If you took the time to look for one it wouldn’t be that hard to find one. They are everywhere. In our communities, our schools, our neighborhoods, our churches, our government, they are even in our own backyard. Do you know what I am referring to?
Needs.
What are the needs that surround you which you can serve?
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. There is a longing in all of our hearts to receive affirmation from our parents. Whether we are male or female, young or old, we all want to hear our parents say, “I am so proud of you!” “Great job!” “You are so beautiful.” “I love you!” Unfortunately, many of us have been cursed rather than blessed.
The Hebrew word for “bless” is barak. It literally means “to kneel or bow on bended knee in order to express awe and value.” So when we bless we recognize the value of something. When we bless our children we are saying that we recognize their value, that they are a gift from God. We bless them not because of their gifts and talents but because of who they are. We are not proud of them because of what they do but because of who they are. In Gary Smalley’s & John Trent’s book entitled, ‘The Blessing,” it invites the reader to look at the life-changing gift the Bible calls “the blessing.” Many of us-perhaps unknowingly-spend a lifetime striving for this acceptance. Is this you? The unconditional love and approval that comes with the blessing is an important component of our self-esteem and emotional well-being.
A family blessing begins with meaningful touch. It continues with a spoken message of high value, a message that pictures a special future for the individual being blessed, and one that is based on an active commitment to see the blessing come to pass. As a father of three young children, I am consciously aware of my words. Our kids pick up on everything, from our language to even our body posture. I want to be aware that life and death are in the power of the tongue, so I choose to speak life over my children, my wife, my circumstances, over others I come into contact with and even myself. What about you?
Beginning this Sunday at Connect, Pastor Sean will be launching a new series entitled, “A Study of Psalm 23.” There is probably no greater know portion of Scripture than the 23rd Psalm. It is a Psalm of David, and a very personal one at that. Due to the popularity of the Psalm in some ways we have lost the beauty of the Psalm. It is a Psalm that can be easily quoted, but I wonder how deep the meaning is to the one quoting it.
Throughout the month of February we will study each verse of Psalm 23 and ask many important, difficult questions. Join us this Sunday at Connect as we quick off this new series. Service begins at 10AM. We hop to see you out.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(Psalm 23 ESV)
Do you ever get overwhelmed with all the choices that are out there? Everyday, there is something new vying for our attention. I remember when I first started to take notice of ‘social media’ and I was smitten with all the endless possibilities. I could promote myself, here, there and everywhere. I could share my update it on one site, which I have 4 our social media profiles linked to it so that I could expand my reach. When I look back on it all now, it makes me tired. Also, somewhat embarrassed! Is it all really that necessary?
I understand the principles of social media, and I do see the benefits of it, but in some ways, I feel we have lost our way. To me, it doesn’t seem that social. Hear me out. I know there are some incredible online communities/tribes which have formed because of the social media revolution, yet at the same time, I wonder if we are actually more disconnected now then we have ever been?
For years, I had a personal Facebook account, a Twitter account, and a personal blog. On top of this all, I tried for some time other social outlets such as: Tumblr, Blogger, and I don’t even remember all the other ones. My point is, it all seems so complicated to me know. For the past few years while overseeing my personal accounts, I was responsible for some social aspects of the organization I use to work for, along with my local church. Now I am not complaining in any way, I am just saying that in the past few weeks, i have decided to SIMPLIFY. I am no longer with BC Teen Challenge, instead I have jump all in with my local church, believing God for some incredible things. It has been an incredible few weeks, but I am at peace.
So, what I have decided to do with this blog and with other social components such as Twitter & Facebook, is to integrate them all. My personal blog will morph in the church blog as this is now my full time focus and I believe for the very first time I have an understanding of what this blog will represent. Also, I have cancelled out our church twitter account and combined my personal one with the church’s Twitter account. I now focus only on the church’s Facebook page, building and developing the reach potential with Facebook.
I know I have said a lot in the post, but I hope you hear my heart in all of this. Social Media isn’t bad and it definitely isn’t going anywhere, but for me, I know I need to SIMPLIFY. What about you?
At Connect, one of our desires is to see “everyone connected.” One of the ways we believe this is possible is through our Connection Groups. These groups are critical for anyone growing on their faith. These groups are designed be a place where people can learn Biblical truths, receive prayer and encouragement from others who are on the same journey and to put into practice what we are learning about ourselves, God and the world around us.
At Connect, we want to plant and establish more Connection Groups so that we can reach more people and so that “everyone is connected.” We are in need of people to commit to becoming leaders of these groups and for others to open their homes to host these groups. We currently have one Connection Group meeting every Wednesday at 7:30PM, but we would like to see two more groups planted on other nights. The mission behind our Connection Groups is:
“to encourage and support one another toward full devotion to Christ, authentic community, and spiritual formation.”
We would love for you to join a group if you haven’t already, and consider becoming a leader or a host. If you have any questions regarding Connection Groups at Connect Church, please feel free to contact the church office: 1-778-808-9684 or email Pastor Sean at: sean@connectchurch.ca
The world is filled with all types of noises that bombard us on a daily basis. These noises consume, distract, overwhelm and even have the potential of bringing us harm. We cannot pin the entire blame on media. There are numerous sources in our lives where these noises come from. They can come from our homes, our workplaces, and even our own thoughts. Whether you know God or not, He desires these noises to reduce so that you can come to know Him and experience His peace.
Many of us would love to experience rest, but we do not know how to, or we are even afraid to. Whatever your reason is, God’s heart for you is to be at peace. Colossians 3:15 states: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” God wants peace to rule. Not noise. Not fear. Not lack. Peace!
Peace does not come from outside of us, it is an inward work. It is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. Many of us try and gain peace buy spending money, filling our bodies with drugs or alcohol, establishing relationships which only bring destruction, working harder, never achieving true, lasting, deep peace.
We must allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate peace in our lives by daily surrendering ourselves to His tender care and being cautious of the noises we listen to. Listen to the words of Jesus… “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
(John 14:27 ESV)
May this be your reality!
Anytime you pick up the Bible and start to read it, one truth which becomes clear is that God is concerned about the generations. In our society today, I wonder if we have missed something regarding the generations. Now I know that what I am about to say may be somewhat of a generality, but hear me out though. There seems to be a tension at times amongst the generations. We have built homes for the elderly where we tuck them away comfortably and visit them every now and then. Many people can’t seem to figure out the younger generation. Their music doesn’t make sense, their clothes are weird and they spend way too much time playing video games or on their cell phones. Those who are in their 30′s and 40′s are so overwhelmed with bills, mortgages, family life and a lack of purpose, they wonder how they ended up there?
There is a fascinating portion of Scripture in Psalm 78 which I think is such a key to being able to connect the generations – not out of obligation, but rather because a deep respect and honor for one another.
He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.
(Psalm 78:5-8 ESV)
God desires for the generations connected. We wants us to celebrate them and witness the importance of them. No matter what generation you are a part of, each of us need to see ourselves as a part of the bigger picture. Unfortunately pride gets in our way. Fear gets in out way. Misunderstanding gets in our way. We feel that the other generations don’t have that much to offer us, so we rob ourselves of so much. The reality is, we need one another.
As we see in Psalm 78, God desired that upon establishing a testimony (His testimony), He wanted the generation of men and women to pass onto their children the reality of all that God had done for them. They were to share about the nature and character of God so that he would not be forgotten or ignored. God was doing this not for His benefit, but for ours – “so that we would not forget His works.” I believe wholeheartedly God desires to reveal Himself to us. To reveal Himself to the generations. No matter how young or how old you may be, you need to know that we need one another. To God be the glory.
I have been reading Pastor Mark Driscolls new book, “Who Do You Think You Are” and have really enjoyed it. As I read each chapter I am writing some summary notes and posting them here on the blog. You can check them out here and here. Today, I wanted to share a clip from the sermon series that Mars Hill Church is doing right now. Hope you enjoy.
Yesterday I posted some of the quotes of Pastor Mark Driscoll’s new book, “Who Do You Think You Are” from the second chapter. Click here to read them.
Today, I want to continue sharing some of the main points I pull out from each chapter. I hope they will be a source of encouragement to you.
Chapter Summary notes: I Am A Saint
-we are created as God’s image bearers”
-”we are fallen sinners, and if we are in Christ, we are truly redeemed, made new, and given a new identity”
-”the Bible call us “saints,” “holy,” “righteous” more than 200 times”
-”because we are a new person positionally in Christ, you can live a new life practically by the power of the Holy Spirit”
-”as saints mature in relationship with Jesus, they often see their sin more clearly and grieve it more deeply”
-”sin and temptation are two different things entirely”
-”to be tempted is to be presented with an opportunity to either sin against God or to worship God – it all depends on how you respond”
-”pride is our enemy and humility is our ally”
-”humility includes both knowing and accepting the truth about God, and yourself revealed in the Bible”
-”a saint will grow in humility by righlty and biblically understanding identity in Christ”
As I stated before, these are only a few of the many quotes that have spoken to me while reading this book. Do any in the list stand out to you? Why? Thanks for stopping by.
sean
The other day I purchased Pastor Mark Driscoll’s new book entitled, “Who Do You Think You Are.” I have read a few other of Driscoll’s books and I am looking forward to reading through this one as I too believe understanding our identity in Christ is so essential. To date, I have read the few chapters and I thought I would share some highlights from each chapter. They will be quotes in point form and I know for sure I won’t be able to get everything highlighted from each chapter. I hope you will come back and check for updates and if not, please go out and get a copy of the book for yourself.
Chapter Summary Notes: I Am In Christ
“everyone love a good biography”
“God offers us something even greater than a biography. He offers us a testimony.”
“a testimony is about Jesus – his life, his accomplishments, and his determination”
“In a testimony, Jesus is the hero who rescues me from the terrible fate of sin, death, hell and the just wrath of God.”
“the absolute worst place to begin constructing an identity is you.”
“the absolute best place to begin constructing an identity is Jesus Christ.”
“knowing Jesus and being saved by him in faith is the key to your identity and the defeat of your idolatry.”
“it’s not about you! It’s all about Jesus.”
“God knows that what you do flows from who you are.”
“as Christians, we live from our identity, not for our identity.”
“In Christ are the two words that changed the world and are the summary, essence, and totality of a believer’s identity.”
“simply put – either our identity is in Christ or in idolatry.”
These are just a few quotes of so many in this chapter. Check back tomorrow for more quotes from “I Am A Saint.”
The Way of the Shepherd – Ancient Secret #2
Know the SHAPE of your sheep
I am continuing the Way of the Shepherd chapter summaries. You can read the first Ancient Secret here.
- As a Shepherd, your choice of sheep can make flock management easier or harder
- If you don’t buy right, you will inherit someone else’s problems
- Know the shape of your sheep
- Examine the shape to make sure they’re a good fit
S- STRENGTHS | the first step is to understand the strengths of your people
H- HEART | your heart reflects your passion
A- ATTITUDE | given a choice between talent and attitude, attitude wins everytime
P- PERSONALITY | each of us has been hardwired with a distinct personality
E- EXPERIENCES | each person is a product of their life experiences
You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon
I started re-reading a book that help shape my life as a leader entitled, “The Way Of The Shepherd” by Kevin Leman and William Pentak. I absolutely love this book. If you are in leadership or at least are thinking about leadership, then this is a must read. The subtitle of the book is 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People. What I am going to do is share some of the main points from each of the 7 ‘Secrets’ over the next few days, so here we go…
Ancient Secret #1
Know the condition of your flock
- a manager cannot manage what he doesn’t know
- you need to know the status of your people
- you will need to get to know the skills and interests of the people you lead
- engage your people on a regular basis
- people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care
son | husband | father | learner | leader
