Peace in Trusting God

by Pastor Linda Skinner

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3

Peace in the midst of chaos is the theme of Pastor Rey’s message this Sunday at 10:30 am Online Worship.

Growing up on a farm I learned so many lessons. (Someday I’m going to write a book, “Lessons I Learned on the Chicken Ranch.”) One of the lessons that has served me well throughout my life is to focus on the things I can impact, and not on the things I have no ability to change or influence. When you farm, you learn that you can do your best to care for your livestock or crops but there are some things you cannot change – e.g. weather, disease, predators, etc. You can adjust to mitigate your losses, but that’s the best you can do.

As a little girl, I remember when a huge heat wave hit our area of Northern California. It was unexpected and temperatures were well over 100 for several days in a row, and it was not cooling off much at night. My dad had about 2,000 laying hens that he cared for (chickens do not do well in high heat). We didn’t have the luxury of climate control in our barns, and the chickens got so hot that they were literally dying. I remember my dad and mom and every able-bodied person we knew started pulling chickens out of the barn and laying them on the cool grass and my dad with a hose sprinkling them with cool water. He lost some, but his quick thinking and action saved most of them. I can still see the picture in my head of that grass field covered with white chickens laying in the grass enjoying the cold water being sprinkled on them.

I remember my Mom saying to me many times, “We just do our best, and trust in God for everything else.” I’m so glad that at an early age I have those lessons to look back on. Learning to trust God, and do the best we can with what we have; and the situation we are in, is a great way to find the peace that passes all understanding.

Join us this Sunday for online worship at 10:30 am on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Washington Cathedral website or App. You’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about living a life filled with God’s peace.

Blessings,

Pastor Linda Skinner

Relax in God's Peace

by Pastor Tim White

I am praying for everyone in our church family. This is a fascinating time in history. I’m not ignoring the challenges but whatever happens we are called for such a time as this. We will continue to reach out to both sides with Christ’s love regardless. We will still need to take care of our families. Our church still has a mission to share the Good News and to help the poor. We need a great caring network during this pandemic. We have people to love, songs to sing, friendships to stand by, so do not be afraid -- the Lord your God is with you!

This week’s sermon is coming from Dr. Rey Diaz on “How Not to Waste These Crazy Times”. I will be having surgery on Tuesday, November 10th, -- no matter who is ahead in the election. What a joy to have a young talented preacher to bring us this special series.

I remember when Rey first started as our Youth Pastor. He was invited steelhead fishing by J.J. Kinssies, one of the boys in our youth group. When Rey returned, I asked him how it went. He told me it wasn’t as bad as he thought since he wasn’t a fisherman. I have been fishing for steelhead since I was five and I have never caught one. He pulled out his cooler to show me three huge steelhead trout. This was his limit caught in a half day! It’s all a matter of perspective. And so is riding through tough times. Rey is going to bring us strong insights from God’s Word this Sunday. Please join us on live stream at 10:30 this Sunday.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Your Greatest Day?

by Pastor Tim White

Is it possible that the greatest day of your life is still ahead of you? Samson’s great days seemed to be over. There was the time that he defeated a whole army with his only weapon being the jaw-bone of a donkey. At that time of the Bronze Age, Israel was always complaining about the Bronze Age swords the Philistines had over them. So, Samson uses a jaw-bone for his weapon.

Samson had fallen into sin when tempted by Delilah. He was now a slave to the Philistines and being used to ridicule God. You would think his best day had passed ... right? Wrong! He prayed and God worked and as the Bible says he defeated more enemies in his last moment than he did during his whole life.

This week I will be sharing a sermon on “The Greatest Day of Your Life.” Please join me.

I felt like Samson when my surgeon called a couple days ago and gave Jackie and I the first good health news I’ve had in a year. I am infection free! And I get to have my new knee put back in my leg. Praise God and thank you for your prayers. After my sermon this week, Pastor Rey has agreed to preach a series while I heal from my knee surgery. God is good!!

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Enduring Faith

by Pastor Michael Fernandez

I will be 67 years young this November. I share this because I have seen and been through many challenging circumstances in my life.

When I was attending the University of Washington, I remember that I was still using a slide rule to figure out my chemistry and Physics problems. In my final year, some students had this new thing called a calculator, which could add, subtract, multiply and divide. (Now we have cars that drive themselves.) It is truly mind-boggling and amazing. What we are experiencing in our world today tops them all.

The one constant in this ever-changing world of ours is faith -- Enduring Faith. It is “enduring faith” that allows me to do what I do best.

My one niche in life is helping people in their greatest time of need. Showing up when they least expect it, praying with them, comforting, and sharing hope with them. The Hope we receive through God’s Spirit.

I love James Chapter 5 because that is where you will find the prayer of Faith:

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:13-16.)  

Pastor Ron Wilbur will be sharing with us from on James 5 this Sunday.  His message is entitled, “Let Your Light Shine.”

I have shared this prayer hundreds of times in my life. And you never know when you will see a miracle happen because God’s Word was spoken. I am always surprised when it speaks to me in a new and fresh way. I believe it always has a freshness since the circumstances are always different.  The passage never gets boring and it is always enlightening. And I have seen many miracles happen because of it.

I encourage you during these challenging times in our history, to listen to James and to be patient and have a little faith, “enduring faith.” You are all still here for a reason, so let your light shine.

Pastor Michael

Note:  Join us on Sunday for Online Worship at 10:30 am on Facebook Live, YouTube  Live, our website (www.wacathedral.org) or WaCathedral App.

Who Do I Follow?

by Rhonda Jones

It’s really easy in this overtly selfish culture to begin desiring the things we see around us…we’re exploited daily with advertising for new cars, financing for a bigger home and promises that all of those ‘things’ will make us happy. But the truth is things don’t make us happy. In fact, we can wind up further in debt and less satisfied than ever before. So, what’s the solution?

This week Pastor Ron will speak to us from James 4. His message is entitled, “Be a Stand-out person (because of who you follow).” So, here’s a question that we as Christ- followers need to ask ourselves: Do people know I’m a believer of Jesus by the way I live my life? A life that’s lived with intentional devotion to Him will shine brightly in a dark and hopeless world. So how can we be that light for Jesus?

James states that when we pray, we tend to pray with selfish motives and not pray for what God wants in our lives. I know I’ve been there personally. In fact, I’m going through that right now, trying to visualize where I’ll end up when I retire (which is coming too quickly). My mind seems to flit and flutter with thoughts of a lovely home near the water or in a forested area with room for a spacious garden. My imagination runs wild as I scan the homes for sale in outlying, uncrowded areas away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And then, after I’ve hoped and dreamt of what I could want for myself, God’s Spirit tugs at my heart reminding me that He would like to be involved with the decisions for my future. With a humbled heart before God I am able to ask, “What do You want for me, Jesus?” Then and only then is my heart at peace and I can rest in His satisfying presence.

I’m sure I’ve only touched on one aspect of Pastor Ron’s message this week. So join me this Sunday at 10:30 am – be sure to have your notepad and pencil in hand – you’ll want to write down all the points for living an outstanding life and keep them tucked away in your heart as a guide for living an intentional, Stand-out life!

See you Sunday for online worship on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, www.wacathedral.org, or WaCathedral App.

WORDS

by Pastor Linda Skinner

“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  Proverbs 16:24

I thank God every day for the start I had in life.  Parents who were loving, kind and had a great sense of humor.  Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t perfect, but there was never a doubt in my mind that I was loved and cherished by them both. 

Before I was even out of the womb, my mother wrote a little lullaby that she sang to me.  I can’t remember those times, of course, but I do know that somewhere deep in my brain these words were planted.  The lullaby ending with this phrase…”God sent us down a little bud for our family tree, we took her and we loved her and we called her Linda Lea.”  (Now mom always pronounced Lea as Lee.  Lee was one of my brother’s name, so she wanted mine to be more feminine, so she spelled it with an “a.”)  Even today when I type those words, it brings tears to my eyes and gives me a warm feeling all over. 

Contrasting this to the life of a very dear person in my life, who I will call Frank for sake of anonymity.  Frank grew up in a household where all he heard from his parents is about how he was the reason for their miserable life.  Many times, he was told that they really didn’t want children and that he was a “big mistake.”  Now, I never met Frank’s parents, so I could not tell you if that is how they really felt.  All I know is that the words that Frank heard were that he was not wanted or loved.  Frank was a wonderful man and he tried to hard to become more positive.  He had a huge collection of Washington Cathedral Power Capsules and he would read through those several times a week trying to let the “words” about the love of God sink into his soul.  I know Frank is in heaven now and our Savior has erased all those bad words spoken into his life, but on this earth he was never able to fully overcome the words that were spoken over him as a child.

Our words are important and, left to our own devices, they can become daggers rather than encouragement or instruments of peace.  I pray every morning that my words will be for good and not for evil as James speaks to in James 3.

This week Pastor Ron Wilbur will be teaching from James 3.  I am looking forward to what God has to say to me through Ron’s message.  Join us for online worship at 10:30 on Sunday morning – Facebook Live, YouTube Live, www.wacathedral.org or our Wacath App (IOS, Android, Amazon).

Blessings on your day,

Pastor Linda    

Love Is a Verb - James 2

by Pastor Jared Gallardo

James 2:8, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture,
'Love your neighbor as yourself', you are doing right."

Love is a wonderful thing, but what exactly do we do? James 2:8 says to “love your neighbor as yourself” which means that love is a verb. It requires action! 

Give (James 2:15-17). These verses ask the question; What good is it if we wish people well without helping them with practical needs? Donating food, clothes, and other resources are tangible expressions of love. Washington Cathedral Church is having a food drive on 10/4/20, from 2-4pm, at the church building, because we believe that love is a verb! 

Show Mercy (James 2:13). Mercy is a defining part of Christianity. With Jesus as our model, we can love others regardless of their ability to give back. 

Ask. It's never a bad idea to ask Jesus a question like: How can I love my community? Chances are, He’ll lead you to something unexpectedly powerful. 

Look: Jesus is our number one role model - the greatest example of love in action. He sacrificed his entire life and body so others can experience true freedom. If we look to Him, we can walk in his humble footsteps. 

NOTE; Join us this weekend for Online Worship on Sunday at 10:30 am. Streamed on Facebook Live, You Tube Live, www.wacathedral.org website, and Wacath App (IOS, Android & Amazon). This week we are celebrating 36 years of ministry. Pastor Ron Wilbur will be sharing on James 2 and there will be a wonderful time of praises in song and music. Our celebration continues at 2-4 pm at our Redmond Campus with our “By Our Love” Food Drive.

God Is Faithful

by Rhonda Jones

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess; for He who has promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23

When Pastor Linda asked the staff if anyone would be willing to write a blog on God’s faithfulness, my heart skipped a beat (God’s way of whispering in my ear) and I knew I had to try and share just a bit about how He’s been faithful to me.

I grew up in a ‘Christian’ home-my mom was the church soloist and my dad was the song leader and Sunday School Superintendent.  But at the age of 12 that all changed when my dad decided to leave our family.  That was a really difficult age for me…a young girl who desperately needed her father to help continue to build her self-esteem; it just didn’t happen.  I rebelled, but at 15 decided to give Jesus a chance, and boy, did He change me! 

God’s word became the structure to build my faith and get me through the road ahead.  It’s been a windy path with valleys and mountain paths to climb one step at a time.  I’m reminded of an old hymn: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will He abides with us still-and for all who will trust and obey.”   Many of you know the path I’ve walked hasn’t been perfect…I’ve gone through a divorce and was a single parent for 15 years.  But looking back, He took me through each step; and even though I faltered at times, He kept calling, wooing me back with His ever-present love. 

I now have a faithful, loving husband, two adult men for children (where did the time go?) and help lead worship at our God-blessed church.  I’ve never been in a more loving church body than those of you at Washington Cathedral.  You are always there to bless and support me with prayer and love.  And I thank you!  Oh yes, God is faithful, even when we have a hard time understanding why we’re having to go through certain trials and don’t experience His presence the way we’d like, He is there closer than our breath.  And each time we come through a trial holding His hand, we are stronger, more blessed, and able to help those around us who need to experience His presence.  These have been dark times for us, family. But keep pressing forward-God sees everything, knows our heartaches and hears our deepest cries.  Praise Him for His faithfulness; praise Him for His goodness.  He will meet your needs.

Join us this Sunday, September 27th, 2020 at 10:30 an as guest Speaker Pastor Ron Wilbur shares about the Enduring Faith of God during unsettling times.  You can join us online through Facebook Live, You Tube Live, Washington Cathedra website or App.

A Light to My Path

by Jared Gallardo

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Whatever season we are in, God's Word is relevant. Whatever we need, it is all in there! The Bible is filled with stories of God befriending and guiding all sorts of people. God also promises life to everyone who trusts Him. Testimonies and promises are what make the Word so magnetic. Testimonies are emboldening because we can read about God saving people just like us. Promises are crucial too. We rest easy when we trust that God always has our back.

Luckily for us, God doesn’t reserve hope and strength for only good days. Even when we’re smack dab in the middle of searing pain, God’s Word gives us hope (Psalm 119:50). God ALWAYS shows up. Whether we have a bad day or decade, it doesn’t matter. God continues to love. God is more faithful than we could ever imagine. Not only is he mindful of our journeys, he also weaves generations of stories together.

Psalm 119:90 recounts that God’s “faithfulness endures to all generations.” If we are willing to submit our lives to God, the ripple effect influences others for lifetimes to come. When I was 17, I gave God leadership over my life, and at the time, I was the only Christian in my family. Since then, God has undergone heavy-duty construction in my family, restoring relationships and healing wounds. Can you believe that both of my parents now follow Jesus, and that my wife and I baptized one of them this year? In the moment it felt surreal, but looking back, it's obvious that God was simply working across generations...exactly like Psalm 119:90 says.

God is and always will be faithful. Let’s trust Him today.

With Gratitude,
Jared

Note: Pastor Tim will be sharing this Sunday on Psalm 119. Please join us for online worship at 10:30 am via our website (www.wacathedral.org), Facebook Live, You Tube Live or our Wacathedral App.

Enduring Love

by Fiona Monaghan

In preparing for this blog I was surprised to find many lines within this Psalm that were familiar as they pop up in many of our worship songs; such as “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good His love endures forever…” that being a popular one.

The two verses I especially liked were verses 6 and 8 “The Lord is for me I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Verse 8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." What better words could there be for us in these present days when we are being called continuously to 'trust in men and what they can do for our country’.

When David penned this Psalm, it was at a time he found himself in precarious positions while being pursued by King Saul and his armies. Yet he trusted his God to bring him through to the other side. We get to see in observing history how God's salvation, provision and protection was extended toward David, but at that time, David needed to trust while in the middle of what seemed unending conflict.

We might find ourselves in a similar situation, not seeing a way out or how provision will come. But we have that same promise given to trust and to claim - "The Lord is for me I will not fear; what can man do to me? So, take heart and courage from these words as we move through our daily lives.

Join us on Sunday, September 13th, at 10:25 am via Facebook Live, You Tube Live, on the Wacathedral App, or our website - www.wacathedral.org - as Pastor Tim gives us some much needed encouragement from the 118th Psalm.