppet and skit presentations.

  HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN!

Emotions

How do you handle your emotions?  Are there days when you feel like you have been on an emotion “roller coaster” ride?  Most of us have had those experiences.  At the church or at the parsonage, there are times when the telephone rings; it is a message of joy!  A new baby has been born and brings such happiness.  Then the next call comes is where death has invaded a family and a loved has been ushered into the presence of the Lord. 

Maybe this explains why, when I have answered the phone, I fumbled around with “…Good afternoon, Prince of Peace Assembly, this is Pastor Marshall.…” which comes out ok, but there are times when my tongue gets all tangled up and the other day I simply answered “...This is the church”. (Smile)

As emotional beings we react in different ways to messages we receive…and when the day is over we’re exhausted.  When this happens what are we supposed to do? Fall down in a heap? Shed a few tears? Or reach out by faith and hold to the promises of God?

For several days this week I met with a group of people who are trying to come up with solutions and methods of dealing with the substance abuse on POW Island.  The presenter led us in a number of different exercises to identify problems, which affect children, youth, and adults in our homes and schools.  It was somewhat of an emotional time because we feel there are mega-problems and not enough volunteers to help solve them.  But we cannot quit, because the need continues to exist. 

The Lord will help us learn "how to" deal with issues that spring forth in our daily living.  Psalm 37:1-6.  Key words: Trust; Delight; Commit; Rest; Cease; and Fret not! 

“…If you would know the greatest sum in addition, count your blessings!”  -- Selected

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Spring Is Coming!

           Have you noticed spring flowers are beginning to appear?  Last Monday I saw my first “skunk” cabbage sprout, which tells me winter is almost over. To those who have grass, it won’t be long until the mowers will have to be gotten out to do their duty!

            A special request from your pastor…those of you who have the “how-to’s” in lawn preparation, your help is needed at the parsonage in getting the yard ready for summer.  Maybe when we have our “work day” some can go there and work on it.  What ya think?

            Speaking of “work day,” Saturday, March 27^th has been set to begin at 9:00 a.m.  IF the weather is cooperative, we’ll try to get a new coat of stain on the exterior of the church.  Help will be needed to cover and tape the windows ahead of the sprayers. 

            For all Sunday school teachers, what a perfect time for you to do some “spring cleaning” in your classrooms.  We need to give the church a good cleaning before Easter activities begin, April 4^th (Palm Sunday and Easter April 11^th)

            Please allow me to comment on the Singspiration last Sunday night, at which Marge and I were honored.  We thank you folks here at Prince of Peace Assembly who participated, as well as the many from across the island.  Wonderful evening of power packed singing, the sharing of scriptures and the love offering received for us.  This was one of the many expressions of love that have been shown to us.  Of course you know this makes it even more difficult to leave POW Island and this church. 

            Finally, the 3^rd Annual Pinewood Derby was another success, due to the hard work of many who donated their time in the planning, preparing and involvement from the beginning to the end.  What an array of cars created and carved by child/parent teams.  Congratulations and job well done!

Excitement!

This was a “power packed weekend” for spectators and players of Klawock and Hydaburg basketball.  It was “high energy” for everyone who attended the games.  Of course this excitement carried over to the “home-coming” activities. The Craig Panthers had their exciting games as well.  What I am saying is, it is great to be young and involved. 

The overpowering excitement generated in communities all over Alaska has no comparison in the lower 48, at least on the high school level. 

Our congregation is blest with high quality young people attending Craig High and Klawock High. There are those who also excel in academics and were involved in the State competition in Anchorage.  As your pastor, I want to congratulate each one of you who stay involved in your schools, because this is a wonderful time for you to be a Christian and let your “lights” shine on your school campus. 

Tonight, our youth will be presenting a skit during the Singspiration at the Church of God in Craig.  Come and support our kids and their youth pastor, Brian Templin and his wife, Donna.

The Apostle Paul said it well in his writings to the Church of Philippi when he wrote “…I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil. 3:14)

In the face of “retirement” again, Marge and I both know there is no place to really “just quit”.  Both of us will stay involved in our “home” church in Kansas City.  Marge will be singing in the choir and I will be working with the Royal Rangers, serving as their Chaplain.  God’s Word instructs us to occupy until....  “And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, `Do business with this until I come back.' ”  Luke 19:13.

Examination Day

Most of us do not like to take “exams” anytime.  I don’t really know of anyone who thoroughly enjoys being tested when it requires us to give answers either verbally or written -- especially me, your pastor!

The Apostle Paul wrote about it to the Corinthian Church when he was preparing them to take the Lord’s Supper.  He makes his comments about what our Lord did with His disciples; He talked about the frequency this was to be observed only by saying, “…as oft as ye do it do in remembrance of Me,” quoting the words of Jesus, in First  Corinthians 11:23-30.

Paul concludes his comments by telling us that whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (Vs. 27)   Then comes the part about “examination” when he writes “…but let a man examine himself…” since no one can do it for him, he must do it himself. 

As we enter into the communion service, I would encourage everyone to do just that.  When our hearts are prepared and ready we can do so without any condemnation.

Folks, there is no other human order, institution, or organization that will compare with what we as a body of believers are able to corporately or individually share that will equal the communion service.

As your pastor, I want to encourage you to keep your heads, hearts and homes (last Sunday morning’s message) open to what God wants to do within this congregation.   As you stay committed and united, the Lord will direct you in your search for a new pastor and then the selection of who you believe will best lead you and shepherd you, as the flock of God!

Who said it?  “…united we stand, divided we fall.”

Our God Is Good!

Last Sunday night I shared some thoughts about “How Good is Good?”  This week the Lord proved Himself more than good.  In all of His greatness, He provided a “rain-free” day last Monday for the Templins to make their move to Craig.  (If you don't live in a rain forest, you won't understand this!)

During the early morning hours on Tuesday I heard the rain and immediately thought “God is so good to have given a nearly dry day for getting them moved.”  The work went well with no injuries…just sore muscles!  When people work together the work goes so much more quickly.  The eagerness of people to help each other is wonderful.

The spaghetti dinner last Sunday was very good and well-prepared by some of the young people and their adult leaders.  In the future there will be more activities where this co-operation will exhibit itself.  Looking back over the churches of which Marge and I have been a part, I believe this is of the finest we’ve been privileged to be with.  From Harper, Kansas to San Diego, California to Cincinnati, Ohio back to Kansas (with McCracken, Great Bend, Concordia and Kansas City all sandwiched in between), and then to finalize our pastoral ministry here SE Alaska.  Wow!  What a trip!  God is so good and we do appreciate everything He does for us.

February 9th, I passed 50 years of ministry in one form or another.  When the Lord calls us, it is up to us to respond with “…here I am send me!”  Try it, you’ll be amazed at what all will transpire. 

Folks, just remember things happen when people pray!  Prayer changes things and people too!   It is “NOT by might, NOT by power BUT by MY Spirit…” says the Lord.  And…we are more than conquerors and will be victorious.

“…But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”  This verse tells it all!  Romans 8:37     

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More than a Valentine

Valentine’s Day!  I think I have heard that sales of flowers are higher on this day than any other.  I also read just recently that the average guy in the US will spend over $100.00 on a valentine gift.  Roses? Chocolates? Expensive perfume? A romantic dinner date at the local hamburger diner? A little candy heart? Or “just” a card? It is the thought that counts, right?

For quite a number of years I would give Marge a “stuffed” animal for Valentine’s Day.  So she has quite a collection.  Folks, it has been 51 years of trying to show her I love her though these simple little gestures.

Today, we are having a spaghetti lunch prepared by some special people who are encouraging our young people that “True Love Waits.”  In committing to this, young people are pledging to keep themselves pure sexually for their life-long mate. 

It is a belief Marge and I have that children enjoy seeing their parents display affection towards each other.  TV romance IS NOT the answer.  I believe our world has the meaning of “love” and “lust” mixed up or confused.  Webster defines love as a} strong affection b} warm attachment c} attraction based on sexual desire d} a beloved person e} and unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for others.  Also f} a score of zero in tennis (and this is NOT what I am talking about!)  

Ok, now what does it say about “lust”?  a} an intense or unbridled sexual desire; lasciviousness b} an intense longing—lust.

What does the Bible say about “love”?  Romans 5:8 “…But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16 “…God so loved the world…” I John 4:7 “…beloved, let us love one another…”  Here is a short outline on  “love.”  It is the nature of love to: 1. Desire the highest good of the one who is loved. 2. To be willing to give itself to the one who is loved in order to impart the highest good. 3. To want to possess its object.” 

“…Success in marriage is more than finding the right person.  It’s becoming the right person.”  (author unknown)  I Timothy 6:11

Buttermilk Mix-up

What a "spirit of unity and cooperation" prevailed at our Annual Business Meeting last Wednesday evening, that followed a wonderful "buttermilk pancake/waffle feed."  Who would have thought we' have someone suggest pancakes ...oh, I know why...because I bought two half-gallons of buttermilk by mistake and this helped us use it up.  Yay!

I believe when we are led of the Spirit of God and we're all walking in the light as He is in the light, this unity will continue to take place at Prince of Peace Assembly.  It didn't come as a surprise to very many that I gave my 90-day notice that I'm retiring as your pastor on May 2, due to health reasons for both Marge and myself.  This wasn't an easy thing to do because I don't handle these decisions well.  But the theme for the General Council of the Assemblies of God throughout 2004 is "The Time Has Come," so it seems fitting to follow the theme, and go home to Kansas.

I am assured and confident the Holy Spirit will guide this congregation in electing a new pastor.  It is never easy for these transitions to take place, because many friendships have been developed over these five years.  But you'll make new friends in the future and so will we.

The apostle Paul said it well, "forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 3:13-14)  Let's do it!   8-Feb-04

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Getting Together

The little chorus is so true that speaks of when we “get-together” there is somewhat of a thrill that is associated with it.  I believe this expresses some of the feelings when believers come together to worship our Lord.  We should be thrilled!

Today, millions will be watching the “super bowl” football game being played by the two teams who made it to the “finals.”  In the stadium thousands will be together but there will not be much fellowship because they will be strangers -- yet having one thing in common…they want their team to win!

We welcome 11 people into our fellowship here at Prince of Peace Assembly today.  These have chosen to “join arms” with us to strengthen the church body in Klawock.  As your Pastor, I want to encourage everyone to make this commitment in building the Body of Christ, or some call it the Kingdom of God, by being faithful to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. 

This Wednesday, February 4, we’ll have a fellowship meal at 6:30 and all are invited.  Our Annual Business Meeting will follow immediately afterwards. Once again everyone is invited to attend.  This is a time when we come together to do business.  It’s an opportunity to learn about our church.  Reports will be given and hopefully each office will be filled. 

Finally, thank you for your prayers while Marge and I were on what we called a “vacation” and it was -- but with not much slack time.  Our family had a wonderful time together in Alpine, Texas at David and Shannon’s home.  All 19 made it.  One other highlight of the reunion was our First Waffle Cook-off with the guys…and would you believe your Pastor won over the other 6 guys…Branin, David’s son, took 2^nd place!   Many will remember David, Shannon, Branin and Halee, who used to live here in Klawock.  Shannon’s parents, Stan & Sharon Snider, “pioneered” this church in the '80s.

“Our aim in life improves as we grow older, but it seems we run out of ammunition” – Selected

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