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
Monday, April 20, 2009
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
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