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
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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
Monday, October 29, 2007
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
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
Monday, October 22, 2007
"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
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
Monday, October 8, 2007
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
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
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