Today i was reading Philippians Chapter 3. This is a familiar portion of the bible in that (v. 14) is my life verse. As I was reading I thought myself about how the bible, the entire book is a love letter written by God to us.
Amidst all the hectic-ness of life, the emails, the cell phones, our daily work, isn't it awesome to know that we have a love letter from God that we can open at any time? I too, like many of us, tend to shift my bible reading to the back burner. Yet anytime I pick it up and read, i always gain new insight from it.
Here's an example. About a week ago, I was going through some old books and came across a bible that was given to me by my grandmother in 1987 (I was 14 years old). The bible was large, and as I picked it up I remembered that I wrote some things in it. As I hurried through the front index I came across a prayer that I had written to myself and a note that my grandmother had written to me. It was so cool. i had forgotten that both of these writings were there, and now 21 years later here I was sobbing at the memories this prayer brought back.
I continued reading and saw some scripture that I had underlined, and a red felt cross that was given to me at Vacation Bible School that year. Once again within this love letter there was so much that God had led me to do, and little did I know how awesome it would be to hold that bible open again and read something I and my grandmother had written.
Sadly my grandmother is no longer with me, but that memory that warm fuzzy feeling inside washed over me. Philippians 3:12 states, "Not that i have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me".
The bible is our love letter, our road map when things are not as they should be.
May God Bless your week, and Heaven Smile on you!
PJ
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
To Be Without
What an amazing week we had in youth ministry. We just completed a 30 hour Famine, wherein over 100 teens gathered, prayed and Fasted from Food. In addition teens raised money to benfit World Hope, and organization that cares for the Homeless and Hungry.
I was utterly humbled at the dedication and determination the teens of Crossroads and GAPP had to this cause. At one point i walked into the foyer and realized that many of ouor youth had invited their friends, and they too fasted for the day.
My prayer has been that this generation catches hold to causes such as this. Ones that will help them identify with those less fortunate and not only that but be willing to pray for those who are suffering in various ways.
God is ever faithful and as We have shared in youth each week, he will help you overcome any obstacles that you may see in your way. So if you are reading this and thinkinghow can help build god's kingdom, know that he has a place for you. At CWC that is what we are about, "Knowing God and Making Him Known". As our youth are catching ahold of that vision, are you?
Have an awesome and blessed week!
PJ
I was utterly humbled at the dedication and determination the teens of Crossroads and GAPP had to this cause. At one point i walked into the foyer and realized that many of ouor youth had invited their friends, and they too fasted for the day.
My prayer has been that this generation catches hold to causes such as this. Ones that will help them identify with those less fortunate and not only that but be willing to pray for those who are suffering in various ways.
God is ever faithful and as We have shared in youth each week, he will help you overcome any obstacles that you may see in your way. So if you are reading this and thinkinghow can help build god's kingdom, know that he has a place for you. At CWC that is what we are about, "Knowing God and Making Him Known". As our youth are catching ahold of that vision, are you?
Have an awesome and blessed week!
PJ
Monday, January 7, 2008
Set Apart
A Generation on Fire for God
Beyond the moment
Becoming like Christ
These phrases may seem foreign to you, but I believe they are a reality for many teens right now. I had the awesome opportunity to attend the International Wesleyan youth festival with 23 teens from CWC. What I saw among this generation greatly encouraged me. They were challenged to be Set Apart in Purpose, Purity, and Lifestyle and many of them took the challenge.
In 2008 when you have the sad train wreck that is the life of Brittany Spears, how refreshing is it that there are teens out there (more than we think) that want something more for their lives. They want to stand for the only thing that is true. A relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I shared with the teens that what they felt at this conference is more than a High, it is Jesus Christ working in you. That very phrase is the focus of a book that many of the teens picked up called, "More than a High" (see Pastor Jason's Pick's).
We all need a little pruning when it comes to our spiritual walk. Whether it be school, work, or just life in general sometimes we let things get in the way of our relationship with God. With all the things going on in this world, just as the teens were challenged, I believe that we need to set ourselves apart. Be the people that Leviticus 20: 7-8 talks about. Set apart to be holy! I am seeing this in many of the teens that I am around every day. This encourages me when I see all the bad that the world says are characteristic of all teens. Well, I disagree, there is a remnant. the true and the Faithful, and the Holy Spirit will pour out his blessings on them giving them the strength to reach a generation.
That my friends is a work of Our Great God, and it is truly something to celebrate. So you ask yourself how can I come alongside those teens that are making such commitments to live a Holy Life? Prayer!
And with that and more of what I saw in Orlando Florida from teens around the world, "The kids are gonna be alright"!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Beyond the moment
Becoming like Christ
These phrases may seem foreign to you, but I believe they are a reality for many teens right now. I had the awesome opportunity to attend the International Wesleyan youth festival with 23 teens from CWC. What I saw among this generation greatly encouraged me. They were challenged to be Set Apart in Purpose, Purity, and Lifestyle and many of them took the challenge.
In 2008 when you have the sad train wreck that is the life of Brittany Spears, how refreshing is it that there are teens out there (more than we think) that want something more for their lives. They want to stand for the only thing that is true. A relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I shared with the teens that what they felt at this conference is more than a High, it is Jesus Christ working in you. That very phrase is the focus of a book that many of the teens picked up called, "More than a High" (see Pastor Jason's Pick's).
We all need a little pruning when it comes to our spiritual walk. Whether it be school, work, or just life in general sometimes we let things get in the way of our relationship with God. With all the things going on in this world, just as the teens were challenged, I believe that we need to set ourselves apart. Be the people that Leviticus 20: 7-8 talks about. Set apart to be holy! I am seeing this in many of the teens that I am around every day. This encourages me when I see all the bad that the world says are characteristic of all teens. Well, I disagree, there is a remnant. the true and the Faithful, and the Holy Spirit will pour out his blessings on them giving them the strength to reach a generation.
That my friends is a work of Our Great God, and it is truly something to celebrate. So you ask yourself how can I come alongside those teens that are making such commitments to live a Holy Life? Prayer!
And with that and more of what I saw in Orlando Florida from teens around the world, "The kids are gonna be alright"!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
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
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
Thursday, November 8, 2007
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
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
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