In Matthew 16 Jesus asks the disciples what people are saying about Him. After they give Him a few answers the important question then comes......who do you say I am?
Isn't that what it ultimately comes down to? Who do you say Jesus is? It isn't important what your grandma thought of Jesus or your best friend. (they cant answer for you) Who is Jesus to you? What do you believe about Him? What did He do for you?
I learned recently that this is an important question to ask when forming a church. Who is Jesus? If the church cant answer that question why would we expect the people who will be coming to answer that question?
For some Jesus is a good man, to others a powerful prophet. Some take what He says in His Word (the Bible) seriously others don't. Some believe parts of what He says and disregard other things in the Word that they don't like. That's too chaotic for me.
The Bible is truth. It is God's Word. I believe in all of it, even the parts that convict me of things that I do in my life that are wrong. I don't try to cover over my sins, I admit them to God and know I have forgiveness because of the cross. The Word says that I am forgiven and that I am loved by God. I love it that the Word is absolute truth, that is so refreshing in a world that picks and chooses what truth is.
I love Peters answer to the question- Who do you say I am? Peter answers- You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!
I care what you think about God? Who is He to you? I've spent my life trying to show people the Lord Jesus who loves them with an eternal love. I see people hurting all the time and I see many that care more about what others think about them than what God thinks about them.
You know what God thinks about you? He loves you! He created you! He died for you! He rose for you! He calls you His son or daughter! He says you have an eternal home in heaven! All this is yours if you would only believe that............He is the Christ, the Son of the living God!
What do you say?
In Christ,
Pastor John
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
The Branch
John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches....
I would encourage you to read more of these verses from the Gospel of John regarding vines and branches and how apart from Christ we can do nothing.
I read this section of Scripture to a young man recently and he absolutely loved it. Its the perfect verse for The Branch.
The Branch is a ministry of Project 52 that is developing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For years Bill, Dustin and I have talked of a retreat but never really knew what it would look like. The Branch is becoming more of a reality because of the journey God has taken me on in my work with young people. He has opened my eyes to see the needs of many hurting people who seem at times to be forgotten.
The Branch will be a ministry where young people can be mentored, or housed and encouraged to be the people God has created them to be. The Branch will also be a place of worship geared toward the younger crowd. I am excited about this new adventure for Project 52.
God is starting to bring people forward with support. Some have offered money, some have offered ideas and others have asked to be part of it. One lady emailed me a picture of a barn the other day and said, "this is kind of how I imagine it looking." Wow and wow!
Pray for this ministry (resources, land, a barn, pray for God's hand in all of it and that we do what He is blessing! He has shown the need) and let us remember that our Savior is indeed the True Vine! We are His branches and with Him there is nothing we cannot do!
In Christ,
Pastor John
I would encourage you to read more of these verses from the Gospel of John regarding vines and branches and how apart from Christ we can do nothing.
I read this section of Scripture to a young man recently and he absolutely loved it. Its the perfect verse for The Branch.
The Branch is a ministry of Project 52 that is developing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For years Bill, Dustin and I have talked of a retreat but never really knew what it would look like. The Branch is becoming more of a reality because of the journey God has taken me on in my work with young people. He has opened my eyes to see the needs of many hurting people who seem at times to be forgotten.
The Branch will be a ministry where young people can be mentored, or housed and encouraged to be the people God has created them to be. The Branch will also be a place of worship geared toward the younger crowd. I am excited about this new adventure for Project 52.
God is starting to bring people forward with support. Some have offered money, some have offered ideas and others have asked to be part of it. One lady emailed me a picture of a barn the other day and said, "this is kind of how I imagine it looking." Wow and wow!
Pray for this ministry (resources, land, a barn, pray for God's hand in all of it and that we do what He is blessing! He has shown the need) and let us remember that our Savior is indeed the True Vine! We are His branches and with Him there is nothing we cannot do!
In Christ,
Pastor John
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
My Tree Was an Idol
This past weeks ice storm really angered me. Instead of watching trees bud and being excited about spring, we watched trees topple over and branches fall everywhere in Sioux Falls. I'm a landscaper and I love having my hands in the dirt and watching things grow. I take pride in my lawn and in my landscaping. I thought to myself, "if I love my trees so much how come God doesn't" I had spent a lot of money two years ago planting the trees that I did in my yard. Now they were covered with ice and snow and the wind was blowing.
I realize that there are worse things in life. Yet these were my feelings as I waited to see what would happen. If only the sun would come out or the temperature warm up. After I was done complaining God directed my heart to His Word where a passage from Romans made an impression that I am still thinking about a week later. Romans 1 talks about how man worships the creation more than the Creator.
Bam! Like a 2x4 over the head God used His Word to show me how I have made so many things of this world an idol....even my trees! These things have become more important to me than God at times. Oh I wouldn't come out and tell you that but my life would say that's how I felt.
So what do you do when you are convicted? You repent! A lot of people would say, "oh don't be so hard on yourself, don't worry about it" That is not how you get rid of guilt. You get rid of guilt by confessing your sin and once again rejoicing in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to remove our guilt and shame from us.
What things have you been worshipping or loving more than God? Those words from Romans 1 are powerful. They worshipped the creation more than the Creator. What things in creation are most important to you? Money? A beautiful body? When people lust over these things and want them more than God they are worshipping the creation not the Creator. When we want our own way or want to change the Word to fit the lifestyle we want we are worshiping the creation more than the Creator.
Thank You God for what You taught me through this ice storm. Thank You for convicting me of my sin and for providing a remedy for that sin. Wow! The Creator comes to His creation with love and forgiveness!
By the way, it turns out the temperatures did rise and as the ice melted my trees stood upright again! May the love of Jesus melt our hearts to stand upright again and return to the worship of the One who made us.
In Christ,
Pastor John
I realize that there are worse things in life. Yet these were my feelings as I waited to see what would happen. If only the sun would come out or the temperature warm up. After I was done complaining God directed my heart to His Word where a passage from Romans made an impression that I am still thinking about a week later. Romans 1 talks about how man worships the creation more than the Creator.
Bam! Like a 2x4 over the head God used His Word to show me how I have made so many things of this world an idol....even my trees! These things have become more important to me than God at times. Oh I wouldn't come out and tell you that but my life would say that's how I felt.
So what do you do when you are convicted? You repent! A lot of people would say, "oh don't be so hard on yourself, don't worry about it" That is not how you get rid of guilt. You get rid of guilt by confessing your sin and once again rejoicing in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to remove our guilt and shame from us.
What things have you been worshipping or loving more than God? Those words from Romans 1 are powerful. They worshipped the creation more than the Creator. What things in creation are most important to you? Money? A beautiful body? When people lust over these things and want them more than God they are worshipping the creation not the Creator. When we want our own way or want to change the Word to fit the lifestyle we want we are worshiping the creation more than the Creator.
Thank You God for what You taught me through this ice storm. Thank You for convicting me of my sin and for providing a remedy for that sin. Wow! The Creator comes to His creation with love and forgiveness!
By the way, it turns out the temperatures did rise and as the ice melted my trees stood upright again! May the love of Jesus melt our hearts to stand upright again and return to the worship of the One who made us.
In Christ,
Pastor John
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Oak Trees
2 Cor 3:6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
I noticed some oak trees out by my home. Dead brown leaves still cling to the branches. Its amazing to me that they have not fallen off. The wind hasn't blown them off, the frost and snow haven't either. But something amazing will be happening over the next several weeks.
New green growth will force the old leaves off. We can learn something from the oak tree.
Maybe you are fighting a bad habit now or an addiction. You get frustrated with your self because it seems the harder you try the worse the habit becomes or you think about it more. You beat yourself up and tell yourself you will try harder again tomorrow. What is happening is that you are trying to get rid of an old dead part of your life with the law. The above verse says the "letter kills" that is the law beats us and frustrates us. Its like the snow and wind trying to get those old dead leaves off the oak.
What you need in your life is the Good News that Jesus is the One who begins a good work in you and completes it! (Philippians 1:6) Its knowing His love for you (which is like the sun and the warmth and the new leaves) that helps old sinful habits die and new Godly habits form.
And when the old habit rears its ugly head again, return to the cross and see the blood flowing from the Savior that says you are forgiven and set free. His Spirit gives us life!
I look forward to watching the oak trees transform after a long winter.
In Christ,
Pastor John
I noticed some oak trees out by my home. Dead brown leaves still cling to the branches. Its amazing to me that they have not fallen off. The wind hasn't blown them off, the frost and snow haven't either. But something amazing will be happening over the next several weeks.
New green growth will force the old leaves off. We can learn something from the oak tree.
Maybe you are fighting a bad habit now or an addiction. You get frustrated with your self because it seems the harder you try the worse the habit becomes or you think about it more. You beat yourself up and tell yourself you will try harder again tomorrow. What is happening is that you are trying to get rid of an old dead part of your life with the law. The above verse says the "letter kills" that is the law beats us and frustrates us. Its like the snow and wind trying to get those old dead leaves off the oak.
What you need in your life is the Good News that Jesus is the One who begins a good work in you and completes it! (Philippians 1:6) Its knowing His love for you (which is like the sun and the warmth and the new leaves) that helps old sinful habits die and new Godly habits form.
And when the old habit rears its ugly head again, return to the cross and see the blood flowing from the Savior that says you are forgiven and set free. His Spirit gives us life!
I look forward to watching the oak trees transform after a long winter.
In Christ,
Pastor John
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
What a Deal!?
1 Cor 6:20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
I was shopping with a young man that I mentor. He needed new clothes. It was a good afternoon finding deals in the brand of clothes he liked. But I'm the one who ended up getting even more than I bargained for. As we left the store I looked at the receipt. Something didn't seem right. Wouldn't you know it? Now if they had shortchanged me you know for sure I would have went back. But they had forgotten to ring up one of the shirts. Just my luck, with a young man looking at me and seeing if my walk would match the things I have been trying to teach. What to do, what to do.... What would you do?
Ever been in one of these situations? And what if this young man had not been with me? Would it not be so important then? I read once that character is something you are when no one is watching.
I find myself almost everyday looking in the mirror and asking who am I? Life experiences have taught me to answer that question in a positive way most days- I am a forgiven child of the King through the blood Jesus poured out from the cross. (Now that's a bargain!) In my work I see alot of "kids" who do not know who they are and what price has been paid for them to be free young people!
I love these 20 somethings! I want to help them. I want to help them find their way in life. They have so much to live for! They are the ones who will be the ones guiding young people when I might not be around someday. They will be the ones watched instead of watching.
You were bought with a price! You have value! Its the real deal you have been looking for!
In Christ,
Pastor John
I was shopping with a young man that I mentor. He needed new clothes. It was a good afternoon finding deals in the brand of clothes he liked. But I'm the one who ended up getting even more than I bargained for. As we left the store I looked at the receipt. Something didn't seem right. Wouldn't you know it? Now if they had shortchanged me you know for sure I would have went back. But they had forgotten to ring up one of the shirts. Just my luck, with a young man looking at me and seeing if my walk would match the things I have been trying to teach. What to do, what to do.... What would you do?
Ever been in one of these situations? And what if this young man had not been with me? Would it not be so important then? I read once that character is something you are when no one is watching.
I find myself almost everyday looking in the mirror and asking who am I? Life experiences have taught me to answer that question in a positive way most days- I am a forgiven child of the King through the blood Jesus poured out from the cross. (Now that's a bargain!) In my work I see alot of "kids" who do not know who they are and what price has been paid for them to be free young people!
I love these 20 somethings! I want to help them. I want to help them find their way in life. They have so much to live for! They are the ones who will be the ones guiding young people when I might not be around someday. They will be the ones watched instead of watching.
You were bought with a price! You have value! Its the real deal you have been looking for!
In Christ,
Pastor John
Monday, May 14, 2012
Be What?
In Matt 5:48 we are told to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Really?
Do you struggle with this passage? Recently I learned the value of wrestling with the Word of God. I think in our world today we don't like to wrestle. We want everything to come easy and in our timing and not God's timing. The culture around us today tells us to be.... happy, be yourself, be whatever you want to be...to do whatever is good for you! And along comes Jesus and tells us to be perfect like the Father!
I asked some youth recently what came to mind when they heard this verse. Here is what they said:
In conclusion-what does this passage mean? Does God intend to leave you hopeless? Never! In the perfect life of His Son Jesus (God in the flesh) God sees you! Through faith in Jesus God sees Jesus living in us! When Jesus' blood was shed on the cross it covered our sin and God sees perfection now. Its a beautiful mystery and a wonderful gift.
We are perfect when we claim Christ as our Savior. The wrestling now is in the day to day living and the struggle with sin. The remedy? The cross and the empty grave which brings peace and life!
Live in that life and be what God wants you to be. And if you struggle with that congratulations for you too are one who wrestles with God!
In Christ,
Pastor John
Do you struggle with this passage? Recently I learned the value of wrestling with the Word of God. I think in our world today we don't like to wrestle. We want everything to come easy and in our timing and not God's timing. The culture around us today tells us to be.... happy, be yourself, be whatever you want to be...to do whatever is good for you! And along comes Jesus and tells us to be perfect like the Father!
I asked some youth recently what came to mind when they heard this verse. Here is what they said:
- you cant
- already failed
- not possible
- hopeless
- I'm not worthy since I've already failed
- how?
- what does this mean?
In conclusion-what does this passage mean? Does God intend to leave you hopeless? Never! In the perfect life of His Son Jesus (God in the flesh) God sees you! Through faith in Jesus God sees Jesus living in us! When Jesus' blood was shed on the cross it covered our sin and God sees perfection now. Its a beautiful mystery and a wonderful gift.
We are perfect when we claim Christ as our Savior. The wrestling now is in the day to day living and the struggle with sin. The remedy? The cross and the empty grave which brings peace and life!
Live in that life and be what God wants you to be. And if you struggle with that congratulations for you too are one who wrestles with God!
In Christ,
Pastor John
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
As a Man Thinks-Proverbs 23:7
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
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
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
He Died For Me!
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
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
Monday, July 11, 2011
Come and Get It!
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
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
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Of Roots and Things
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
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
Monday, May 9, 2011
Strong Enough But Scared!
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
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
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Jesus, Remember Me
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
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
Sunday, March 13, 2011
No Where to Lay His Head
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
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
Sunday, February 27, 2011
I Heard the Bells
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
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
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mysteries
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
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
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Lord Will Provide
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
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
Monday, January 17, 2011
No Period!
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
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
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Urgency of NOW!
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
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
Friday, December 10, 2010
Maybe It's the Seventh Day!?
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
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
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