Lessons thus far from Lent….

-a new perspective
-spending time in prayer softens my heart to love people more effectively
-the book of Brian is vastly different than God’s Word

God has been teaching me in new and fresh ways, that His plan and purpose for me will never allow for being a slacker or getting comfortable. Opportunities abound every day to be the witness He wants me to be. People are everywhere…struggling, hurting, and looking for someone to care enough to walk with them through this journey. I now realize the old way prior to Lent was okay, but that this new way is far more pleasing. Some of the book of Brian had crept in; those things that I could do without God’s help. I could kick in the cruise control and rely on my own strength, knowledge, and experience. What He wants from me is less of me and more of Him. God help us all, and He will.

Pastor Brian

I have had an incredible response to this sermon series, most of it positive in fact.  We spent a couple of weeks on the covenant of marriage, last weekend on the reality that my relationships are much healthier when my proximity to the Father is near and dear to my heart.  This weekend, with God’s help, we will tackle the topic of “Whatever” parenting.  I was stunned and convicted recently after reading in a parenting magazine that it is a no brainer for parents in this day and time to encourage and push their kids in such things as sports, music lessons, dance, etc… Yet when it comes to spiritual things on most parents priority lists these fit in when they can be squeezed in between all the other “givens”.  I know I am the Pastor but doesn’t that seem somewhat messed up? 

The Bible is full of great parenting truths, building a solid foundation for our kids to build on, what a privilege and responsibility, and with God’s help – WE CAN DO IT.

I used to jog with a guy in Oklahoma who loved to argue with me about how unfair some parts of the Bible were. The guy who buried his one talent, the older brother in the prodigal story who gets “hosed” (his word) for doing the right thing. We would go round and round til one day I told him, “God’s grace and love is not fair, get over it.”

God’s grace is for everyone, no matter who you are, what you have done, or what you deserve. God doesn’t play favorites. His love is real and full of forgiveness and grace no matter what.  If it wasn’t for that we would all be in BIG trouble, including my running buddy.

Top Ten Ways to Make 2012 Great… according to the Book of Brian

10. Get back to the gym and actually lift a weight
9. A Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers Super Bowl
8. Join a life group, they are so needed and so much fun
7. Less Chili’s queso and more yogurt
6. Instead of an occasional read, spend time in God’s Word daily
5. Plan a date night with your spouse on a regular basis (No, Kim did not make me write this)
4. Serve our community at a Crossing-Second Saturday service project
3. Try something new (I am thinking… skateboarding, kidding)
2. Be real
1. Pray for your church, it makes a huge difference

There has always been something about Mary that fascinates me at this time of the year.  When I think about the fears that she had to face; criticism, uncertainty, inadequacy, and change, I get more and more impressed with this young lady’s follow through. For her to hear from the angel “nothing is impossible with God” and for her to respond “I am the Lord’s servant” – that is so impressive to me.

I wonder how I would have reacted. Probably something along the lines of “Mr. Angel you are kidding right? Why me? What I am going to tell Joe? What are others going to say?” Mary seems, however, to be unflappable. She wants nothing more than to please God – who cares about anything else – if that’s what God wants, than that is what He is gonna get, for I am the Lord’s servant. 

I hope that my faith can grow to that matter-of-fact, without tons of questions and uncertainty accompanied by fear.  As I face 2012 I want to be the Lord’s servant, and honestly nothing else really matters.

I am anticipating looking into Mary’s life a little bit more on Christmas day at our one and only service at 10:45. Come join us.

Did Jesus have a vision statement for His Global Church? I believe He did….

Matthew 28: 18-20 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We obviously need and want to be about the things Jesus was all about so that His vision becomes our vision. As a body of believers we are mandated to “GO” and continue to reach people.