sharp word

Ever read the word of God and say, "Wow, that was like it was written for me." Sure there are some words in the Bible that seem so out of date, but other stuff that the Holy Spirit brings alive. Reading in Hebrews 4, it's incredible to realize that the word of God is living & active. God's Word is full of life and power. His words bring perspective to the mess we may be in, or encouragement when we are down.

I am so grateful for the Word of God. What a gift!

heaven...the anticipation of being with _____

So after a Sunday morning of sharing about heaven, God has really hit me with the realization that heaven is all about God. Now, I'm not sure what you think the purpose of heaven is, or what you anticipate most about heaven, but as we read throughout the Bible it becomes evident that heaven is about God.

In the book of Revelation we get the big word that "God will be with his people and dwell among them and be their people." So when we get to heaven, it's going to be incredible to see God. To experience the power and presence of God is huge - so huge and such an awesome experience that God replaces the sun as the light of the world. Try to comprehend this and start anticipating the brightness and perfection that God is.

Thanks God for the realization that "heaven is much more than a place on the earth."
Think about heaven and the promise of seeing God one day, and let that anticipation shape how you act today (in freedom, in joy, in love).

I love the quote by C.S. Lewis: Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither.

dying is...gain

So as I begin a 4 week series called, "So you're dead, now what?" This first week, I'm really challenged to understand what death means.

All of learn that death is the end or death is sad; however, do we see that death could mean more?

But the Bible says, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phillippians 1:21). This verse is saying what are we living for - the writer of this verse is emphasizing - true life is found in a relationship with Christ. A relationship with God is so good because we can communicate, we can understand and experience the heart of God caring and loving us. THIS IS LIFE (as I said, everything is just _______).
Where do you find the best in life? (culture tells us - money, sex, leisure, a good night out with friends)

So then if life is found in perfection when we are face to face with God, then maybe there's more to death than we have thought. Death isn't simply the end, but rather a continuing and even exciting beginning that we will fully be aware of the power, the creativity, the love and greatness of God.

Join us at Gateway Community Church on Sunday, Nov. 8, to start understanding what happens at death....and beyond.

trouble...but hope

This past week has been a whirlwind of seeing the chaos of sin, Satan and the world, making a mess of people's lives. What am I talking about? Relational struggles, financial shortfalls and stress, and desparation to get out of the holes that have been dug, all put a stranglehold on the freedom that a loving God wants us to live in.

I continue to see how following God is so counter-cultural. Our North American culture teaches us to look after our self....at all costs. But then we start to falter in relationships, we start to turn our backs on others and forget the grace that others have shown. Sadly, all of us are so lost and don't know how to find a path that will lead us through these dark alleys. The only way that we can have hope in our relationships is found in Jesus. Because God promises to help us when the giants of life seem to BIG to handle.

Are we willing to turn over our pride and say, "God I need your help."
He's just waiting for us to help us in supernatural ways!

being okay because of God

So this past week God has been teaching me a lot...and I have to admit, thankfully God teaches us in ways that are humbling (because I guess he wants us to realize he is God and not us).

As I was talking with someone this past week, and giving advice, God challenged me, "Why do you search for acceptance from others?" Not sure if you ever look around and try to fit in, but it's a common human trait to act like our friends so we will be accepted; unfortunately, God reminded me that we must accept who God has created us to be first. The first and most important one to please is not ourselves, or others, but God. Thankfully God has created us as amazing individuals, created to reflect him. Genesis (the first book in the Bible) says that we are created in God's image. That our purpose is to be image bearer's of God. We aren't supposed to be billboards for advertising, for our personal gain, for how cool we think we are, or even how stupid we can act, but we are supposed to be all about reflecting God.

So no matter who you hang out with - it's not about being accepted by them - so act silly, stupid, quiet, loud, drunk, or cool - it's about accepting yourself to be who God has called you to be.

I'm so thankful that it is freeing to follow God!

Wow, what a stretch!

I am continually amazed at the grace of God. Yesterday, sharing about the Kingdom principle of "Grace," it's so vital to see how much we need God's grace because our relationship with God is based on him. Paul really challenges our thinking in Ephesians 2:8 where he says, "For it is by grace that we have been saved, through faith..." It's not about how much we do for God but what God has first done for us.

This week, I will be involved in the many facets of being a pastor: encouraging people, praying for those who are struggling, writing a sermon, planning for a funeral service, and planning for the future ministry of Gateway. Through all of these significant aspects of ministry, I am seeing the importance of relying on God for strength. It's not about me coming up with some amazing quote or sitting with someone and sharing an inspirational thought -- it's really about knowing God has gone before me, and is willing to lead me in everything.

May your heart be open and thankful for God's grace offered to you.

visiting home? :)

This past Sunday, we were able to make a trip to the mainland to visit our former church, Northside Community Church in Mission. I have to say how encouraging it is to come and visit a group of believers that love Jesus. The people that really were excited to see us and hear how things are going in Port Alberni are the "pillars"of faith (in my eyes).
These are the people who sing the classic hymns (Amazing Grace & Great is thy Faithfulness) with such vigor and passion because these they have seen God faithful through the ups and downs. Some of these ups and downs have meant famines and wars. For others, they have seen their loved ones perish because of cancer, yet they still hold onto God as their refuge and strength.

I am so thankful for these men and women of faith who have remained steady and strong, amidst adversity and now show such passion to pray and support us. For we do not fight this spiritual battle alone, and we are thankful for all of you who pray and encourage us along the journey to follow Jesus.