The View From My Window Pastor's Weekly Blog

Clearly there have been many evil days, days when evil took a severe bite out of humanity. In my lifetime was the assassination of JFK, the Challenger Disaster, and 9/11 to name just a few. Each of those days began very ordinary if not in a festive mood. President Kennedy was riding in a motorcade as adoring fans cheered. The Suttle Challenger was manned by Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from Concord New Hampshire who was selected from dozens of applicants from the Teacher in Space Project. Because of her the event drew a bigger audience which also included her students and family. Many were on hand personally to see her off as others of us watched from our televisions. January 28, 1986, Barb & I were pastoring in Shanksville. We watched the launch that day and were stunned by the results.

Days of evil rarely come with any advance warning. By virtue of the fact that they do indeed come, the Scripture tells us to be ready for them. The way to be prepared is to know the truth, live a righteous life, know how to pray and be about the Father’s business. Be ready to take a hit and strike a blow. Enjoy your life but be ready for those hard days.

-Pastor Joel Everhart

There are two kinds of bosses in this world: those who remember what it was like coming up through the ranks and hope to make it better for those they supervise; and those who make it as miserable as possible for those under their command.

I’m aware of several fellows who are working for younger supervisors whose first job ever was in management. Not so much as a summer job during their college years on their resume. Because of their title they think they know more about what is going on than those who have been doing the work for decades. No wonder my friends can’t wait to retire! A manager with a poor job-side manner can make life miserable on everyone, including themselves. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

-Pastor Joel Everhart

Social engineers are talking about the day when the only people who need to go to work are those who want to go to work. Automation will produce and deliver any goods or services our hearts can desire. When you call a company, you’ll be talking to a computer that sounds and responds “just like a human”. We’ll even have robots with the capability to fix robots, computers, automobiles, etc. Our only occupation will be deciding what we would like to do with our time.

I happen to think that work is a blessing from God. Many of my friends, although there are things they’d change about their jobs, actually enjoy working. Some of them work in their spare time. While there are those who are overwhelmed there are others who find satisfaction and contentment by staying busy (but not too busy).

Have you found a good balance between working, resting, and recreating? Are there any changes you need to make in order to make yours a life worth living?

-Pastor Joel Everhart

Ever get tired of seeing the same commercial over and over again? There’s a certain insurance company, in fact, come to think of it, I think I’m tired of seeing insurance company commercials period. You don’t suppose they’re trying to be so annoying it’s impossible to forget their name, do you?

Well, I hope I’m not being annoying by tackling the subject of husbands and wives one last time in this series. Its important to have a realistic picture of what to expect from a relationship so the enemy doesn’t convince you that your marriage is doomed when in fact you’re experiencing obstacles common to living with a life long partner.

I’m told that catchup was formulated to hide the taste of bad meat back in the day when the industry wasn’t well regulated. Cook the foul beef and smother it with catchup in order to get it past your taste buds. Love is relationship catchup. It helps you tolerate your spouse’s shortcomings so you can enjoy the nourishment of their strengths and gifts. When your partner goes through a foul season, pour out a little more love.

-Pastor Joel Everhart

Recently, induction ceremonies for the NFL Hall of Fame classes of 2020 & 2021 were held in Canton, Ohio. That was the same weekend the Steelers beat the Cowboys in the 1^st preseason game of the year. I enjoyed watching and listening to many of the inductee’s speeches. Of special note was how almost to a man they thanked their wives for the support they’d given them through their career. Even more special was that several of them noted that they’d met their wife in the 8^th or 9^th grade. That meant that these women were there by their side long before they were standouts in college and well before their talents produced huge paychecks. Getting drafted, recovering from injuries, surgeries, trades, contract negotiations, fighting for a roster spot, moving from one end of the country to the other… Through all that and more, these ladies had stood by their men. And the men were very clear that their spouse’s support was vital to their success both on and off the field. Life is a team sport. Be thankful for the members of your team.

-Pastor Joel Everhart

Every husband knows when his wife is not in the mood for a hug or a kiss simply by the way she is standing. If her arms are crossed or her hands are on her hips, her feet are slightly apart and squarely planted, her eyes are narrow, her jaw is set he’d be better off cuddling with a cactus. Even if we’re having a tough day we should “soften” whenever our mate approaches us. Like Captain Kirk commanding the Enterprise we need to lower our shields, disengage our weapon systems, and prepare a welcoming party. Have you ever seen an engaged couple that wasn’t down right giddy to see one another? Take a cue from your dog and be happy to see your partner.

How we approach, how we receive our “better half” will go a long way toward how the rest of the day will go. Stop treating one another like the complaint department and more like the prince or princess you married. Does your stance toward your partner need to change?

-Pastor Joel Everhart

Pastor Ray will once again be filling in for me as I take a Sunday off. It is our sincere desire to get out of town for a little while and visit some family. The strong probability is that it will be another stay-cation due to the increase of miseries Barb has been enduring lately. Please keep praying for her as we pray for you. My being home with her adds a small measure of comfort to her struggle to stay positive and hopeful. She is a missionary to those who suffer chronic illness and pain. It’s sad that she never gets to “come home on furlough” and enjoy a break from her own difficulties. Yet, her ministry has born good fruit as she has encouraged others to trust in the Lord through every challenge of life. Don’t forget to maintain contact with your loved ones who may be suffering from illness or age. All too often we keep running with the healthy and leave the hurting to fend for themselves. Remember Jesus’ admonition that when we visit those in prison or feed those who are hungry, or help those who are sick, we are ministering directly to Him.

-Pastor Joel Everhart