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
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Different Beat
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
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Advent?
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
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
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Contentment
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
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
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Out of the Mouth of Babes
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
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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Jesus and Life
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
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
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Jesus and Truth
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
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
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Another Cleveland Night
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
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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
You Have Value
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
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
Monday, August 31, 2009
More on Prayer
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
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
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hold Me Jesus
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
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
Monday, July 13, 2009
Handling Trials
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
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
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wise Guy
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
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
Monday, June 8, 2009
It Doesn't Matter
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
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
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hope
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 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
Monday, May 18, 2009
On Waiting and Praying
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
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
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 20, 2009
Does life "just" go on?
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
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
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Easier or Easter?
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
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
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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
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
Monday, March 16, 2009
On Faith
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
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
Monday, March 9, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
God Chose You!
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
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
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