My Bible and Me.

Hey all,

Funny how that title reminds me of a title of a lifetime movie, or Hallmark card. I've been thinking a lot this week about the bible, as a whole book. I hope this will resonate with you also.

When it comes to the bible, I used to underline, highlight, and generally mark up my bible with everything that was said by the pastor or speaker (probably harkens back to my college days). Flipping through my bible you would see page after page marked with notes, highlighted with color pencil, (FYI: most highlighter pens bleed through the paper) and cribbled with arrows, circles and wavy lines.

What I found happening was that everytime I opened my bible my gaze was drawn to all the artwork, and not the content of scripture. Now don't get me wrong, all the notes were good, but I have found that when I take notes, if I am clear and concise and not trying to write everything down, it makes a world of difference. Here is some scripture that I have been rereading:

John 8:56-59: Jesus himself exists outside the realm of time. He was born in a manger and yet was in existence before time.

Jeremiah 1:5: God knows each of us intimately evern before our birth.

I love and appreciate how God's word is there for us, and we have full access to it. May you utilize that access this week!

May God be with you!

Pastor Jason

Here is my shoulder.. You can lean on me

Does it sometimes amaze you how cruel people can be at times. It takes a simple flick of the television to see stories of crime, hurt, and of pain. If I were to title it as a movie I would call it, "It's a sad, sad, sad world".
While at Stony Creek last night (Summer Nights) I watched as an older gent let his anger and frustration illustrate itself through drinking. Of course the park security came, and as they did I found myself shaking my head in sadness. This is the world we are called to minister too. The hurt that people feel is pretty universal, how it is dealt with is not.
God loves us more than we'll ever know, and desires to walk with us through the painful times. Instead many are giving in to hopelessness. Let us be people that will provide a shoulder to lean on, an arm to cry on through the rough times. I praise God that I have people in my life for which I can do just that. the first step was for me to open myself up and I believe that is true for everyone. Let us be transparent and honest when it comes to our daily struggles. Furthermore, continue to pray for one another and have genuine concern for one another. Jesus Christ is what this hurting world needs more than ever!

Have an awesome and blessed week!
Pastor Jason