Pastor_David's blog

Years ago I heard preacher talk about something he would do every New Year’s Day. His own father had died at a relatively young age from heart disease, and this pastor knew that longevity did not run in his family. So, in his private prayer time on January 1, he would read Psalm 90. In this psalm, Moses praises God as he contemplates the brevity and uncertainty of human life. He talks about God’s unchanging faithfulness and at the same time affirms his awareness that his own lifespan is limited and that someday it will end. The pastor would read these words and then pray back to God the petition that Moses makes in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The pastor would then say to God something like this: “Lord, thank you for giving me another year of life. Help me to remember that someday my life will end. Give me grace and courage to live every day for your glory, not to waste my life and take time for granted. Help me to do this for the glory of your Son, whose own life was cut short for me. Amen.”

2012 has been a difficult time for ACC financially. For the first time in our church's history, we may fall significantly short of reaching our budgetary goals. If you are able to send an extra year-end git to help support this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. For information about how to give online, click here.

Here's the cutest children's Christmas play that I think I've ever seen click here.

The violent shooting last week in Newtown, CT left our entire nation in a state of profound grief. Knowing that most of those killed were small children filled us with shock and outrage. It broke our hearts.

Jesus was born in a small town where something similar to this happened. (read more)

You are invited to join us in a traditional service of Carols & Lessons, Sunday, December 16 at 6:00pm at the Astoria Center of Israel Synagogue. Hear again the scriptural texts that tell us of the nativity of the Savior. Sing with us beautiful carols that celebrate the advent of our King. Worship with the ACC adult and children's choirs as they lift their voices in praise to the Lord.

Do you know the names of your great-great grandparents? I don’t. I’m sure I could look their names up somewhere, but they certainly don’t roll off my tongue.

If this is any indication of what awaits me, then in just a few generations I will be completely forgotten, too. (By my own family!) Before you start feeling sorry for me, let me point out that this will probably happen to you, too.

Over 100 billion human beings have lived on this planet. Only a tiny fraction of us are remembered by anyone 100 years after our deaths. Yet, oddly, most of us live our entire lives trying to prove that we are “somebody.” We are obsessed with the idea of being noticed by others, proving our worth in comparison to our peers, and making a name for ourselves. How silly. That this quest for self-promotion takes place in Christian circles is sillier still.

I recently read a book called Embracing Obscurity that shines light on these truths in ways that were very refreshing to my soul. (Read more.)

We have all experienced disruption because of the hurricane that hit our region. I want to encourage you to be in prayer for those who have suffered devastating loss because of the storm and also for the many emergency workers who are responding to this crisis. Let’s also look for opportunities to reach out to our neighbors and fellow Community Group members to help with their needs. If you, or someone you know, need immediate assistance recovering from the storm, please contact our church office at 718-721-3440. We have a number of individuals who have offered to help in a variety of ways.

To donate toward hurricane relief through Hope for New York click here.To see their list of places needing volunteer help click here.

I am thrilled by how many individuals from our congregation have contacted church leadership to express their willingness to help others in need because of the hurricane. I thank God for the servant-like attitude of his people. Let's be in prayer for those who suffered loss from the storm and for God to give us all patience as we deal with the inconveniences caused by the lack of transportation options.

How should a Christian citizen approach the civic duty of voting? I found Kevin DeYoung's thoughts on this subject to be helpful. Click here to read.

The most direct route to personal happiness is through unselfish service to God and others. Why? Because of the gracious reward God bestows on the selfless.

This quote from Jonathan Edwards explains this well. Click here to read.