How am I Remembered?

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Pastor

This might seem a little self serving, but I actually wrestled with this question before I became a Pastor. I was studying the book of Philippians and came across 1:3 which says.

(Philippians 1:3) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

And I thought to myself… What made Paul remember those people in such a favorable way… (and what does my Pastor think when I am remembered)… the text gives us 3 reasons why the Christians were remembered with thanks and joy by Paul.

#1) They participated – verse 5 uses the word “fellowship”, it means to partner or participate. When God gives vision (not ambition) to a pastor, it becomes a burden to him, and it is a burden that can only be realized as the people join with the pastor to accomplish it. I remember when we first moved here and started the church, my help consisted of my wife and two daughters and they did a great job and worked very hard with me, but when those first people showed up to help us get some things accomplished, it was tremendously encouraging, because I then realized that people were sharing in the burden that the Lord had placed in my heart….

#2) They were Growing - Seeing people grow spiritually has to be the most rewarding aspect of the ministry… verse 1:5 indicates that Paul could see God doing things in their lives.. (how else could Paul know that God had begun a work in them…see verse 7 also). When someone steps up to the plate to teach or to usher, join the choir or help in a SS class or minister in some other way, it is an outward sign of God working in their lives. Anytime someone is able to put the needs of others before their own (with the right spirit), they are showing the characteristics of Christ…

#3) They were Faithful - Verse 1:7 tells us that these believers in Philippi were there with Paul through thick and thin… when something was going on they were there… when Paul needed support they were there. When I stand in the pulpit, my mind thinks of two things… thank the Lord for those who came… and I wonder what is happening to those who are not here. That last part instantly turns to a burden, you immediately want to make sure that something has not happened to them physically or spiritually. I am so thankful that the Lord has brought many faithful people to Tri-State Baptist Church. There is not a person that I know who would accept the fact that their car worked “most” of the time… or the refrigerator kept things cold “most” days. We expect faithfulness out of the things that we use and rely on… Does God expect less?

In a day where the word “commitment” is looked at with reluctance, that is exactly the characteristic that brought joy and thanks when Paul remembered the Christians at Philippi.

So here is the big question… When your name comes up on the Pastor’s prayer list… how does he remember you?

Making a difference in Thompson Ct., Pastor Berard


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Making a Difference through Parenting

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Pastor

Today, one of the toughest things to do is manage the media that your children are exposed to. Technology is not going away, so to just stick our heads in the sand and pretend that it will leave us is really not a realistic option for parents.

I have talked with several parents who allow their children unfiltered and unmonitored access to internet and e-mail and have yet to see it work out well for that spiritual well being of that child.

So let’s apply a few bible principles to this.

1) Training up a child involves restraint. Proverbs 22:6

That expression “train up” in proverbs means to “narrow by discipline”… we would never take our children to the center of New York City and let them go wherever they want to, because we understand the danger involved in that. Do we really think that we can open up children to texting, online video games, unfiltered internet browsing and other things without some restraint?

If you allow your children the privledges (not rights) of internet access or texting… put some limits on it… tell that child that you expect them to be responsible… and here comes the training part… CHECK ON THEM! Look at their phone… check their internet browsing history… some may say this is intrusive… but will you let your kids talk and be influenced by anyone? Or do you have limits?


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Having a “Mary” Christmas Part 3 of 3

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Pastor

3) Mary was concerned about the Eternal Things….Martha the Earthly things.
Notice this expression at the end of verse 42. When the meal is done, and the dishes are cleaned and all the decorations are put away…what will be remembered. What do you remember about last year?

I remember last year we had our Christmas musical drama…I remember last year we went caroling at the nursing home. But I could not tell you what we had for dinner at the fellowship or what we ate after the nursing home…but I remember the interaction with the people.

Notice the Lord’s rebuke of her in verse 41…that word careful means “anxious” Doesn’t the scripture tell us in Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Not only that, but the anxiety was causing her to be troubled, disturbed, in a bad mood. Let me ask you something…this Christmas…all the things that you have invested your time and money in…are they strictly earthly things? Or do they have eternal value. The answer to that question determines if we are having a Mary Christmas or not. In the book of Revelation, we are given the insight into a church that has taken the Martha approach to ministry.

(Revelation 2:2) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
(Revelation 2:3) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
(Revelation 2:4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Let’s remind someone that this season is all about a Virgin who gave birth to a child called Emmanuel which means “God with us”…

Turn with me please to Luke 1:76…here Zacharias is speaking prophetically…first about his son John the Baptist…then about the message that John will bring…his ministry…

My prayer for your family and mine is that we will not only have a Merry Christmas…a holiday that is full of joy and happiness….but also a Mary Christmas…a Holiday that is focused on the person of Christ.


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Having a Mary Christmas Part 2 of 3

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Pastor

christmas32) Mary was devoted to the person….Martha was distracted by the process. 39a-40 If you notice something….and this is very obvious…the whole purpose for what they are doing here in this passage is because the Lord had come to visit them.   This expression in verse 40 about “much” serving….gives us an indication that maybe Martha was going overboard…maybe she was preparing well beyond what they needed…yes they needed a meal, but something simple would have been sufficient….it seems that she was going beyond that….and I can understand that…you want everything to be perfect, if you are someone who expresses their love by serving, then there is a tendency to serve more….but Martha crosses the line and she makes the process of serving more important than the guest she is serving.

To the point where she “CAME TO” which means to burst in…she bursts into the room and accuses the very guest that she is working to express her love to of not having concern for her. What is Martha’s focus…is it on Christ….no it distracted to the “Stuff” that is going on around it. What she is doing right now is no longer about the Savior… it is about herself. … Her ministry has become a burden…

Jesus led them then to the top of a mountain and commanded that the stones be made bread. Each disciple, by this time tired and hungry, was allowed to eat the bread he held in his hand, but of course Peter’s was not sufficient to satisfy his hunger. John gave him some of his.

Many times we will spend time for the Savior and not with the Savior. How do you know which one is you….let me ask you something. And may the Spirit of God do its’ work…When you went out to do your shopping did you see only hordes of people in the stores, or did you notice the expressions on some of their faces because they are as sheep without a shepherd.

If you have gone this season without passing out a tract, or speaking to someone about the Lord or inviting someone…then you are distracted by the process of Christmas and you have missed the devotion to the Person.
You are cumbered about much serving…you are having a Martha Christmas…and the person of Christ becomes secondary to the process of Christmas…and the whole thing becomes a burden.

Remember Martha is not a bad person or a person who does not have faith…or a person who does not love the Lord….she is a person who is distracted…that is her sin….and we will see it in just a moment.

I have been reading the Christmas story during part of my devotions, and the most amazing thing to me is found in Matthew 2….when Herod inquired of the Chief priests and scribes… these men, knew the prophecy…they knew that Jesus would be born 5 miles from where they sat. but they missed it…because they were caught up in the process and not devoted to the person.


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Having a Mary Christmas Part 1 of 3

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Pastor

Luke 10:38-42 portrays a contrast between two women who both love the Lord Jesus Christ. The contrast is made between the way they are prioritizing an event that is taking place in their lives… think about this for a moment.

If you search online about stress during the holidays… you will find articles on “Managing Stress”… “Tips for surviving the Holidays”…. Fox news had an article regarding “7 ways to Avoid Holiday Stress induced Acid Reflux”. And it doesn’t take long to realize that people view the Christmas season as having the more stressed attached to it than any other season.

And I can understand financial concerns… but there are the cards to send out, and the decorations to put up, and the things to do and the get-togethers, and the family that you may not get along with but you have to see during the holidays.

Have you ever been in a position around this time of the year, when you will just be glad when it is all over. The cards and the decorations and the presents and the shopping, and the wrapping and the money that is spent and the visits that have to be made…and “man I will be glad when this is all done”.

If that is you…and I have to admit, there have been years when that is me….but if that is you this year…you are not having a “Mary” Christmas, you are having a “Martha” Christmas.

So what is the difference…1) Mary was balanced….Martha was Busy. 10:39-40a
Some would have the impression that Jesus and the disciples showed up and Mary immediately went to the feet of Jesus and Martha was stuck doing all the work, and of course the thought is….well if Martha doesn’t do it then how is it going to get done.

But the solution to this thinking is found in that little word “ALSO”. It means that Mary was helping Martha and doing her part, and then when the Jesus began speaking, Mary sat down…and right here is the key…Martha allowed herself to be “Cumbered”… The word means as I mentioned distracted…it means that as you go to do one thing, two more things come to your mind to be done, and as you go to do those two things 5 more things come to your attention….you have seen the people that I am speaking of…they are always busy… it is a feeling that they are comfortable with. They are workers, they are comfortable working…but at times it is to the exclusion of the most important things….Christmas is about people…not events.

A Mary Christmas puts her emphasis on the Lord….Notice the difference….Martha welcomes Jesus into her home…Mary welcomes Jesus into her heart.

Has your emphasis this year been on the Lord? Do your Christmas cards emphasize Santa, or Christ…What about your decorations…What about in your gift giving. I know that so and so needs a new tie or a new sweater, but do they also need their own bible? What I am suggesting is that we not compartmentalize the holiday into the religious side and the holiday side.

What does it profit you to live your life for Jesus all year long just to follow the world at Christmas? And we do the same things and get caught up in the same mindset. Part 2 next week. May we use every opportunity to focus on Christ this Christmas.


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Keeping it Together Part 2

Posted on November 6, 2009 by Pastor

communicationcupsLast post we saw Man’s expectations in marriage and how it leads to frustration…  but what did God have in mind for married people?

(Genesis 2:24) Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

God has three expectations for a human marriage relationship…

#1)  Leaving, mom and dad…  this is not forsaking them, nor dishonoring them… it is a restructuring in the relationship….our daughter just got married in July, we can still give input into her decisions, but she no longer is under our authority, her greatest concern now is not what do mom/dad think, but what does her husband think.

There are husbands and wives who may live thousands of miles away from their parents, but have never left them.   As a married person, your primary ministry is to your spouse.

#2) Cleaving – this word means to “be stuck together like glue, to adhere one to another”.    This has to do with permanency, too many today decide rather than work it out, they will just give it up.    That is never a permanent solution… do you realize that statistically, 50% of 1st marriages end in divorce, 60% of 2nd marriages, and it gets worse from there.       But I find that in many marriages, especially those that have been married for a while, the relationship has not separated, but has become a test of endurance.     The spouces will not separate, but they never achieve God’s purpose, which is “becoming one flesh”

#3) Becoming One Flesh so we may leave, we may even stay together (cleave) with the attitude that we are going to stick it out…  But for many we never take it to God’s fullest expectations which is to become one flesh. And that is where God’s best waits for us.

Because becoming one flesh involves Intimacy – and achieving intimacy involves work.    Consider these three components to intimacy.

a) Fellowship which is sharing what the Lord is doing in your lives.

b) Companionship – which is not being afraid to spend time together, the implication of this word is two people who are traveling in the same direction…

c) Friendship – your spouse has to be someone you consider your best friend….think about the way we treat our best friend, there is concern for them, there is interest in their lives, there is compassion, there is taking care of them….all of these are rolled up into friendship.


That last part…where God’s best waits for us happens by Communication this is the vehicle that takes us to becoming one flesh.

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Keeping It Together Part 1

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Pastor

DSC_0139

We have two wedding milestones this year in our family…  First is the beginning of a new marriage as our oldest daughter married a fine Christian man this summer (picture by Kent Boyle).  Second, my wife and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this December.   When you see the picture up above of the newlyweds… it is clear to see that they are happy and anticipating God to do great things in and through their marriage.

But let’s be honest… most marriages don’t stay in the honeymoon stage…  (except mine of course)…  most marriages are exposed to their fair share of trials, changes and challenges.   So in this day and age of divorce and irreconcilable differences… how do we keep it together.

It goes back to our expectations…  what are some common unrealistic expectations in marriage?

#1) Expecting our Spouses to be just like us. My spouse will like what I like, and feel what I feel.  She will be a morning person, she will like to hunt and fish,  and when I feel like getting out and cleaning the yard she will too, and when I feel like sitting on the couch watching old John Wayne war movies she will too.  When I need to be comforted my spouse will understand that and feel like comforting me.   That is exactly like it is right?

#2) Expecting our marriage to never have a problem. No one realistically goes into a marriage expecting it to never have a problem or a disagreement….but we are Christians, we try to live by biblical standards,  we will never hurt each others feelings, right? We will always be constructive in our discussions, no one will yell, we will never let the sun go down upon our wrath, we will work it out.

#3)  I expected my spouse to know what my needs are and to meet them. The common statement is “Come on, we’re married” you know what I like and what I don’t like…and if you are doing something contrary to that then it is obvious that you don’t love me.

I think it would be helpful to refresh ourselves to the story of Naaman and Elisha in 2 Kings 5:8-12…  We see a king who gets very upset that his expectations were not met… even though nobody knew about them but him.

We started with this subject because this is the cause of many problems in a  marriage….when we have expectations that are not met, we have disappointment, or hurt feelings, or anger.   This is where conflict in a marriage comes from….unrealized expectations.  And rather than take all of the things we expect and see if we can get our spouses to live by them…

I think it is necessary for us to look at what God’s expectations for marriage are…and then see how ours (and we) line up with that.

Part 2 will be God’s Expectations in Marriage

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It is All About Perspective

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Pastor

Flowers_____053-thumb1.jpgThere are times in our lives when circumstances look overwhelming… they are seemingly insurmountable… we don’t know if we will overcome them, or they will overcome us.

But how we overcome the problems and trials of life have everything to do with perspective. Both of these pictures are of the same flower (Thanks Danielle)… one of them is from an earthly perspective and it appears larger than life.  Flowers_____002-thumb1.jpgThe other is from a more heavenly perspective, and it looks very manageable. Can I suggest to you this morning that when the circumstances of life look like more than you canhandle… see which perspective you are looking at them from.

Earthly perspectives make problems and trials look overwhelming because we are trying to figure out how we will handle them. A Heavenly perspective includes the Lord’s ability to change the circumstances… or to give us the ability to go through them as we put our trust and faith in the Lord.

So it really is all about perspective !! (Hebrews 12:2) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;…”


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Can God Search Us?

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Pastor

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” (Psalm 139:23).
I think we are somewhat familiar with David’s cry in this Psalm. But I wonder how familial we are with the concept that David is speaking of.

There is no doubt that God’s Word can have a probing effect on us… we see in Psalm 19 that God has designed it that way. I believe the struggle comes in when God’s Word points out something that we don’t necessarily want to change.

Sometimes it is a habit, or an emotion, or a way of approaching things that we have just grown comfortable with… and even though God’s Word says that what we are doing is wrong… we are content with NOT changing in that area.

My prayer in my own life and for your life is that we can pray “Search me Oh God”… knowing that there are no areas of our lives that are “off limits” to God.


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The Harvest is Ready !

Posted on August 8, 2009 by Pastor

WheatThere is no doubt in my mind that there is a harvest of people who are in need of hearing the life changing message of Jesus Christ.   The Lord in Matthew chapter 9:37 declared that “The harvest truly is plenteous”.

The very next command is to pray for laborers….   but I believe that the key to this passage is found in the “compassion” that Jesus Christ experienced.  It is from this compassion… this desire not just to pity or to feel bad for… it is a compassion that compels us to action.   I believe that type of compassion only comes when two things take place.

1.  Being with the multitudes. There is no substitute for being with the multitudes…   because of the pace of the society we live in, this is the easiest thing to dismiss as being “impossible” for us….  our schedules are already jam packed.  It is this very thing, that when neglected, allows us to continue on in our lives… thankful to God for what He has done in our lives, but without concern for those who yet  grope for answers in life.   Notice that the compassion that the Lord displays is a result of being with the multitudes and seeing them for what they really are going through.      So compassion comes first from being with the multitudes… but also

2.  When we live unselfishly. If you look at John 4:35 where Jesus makes a similar statement… he tells the disciples to “lift up your eyes”.  It is when we take our eyes off ourselves and look at the condition of those around us that “compassion” will be awakened.    We will not minister if our eyes are on ourselves.

As we worked these past few weeks inviting children to our Vacation Bible Time, I saw many parents who were looking for fulfillment in life through the use of drugs or alcohol…   I saw many parents who thought that the answer to fulfillment in their children’s lives was a sports program or some camp somewhere… and there is nothing wrong with sports and camps… but the real answer for them is the Lord Jesus Christ.

These things don’t discourage me… I see all this as opportunities for God to do a wonderful work in their lives… and it is then that we notice that the Harvest really is plenteous!!

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