God's word! I believe that it provides us the comfort and the safety that this world will never give us. Ephesians 5: 18-19 says it so eloquently as we are instructed to worship, " speaking to yourselves in Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"
As I have said many times I am so stoked that each week I get to see teens lay all their cares down before God. Living out the words of Psalms 34:1. That is truly something beautiful. I had a teen come up to me last night at GAPP (Sr. High) and reveal to me how awesome it is that for at least 2 hours a week a youth group they can come and be themselves, not worry what people thought of them, etc.... I shared with her and I share with you, "YOU CAN HAVE THIS PEACE ALL THE TIME". I think we put God in a box in thinking that our weekly meeting, or Sunday morning is the only time to meet with God. In truth we have ALL ACCESS, ALL THE TIME!
In that same way it is time we mobilize and start talking to our friends and family about Our Great God. We come up with so many excuses. so many days are spent chasing obligations in nothing special seems to stand out as worth remembering. But think of the challenge of sharing the Hope of our Great God with everyone we come in contact with! That has ever been my challenge to the teens and to everyone I come in contact with.
One prayer that has been on my heart is this:
"Lord, it's so hard to pray for this world, this era, my family, my friends, the mistakes I make
They seem so big and so overwelming and complicated. Help us to know what and how to pray through your spirit"!
And that is where God will begin a work that you could never imagine!
May God bless you and Heaven smile on you all!!!
Pastor Jason
Friday, April 4, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
His Passion... His Love....
Well it has been awhile since I wrote. I was off to school for one week in Stroudsburg, Penn (and a visit to NYC). For those of you who don't know I am currently taking Ministerial Classes through the FLAME (Fellowship of Leaders Acquiring Ministerial Education) through the Wesleyan Church. I had an awesome week (Shout out to ET and the FCW Crew!)
Upon returning home (and you know I was recharged and ready to go) We began Holy/Passion week with Crossroads/GAPP watching the movie, "The Passion of the Christ". What an awesome night as about 30 teens and a few adults came out to view this film. In a world that fills our teens heads and tries to occupy most of their time with AIM, MYSPACE, as well as all the daily drama at school, what an awesome time of prayer we had. Teens falling on their knees, pouring out their hearts after having seen vividly the suffering Jesus Christ went through. Ladies and Gentleman, THE TIME HAS COME FOR OUR TEENS TO TAKE A STAND FOR CHRIST! Whether or not you have teenagers is irrelevant we have a lot of them at our church, you need to be on your face praying for them.
John 1:1 illustrates this, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God"~~ that is who our savior is. Be reminded of this, this week Holy/Passion week begain on Palm Sunday with many of the people welcoming Jesus into Jeruselem singing "Hosanna in the Highest", and laying Palm branches at his feet. Today (Thursday) and Tomorrow (what we know as Good Friday") the same crowd was yelling, "Crucify Him". but Praise God that SUNDAY he did for me, and for you, because he loves us so much HE ROSE! AGAIN! That is the heart of the story, the GLORY of his LOVE!
May the Grace of the Lord be with you all!
Pastor Jason
(PS: Midtown Comics (above) was AWESOME!!!!!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Can you imagine?
Ha, more thoughts from me! Can you imagine what it will be like when we see our savior face to face. I know that the song, "I can Only Imagine" comes to mind, but have you ever really given it much thought.
Lets take a look at this. If there is one certainty in life it is that one day we will all die. What really matters most in life is how we serve the one True God, how we live our life, the relationships we forge, the family and friends that we love. these are the things that really matter.
Have you ever stopped to think about the things that really matter? Sure we get caught in the everyday trials and tribulations, but when it all boils down, it is about us and God. I tell the teens all the time, what really matters is that God loves you and this is so true for all of us. Truth be told whenever I hear the song, "I can Only Imagine", I always think, Pastor Jason Fullum what will you do when that day comes, when Jesus comes back. Will I bow down, will I cry, will I sing songs of praise. all I really know is that there will be such a joy to finally see my savior face to face. That is our hope and joy. hold onto it, because the world wants nothing more than to rip it from you. but God is ever faithful, and if you don't know that joy, then I think it is time that you give Jesus Christ a try. I promise he will never fail you!
Have a blessed week!
Pastor Jason
Lets take a look at this. If there is one certainty in life it is that one day we will all die. What really matters most in life is how we serve the one True God, how we live our life, the relationships we forge, the family and friends that we love. these are the things that really matter.
Have you ever stopped to think about the things that really matter? Sure we get caught in the everyday trials and tribulations, but when it all boils down, it is about us and God. I tell the teens all the time, what really matters is that God loves you and this is so true for all of us. Truth be told whenever I hear the song, "I can Only Imagine", I always think, Pastor Jason Fullum what will you do when that day comes, when Jesus comes back. Will I bow down, will I cry, will I sing songs of praise. all I really know is that there will be such a joy to finally see my savior face to face. That is our hope and joy. hold onto it, because the world wants nothing more than to rip it from you. but God is ever faithful, and if you don't know that joy, then I think it is time that you give Jesus Christ a try. I promise he will never fail you!
Have a blessed week!
Pastor Jason
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Something Beautiful!
There is something beautiful about that first spark of Christianity for people. That is, when they come to the point of realizing the majesty of God.
In the old testament when you read of people like Moses, from the burning bush to the plagues to the Exodus from Egypt (see Exodus 1-20) I sometimes think to myself, "I wish God would show up in amazing ways like that". I mean who can deny a voice coming from a bush on fire, or 10 plagues that are obvious physical signs.
So thinking through further, (and you know that I love to do that), I wonder what miraculous signs of God are we missing as a community of people. Well, I go back to my first statement. There is something beautiful and miraculous about the person that has lived a life of Alcohol and Drugs that comes back to you. The recognizes that without God there is no satisfaction. With so many temporary fixes, I desperately desire that people latch on to the real thing.
You want more:
this morning as I woke up I heard birds chirpiong and as i looked outside the sun was sitting up there like a big bowl of yellow and orange fire. who made that happen? Sure scientist's will argue and debate atmospheric pressure, and the natural configuration of planets (I used to be a scientist so I could go on and on about how we try to figure out everything) but the bottom line is that it is God. He orchestrates a symphony of beauty every day and we go on in our own little world, with it's drama and trials and forget to acknowledge him. Just watch the trees will soon begin to flower, and the snow will be gone, the air will get warmer, and still we ignore him. We put God on the back burner for the things that are temporary.
I tell the teens each week, after reading a book that is awesome (so that means get a copy) called "It all goes back in the box",when all is set and done all the "toys" go back in the box. All the school drama, money, gf/bf, all those things that we think are more important will go back in the box so to speak. At that point we will stand before God. The things that God did in the bible are awesome and beautiful but don't think he is not working today!
Don't miss it people.
Don't miss the BEAUTY of each and every day.
Don't miss the BEAUTY that a true authentic relationship with God holds for you!
That is totally and truly something beautiful!
May God Bless You and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
In the old testament when you read of people like Moses, from the burning bush to the plagues to the Exodus from Egypt (see Exodus 1-20) I sometimes think to myself, "I wish God would show up in amazing ways like that". I mean who can deny a voice coming from a bush on fire, or 10 plagues that are obvious physical signs.
So thinking through further, (and you know that I love to do that), I wonder what miraculous signs of God are we missing as a community of people. Well, I go back to my first statement. There is something beautiful and miraculous about the person that has lived a life of Alcohol and Drugs that comes back to you. The recognizes that without God there is no satisfaction. With so many temporary fixes, I desperately desire that people latch on to the real thing.
You want more:
this morning as I woke up I heard birds chirpiong and as i looked outside the sun was sitting up there like a big bowl of yellow and orange fire. who made that happen? Sure scientist's will argue and debate atmospheric pressure, and the natural configuration of planets (I used to be a scientist so I could go on and on about how we try to figure out everything) but the bottom line is that it is God. He orchestrates a symphony of beauty every day and we go on in our own little world, with it's drama and trials and forget to acknowledge him. Just watch the trees will soon begin to flower, and the snow will be gone, the air will get warmer, and still we ignore him. We put God on the back burner for the things that are temporary.
I tell the teens each week, after reading a book that is awesome (so that means get a copy) called "It all goes back in the box",when all is set and done all the "toys" go back in the box. All the school drama, money, gf/bf, all those things that we think are more important will go back in the box so to speak. At that point we will stand before God. The things that God did in the bible are awesome and beautiful but don't think he is not working today!
Don't miss it people.
Don't miss the BEAUTY of each and every day.
Don't miss the BEAUTY that a true authentic relationship with God holds for you!
That is totally and truly something beautiful!
May God Bless You and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Friday, February 15, 2008
Prayer and the Power of God
Well what an awesome week it has been in the Lord. Now, if you are reading this, and you were at GAPP last night, this will mean alot and become so much clearer. As you know, this week I have been wrestling with something spiritually. As I walk around the various schools, and in some of the people I meet, I was overcome with a sadness for those who are Lost and Don't know Jesus as their savior, and those who have walked away from Christ. I have had a number of sleepless nights this week, where God has prompted me to wake up and pray and read scripture. In the quietness I have waited for him to speak to me. Below I have detailed a God-sighting in my Life I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by this, (this means you GAPP:)
After such an awesome night in prayer at GAPP last night I arrived home, and as I prayed before I went to sleep I opened up my bible to Psalm 119, and began to pray scripture. Pray for my teens, and overall those that don't know Jesus as savior. WHAT A GRACIOUS GOD WE SERVE! I got a good nights sleep! I am convinced that the words of Psalm 119:105~~ "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" were mean't for me to read before I layed down. God answered my prayer in a way I did not expect. Ladies and Gentleman: He is Awesome!!!!! But you know what, it was not until I prayed on Thursday "Dear God, whatever this is I am going through, teach me, mold me (The Potter''s Hand). It wasn't about me asking "Why me", but total surrender to God. I know you may be thinking that is a dangerous prayer, and yes it was so hard for me to say, but praise God that I did. Giving up our burdens and concerns to Christ, total surrender is what we are called to do.
To many of the teens who surrendered something tyo God, or have been surrendering something this year. I encouraged you to keep on seeking God's will for your life. Let God arise and guide you through. Our God is THE God who saves!!!! He reigns now and Forever! Praise the Lord!
May God bless you and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Ps: I had a full night's sleep last night!
After such an awesome night in prayer at GAPP last night I arrived home, and as I prayed before I went to sleep I opened up my bible to Psalm 119, and began to pray scripture. Pray for my teens, and overall those that don't know Jesus as savior. WHAT A GRACIOUS GOD WE SERVE! I got a good nights sleep! I am convinced that the words of Psalm 119:105~~ "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" were mean't for me to read before I layed down. God answered my prayer in a way I did not expect. Ladies and Gentleman: He is Awesome!!!!! But you know what, it was not until I prayed on Thursday "Dear God, whatever this is I am going through, teach me, mold me (The Potter''s Hand). It wasn't about me asking "Why me", but total surrender to God. I know you may be thinking that is a dangerous prayer, and yes it was so hard for me to say, but praise God that I did. Giving up our burdens and concerns to Christ, total surrender is what we are called to do.
To many of the teens who surrendered something tyo God, or have been surrendering something this year. I encouraged you to keep on seeking God's will for your life. Let God arise and guide you through. Our God is THE God who saves!!!! He reigns now and Forever! Praise the Lord!
May God bless you and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Ps: I had a full night's sleep last night!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Next Level
In my personal devotions this week, i have really felt the urging that God wants to take all of us to another level. i think sometimes that the struggle for some is that we are too afraid to take a step out.
Remember when you learned to ride a bike for the first time. i remember that time for me vividly. They year was 1980, and I had a Pittsburgh steelers dirt bike (w/ Jersey #1 on it, not sure who that was). My dad bought it under the agreement that I would learn to ride w/o training wheels. Well for about a week we set off each summer morning with my dad's hand guiding me. I was so nervous about falling I would even try to guide myself with the nearby fence as it stretched around two backyards including ours.
Well, as I began to TRUST more. I began to let go of the fence, and then suddenly i didn't feel my dad's hand under the seat. I was going to another level. the funny thing is the first several tries my dad would run along behind me, not holding the seat just in case.
We need to realize that this is just how our Gracious God is. Hebrews 11:1 talks about what faith is. Ihad to have trust and faith that my dad was their with me. I cannot tell you the overwelming sense of security that I had just knowing my dad was running right behind me and would catch me if I stumbled or began to fall.
I believe that God has really called us to take that next step. To trust in the fact that he is right there with you running alongside you in all the hurt and pain that you may be facing. As Paul preached to the Corinthians in I Corinthians 11:1 (ironic: same chapter and verse as Hebrews:) He speaks that we need to follow his example, as he follows the example set by Christ. Wow, those are humbling words. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is God wanting to take me to the next level in my spiritual walk?
~In what ways?
2. How is my prayer life? Am I trusting God to hear my prayers and see me through?
Commit these things to God this week!
Have a great and a blessed week!
PJ
Remember when you learned to ride a bike for the first time. i remember that time for me vividly. They year was 1980, and I had a Pittsburgh steelers dirt bike (w/ Jersey #1 on it, not sure who that was). My dad bought it under the agreement that I would learn to ride w/o training wheels. Well for about a week we set off each summer morning with my dad's hand guiding me. I was so nervous about falling I would even try to guide myself with the nearby fence as it stretched around two backyards including ours.
Well, as I began to TRUST more. I began to let go of the fence, and then suddenly i didn't feel my dad's hand under the seat. I was going to another level. the funny thing is the first several tries my dad would run along behind me, not holding the seat just in case.
We need to realize that this is just how our Gracious God is. Hebrews 11:1 talks about what faith is. Ihad to have trust and faith that my dad was their with me. I cannot tell you the overwelming sense of security that I had just knowing my dad was running right behind me and would catch me if I stumbled or began to fall.
I believe that God has really called us to take that next step. To trust in the fact that he is right there with you running alongside you in all the hurt and pain that you may be facing. As Paul preached to the Corinthians in I Corinthians 11:1 (ironic: same chapter and verse as Hebrews:) He speaks that we need to follow his example, as he follows the example set by Christ. Wow, those are humbling words. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is God wanting to take me to the next level in my spiritual walk?
~In what ways?
2. How is my prayer life? Am I trusting God to hear my prayers and see me through?
Commit these things to God this week!
Have a great and a blessed week!
PJ
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