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
Monday, May 18, 2009
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
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