Hope to carry on

So for those of you who know me pretty well, you may know that the title of this blog is a song that lay close to my heart. It is one of the first Christian songs that I have ever heard.That is where my thinking is3 days before we celebrate the birth of our savior. My question to you, is do you have the hope to carry on.
It's funny that right after we celebrate Jesus' birthday, I am always left with at weird feeling between Christmas and New Years. No sooner does December 25th end, that we begin a rush toward New Years celebrations. I find myself out of sorts during this time (will be more interesting because this year I will be at the International Wesleyan Youth Convention in Orlando Florida:)
As I have been reading and praying over Luke 2, my prayer is that this Christmas season we all have the hope to carry on.
in Christmas Eve we will do one of my most favorite things at our Christmas Eve Service. We will have a candlelit ceremony. There is something peaceful about the lighting of candles, with the lights dim, focused in prayer and worship. It is a time that I love every year! So as we continue to march on, through the hustle and bustle, don't miss out on the Hope that Christ gives us to carry on!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jason

Be Encouraged!

Hey all,
Well another post from PJ. Isn't it funny sometimes how God can move? Sunday night after church I was doing my devotions (daily bible reading) and I came across a scripture that was just so cool (I know, I know, they all are:) Well the scripture was: Psalm 97. I encourage your to read the chapter in its entirety. In short, the chapter talks about how God is our awesome conqueror.
In Sunday "cool" on Sunday we watched "The Nativity Story". What an awesome representation of our Great God. When Mary was approached by the angel who told her of the glorious thing that was about to happen, I got butterflies in my stomach. We need to remind ourselves that God is so awesome! Later in verse 4 of that chapter, it talks about how God's lightening, lights up our world.
Now for those who know me, know that I love storms, and I've always thought of lightening as one of the signs that God is still in control of things (If you have ever seen a picture of lightening in the sky, or seen it ripple across the landscape of the sky you know what I am talking about).
As the Christmas season is upon us, don't forget how awesome our God is. Rejoice, that even during the hard times he hears us.
And as I depart a special shout out to all those teens at Malow Jr. High. It was awesome to meet all of you and share God's word with you!!!
May God bless you and Heaven smile on you!
Pastor Jason

Warning: The Golden Compass

Hey all,
Well back from Honeymoon'in. Thank you all for all your prayers and well-wishes during mine and Shelly's time away. We had a safe, blessed and restful time.
God is ever faithful. As we returned we found that what is commonly known as, "The Christmas Rush" was full in swing. Amidst that rush is what Hollywood terms as the "Holiday movie stampede" Among those movies due to be released is a movie called, "The Golden Compass". I cannot warn you enough that as Christians this is a movie that is masquerading as a kid-friendly movie, but is totally the opposite. Please note the following:
Phillip Pullman: Writer of the books that the movie and future movies will be based upon:

1. Claims that he is an atheist or agnostic. He made this statement: "If there is a God and he is as the Christians say, then he deserves to be put down and rebelled against"
2. He has attacked Christians on all fronts:
~of CS Lewis (Narnia books/films) he has stated:
"Lewis' books are the Christian ones, MINE ARE NOT!
3. In the last of the books written by Pullman, "The Amber Spyglass" the characters actually KILL God who is shown as a dementia-laden old man.
4. He deals with Demons (called daemons) as pets, and has various views on teenage sexuality.

I write this because parents need to be aware of the filth that is masking itself as a fantasy film along the lines of Chronicles of Narnia, thus many Christians who are not informed will no doubt see it. Please spread the word of what this movie (the release date is December 7th) represents.
Be informed!

I firmly believe that our faith will not be toppled by these books or this film, we must safeguard our children and teens against things of this nature that totally pervert what we believe!
Stay well!
PJ

Authentic

If I were to ask the question, "What does it mean to be an authentic Christian"? I think for however many people there would be just that many answers. This week we talked about being the person you say you are. Many people walk around saying that they are Christian and that they believe in God, but don't stand up for him when the opportunities present themselves.
That is to be authentic as much as possible. I think of the example of Raisin Bran (yep: CXR/GAPP: you knew I would use this example) This is my favorite cereal and if I were to take a box of it and cheerios came out (I hate cheerios) Iwould not be happy. Cheerios would not be what I want or expect. That is how we need to be as Christian, that is, not using the emblem to mask something, but actually to be the Christian man or woman we say we are.
Then the question comes about, "What of those who don't believe"? Well it is up to each of us to seek the Holy Spirit as we talk to one another, and live our lives. God will give us the words/actions to say or do as it pertains to sharing our faith. We all have people in our lives that are looking for a relationship with God. Some of them have been burned by the past, running from God, or just too stubborn to actually try God so they try everything else possible.
Know that the words in I Corinthians 10:13, that we are not given in to temptation, that God will never put more on us then we can bear. You all know that I am definitely a man of action, and I believe it is definitely time for us all to start living out this scripture better. To be the authentic Christians that God has called each of us to be!

May God Bless you and Heaven smile on you!
PJ

The NEXT Level

What an AMAZING weekend for many of our teens from CWC, as well as many others from our district. For a weekend all were recharged using the words of scripture, that is, I Timothy 4:12. These weekends can be such and awesome emotional high. My prayer as their youth pastor is that it would not just be about emotions, but about them realizing that they are not all alone. As I said last week, there are many more teens out there than even we realize that are desiring to take a stand for Christ.
My challenge to them was that they get into God's word, embrace the responsibility of not being afraid of what God has to offer, but prayerfully seeking it.
Over the weekend, something awesome happened, and it was humbling for me to watch God move through a group of teen. As I sat and listened (away from sight) a group of teens shared their faith with two teens staying at the hotel who were not apart of the conference. It was not done in a threatening way (ie.. You are going to go to Hell if you don't believe.) but they shared the love that Jesus has for them and how he wants to have a relationship with them. They also shared how their lives had been changed as a result of having Jesus the Christ as the head of their lives. It was an awesome moment to see God working though these teens and practicing what has been preached to them.
All in all, my prayer has been that the momentum gained will spill over into Crossroads/GAPP and ultimately Community Wesleyan Church, as well as churches around the world. I truly believe that there are world-changers just waiting for the opportunity to share their faith. That opportunity is NOW and people are ready. May God give us all the courage to be world-changers!
PJ

"Masks"

Perhaps you have never thought about this but....
Unfortunately in our society, whether teen or adult we are encouraged to wear masks. This will be our topic this week at CXR/GAPP. As Pastor Mick talked aboout the Blessings of God on Sunday, I began to think of all the blessings that God has for us. Even through the tough times he is there with us, that is an awesome blessing that we sometimes glance over. He wants us to be authentic Christians, yet we continue to shortchange ourselves by trying to be too much like the world. Similar to wearing a physical mask, we put on a spiritual mask.
It is a hard thing to try to be consistant in an inconsistant world. A world that tells you that your value is not from God, but from wealth, status, how you look among others. Moreover, it is amazing that we underexpect God, and the gifts that he has given each one of us. i am really excited to see the direction of Pastor Mick's series on Blessings. Taking some time to read over the scripture from Sunday will be an awesome way of letting the words of scripture be our guide and not the culture around us. That same culture that encourages you and I to put on a mask, (you might call it a spiritual mask) and be someone that you are truly not. One excellent book that I have read (and re-read on occasion) is Josh McDowell's book, The New Tolerance. One of the focus scriptures in this book is Ephesians 5:1-2. The scripture talks of being imitators of God, who created us, not of the world.
Sobering words in a world that teaches us to terate everything, and as I see in ministry it is occuring younger and younger.
Know that God has some awesome things planned for you and I. This week as you pray, focus on God's grace for us, and if the masks that this world has encouraged you to wear is a burden for you, give it over to God!
PJ

Disciples

One of the most important marks of a disciple of Jesus Christ is Godly character. We should never minimize the importance of the, "Gifts of the Holy Spirit", yet is is the "Fruit of the Spirit" which identifies the true follower's of Jesus. As Pastor Mick spoke last Sunday, Christians around the world are in danger of becoming complacent. That is, I have my ticket to eternity, you better get yours. When instructing his disciples Jesus said, By their fruits you will recognize them(Matthew 7: 19-20) Many are gifted, yet the real test is the character, habits and lifestyle of the individual.
I have met many people who have charisma, but it is their character that is essential. That yet in trials we can have pure joy (James 1:2,3). So as it may seem the world around us is crumbling we do not suffer in fear, but stand tall and strong in the fact that we will persevere (whoa. I just noticed that this rhymes). With God as our foundation we shall not fall, though storms may come, we will stand tall.
My prayer is for that person who is struggling with how to share Christ. Know that you have that ultimate strength in Christ Jesus. He will be there with you on the mountain and in the valley.

May heaven smile on you,
PJ

HE REIGNS!

Isn't it awesome how God moves? Even when we least expect it God is still evident in our world. I am encouraged that tomorrow (Thursday), I will have the opportunity to speak at Eisenhower High School to the Stand-UP group (this is a Christian Teen group that meets every Thursday for prayer, bible study and support). One of the teens in GAPP was able to make this happen by wanting to stand up for her faith daily.
As I think about the recent weeks it is awesome to me how God is moving in so many different lives, especially the lives of our teens. In addition to the above event, I am looking to help start a after-school bible study at Richmond high School. As one teen confessed to me, "my school really needs it!". If you are a teen reading this, pray and think of ways that God can use you to spread his word! And for both adults and teens alike, Believe in the Impossible!! If you are thinking about starting a bible study at your school, or just want to pray for your school daily, I would love to talk to you about it. This is such a testimony to this generation that is crying out for more than the temporary things that this world has to offer.
To illustrate this, during youth this week I used the example of 3 items. (1)a padlock. (2) moth balls, (3) can of spray paint. I asked the teens what do these items have in common. By the end of the message I told them they all preserve/protect something. That protection is only temporary, but the protection that God offers us is eternal, and will never fade away or get broken into.
Be in prayer for our future. That future is our youth! that God will continue to bring forth doers of his word. those that are not ashamed to raise the banner high and let the world know that HE REIGNS!!!!
PJ

See you at the Flagpole 2007

As this week begins, I find myself thinking on the many ways the God is evident in our lives. On Wednesday Sept 26th, at elementary, middle, and high schools around the nation. children, teens, Pastors and caring people will gather around the flagpoles and pray for our children for this school year. Now you may think that this gesture is small, but I think that it is huge. To see our young people praying, especially in a public forum such as this, is to be applauded.
During the 1950's a popular Christian song carried the message, "If I am dreaming, then let me dream on". The author had been told that his Christian beliefs were, "a pipe dream". His response was inn this message. The 1970's-90's many Christians began using the phrase, "Our God is an Awesome God", a great song was even written incorporating that very real phrase.
And now as we face a new millenium, if you just look around, this world has no place for our loving God. But the few that will stand up in prayer for what they believe in will keep the message alive, just as those songs did. So whether you are a parent, child, teen, single person, older adult, if you are able to be at a school and pray, that is exactly where you should be. If you can pray during this time at home, do so. Be encouraged, we are talking about the next generation, and should Jesus tarry in his return, they will be the leaders of the future. And maybe, just maybe they will be the ones to undo what was done many years ago~~ that is, to put prayer back IN the schools permanently. Remember our God is an Awesome God!
PJ

In GOD we Trust

The challenge:
As I heard from God's word, through Pastor Mick on Sunday, and during my personal devotions, I have been thinking all the ways that we need to trust God more. I am so encouragaged by the many people that have taken up the challenge to volunteer and help out in the various ministries of our church, and prayerful that those who feel God speaking to them will also give of their time and talents to build the kingdom.
I was reading I Samuel 17 this morning, one of my favorite stories. How God took a small, shepherd boy and made him a king. How God had picked the one who would lead, and it was not who many would have picked. Isn't that how our Great God is? He does the unexpected. What does God want to unexpectedly do in your life? Perhaps it is to have you help out in our various ministries. One ministry that is dear to my heart is the Visitation ministry. I firmly believe that much like God used David, God used two men from CWC to minister to me by visiting me at my home shortly after my first visit to CWC 8 years ago. My heart was so touched that I would recieve a visit, as my mom lay sick, and I had just recieved Jesus into my heart, these two men visiting my home and bringing me cookies just warmed my heart. Flash-forward 8 years later, and I serve as youth pastor at CWC. Wow! What a Great God we serve!
So as you think on God's word this week, remember he can make a way out of no way!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you!
PJ

9/11: The pursuit of God

Today is a day as they say, "shall live in the history books". 9/11, the date brings back so many memories. What you were doing that fateful day and time. The war that continues to rage. I think of our kids. To many that will be coming to Crossroads Jr high youth group tonight. This day does not have all the emotional impact it does for those old enough to remember the day vividly. Sure they may remember that something terrible happened, but as we rewind 6 years, that would mean that the incoming 6 graders were 6 years old.
So the question becomes how do we preserve the memory, that our kids realize how much we must rely on God. For instance, it was always interesting to me that shortly after 9/11 I was at a baseball event and i never heard "God Bless America" sung in the 7th inning with such reverence. Now all these years later, once again at a baseball game this week and I listened once more, people were going through the motions and no one really cared.
We want God to bless us, but the question becomes what are you willing to do to be blessed. Philippians 4:7 is the focus verse for our youth group this year. The peace of God that it speaks of, is the peace that transcends all. The peace that you can have in times of trouble, in times of pain, death, and in times of tribulation. For many 9/11 each year will mark a sad time, and if you read your bible you know that things will get worse. But as the scripture finishes, let your hearts and minds be guarded in the only thing that provides us with eternal safety and security. That is, Christ Jesus!
Stay Blessed!
PJ

Remember who you are

Well,
My first big planning event as youth pastor (along with the paraticipation of many~ PTL for you all) has come and gone. Just a few facts. We were able to give info about CWC to over 700 people during the parade. Our youth band reached the many who were there on Saturday and Sunday evenings. What an awesome time. The teens also collecteted over $600 for youth activities by assisting with parking for the Craft Show. PTL
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, I was able to pray with a 7 year old. His father asked me to pray for his son, and it was my honor to do so. So my challenge for you today is to Remember who you are in Christ Jesus. Much like the Fishermen who cast their nets out again at the behest of Jesus, we can do all things through Christ who strengthen's us. I am overwelmed by how God can use us. He can enable us to do those things we think we can't.
I pray that those that received the information. My prayer is that they come to know who they are in Christ Jesus. That they will know:

1. You are not ordinary
2. You were created on Purpose
3. You are Free
4. In him we are all overcomers

So don't just think it. Believe it!
PJ

The Reality that comes from Above

As I drive around sometimes I look at the expressions on the faces of people and it saddens me the void that is so apparent in some of their eyes. It speaks to the loneliness that i think many feel. That void can only be filled by God Mother Theresa once said, "The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved". This is so true.
I think we all struggle with loneliness and trying to fill the void in ouor life. That void can only be filled by the love of God. The more we focus on allowing his will for our lives, the less lonely we will be. Our relationships both earthly and heavenly will be blessed.

PJ