John Dawson

As a Man Thinks-Proverbs 23:7

2012-01-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

I may have blogged before on this passage but I'm continuing to gain new insights on these awesome words. In fact, this Sunday I am preaching on them as I fill in for a local Pastor at his church. Everyday I see people who don't know how to properly think of themselves. They think they are losers, or addicts, or good-for-nothing people. One young man I am mentoring told me one day- I want to be a good man- to which I responded, "you are a good man"

You got to see yourself as God sees you! We look at our performance and conclude we are failures. Its like we have a report card on our self. If we get straight A's God will love us. If we get D's look out for His wrath.

As a man thinks so he is! Who are you? What do you think of yourself? How do you imagine yourself to be? What would you like to be? Lots of questions that I often get frustrated with. So I turn to the Answer! His name is Jesus! He loves me just the way I am and He loves me enough not to leave me where He found me. He loves me enough to tell me I am a sinner but that I am still someone that He loves and died for. He then journeys with me on a new path.

When you see yourself in Christ you can say, "yes, I am a sinner but through Him and by His grace I am a forgiven and dearly loved child" Everyday is a new beginning to live as His child. Every day is a new year, a chance to start over in our walk with Him.

You don't have to let others define who you are. What you wear, what you drive, where you live, none of this defines you either. Your past cant define you nor harm you and the future doesn't have to scare you or define you either. You are God's child if you want to be!

As a man thinks- God thinks you are pretty cool......do you?

In Christ,
Pastor John

He Died For Me!

2011-10-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

When someone does something great for us we say we "will never forget this!" We are eternally grateful. I want you to think about God and the revealing of Himself through the person of Jesus. You are worth so much to Him that He went to the cross and died for you to pay for your sins so that they would not keep you out of heaven when you die. Better news than this does not exist!

This past summer in one of my dealings with someone at work this person told me to save my prayers for someone who does not need them. They told me that after this life there is nothing and that they are fine with how their life is right now and are content to live that way till they die. Sadder news than this does not exist for if nothing changes for this person they will have an eternity of regret.

If there is no such thing as an eternity of hell or heaven then mission work doesn't matter nor does telling others of Jesus. But it does matter because they do exist. And the Good News is that no one has to go to hell. Jesus truly took our place. A book that I read this summer describes His death in ways I never understood before.

Picture Jesus on the cross. He is not there by chance. He wasn't at the wrong place at the wrong time. He knew all this would happen. It was planned. Along with the physical suffering of being nailed to a cross I want you to think of all the pain in the world. I mean all the pain- all the hurts and tears and suffering from the past, the present and the future of every individual ever. Imagine if all that pain could be put into one ball that could be hung around the Savior's neck. That is what He suffered also.

And there's one more thing- now picture a whole eternity's worth of hell. (can we even do that?) That also is all tied up in one ball! That is what He suffered as well!

Do you get it? And He did it all for you! Think about this the next time you say Jesus died for me.

Greater love has no man than this- that a man lay down His life for His friends.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Come and Get It!

2011-07-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

The other day at the youth center where I work there were some black children speaking in a different language to each other. Around staff they immediately switched to English. They were excited to be going outside to play. I heard one kid say to the other as they passed me, "come get your snack pak" I thought to myself how treats and playing are all the same for kids no matter what language, tribe or nation.

There are so many places in Scripture where God says, come get your snack pak. Come to Me you who are weary and tired....Come all who are thirsty....

We are told that in heaven around the throne will be gathered many tribes and nations. The need for all mankind is the same- we are lost in our sin and that means eternal death.

The solution is the same as well for all mankind- One Savior Jesus Christ who defeated death and paid the price for our sin.

He's asked us to share that Good News with others. We sometimes make this very difficult when it just might be as simple as one kid inviting another to come and get his snack pak!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Of Roots and Things

2011-05-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 3:16-18 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

I enjoy this time of the year when I can plant new perennials and other flowers. Its been a challenge however with the weather. It seems we are on our way to spring and the winds turn north and that lingering chill is still with us. I planted my purple fountain grass too early. It looked great when I put it in the pot. But after too much wind and cold it looked beaten and torn. The blades turned brown and I was about to throw it out and start over.

But then a few nice days came and the nights did not get so cold. I looked at the grass and I couldn't believe it. The blades were turning green and new growth was appearing. I was pretty excited and also relieved my $48.00 was not wasted. The root system is what saved it. The root system was in tact and strong.

Look at the above verse again. Paul's prayer was that the Ephesians would be rooted in Christ so deeply that they could have power! He doesn't say to have power to do great things but power to KNOW Christ! Power to know His love and just how big it is.

Once we know His love for us that is what changes things in our lives.

Do you feel worn out and tired? Do your "blades" look brown? Do you feel dead? Wish you could start over? Have the harsh winds of life taken their toll on you? Go back to your foundation! Go back to what Christ began in you- Phil 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

By grace, you have roots that go deep and in time will produce the fruits of what God has planned for you. For now, bask in the warmth of His great love- love that sent Him to a cross so that you could live with Him forever.

Go and share this Good News for He paid too high a price for one soul to be lost!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Strong Enough But Scared!

2011-05-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:18 says that perfect love drives out fear! A friend and I were talking about how great it would be to be free from fear. What great things we could do in the name of Jesus.

We have a little dog that weighs about 13 lbs. We keep her in the laundry room during the day when we are gone. A little gate keeps her from roaming the house. The gate is meant to be wedged in between the door frame. Sometimes it is a hassle to set up but now we have learned that all we have to do is lean it up against the frame and that is enough to keep her in. She's strong enough to knock it over but she is afraid of it. To her its noisy especially when it falls over. When its across the door she knows she is trapped until we set her free. Sometimes in the morning when I leave I look at her and tell her she could knock it over and be free but she doesn't listen. Fear, not the gate, keeps her in the laundry room.

I'm sure you have figured out where I am going with this. Aren't we just as silly as our dog? So much power is within us through the grace of Jesus. So how do we get rid of this fear? Actually we let God do that for us. The selected verse says that perfect love drives out fear! Scripture tells us that God is love and since He is perfect that makes Him the perfect love which is driving fear from your life even at this very moment!

And that includes the fear of death. Isn't it wonderful that the risen Jesus proclaims to us that He is the resurrection and the life! If He conquered death there is nothing in your life that He cannot overcome.

Don't let fear keep you from living up to your potential. Hear the voice of Jesus tell you are free to do whatever He has planned for you! Trust Him and you will see no gate can contain you!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Jesus, Remember Me

2011-04-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Some powerful words were spoken from the cross that first Good Friday. When a thief who was hanging next to Jesus asked the Lord if He would remember him, Jesus answered, "today you will be with Me in paradise." Our God remembers us and forgets our sin! We Christians cherish that Good News! And we celebrate it again with joy this Easter season.

Back in 1986 one beautiful morning in spring, a bird flies right toward my office window. It would be the last time it would fly. God remembers! A thousand years ago on the planet Venus a tiny meteorite landed near a medium-sized crater, dislodging 3 marble-sized rocks. God remembers! He remembers any bird that falls. He remembers everything He ever created. He knows how many hairs are on your head. He remembers every tear that has ever slipped from the corner of your eye. You may have wiped it when no one was looking but He took note and put it in a bottle for safekeeping. Listen to David in Psalm 56:8, Thou has taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Thy bottle; are they not in Your book?

Yes they are. The details of your life are all in a book and He constantly reviews it as He guides and directs your life. I'm not going to forget He says. I was there when your fat little fingers were pulling yourself up in your crib as you cried for your mother because you thought you were forgotten. I was there when you stood at the grave and cried for your mother because you knew you wouldn't see her again until that wonderful reunion in Heaven. I am here He cries. I'm here for every broken promise and every shattered dream. I remember you and I love you. Just look at Me on the cross. The only thing I don't remember is your sin.

This is why Jesus could look at the thief and say, today you will be with Me in paradise. Today the thief was going to heaven! Such beautiful words. We are not forgotten by God. Jesus was on the cross for us. He was forsaken but we are not. When we die it will be the beginning of a new life we can't even imagine!

A Blessed Easter to you all!
In Christ,
Pastor John

No Where to Lay His Head

2011-03-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Matt 8:20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.

Interesting verse! Sometimes I hear people say that God doesn't understand them, that He doesn't really know what they are going through. Sounds like Jesus can understand homelessness.

My team and I were reaching out to a girl who had become despondent. She didn't know where she was going to live because rent was due and funds were short. She opened up to us how she had been on her own her whole teen life. I found out her parents are in prison.

I starting thinking about the dream of Bill, Dustin, and I to have a Project 52 Retreat Center someday. Wouldn't it have been cool to say to this young woman, "hey, come to our retreat center and you can stay here for awhile while we help you with a game plan."

Im sharing this with you because I believe there are readers out there who share the same passion we do. I sense God doing some awesome things with all three of us, with the ministry, and with you.

God has called us to reach out to people including the ones who are wondering where they will lay their head.

Please pray about this dream of ours to give people hope and to help them rest in the arms of Jesus who understands them and loves them beyond our comprehension.

In Christ,
Pastor John

I Heard the Bells

2011-02-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

Sights and smells can trigger memories. When I took a part time job at Hy-Vee this past fall, I immediately went back in time when I walked into the back stock room. The smell reminded me of another super-market job when I was in high school. It was one of my favorite jobs so it was a good memory. It was a time of dreams and goals. I was finishing high school and about to enter college to pursue my dream of being a pastor. I worked hard and saved money for school. I was young, excited and full of hope.

Sights and smells. The smell of fresh fallen leaves, the sight of a tree standing tall in the woods; praise God for sights and smells!

And then there are sounds that do the same. I recently took a full time job working with youth who are at risk. At the center where I work I saw a library book lying on a table in the main office. You know, the ones covered with wrap so little fingers don’t get them smudgy. I opened the book and the crinkling noise whisked me back to a time when the teacher opened such a book and read to me. I don’t know what it was but it was a pleasant sound and a sweet memory. One of being safe and learning things that would take me into a world of exploring my dreams! The power of a teacher is amazing.

I still think about my world of being a pastor. I have been one for over 22 years. Right now I don’t have a church and I miss things about that very much. But for now I am content to wait and see what God has planned for me. I don’t think He is finished with me yet. I knew that when the other day I was going into the Bowden Youth Center and I heard some church bells ring. It was as if the bells were calling me to something that I could not explain. I longed to be in a church at that precise moment. As I walked into work I began to wonder if for now this was my church. Perhaps the bells were calling me to make a difference in the lives of young people and to give them hope.

Perhaps one day they will see or smell or hear something that will remind them of the encouragement they received to pursue the dreams anyone can achieve if given the chance.

I look forward to hearing the bells ring again.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Mysteries

2011-02-17T02:40:00.000-08:00

1Cor 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

I’ve always enjoyed watching and reading mysteries. Why is it then that the mysteries of God’s ways sometimes annoy me? Probably because I’m a sinful human. No doubt because I’m impatient. A mystery movie will be over in a couple of hours. A mystery book in a few days. But the mysteries that my life is made up of can take years to unfold. Feel that way too?

Picture a foggy morning. Hard to drive in isn’t? In the above verse Paul is telling us that life is sometimes like that fog. Now we see dimly, now we know in part. You can’t know the whole thing if Scripture tells us we only know in part! Life is like driving in a fog at times but God has promised someday that the weather will break and the sun will shine. We will see Jesus face to face and all will become clear. The mysteries of this life solved!!!

I'm learning to make peace with the fact that I don’t have the answers for everything. As a Pastor I stand in awe along with you as we experience the mysteries of God’s ways. (Pastors don't know it all!) Some things are just plain beyond my understanding too. I am not always sure what He is doing in my life or yours but one thing is for sure...God is good and He loves you! Trust Him and get excited about seeing how the mystery will turn out!

In Christ,
Pastor John

The Lord Will Provide

2011-01-31T20:10:00.000-08:00

How do you trust God? Let's say you just found out some horrible news regarding your health. You're told, "trust God" If I'm told that I'm thinking, so how do you trust Him in this situation? What does it look like?

This past week in my devotions I was studying Abraham with a friend of mine. We were talking about the bone-chilling story of Abraham being asked to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord. Can you imagine? But Abraham loved nothing or no one more than God, so he took his son up the mountain along with the firewood. On their way up Isaac asked his dad, "where is the sacrifice?" Just think what Abraham must have felt like. What would you say in response to your precious son?

What Abraham says is what trusting in God looks like for me. "The Lord will provide" Amazing words! The Lord will provide....I don't know how or what it will look like or what it will take but HE WILL PROVIDE. I love those words because it makes it very real for me. I don't have to wonder if I'm trusting Him enough. I don't have to put any pressure on myself. I simply say (even if it is hard to believe at times) "The Lord will provide"

The story of Abraham and Isaac turns out fine. (You can read about it in Genesis 22) Trust that your story will turn out fine too. And when you want to know how to trust more or what it looks like just simply say the words, "The Lord will provide" Let Him do the rest- its what He's best at!

In Christ,
Pastor John

No Period!

2011-01-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Heard a neat sermon yesterday in which the Pastor explained how in Ephesians 1 there is a bunch of run on sentences in the Greek version of this text. Paul, the writer of Ephesians is going on and on about the blessings of God and its like there was no time to even put a period.

I like English grammar so I looked into this more. A period is used to end a sentence. Interesting how Paul is talking about how we have been blessed by God. He says we were chosen by God, that He has given us a purpose, that we are included in His plan, that we were marked with Him, and that our inheritance is guaranteed! Do you realize all that is yours when you believe that Jesus is your Savior?!!!

No wonder in the Greek this is a run on sentence. A period ends a sentence and maybe Paul was using this as one more way to show us that our praise to God should never end!

I pray you know these blessings personally. And I pray that when it comes to thanking God for all He has done that we use run on sentences over and over.

(sorry grammar teachers!)

In Christ,
Pastor John

The Urgency of NOW!

2010-12-26T05:07:00.000-08:00

2 Cor 6:2 I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

It's the day after Christmas. And the world sure emphasizes the word "after". It's time to turn the carols off that everyone is sick of since they have been playing since October. Its time for the after Christmas sales. Its time to start thinking of New Years. What ever happened to the 12 days of Christmas?

Someone had shared with me that they wondered why they hadn't received a card from me yet. This was still 3 days before Christmas! It was as if I was late in their minds. The urgency of now really matters when it comes to Christmas. Get the shopping done! Get the cards done! Get the baking done! And get it all done now! Try this experiment- say Merry Christmas to someone in the next couple of days and see how they react. Yes, the world is ready to pack it all up and go on to the next thing. We've waited for the Savior to be born and now that He has arrived we're exhausted. Can't we enjoy His birth for a couple of days? Maybe I'll still send a card this week or even blog a Christmas message for Project 52!

The Scripture tells us that the only urgency in life is the urgency of knowing Jesus as your personal Savior. You have no idea if you will be around to celebrate the New Year. You also do not know if this coming year will be the year that your life ends. Are you ready? Now is the day of salvation!

Just think what it would be like if the same urgency to be ready for Christmas was placed on being ready to die? Again, are you ready? Don't let another day go by. Seek Him out like the wise men. Go to Bethlehem like the shepherds. Receive the One who has already been looking for you and who loves you enough to come and die on a cross for you so that you could be forgiven and ready for heaven.

I'm not worrying about what I did or didn't get done this Christmas. Or even what I have or don't have this Christmas because I have the Savior, therefore I have everything! Its time to share that Gift with others because NOW is the day of salvation!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Maybe It's the Seventh Day!?

2010-12-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

Joshua 6:3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days.

For those familiar with some of the basic stories of the Bible, the story of Joshua has to rank near the top. AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN! This was the best part of the story. Kids love it and adults are still amazed how Joshua with the power of God conquered the city of Jericho. He did not do it with normal military strategy. He did it by following the command of God. The command is in the above verse- march around the city once and do this for six days.

I wonder what the city thought? I wonder what Joshua's army was thinking? March? Did they feel silly? Were they made fun of? In the VeggieTale's version of this story the "Peas" are throwing slushies at the army as they make fun of their daily march. But the people keep marching. I wonder if they grew weary on the third day? I wonder if on the fifth day they were thinking, "this is crazy." I wonder if on the sixth day they felt like idiots wondering how a city can be taken by marching around it.

On the Seventh day God gave different orders: march around the city 7 times with the priest blowing trumpets. And they did and with a shout the walls came tumbling down! The city had been taken. The people had obeyed.

At Project 52 we like to talk about how God has a plan for each of us. You might not know it but the plan includes a great victory for those who know and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Personally when I think about God's plan for my life I sometimes grow impatient as I wait. When I see nothing happening (like walls still up) I wonder if I can continue to march. What I often forget is that it might only be the third or fifth day of God's plan.

Or get this, it might even be the seventh day but I have only marched around the city for the fifth time! Only 2 to go! I would like to encourage you today in your walk with the Lord. DON'T GIVE UP! Whatever it is that you are waiting for, whatever tragedy that you are trying to work through remember that it might be the seventh day- in other words, victory is just around the corner. Soon we will look upon all our enemies, whether people or things, and we will rejoice that the walls have come down! The key is to wait upon the Lord and to obey.

The gift this season is victory, soon, very soon, walls will come tumbling down!!!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Look At What I Got!

2010-11-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

2 Peter 1:19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Remember how as kids we would say to our friends, "look at what I got"? We couldn't wait to show them something that was given to us. What if we had the same excitement over having the Word in our lives!

How are you coming on being in the Word? Remember, you will do well! In the verse I've chosen for this blog God is telling us that the Word shines like a light in a dark place. And we know the world can seem dark and hopeless at times. Sometimes our own personal worlds could use a little "light on the situation" And what does God give us? His Word of promise and peace. The Word that tells us we are forgiven, that death has no power over us, that we are never alone!

I've been itching to buy a new Bible lately. I love books but I haven’t bought a Bible recently. Some of mine are getting old and kind of worn. Isn't it great to know that what’s inside will never fade or grow old? I looked through some of those old Bibles, a couple from friends, one from an uncle. And then one from my parents at Christmas back in 1972. I would have been 11. What they wrote I share with with you.

This book Johnny will teach you all you ever need to know about life. May Jesus bless you and show us all the way to heaven.

Thanks mom and dad and thank you Lord, for a gift that still gives after all these years! I will do well to pay attention, so will you!

Look at what I got, look at what YOU got!!!

In Christ,
Pastor John

God Moments

2010-10-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we like to talk about luck or coincidences. The better word would be God Moments. He's always working in our lives and therefore the things that happen are God ordained things. If our lives are in His hands then it is not a coincidence that normally one would have been in the Twin Towers but on 9/11 wasn't. God has a plan for our lives and there is great comfort in that.

We've been talking about God Moments at Project 52 alot lately. Things like how Bill, Dustin and I met. How the spelling of our last names determined our seat order on a plane and that's how our relationship started! Things like a delay in one of our tree plantings for a couple who lost a baby and then we end up planting the tree on National Infant Loss Day! It's neat to see God working in our lives and in the world.

Martin Luther once said that God gives us the promise of resurrection not only in the Bible but in every leaf that appears in spring. How's that for a God moment in nature? As the leaves fall I see buds just waiting for next spring. It will happen not by luck but because God made it that way! Because of Christ's victory over the grave I see tombs just waiting to give up those loved ones we cherish. That too will happen because God said so!

What a day that will be!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Like A tree

2010-10-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

Psalm 1- Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Project 52 and our Trees to Remember Ministry. There is so much to draw from Scripture, especially when you read this Psalm and also Psalm 52.

I have been helping a friend farm this week bringing in the harvest. And there is alot to draw from there as well. I see crops well watered and those not. I see trees standing tall and strong and some not. I watch the chaff blow away but see the crop safely stored.

For those in Christ, that is those who believe in and call on His Name and claim Him as their only Savior- you are the crop and the tree standing tall. The wicked things we have done have been forgiven and that gift of grace works in us to live a life pleasing to God.

One day the harvest will come and all the garbage of this world will blow away and God will safely gather His own. What a comforting thought! As His "trees" continue to stand strong by being watered with His Word.

Its the only way to stand during drought- just like a tree!

Psalm 52 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

So, What Ya Thinkin?

2010-09-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

The mind is powerful. And the Bible tells us that stinkin thinkin has more power than you might know. But so does good thinking! Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.

So often we let others influence how we think. We like to think they don't. Why is it that we learned as kids- sticks and stones may break my bones but names never hurt me. Oh trust me, names hurt. A parent says you are lazy or no good so you grow up believing you are lazy and no good. A girlfriend says you are too skinny so you spend your whole life working out trying to prove her wrong. The list of examples goes on and on.

May I suggest we start thinking about ourselves the way God thinks of us? When are minds are filled with the love He has for us in spite of our sin it is overwhelming. The Bible says Jesus died for us while we were sinners. He calls you sons and daughters! He bottles your tears when you cry! Think about these things not what people have told you about you. Maybe there is some truth to, "names never hurt me" They may hurt but they don't have to have a negative effect on us our entire lives.

The Bible also tells us that we can take captive every thought. The power to do this comes from God working in our lives. Ask Him for His help. So, what are you thinking about yourself? If its negative (I'm a loser, I'm such a sinner God could never love me, etc) then take it captive.

As a man thinks so he is. I love it! I am a child of the King. I don't have to feel it, maybe today you don't even believe it. But say it, think it and remember, so it is!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Nothing to Prove

2010-09-14T05:28:00.001-07:00

An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics. The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on top of his desk and wrote on the board: "Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist." Fingers flew, erasers erased, textbooks were filled in furious fashion. Some students wrote over 30 pages in one hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair. One member of the class however, was up and finished in less than a minute. A week later when the grades were posted, the rest of the group wondered how he could have gotten an "A" when he had barely written anything at all. His answer consisted of two words: "What chair?"

Just by saying something does not exists doesn't make it so. The Bible says to not be taken captive by this world's philosophies. Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Some say, based on reason, "what God?" But God says in Proverbs 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."

The only fool I want to be is a fool for Christ! (1 Cor 4:10) He is real and He exists. I can't prove it to anyone but I can share Him and let the power of His name take it from there! That's awesome and may it encourage you in your witness of Jesus. Don't worry about proving Him, just share Him! Tell of all the great things God has done for you!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Keep It Simple

2010-08-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Simple doesn't mean ignorant or unimportant. It means uncluttered and easy to understand. I like understanding things. When I don't, I ask about them or research it.

I remember ministering once to a man dying of cancer. As is so often the case, we are often served in our attempt to serve. He served me in a very special way one day when I asked him what his favorite Bible verse was. It was John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. I asked him why that was his favorite verse. He told me, "because its so simple Pastor, God loved us and came to save us." Wow!

In a world of confusion I love that simple message. Recently I have had some tough conversations with people regarding being saved, and what it means to believe in Jesus. Some people make it so complicated and after awhile my head spins. Here is an example of not keeping it simple. In one of those conversations someone said to me, "well what does the Bible mean by 'world'?" Did Jesus really die for everyone?

You're kidding right? What does it mean by world? The last time I checked the word world means world, that is all the people that have lived, are living and that will live. No one is going to tell me that God didn't love the entire world and send His Son to die for it on the cross.

As I write this I am thankful for a faithful servant (who is now with the Lord )for teaching me that in the midst of deep theological discussions we have a simple message to go back to. If God loves the world then He surely must love me.

Call it simple but don't call it ignorant.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Use Me Lord, But Not in That Way!

2010-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ever thought that way? I have and did recently in Peru on the mission trip. We were speaking at a Pastor's Conference. They were seeking some of our wisdom as North American Pastors. Sounds cool, huh? Maybe I will speak of Christ's second return or on Baptism. Maybe I will speak on how to do outreach. Use Me Lord! So what do I end up talking about? How a Pastor carries on ministry in the middle of a divorce. I was mad. My fellow missionaries looked at me when the question was raised. Of the 5 pastors on this trip I was the only one who had gone through a divorce. They wanted me to speak from the heart and tell my story. I didn't want to because I didn't want to be divorced at that moment. I'm remarried and can't I just forget about the past. But God wanted me to talk. He wanted me to help the young pastor who came up to me afterwards seeking more "wisdom" from my experience. He wanted to know if and how he would make it through his wife leaving him.

Maybe you are in a place in life where you don't want to be. I mean, who signs up to be an expert on the tough subjects of divorce or illness or death. But if we truly want God to use us then we have to be willing to share our story in order to help another person make it. Joseph shared the ugly details of his brothers rejection with them only to remind them that God had a plan in all of it.

If my pain can help someone else get closer to Jesus isn't it worth it? Someone once said that if we learn from our pain then it is not wasted.

I learned another definition of grace on this trip. Grace is God using someone even when they don't want to be used in that way. I could have talked about Baptism that day but God had other plans. (I'd rather He be in control, how about you?) God softened my heart that day.

May God use you, me, Project 52 in the way that He wants not in the way we want.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Mighty? But I'm Scared!

2010-07-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, if this were a homework assignment I would have failed! (I did not get it in on time.) No blogs forever, sorry! And now I find myself on the eve of our trip to Peru. A ten day mission of teaching and encouraging pastors, helping at the orphanage, street evangelism and who knows what else! We are also teaching a lesson to the children based on the story of Gideon.

I love that story. Gideon is hiding from his enemies and the Lord approaches him and says, "hail mighty warrior" Wow, God sees people for who He knows they can be not what they are when He comes to them! Mighty warrior? What do you mean? Gideon is scared! But God knows what He will do with Gideon and through him.

So, were leaving for Peru. Scared? A little. But God sees us for what He knows we can be. With Him working in us the mission will accomplish exactly what it is supposed to. How about you? Are you hiding from something? God comes to you! That's what grace is all about. He sees you for what He knows He can do through you. No matter how scared you are just tell Him, use me Lord. That is my prayer as we get ready to leave- just use us to bring another soul to heaven.

And it will be my prayer as I come back and get ready to leave Cleveland so I can work full time with Project 52. I can't wait!

Onward and Forward Mighty Warriors!
In Christ,
John

Father's Day

2010-06-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it can be a tough one. How is Father's Day celebrated when you have lost a dad? or son? Or how about if you don't have a relationship with your dad? or child?

One of my favorite old time TV Westerns is The Rifleman. I was watching a couple of them the other day. Some might call them corny but I look at things that maybe others just don't try to see. I see the beautiful land of New Mexico. I see a simpler way of life. I see values not seen in many modern day shows. But most of all I see the relationship of Lucas with his son Mark.

I'd give up many things in my life to have what they had. There are many episodes that end with me wiping a tear from my eyes.

So what do you do with Father's Day? You read the Word that says, "Have we not all one Father ? Did not one God create us?" (Malachi 2:10) God, the creator of heaven and earth also created you. And like a loving Father, He bottles all your tears. (Psalm 56)

Its His gift to you, who may struggle this weekend!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Remembering

2010-05-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend- a chance to remember and reflect. I think we don't remember and reflect enough because its too painful. So we keep ourselves busy and fill each waking moment with something to keep us from remembering. I think about the times when I am alone at the house or driving in my truck by myself. All of a sudden I find myself thinking, remembering and reflecting on different aspects of my life. When it gets overwhelming I turn the radio on because I don't want to think anymore.

But its good to remember. The Bible talks about God remembering His people and that is a good thing. To be remembered by God is a grace thing. The thief on the cross said, "Lord remember me in your kingdom." And here's the grace part- Jesus answered, "today you will be with Me in paradise." In other words, Yes I will remember you!

The Book of Zechariah means, "God Remembers" Zechariah helped Israel to rebuild their lives after their time in captivity. His message was this- God is remembering you even in your time of exile and now He is bringing you out to rebuild! Could the same words be spoken to you?

If you believe that everything works out for the good to those who love God (Romans 8) then the same words are being spoken to you. Maybe it hurts to remember too much because it is a reminder that you are still in exile or a period of waiting. Maybe you are ready to build again and move on. Or maybe you are moving on but every once in awhile you remember something from the past and it makes you sad. Either way you have a Father who loves you and knows your pain. And He longs to see you smile again and you will! He remembers you!

This weekend let us take time to remember those who have given their lives for us. Let us also remember Jesus who gave His life on the cross so that we could know that our time of exile will turn to a time of everlasting joy. We will then experience what it means to be remembered by God for all eternity.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Vision and Hope

2010-05-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

So, on to the great Wayne Gretzky- of the many things that made him one of the best hockey players ever was this one- he went to where the puck was going to be! Its called vision and hope.

If you are just constantly going to where the puck is, it might be gone before you get there. You find yourself chasing rather than waiting for it to be where you are so you can get the shot off and hopefully score!

I wonder what our lives would be like if we actually anticipated the dream, went where others were not going, and were there when it arrived rather than aimlessly chasing after our dreams. How many times do we hear of people, "nothing ever came of his dreams"

Proverbs 29:18 says ,Where there is no vision, the people perish: Without vision there is no hope. Gretzky could see where the puck was going to be and he waited its arrival. God has a plan for you! Do you trust that? You really have two choices. Either lie down and die or get up each day knowing that you are part of God's great plan and that eventually all things work out for the good!!!

At Project 52 we love this verse and again share it with you from Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Eventually the main goal (eternal life) is achieved through the Great One- Jesus Christ- if I were Lord Stanley I'd give Him the Cup!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Lesson from a Peacock Feather

2010-05-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

Wow! I can sure learn a lot from you guys. I like what you said BJK...keep your eyes on Jesus. Reminds me of an exercise we had to do during a pastoral leadership conference.

We were all given a peacock feather. We were told to place the feather on our fingertip and to balance it so it would stand straight up and not fall. The vivid bright colors are amazing. But to look at the feather would mean it would probably fall over. If you looked up at the sky however you could balance it and even walk around without it tipping. I was amazed! I even tried this in vacation Bible school once. And it worked with a little kid and she was amazed as well. The point- keep your eyes on Jesus. Look up to the hills it says in Psalm 121, that's where your help comes from!

It's easy for us to look at all the razzle dazzle of the world. The bright colors of fame and fortune will leave us imbalanced and we will eventually fall over. Keeping our eyes on Jesus through the Spirit's power will keep us focused on the eternal rather than on that which is passing away.

Thanks for sharing with me, and yes hockey is an awesome sport. It totally fits my personality and in fact I would like to share another lesson from the great Wayne Gretzky. That will be my blog next week.

Until then, keep on skating- God has chosen you to be on His winning team!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Look Ahead!

2010-04-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

Phil 3:12-14 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. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Not sure if saying I love hockey really captures how I feel about the sport and especially The Buffalo Sabres. I mean I LOVE HOCKEY!!! I followed the Sabres in the 70’s during the French Connection years and I probably love them as much now. To see them trailing in their best of 7 against Boston is killing me. One thing that I have picked up on in reading articles about their upcoming game tonight is this- their desire and effort to forget the past games and press on to the prize- one game at a time- The Stanley Cup!

Wow- a great an anology of the Christian life. Paul even said it in the above text. Forget what lies behind, press on to what is forward! What lies behind me are many shortcomings and failures and disappointments. At times I find myself trailing in the series of life. But the cross has spoken mercy and the grave has declared grace and victory! Through the resurrection the “prize” the Stanley Cup is ours and has been won by our beautiful Savior Jesus Christ. There is no other religion that proclaims such Good News!

Paul says that he trains to take hold of perfection in this life, knows he can’t, but rejoices that Jesus has taken hold of him! One day all will be made perfect. In the meanwhile, there are days we trail, days we make great checks, minutes in the penalty box and moments of “he scoressssssssssssssss!!!” Don’t let the past drag you down- look ahead!

I wish all the world knew the joy we have as believers in Jesus Christ.

I wish all were Sabres fans too but… I wont push that!

In Christ- The Prize Winner!
Pastor John

Wake Up!

2010-04-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if people in the church get why they are here. The Bible says true religion is to look after widows and orphans. Far too often we are looking out only for what is good for us and our traditions. I hope you enjoy this video that I used in my service this past weekend. We have much to live for because of the resurrection and it is time for us to wake up and share the message of hope. In light of all the tree plantings coming up I wanted to encourage you with the Good News that our God is not dead but alive!

Let us live for others, let us live for God!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn2a73B0uB0

Enjoy!
In Christ,
Pastor John

Easter or Easier?

2010-03-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday during our prayer request time it was amazing to me how many requests were offered regarding health issues. Tumors, cancer, strokes, chronic pain, and on and on. I was thinking, can't life just be easier?

The difference between the word Easter and Easier grammatically is the "t" vs the "i" It's tempting to ask God for an easier life but He might have other plans as He works through the results of sin in this world. It's not so easy to ask Him for an Easter life but its one for sure that He gives. The Christian journey is about the cross (the "t") not me (the "I") The things that He is doing in your life are for a reason and a purpose. Who knows where an easier life may lead to? (If Jesus would have taken the easier way we would all be going to hell!)

But I know where an Easter life leads to. It leads to victory and truimph! An Easter life means that no matter what happens it will all work out in the end. After every Good Friday there is an Easter! There is nothing we can't rise above. Why? Because its about the cross and not me, its about the Easter journey not an Easier journey.

And if the journey for you is hard that's what Project 52 is here for. Let us help you discover the Easter life!

In Christ,
Pastor John

From My Journal from the Dominican Mission Trip

2010-03-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting for church. It's neat to walk around the camp and see people in devotion and prayer. I wonder why everyday can't be like this, prayer, fellowship, there's community here. There's community as well among the team. Back in the States we go to work and then back to our houses. It feels like hiding at times. The next day we do it again so we can earn money to live in the houses we are hiding in. Where does our spiritual growth come from, our fellowship with others? What if we were like the church in Acts and shared in everything? What does that look like for 2010? What if we were truly the army of Christ (bunking together if you will) moving out into the community with the Gospel like it was the most important thing for that day? I know, I'm dreaming, it happens alot on mission trips.

Maybe we can restore some of that sense of community as we continue to pray for Dustin and his family. Please pray also for Bill and Dustin and myself as we continue to see what God would have in store for Project 52 for the days are short and we want to make a difference. We have all learned the hard way that life is too short. Let us remember why we are here and the impact we can leave through the Spirit's work in us of making everyday count.

I still can see the community and I miss it, but I know I saw and experienced it for a reason. Maybe its not a dream.

In Christ,
Pastor John

The Book

2010-02-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

I want to share a story with you titled, Search for the Book from Heaven. It's about four Indian chiefs who traveled more than 3,000 miles from their home in the Oregon Country because a white man had told their tribe about a Book from Heaven that told of the one true God. The tribe held a council fire and chose these four men to go East and find the Book. The Indians met with William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. He told them what he knew of the Bible and tried to then impress them with a tour of St. Louis. But the Indians only wanted the Book and a preacher to explain it. When it was time for the return home a great banquet was given where one of the Indians stood and said the following:

My people sent me to get the white man's Book from Heaven. You took me where you allow your women to dance, as we do not ours, and the Book was not there. You took me where they worship the Great Spirit with candles, and the Book was not there. I am going back the long sad trail to my people of the dark land. You make my feet heavy with gifts, but the Book is not among them. When I tell my poor, blind people that I do not bring the Book, no word will be spoken. One by one they will rise up and go out in silence. My people will die in darkness, and they will go on the long path to other hunting grounds. No white man will go with them and no white man's Book, to make the way plain. I have no more words.

Sort of reminds me of the movie- The Book of Eli. I recommend that you see it. It's about our world without the Word and one man's drive (Denzel Washington) to make sure that the Word would be brought back to people in darkness. That's all I'm going to say about the movie.

We at Project 52 want to bring the Word to people who are hurting and struggling with the pain of this world. We want them to know that after this life there is a beautiful life in store for those who have loved and cherished the Word of God. May we make it our life mission to bring that Word to a world in desperate need.

Nothing else will quite satisfy you as this will-just ask Eli ,if you could, and thousands of others just like him.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Grandma's Letters

2010-01-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

After being in our new home now for over 3 months I finally found my stack of letters from my dearly departed grandma. She wrote them while I was in college. I cherish those letters! She of all my relatives seemed the most excited about me going into the ministry. Her letters would brighten my day. I am so glad that I have hung onto them. Grandma went to be with the Lord in 1981-I was 20.

Now at 48 I go back and read again what I already read but it means something different to me now. That is how the Word of the Lord works. You can read and read and read it some more but it will always minister to you right where you need it and when you need it. I'm doing a mini series on having a devotional life. It simply means taking some time to be in the Word. The Word is God's love letter to you. He delights when He sees you open it because He has so much to say to you. He wants you to know His love for you and how He is with you through the good times and bad times of life.

The Word of God- even better than reading grandma's letters!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Victor or Victim?

2010-01-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

In Romans 8 it says we are more than conquerors through Christ! Often in life its easy to see ourselves as victims. We look at our situations, maybe how someone hurt us by their actions and we dwell on being the victim. I had a good friend who told me once that instead of being the victim we can become the victor. It may take awhile but by the grace of God we can live our days more as victors than victims.

A victim is stuck in what happened. A victor presses on and says God will use it for His glory and to somehow grow me. A victim blames other people constantly. A victor forgives them for they know not what they do. I've been both a victim and a victor and I'll tell you one thing, it is so much better living as a victor.

Christ is the Victor over death. He lives in the believer and with His strength you and me can live more and more of our days as victors! How do I know this? Because the Word just said, we are more than conquerors....so go conquer in the power of Jesus!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Children of Royalty

2010-01-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

William Shakespeare once said, we know what we are, but know not what we may be.

A whole new year lies before us. There are things we look forward to and things we anticipate. Yet not one of us knows for sure what the coming days of 2010 will bring. Life can turn suddenly and you can find yourself going down a road you never thought you would travel. We know not what we may be. We have our goals. We also hope that we have the strength and courage to face the trials that will come.

What is our hope? We know what we are. We are God's children through faith in Jesus Christ. And since God is King of kings that makes us children of royalty. What an awesome thought on days when you don't feel so good about yourself. What an awesome thought when you find yourself worried about what the future holds.

If God truly loves me and I am His by grace I know who I am and do not have to worry about what or who I may be! For everything works out for the good to those who love Him and forgiveness is always mine through the precious cross, the cross that towers over all time!

In Christ,
Pastor John

All Things New

2009-12-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

If you saw the Passion of the Christ you might remember the scene where Jesus, under the weight of the cross, says to His mother, "I make all things new" Wow!!! Bloodied and beaten, barely recognizable, stands our Savior telling us that through the cross He is making a way where there seems to be no way.

Another new year is around the corner. New things are pretty cool, new car, new house, etc. In fact we comment on the smell of new things.

How about a new life, a new day, a new beginning? These are the things being in Christ brings us. Indeed the old has passed away and in Christ we have a new fresh start, not just on New Years Day but each and every day.

What will the New Year hold for Project 52? What will it hold for you? We don't know the answers but we know Jesus. He's your Savior and when you feel all beaten up by life remember that He is making something new out of all of it. Just look at His resurrection! He has the power to change everything and give you hope.

Trust Him as 2010 rolls in. And by the way, a blessed New Year to all!

In Christ,
Pastor John

A Different Beat

2009-12-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit- Matt 5:3

Carols beginning in October, it drives me nuts. And now its days before Christmas and I think what do I really want to listen to? One of my favorites: The Little Drummer Boy. I love the song because the little boy breaks my heart. He is full of anger because his parents were killed and he hates the people who came into his home and shattered his life.

Only when he learns about the Christ Child and travels to see him does his life change. Only then do his drums play to a different beat. I love the line, Baby Jesus, I am a poor boy too, I have no gift to bring.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, that is those who know they bring nothing to Christ for eternal life. Eternal life is the gift of God who also played to a different beat. He went against all that the world was expecting for a Savior. He made Himself poor and was born in a dirty old manger to begin the journey of saving us from our sins. A King lying on hay! God wearing a diaper!

You might not understand it all, the carols may drive you nuts, but the fact remains, He comes this Christmas to deal with angry hurt people and their shattered dreams. And He comes with the promise that all shall be made new one day.

That is the Christmas I'm waiting for! In the meanwhile? Let's play our best for Him!

Merry Christmas,
Pastor John

Advent?

2009-12-16T04:08:00.000-08:00

Advent is a time in the church year where we prepare for the celebration of Christmas. This coming Sunday will already be the 4th Sunday in Advent. Christmas is around the corner. Are you ready?

People get asked that alot. Are you ready? Shopping done? Presents bought? Cookies baked? I'll respond like Charlie Brown-Good Grief! Yesterday I was talking with someone who said, "what gets done gets done what doesn't doesn't" A-Men! But there's something more to Advent. Advent means coming. And Christ is coming again! Are you ready for that?

If you're not the implications are more than just, "oh well, I guess that didn't get done" To be ready for Christ coming is to know Him as your Savior. The Christ Child of Bethlehem came to walk the road of life with you, to go to a cross and die for your sin, and then to rise again so you might know there is nothing you cannot rise above. He came to save you from eternal death!

If you are afraid of death or His coming again please write to me. As the year winds down we at Project 52 want you to be sure of everlasting life. You never know when life will end. Just ask the many people who have experienced loss in their life.

As the world hurries to get ready for Christmas, may I remind you of Advent and the importance of being ready for His second coming. Christmas 2009 will come and go....eternity is forever!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Contentment

2009-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

So here we are, the week of Thanksgiving. I just got back from South Dakota for a speaking engagement with Project 52, time with family and a deer hunt with a great friend of mine. I think God has a great sense of humor. I was trying to think of what I ought to blog on and contentment popped into my head. (like I'm really the guy to write on this)

But Paul is the guy. In Philippians he says he has learned to be content whatever the circumstance! Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself and maybe you shouldn't either. He says "he has learned" That means he probably wasn't always. But he trained in learning that secret. And the writer of Hebrews reiterates it: Be content with what you have! Wow!

I was working out this morning and the song by Casting Crowns was playing, Somewhere in the Middle. I guess they are training in this secret of being content. One of their lines is- somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more, and then they go on to say, somewhere in the middle that's where you'll find me.

So that's where you'll find me this Thanksgiving week 2009, somewhere in the middle of being content and somewhere of wanting more. Grace is this-God loves me anyway and He sent Jesus to die on the cross for us. And His Spirit is with us now through the Word and that's why we can rejoice at the words, never will I leave you or forsake you! You have Jesus, that means you have everything that counts! I hope that helps you when you find yourself sad over things you once had but no longer have this Thanksgiving season.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2009-11-11T03:43:00.000-08:00

One Easter I talked about the movement of God. Guess what folks? When God moves nothing stops Him. Ever try and stop a tornado? A huge wave? As Gamaliel said in Acts when the Jews were trying to get the disciples to be quiet about Jesus...

Acts 5:34ff- But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Project 52 is of God otherwise it would be failing. We were told at Tyler's tree planting we could not pray or say anything "religious" because we were on public land, a school. God took care of it. The children were allowed to say what Tyler meant to them. There sure was alot of mentioning of God and heaven! Out of the mouths of babes! (That's all I need to say)

The movement of God cannot be stopped- He'll even use rocks to declare His praise. That day He used children. Ever try and stop a tornado?

In Christ,
Pastor John

Jesus and Life

2009-10-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

We've talked about Jesus being the Way, and Jesus being the Truth. He is also Life! Life man! Isn't that what we all really want? I know people who have lost loved ones and its sad because that person was once living and now they are not. But for the believer in Jesus Christ we know we have eternal life! We will see that loved one again and we will be living and breathing and celebrating for all eternity! What a message we have to share with the world!

Life- it begins and it runs its course. I love in BraveHeart where Mel Gibson says, "every man dies, not every man really lives." If you want to really live then live in Jesus Christ who is Life itself. He has come to give us life to the full! Some days life doesn't feel very full. Some days we wish we could just close our eyes and go home. Sometimes pain keeps us from feeling alive. Someone once told me to find resurrection in the "death" around us. I wrote about that once in my journal. I had experience an agonizing loss in my life. This helped me and maybe it will help you too. I wrote it 5 years ago at 4 in the morning when it was raining out and could not sleep.

As I think of the leaves falling I’m reminded of how they return to the earth to nurture it. They make the sacrifice and die and decompose so that the soil may be enriched. And in this soil are buried the roots of trees that in the spring will say, here is resurrection as new leaves sprout. As I think of them sprouting it’s as if I hear them singing in the spring rain and warm sunshine. Their song is this: here is resurrection for though I looked dead I am alive... Where is resurrection in all this pain and misery? I don’t have the answers exactly but I’m starting to see them. I see them in new relationships that have come into my life. I see them in my ability to relate to people and their pain. I see resurrection power when I am able to be there for someone who is also looking for resurrection in his or her life. And if I can somehow help them or bring them hope then I can say this pain is not wasted. And if pain is not wasted, to me, that is the start of a celebration of resurrection. Outside the landscape is forever changing. Inside I am always me, child of God, husband, father, brother, son, nephew, cousin, friend….to somebody. And these people that love me remind me that there truly is resurrection. If I hang on to that I think I can bear to watch another leaf fall. It’s still dark out but I can see the landscape as clear as day.

Jesus is risen! It's a message that rings out each time Project 52 plants a tree. It's a message that says Jesus is Life!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Jesus and Truth

2009-10-20T03:34:00.000-07:00

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Last time I talked about Jesus showing us the way to heaven. He indeed is the only way to God the Father as the above verse states. One either believes it as truth or they don't. And it is truth. In fact, Jesus says He is truth. What a declaration in light of the fact that people are searching for truth on a daily basis. In John 18 Pilate even asked Jesus what truth is. Pilate was the Roman governor looking for truth because in his mind he had the power to free Jesus or let Him go. Can you imagine what Pilate went through, "what is truth, the cries of the mob yelling for Jesus' crucifixion or Jesus saying that everyone on the side of truth listens to Him." Real people, tough situations!

I've asked what truth is. In the middle of my own dark "Good Fridays" I've come face to face with satan the father of lies. I've heard him say that I am worthless, that there is no way out of the situation I am in, that I am hopeless, fatherless and that my sins will condemn me for eternity. So what do you do? EVERYONE ON THE SIDE OF TRUTH LISTENS TO ME.

In a world that believes one thing today and then tomorrow doesn't, in a world where people believe there is no absolute truth I thank God that through the power of His Holy Spirit I know truth. I know Truth! Do you? Jesus is Truth and He tells me of Easter and that an Easter always follows a Good Friday. His resurrection gives me peace, hope and joy! His rising from the dead declares me His son and I know that I can rise above anything that comes my way.

I don't know how people make it through life without this Absolute Truth. It's hard enough making it even when you know it. Our job at Project 52 and even beyond this ministry is to let people know truth and the difference it makes in their lives. The world has been deceived by many lies but in the Word of God is the Truth that can help us sort through all the madness.

In Christ,
Pastor John

Another Cleveland Night

2009-09-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night/feed the homeless/prayer/a miserable drizzling cool night/keep the food dry/listen to men whose hearts are crying/somebody new from the Plant joined us tonight-his eyes are opened and he is humbled/my friend Bill still looking for a job and running out of time or he gets kicked out...

It's another Cleveland night and it seems lately after I do this ministry I am inspired to write another blog for Project 52. We're about serving and there is great joy in doing it. The above paragraph is all the stuff running through my head as I try to close the evening out.

And I continue to think of Jesus and His Word in John where He said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the way when there seems to be no way in your life. Maybe you feel like you have come to a dead end, or you are at the end of the line or its the last straw. Jesus is telling you that He is the way. We all need someone or something to show us the way to heaven. Because this life will end and its either heaven or hell. That Someone is Jesus and He is not only showing us the way He is the way!

He paved the path to heaven with His blood that spilled from the cross. And the empty tomb means there is hope for you and for all the Bill's out there! I prayed with Bill tonight and I'm not sure if we will see each other again in this life. But I know that we will see each other again one day because he knows that Jesus is the way to heaven.

As if being shown the way to heaven isn't enough joy for me, I had the joy of sharing that way with another man whose way in this life is unknown. But he has Jesus and God loves him more than I ever could.

That helps me as I wrestle with another Tuesday night in Cleveland.

Next blog-Jesus and Truth!

In Christ,
Pastor John

You Have Value

2009-09-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

I started what I call my war series at The Plant. It is a sermon series based on 2 Timothy, the last letter Paul wrote before he died for his Savior. In it he talks about being a soldier for Christ. I showed a clip from the movie Gettysburg. In it Jeff Daniels as Colonel Chamberlain gives a moving speech on the call to be a soldier. He talks about how every man has value and that we are fighting to set men free.

If the church, or any Christian as far as that goes, could truly grasp this concept what a difference it would make in answering the question, why are we here? We are here by God's grace and His Spirit has given us the knowledge of Jesus as our Savior. And now our Commander has issued the order to go and bring others into His army and save them from hell. We truly are in a war to set people free from an eternity without Him.

Tonight I was in downtown Cleveland feeding the homeless and those living in temporary housing while trying to get their lives back on track again. I was asked to say a few words and then pray. I had no idea I would be asked. What do you say to a bunch of guys standing there wondering where their lives are going? What do you say to the guy you know has been looking for a job and can't find one? What do you say to the guy who has been recently divorced and left with nothing and trying to find his way again? Picture it. Their faces looking hungrier than their stomachs.

In a nutshell, I told them that they have value. That I too was once lost and that God loved us so much that Jesus died on a cross for all of us. I told them what a privilege it was to come and serve them and that we do it because Jesus served us with His life.

ALL MEN HAVE VALUE, WE ARE FIGHTING TO SET MEN FREE! A couple of guys talked to me afterward. A relationship is forming. Will you pray to God about these and so many others like them? Will you pray to God to have Him use you?

Tonight the streets were my pulpit and there's nothing like looking in the face of another human being and telling them that they have value.

If you ever personally need to hear it, e-mail me, its part of what Project 52 does because we are in a war to set people free from the junk this world throws at them.

In Christ,
Pastor John

More on Prayer

2009-08-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Get on His Lap for He is your Father..... this was the second part of my prayer series preached last Sunday August 23. I stressed to my people that your view of God will affect how you approach Him. If you look at Him like Dorothy and her friends looked at the Wizard of Oz we will approach His throne with fear and trembling if at all. God wants us to approach with with boldness and confidence. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Get on His lap I said to God's people, see Him as your Father. We worry so much about things like, am I praying for the right things, does God think I'm silly, oh no, I fell asleep while I was praying- hey, what better way to fall asleep? I remember my kids falling alseep in my lap and then carrying them to bed, tucking them in and the love that wells up inside just thinking of it! If I, a sinful man can feel this what must God feel as He tucks us in!

So climb up on His lap. Talk to Him, and when satan distracts I just say, God satan is distracting me, my mind is wandering, he's creating doubts, and God in His Word reminds me of His love for me and that my prayer life does not have to be perfect. In fact, when I don't even know what to pray it says in the Word that the Spirit prays for me!

Wow! That's a loving God, see Him as the Dad whose lap you can jump up on when the storms of life come your way.

More later,

In Christ,
Pastor John

Hold Me Jesus

2009-08-17T08:29:00.001-07:00

I'm doing a series on prayer at The Plant. This past week I talked about getting on our knees and realizing who this God really is that we pray to. He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is the One who created this world and formed you with His very own hands. And He cares so much for you that He came into this world in the flesh of Jesus and died and rose to give you eternal life. And as He prepares a home in heaven for you He gives us His Spirit to lead and guide us through this life.

Why a series on prayer? Probably because I have so many questions about it myself. I would like you to think about some of these questions: why pray? How is your prayer life? What do you expect from prayer? What is your view of God? Your view of God will affect how you approach Him.

Prayer for me has to be more than just asking God for things because you know I don't always get what I pray for. But I am learning that if He is the true God that He says He is and if He really is my Heavenly Father who has my best interest at heart then pray is simply me coming to Him and saying, "hey Dad, can we talk, I need You"

Someone once said prayer is getting a hold of God not the answers. We always want answers. What we need is Jesus who is already holding on to us. Next week I am going to be talking about getting on His lap for He is our Father who loves us.

It's amazing, you can be 48 years old and still feel the need to crawl up on His lap just to feel safe from this crazy world. And even more amazing is that He will hold you- that's grace and that's His love.

May you feel His arms around you today and always!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Handling Trials

2009-07-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

The Lord gives, the Lord takes.....blessed be His Name! (Job 1)

The words of a man who had it all and then lost just about everything, livestock, children, health. And yet Job by the power of the Holy Spirit was still able to say the above words. This trial was tough though. He cursed the day of his birth and that allows us to see his hurting side.

What do you do when you are hurting? I hear people say they are trying so hard to make it through a tough time. I love these words from a Casting Crowns song- "I'm trying so hard, to stop trying so hard..." Theses are words of grace. Psalm 46 says to just be still and know that God is God! Let God bring you through and if you want to be "doing something" until God reveals His plan then practice these 3 W's. I shared this with my congregation as I am doing a series on Job this month.

The 3 W's when trials come your way. (it really works!) 1) Worship- Job simply said, blessed be His Name, shall we accept good but not bad? This world is in rough shape. Sin has changed everything but so has grace! Worship the Giver of grace who promises that in the end all things will work out!

2) Wait- I know its tough. I hate to wait. Isaiah says to wait upon the Lord and He will renew our strength. You either believe it or not. I've found its easier to believe it than fight God all the time asking why. Through my trials, concentrating on the Who is much better than the why? And the Who is Jesus who loves you, yes, you, the one reading this right now!

3) Wonder-Not- Peter tells us that we should not act as though something strange is happening to us when we go through trials. Again, sin is in the world, but so is the Savior! These trials come for the strengthening of our faith. Job says, when I have been tested I shall come forth as gold!

We at Project 52 want to do all we can to help people through tough times. When I think of the tree plantings for people who have lost loved ones it hurts to see them hurt. What helps, if only in a small way, is simply to say, I worship you God, I will wait and I will wonder not for You are the One who gave His life for me, blessed be Your Name!

And God bless you!!!
In Christ,
Pastor John

Wise Guy

2009-06-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4... I would encourage you to read it. A close friend of mine shared Proverbs 4:23 with me and I ended up reading the whole chapter. It is awesome and its like I can feel health coming into my body and soul as I read it.

The Word is like that-powerful and living by it is the only way to guard your heart. That's what verse 23 is about- "above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" There are people and things in this life bound and determined to mess around with you and give you heartache.

God wants you to be a wise guy( in a good way) so He has given His Word to help protect your heart. We at Project 52 want to help young people to learn and grow in God's wisdom. I am excited to see how God will grow this ministry. And we as adults continue to seek His wisdom as He leads us.

Read Proverbs 4- you'll be glad you did!

In Christ,
Pastor John

It Doesn't Matter

2009-06-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

I've been talking with people about taking a stand on God's Word. Unfortunately many churches do not even take a stand on what is right or wrong so how can we expect our people to. I heard someone once say, He who stands for nothing falls for everything.

Right now I am thinking of the abortion issue. I can't even stomach what we are doing in America. I wrote this poem many years ago. It is what a baby that's about to be aborted might say.

It Doesn't Matter

In a quiet place, snug and warm
Tucked away from everyone
A place all safe,
But wait...
It isn't safe, what’s happening?

The quiet place… now violent and cold
No longer tucked but thrown to the world
I thought this place was safe,
I guess...
It doesn't matter what I think.

Who does it matter to, do you know?
Do you care, or are you tucked away
In your own world,
I guess...
You only matter and what you think.

Project 52 stands on the Word of God! Listen to this verse: Proverbs 31:8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

We are here to speak the truth in love and today I want to speak for all the babies who cannot speak for themselves. I also want to speak words of forgiveness for those that may need them. I went to a post abortion seminar once and learned about helping people who regret having had an abortion. I have had a chance to work with young people who have struggled with accepting God's grace for this sin. There's no greater joy than to see the look of guilt and shame turn to a look of hope and joy.

That's the neat thing about the Word of God- it convicts but it also gives us a place to go so that we can live life again. That place is at the foot of a tree, the cross of Calvary where God gave us all the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)

Have a blessed week and remember Project 52 is here to help you through anything!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Hope

2009-06-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Psalm 25: 4-5 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

On a Gunsmoke episode years ago, the state of Kansas experienced a long, dry spell. No rain had fallen for many weeks. The crops were dying for lack of water. One day, a rainmaker came to Dodge. Festus, Matt Dillion's sidekick, asked if they ought to expose him as a fake. Matt responded, "No, this man can give the people something to hope for, something to believe in."

I know what it is like to feel there is no hope. I know the doubts that satan can bring as you feel there is nothing more to believe in or to trust. Maybe today you are saying, Yes, I have felt like that also, or, yes, I'm feeling that way today. Please look again at the Bible verse from the Psalms. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

When life gets dry and your road is parched don't trust in any old thing that comes along. We at Project 52 won't allow you to believe in anything just for the sake of giving you something to hope for. We want you to believe in the sure thing, Jesus Christ. He is the living water that refreshes and brings new life. His Word is truth and it guides us through all areas of our lives, good times and bad. God is our Savior! He died for you! He picks you up when you want to stay down. He gives you something to live for as He blesses you with ...........you go ahead and name the blessings! Maybe friends, a new job, a new life.....go ahead, name them. And then praise Him for this life and the life which is to come.

In Christ,
Pastor John

On Waiting and Praying

2009-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.

Pray and wait! I’m not very good at waiting, how about you? But sometimes you got to wander in the wilderness before you get to the Promised Land. Good Friday has to come before Easter. Sometimes I'm also not good at praying especially when I think of it as simply just asking God for something and then expecting it to happen immediately. Ever feel this way? What about this waiting and praying business?

I love watching the NHL. The Buffalo Sabres are my hockey team! I remember one game where a fight broke out and the announcer said, “I think the refs are just waiting for them to exhaust themselves.” I thought about that statement. Maybe God is waiting for me to exhaust myself and let Him be God and work through the situations in my life.

The above verse tells us that it is okay to lay our requests before God but then we are told to wait. When we wait for the Lord we are saying, Your will be done Lord and in Your timing. We exhausts ourselves trying to be in control.

As you pray to Him keep in mind these things that I have learned from others regarding prayer:
· Pray asking God to align your will with His.
· Pray recognizing who you are and who God is.
· Pray trusting that He knows best how to answer your request.

Now that kind of praying I can handle! And as far as the waiting I will continue to ask God for His help as I wait for His plan to be revealed in situations in my life. As you pray and wait maybe you need some help and encouragement- that is what we are here for. Write me and I will answer you back. I prayed with a lady the other day and when she left she said she felt so empowered. This is an example of the body of Christ working together and being there for each other. On behalf of Project 52 remember that we love and care for you and are here for you 52 weeks a year!

I'm exhausted God so take over!

In Christ,
Pastor John

2009-05-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

To God Be the Glory!

Psalm 115:1 not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

There have been so many “God moments” over the past couple of months I couldn’t even begin to name them all. I'm thinking right now of the first tree planted by Project 52 to help a family and friends not only remember their loved one but to help them remember how much God loves them in Jesus the Christ!

I'm also thinking of all the other God moments that are in the making that we don't even know about at this moment. What does one say? To God be the Glory! This is His ministry and His Spirit grows it just like His power will grow the trees that are planted to help people in a time of loss.

Thank you for your support and remember Project 52 is here to help you in your walk with the Lord. Maybe you are waiting for a God moment to happen in your life. Know that He is with you simply because He says so, I am with you always even till the end of the world! (Matt 28) As He uses us we humbly say- To God be the glory!

In Christ,
Pastor John

Does life "just" go on?

2009-04-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

10 years ago many lives were changed forever. Columbine. I heard some stories on the news. I watched young men and women talk who were 16 and 17 year old scared kids 10 years ago when the terrible tragedy took place. I never thought about what they said, how whenever they are asked where they went to school they would say it: Columbine, and then the look on the person's face. The look of "now what do I say"

Many times we say dumb things. Things like, life goes on. In my sermon yesterday I talked about how I hate that expression. How does one go on when one faces a situation so tragic that you feel as though you have died inside? I'm sorry folks, but I need more than just "life goes on John"

I preached on the disciples hiding behind locked doors after reports of the resurrection. They were afraid of the Jews and perhaps of the future. Now what? The Man we followed is gone but now some women say He rose. And then Jesus comes through the locked doors and brought great joy to these men. The Savior wants to do the same for you!

The Savior indeed has risen and through eyes of faith we see the scars on His hands. Scars that show how much He loves us. Scars that show the price He paid for our eternal life. Scars that show us that there is life beyond the scars, that life does go on....but with Jesus right by us and yes, sometimes carrying us!!!

The next time you are told to get over it, write me! The next time you are told that life goes on, write me, call me. And if you don't want to then remember this: life does go on but with Jesus. His rising from the grave means we will rise above every and any tragedy that has come or will come in our lives. I can't wait for the day when we see Him face to face and His presence fills us with eternal joy.

As you go through life, remember that Project 52 is here to help you, to encourage you! The world may say life goes on, but we add, with Jesus, and that is what gets us through!

He is risen!
Pastor John

Easier or Easter?

2009-04-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:11.....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

With Holy Week coming up this will be my last blog until after Easter. A Blessed Easter to you all!

It's easier to feel better about life when the weather's nicer. Or when we have more money or when things are going the way we want them to. The above passage reminds me of how far short of the mark I fall when it comes to looking at my circumstances and being content. That is why I love Easter!

Easter gives us all a new beginning. Easter says that we are forgiven and that there is nothing God cannot do for us! Even teaching us how to be content! My prayer and its a hard one, is that God would give us not easier but Easter lives. The difference between the two words is the letter i and the letter t. We would all love our lives to be easier. But we live in a world of sin and broken dreams and promises. So what better thing could God do for us than to give us Easter lives? When He exchanges the I (i) mentality for the cross (t) mentality we can truly handle all life throws at us because the focus is on Him and not me and He is in control and He has a plan!

By His power alone we learn daily what it means to be content in whatever circumstance we are in. I know it's hard. But I do know the power of God. With Him all things are possible. Just look at the rolled away stone. Praise God for Easter. Praise God for making my life and yours, an Easter life!

On Behalf of Project 52,
Pastor John

2009-03-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Matthew 4:19..."Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

There was a man who was talking to a business man on an elevator. Tears filled the eyes of the businessman as the other gentleman began to witness what Jesus Christ meant to him and his life. Finally the businessman replied, I have insurance but no assurance.

So many people are lost and just wandering from day to day in a lonely existence. They have health, life and dental insurance. They read the financial pages more than the Bible. They have insurance but no assurance. Every day many of them are closer to an eternity without Jesus Christ. What will you do? How can we be so preoccupied with our "stuff" when there are people dying and going to hell?

Project 52 wants to make a difference. We want people to have assurance and then have them help us to be fishers of men. This is the calling that Jesus has given to all who have the assurance of a life with Him forever. I'm excited to follow Him. The road may be tough at times, like walking a rough trail to get to your hunting or fishing spot, but in the end if there is another soul saved isn't it worth it?

Following Jesus with you,
Pastor John

On Faith

2009-03-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Matt 11:2-3 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples
to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

There was a Lutheran pastor by the name of Wurmbrandt, who, back in the 60's was a prisoner behind the Iron Curtain. In prison, when he wouldn't renounce Jesus as his Savior, they broke the bones in his fingers as well as other bones. And then they just left him there. After his freedom Pastor Wurmbrandt moved to the United States. He said that it was faith that kept him going.

Faith in what? How does one make it through the night? Frank Sinatra said, it makes no difference, some use Scotch, some use religion. Jesus knows how John the Baptist, the man in prison will make it. No matter what storms may be blowing, He knows that John, hearing the words of reassurance about the kingdom of God, would not be shaken. What are those words? The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is preached to the poor. These are the words of the one true God who has given us faith in Him , the faith that trust that in all things God is working out a plan for our lives. That plan will always have our best interest in mind.

John's question, are You the one, doesn't mean John was a bad disciple. It was a question coming from a man in prison with real fears and emotions just like we all have at times. At one time or another we all are imprisoned by something. Are You the One Jesus? In other words, God, I believe help my unbelief, right now I wonder about You? And the same God comes to us in His Word and reassures us with wonderful news of His love for us and His promise to guide and protect.

I close with these words from John Henry Newman's Lead Kindly Light. He wrote them after coming through a prison of doubt. The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see, the distant scene, one step enough for me.

If you need help with that one step Project 52 is here willing to help you through prisons of any kind.

In Christ,
Pastor John

2009-03-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like a broken tool? This is grace- God comes and He picks up that pile of broken tools. Don't fight it. Listen to a quote from Max Lucado’s book entitled: On the Anvil.

To find me, look over in the corner of the shop, over here, behind the cobwebs, beneath the dust, in the darkness. There are scores of us, broken handles, dulled blades, cracked iron. Some of us were useful once, and then...many of us never were. But, listen, don't feel sorry for me. Life ain't so bad here in the pile...no work, no anvils, no pain, no sharpening, and yet, the days are very long.

I don't want to be an old broken down tool anymore. It may be comfortable and there are no risks but the days can be long and God has so much more in store for us! How about you? I want you (whoever is reading this) to be the hammers and saws that God has shaped you to be. As Jesus came to serve, so now we serve and reach out with the Gospel of hope and comfort. It's time to come out of the junk pile because God says you will be a useful tool in My kingdom.

How will you let Him use you? There are all kinds of opportunities – that is what Project 52 is all about. Helping people see how useful they are and that there is a place for them in this world and especially in the kingdom of God. If you want to learn more about serving write us or call us...you will find the days flying by!!!

In Christ,
Pastor John

2009-02-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

Judges 6:12...When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."

At first we might wonder what Gideon had accomplished to hear such words from God. What victories? What heroic deeds? And then you might wonder if such things could ever be spoken of you. I got good news for you, the story of Gideon may not be what you think.

These words are spoken to a man hiding in a winepress! It was here that Gideon was working to provide for his family. He was hiding to stay out of sight of the Midianites. For the last seven years they had tormented the Israelites. So that's why we find Gideon threshing out a small bundle of wheat for his family down in a winepress. And it was here that the Lord spoke to him and called him into service.

And the words spoken were, the Lord is with you mighty warrior! Mighty? I feel weak Lord! Warrior? I'm hiding Lord! And then Gideon proceeds to tell God that Jehovah has forsaken His people. Can you sense the tension? What's God going to do with such comments? What's God going to do with such a man? He's going to forgive him and use him to free the Israelites! Gideon, go! Gideon I am with you! This is your might. Go in My strength! I am sending you!

The Lord calls you as well. Each morning you rise to report to your own "winepress"-some days you may feel weaker than others. Hear His words. Hear Him say: I am sending you. Hear Him say, I am with you, this is your might! For when we hear those words we know that He will provide strength for the day. I'm counting on it, I need it!

So the next time you feel weak or overloaded or under oppression of sin or temptations remember your Baptism. It's when God first appeared to you. It's when He called you into service and that work is done in many ways. (are you excited about how God will use you?)Project 52 is about discovering ways to reach people with this Good News and then to have them share it with others.

If you need to be encouraged in your "winepress" write or call me. We are here to help you see the strength you find in knowing Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Pastor John

2009-02-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

In the midst of trials and hardships I find great comfort in the tools God has given to help us. First, we have His Word. It is full of so many promises. In the Word we are told how much He loves us, how much He cares, and how He is always there for us. In the Word we find the reason for such trials. Our faith is tested and purified. Listen to Job 23:10, But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Secondly, the Lord has given us friends to help us through our trials. I personally have come to realize once again how important it is to lean on others. Someone once said that no man is an island. I remember a time in my life when I tried to be an island and it is a lonely way to live. Not only should you reach out to help others but you should also reach out for help yourself. The Lord has said to bear one another's burdens. He knew what He was talking about.

As you go through life with its ups and downs, rely on the things God has given us. And remember the outcome of these trials will be the same as the Lord's outcome, VICTORY!!! At Project 52 you have friends and hopefully we can help you to no longer be an island. Hopefully we can help you find the victory that is already yours in Jesus Christ.

You will come forth as gold!

In Christ,

Pastor John

2009-02-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Lamentations 3:22-23, Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

I think one of the best things about a lousy day is that it ends. I'm serious! Whenever I have had a bad day I figure instead of trying to solve problems at a late hour I'd be better off just calling it a day. It seems like, no matter how bad circumstances are, things appear more hopeful and bright in the morning.

Jeremiah is saying something like this in the chosen reading. Jeremiah had many problems that could have easily consumed him. He was a prophet of God speaking the Word of Truth. He must have been doing a good job because he got people mad at him. That usually happens when people are being told they are doing something wrong. What helped Jeremiah through this rough period in his life? The Lord's great love! Boldly Jeremiah could say that his problems may be great but he would not be consumed. They wouldn't ruin his life and destroy relationships, especially his relationship with God. And Jeremiah still loved and cared for the people who rejected his message. But he was not consumed.

Feeling overwhelmed? Call it a day, and wake to a new morning, a new morning fresh with God's love and faithfulness. Call us as well at Project 52! We are here to remind you of the Lord's great faithfulness and that nothing can consume you either. God bless you!

In Christ,
Pastor John

God Chose You!

2009-01-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

1 Thess 1:4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

I still remember that sick feeling of being the new kid in school. It was time to pick teams for the sport we were playing. One by one kids were chosen until only I stood there. And then the words of the "unlucky team", “I guess we get him” Why is a kid picked? He is chosen most likely because he is liked, or because he can pitch or really kick the ball.

Sometimes I look at God like the Captain picking teams. He sees my sin and shortcomings and grumbles because I’m on His team. But guess what? The above text says He wants me, He loves me, He specifically chose me! And it wasn’t based on how well I perform but solely on His grace and love for me. In fact He saw how lousy I performed and He picked me anyway and He died for me and He rose for me. The same is true for you. Rejoice in that and believe it!

Someone shared a story with me the other day. Imagine a crisp 100dollar bill. If I asked you what it’s worth you would say, 100 dollars. But what if I crumpled it up? Would you still take it if I offered it to you? What if it was torn and all dirty? You would take it because you would know that it is still worth 100 dollars.

And does God see you any less? Come all who are torn and dirty. Find your worth in Jesus! What a beautiful message of grace! If you need to know more about this grace and your value please e-mail me. Project 52 is here for you and we want you to know your value to God because of Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Pastor John