Never a Wasted Moment - By Pastor Michael Fernandez

Frequently in our lives we fall into the “Woe is Me Syndrome.” Why is God letting this happen to me? Why now? In our society these days we want to have all the answers and sometimes the answers are just not there. We think we are in control, but we really are not.

In my Senior year in High School I can remember running cross country for my school and I was pretty good at it. In fact, nearing the end of the season I was considered either the third or fourth best in the city depending on the length of the race. The shorter the racecourse the better I did. I had been working really hard on my final kick and was getting ready for All District as we approached the last school meet of the year. Warming up for that meet I was tight all over and was having a hard time loosening up.

I wanted to do my best because my dad was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack. Well, as I was stretching for warm up, I pulled my sacroiliac muscle in my lower back. I had to be picked up and laid into my parent’s station wagon. I was taken to the doctors and given a cortisone shot.  For the next week I was flat on my back all the time.

And with one week left before the District Meet, I started to do some training in the pool at school.  Here I had run at least 15 miles a day for a year in preparation for my Senior year and ultimately the coming District Meet, then the All City Meet. I didn’t even know if the doctors would let me participate. I was devastated. Why did this happen to me?

I eventually ran the race and stayed up in the front of the pack for about half the race, but my legs gave out and felt like rubber. I finished 51st in the pack of about 300 runners instead of third, second or first. That was a tough day for me.  My coach tried to tell me it was a victory for me just finishing, but I had none of that at the time.

I wasn’t a Christian then and I wanted to know why this happened to me?

Fortunately, the experience got me thinking and searching for my purpose in life and eventually lead me to a personal relationship with Jesus.

I understand now that God uses everything that happens to us, and he does not waste anything.  Our Father is with you and has chosen you.

I encourage you during these challenging times in our history, to listen to Joshua, “be strong, courageous, and lean into God.”

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . .”  — Joshua 24:15 NIV

 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 NIV 

Join us Sunday at 10:25am as Pastor Rey Diaz brings us another sermon in the series “How Not to Waste This Crazy Season” with his insights into “Keys to Facing the Future.” Bring a notepad as he makes some great observations.

It will be the first Sunday in Advent, so we have a special treat for you.

Limits — Hindrance or Help

By Rhonda Jones

During these Covid times we’ve had many limitations placed upon us: the wearing of a mask in public, washing our hands more frequently, having our temperature taken before entering the doctors’ office or some businesses and restaurants, being forced to work from home, the inability to visit our loved ones who may have contracted the virus and are forced into isolation because of it….I could go on and on. But the one limitation that feels the most invasive at this Holiday Season is the limit of social gatherings…being asked not to be with our loved ones or gather for Christmas services during this most memorable and special time of year.

But aren’t most limits put in place to help us obtain a semblance of some balance in our lives? Aren’t limits good for us? We can fight against limits-but that usually ends up most of the time to our own detriment. The Apostle Paul was limited. In fact, he had asked God specifically in 2 Corinthians 12:9 to remove his limitation. But God answered Him with these words that are full of God’s love: “My grace is sufficient for you. For My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore (Paul states), I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses (or limits) so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Maybe some of you are dealing with physical limitations. I had surgery in late August to repair a torn rotator cuff on my left shoulder. Now shoulders are tough to heal…they take months of rehab and usually a year to complete the healing process (I know this because I tore my right rotator cuff 3 years ago and had to have that repaired first). My physical Therapy was going along very nicely until one day recently in October I reached forward and caught myself from falling and felt a little give in my left shoulder. Ever since then my shoulder has decided it wants to stop progressing-it is limiting my use once again. It has limited the length and time I can use my arm freely without pain. But my body knows when I’ve had enough and carefully reminds me through pain that I need to stop my activities for the day. Pain is a reminder I’m pushing my limits.

These Covid times have also limited one of the greatest joys of my life-and that is leading the choir at Washington Cathedral. I miss the moments of hearing their voices soar together in God’s beauty and grace as they proclaim His glory to those gathering for worship. I miss our weekly congregational greeting as we share a quick moment of love with each other before the service begins. But I am so grateful to have experienced the love we have at Washington Cathedral with each other…it is a powerful love from God that unites us as family, especially during these Covid times.

This Sunday, November 22nd, Pastor Rey Diaz will be sharing about how limits force us to lean into God-to trust Him with areas that are beyond our control. Be sure to grab your journal or iPad and join us on Facebook Live at 10:25am, YouTube Live, or our Washington Cathedral website or App. This message will enlighten your understanding in a healthy, new way. See you Sunday.

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.