North Peak Christian Center

The Visible God

2010-03-03T20:40:00.001-08:00

“He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove.”
— Matthew 3:16
What would it be like to see God? Would we respond to him differently than those in the first century? Would we respond to him differently than we do today? Would we act any differently at all?
I wonder if we would be more willing to follow him if we could see him? I wonder if we would be more willing to believe in him if we could have the kind of representation that John the Baptist had? According to John 1:33 he knew that the Messiah would come to him to be baptized. I have to wonder if he lived the life that he did because he was waiting on the Messiah to come to him, or if he lived the life that he did because he was called by God, or if it was because he understood what God asks of all of us. In any case, he lived the life that he did in faith. Faith that he had heard God. Faith that the Messiah was coming in his lifetime. Faith that the Messiah (and God the Father ) wanted him to call others to repentance. Remember that he did not see the Messiah and the Spirit of God until after he had done as God asked him to do.
God is always with us. He is always here to help us do what he asks us to do. We simply need to pray that God would open our eyes to see him!

Slippery Paths

2010-02-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

I was glad to see the white stuff flying yesterday and the night before. I love snow. I love to drive in snow. I Love to see it pile up in the yard. I love to see it stick to the trees in the field next to us. I just love snow. The kids don't really like to play in it any more. Actually, they never really did. I guess they just don't like to get all dressed up for a few short minutes of fun. I was surprised to see that drivers in the mountains aren't really any better than on the flat lands however. Not all of them, but enough of them to scare me. It was always interesting for me to sit in the park and watch the college kids in my hometown drive up and down the hills in their four-wheel-drives. It never ceased to amaze me how they missed the concept that four-wheel-drive doesn't help you stop on snow and ice. They assumed that the extra traction would help them stop too. Although I supposed it went along with some of the half-truths they were getting in secular college. The way I figure it, truth is what gives us traction for our lives. When we don't have the truth, don't understand the truth, or misunderstand what truth is, we find ourselves slipping all over the place. Going slower helps a little, but only if we are slowing down to learn more. having a Bible on the shelf is kind of like assuming that four-wheel-drive helps you stay on the road all the time. If we never pick it up and read it however, it can't help us at all. We will still slip and slide as it sits there beckoning us to read and understand. Don't find yourself sliding off the slippery paths of life because you are too busy or too sure of your knowledge to read again and again and ask for help in understanding. Psalm 26:2-4 "Test me, oh Lord, and try me, examine my heart and mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. I do not sit with deceitful men, not do I consort with hypocrites." Let's make that our prayer and motto.

Wondrous Variety

2010-02-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

Watching people create things inspires me. People truly shine when they are focused on clay, or marble, or paper and pencil, or computer, or paint and canvas. The "creative juices" get to flowing and they arrive at a place of meditation and spiritual peace. Maybe it's the nature of God in us as Creator that is being tapped into. Maybe it is the desire to have something new. I believe God likes new things. The psalmist tell us to sing a new song to Him. He rejoiced at each stage of creation. Personally, when it has been a long time since I tried something new (food, a genre of book, an activity, etc.) I start to get stuck in a bad rut. Someone said that a rut is just a grave with the ends knocked out. I'm not advocating reckless abandon to the lifestyle of Christianity!!! But, I wonder if God does want us to enjoy our world and try new things more often? My favorite line from, one of my favorite movies (Robin Hood with Kevin Costner), is when the little girl asks why Morgan Freeman's character is black. She asks if God painted him. When he replies yes, she asks why. He responds, because Ala loves wondrous variety. I don't believe he had the god correct, but he did have His desire for creativity and variety right!
Spend sometime on a new creative project today. Find out where your hidden talents may be that you can use for God's glory. Sing a new song to God at the very least. See what God will produce from your willingness to try new things with Him.

Fanatics

2010-01-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

It sure is hard to draw a crowd anymore. Unless you have a Dallas Cowboys Stadium size big screen and all the action that goes with it, that is. It used to be that a name like Billy Graham would draw just as big of a crowd. In the 1850's the politicians in Chicago could draw a crowd to rival the Superbowl. But, people are so busy being entertained elsewhere that they need a really big name or a really big event to give up their time.

That's why I feel it is growing more and more important to build relationships with people in order to bring them to Christ; a task that is equally difficult to do. People value their privacy just as much as they do their independence and time. But, it is a task that is worth the effort. Many people are aware of the name of and man Jesus (according to the book UnChristian most of the teens and twenties coming up are aware of Jesus and His teaching), but not too many people trust those who follow Him. So, we need to develop relationships based on honesty and transparency. They think we have an agenda to make them one of us and that is all (again according to UnChristian). We must build relationships that show we care about them as people! That means we have the freedom to concentrate on one person at a time. We don't have to go out today and win the whole world for Jesus. If we are attempting to impact one person for Him this year, we will make a difference!

Unfinished Business

2010-01-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

Exodus 40:1-16

When the Israelites had finished the work on the Tabernacle (an elaborate tent that would be used to house the presence of God and for the sacrifices of Israel to Him) some may have thought they were finished. But, God came to Moses and gave him further instructions. He told him to begin setting up the tent and all of the devices used for worship and sacrifice. Some of the Israelites may have been content with making these items, but God was not content until the first sacrifice was made. Incidentally, the setting up of the place of worship was to happen all in one day; the first day of the year.

The New Year is a good time to finish unfinished business. Whether it is a relationship gone south, a practice of piety you felt you needed to begin, giving in some area of your life, or painting the house. This month is a good time to take down all those projects from the shelf and dust them off. To ask for forgiveness from that one you offended. To forgive that one who offended you. To begin a sacrifice of giving to those who need more than you. To begin saying yes to God more and no to yourself more often.

Don't let the Devil hold it over your head and tell you you're a failure for not having finished. Just get in there and do what you can. Let God, through the Holy Spirit, give you the passion and the strength to finish what you started!

Noise

2009-12-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

The neighbor kid must be sick today. The incessant blowing of a whistle and barking of his dog is driving me to...

It's hard to hear through the noise of the world. It's hard enough to hear when things are quiet. God I mean; it's hard to God. Sometimes the noise of your own mind just drowns out everything else! Sometimes the pastimes we feel the necessity to be involved in take God's time. Every once in a while though God comes through anyway!

Like last night. I was sitting watching a pretty good game between the Eagles and the Giants. I wanted the Giants to win so Philly wouldn't be on top of Dallas; oh well. But, right in the middle of the best part of the game I started thinking about and hearing from God about the vision for NPCC. Oh, it's nothing earth shatering. It just hasn't been so clear before.

Loving God and loving people has always been the 'what' of our ministry. But the 'how' is different from place to place. I can't say that I have everything worked out yet, but it feels better to have a direction!

Pray with us that we know the specific 'how' of loving God and loving people in Woodland Park!

At Home in a Foreign Land

2009-12-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

I spent my Monday in a Spanish class at the High School. I never took Spanish myself. I took German, Latin, Greek, and a little Hebrew, but not Spanish. As I looked around the room I saw all sorts of funny looking words I did not know how to pronounce nor did I know the meaning of them. As the students read aloud there books and worksheets, I felt an eerie feeling of being lost in my own city; like my home had transformed into a foreign land all at once. I felt as if I had entered an alternate dimension as I traveled down the long and winding hallway that is the foreign language department.

Have you ever felt that sensation? Perhaps on a trip, or in an airport? Have you ever felt that way at church? I hope not, but it's possible. The way we pastors talk sometimes I wonder if anyone gets it. And I sure hope there are no non-Christians in the service when that happens. They may feel as if they will never understand the religious we are practicing. Like we are in some secret society that wants outsiders to stay outsiders.

Hopefully the non-Christians you have conversations with don't feel like I did in that classroom; all left out and alone. Hopefully you don't feel like me when you are trying to teach someone about the subject of Christ! If we don't understand the language why do we use it? If we don't understand the language why do we think others will? If we don't understand the language of the religion we subscribe to how can we understand the language?

So, are we to learn a whole new language to go along with our religion or are we to change the language of our religion to match our everyday vernacular? Both. We need to understand the language used by the writers of the Bible and we need to be able to 'translate' those words into our everyday language. That souns like a lot of work, but it's worth it to those who need to grow in Christ or meet Him for the first time. 2 Tim 2:15 - look it up.

Short Curcuit

2009-12-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

Last week I had a few minutes to do some chores around the house. One of my list items was changing some light bulbs and fixing a light switch. When I got to the light switch I connected it the way I knew it was supposed to be connected, but it didn't work. I reversed the wires. I tried a different switch. I finally went to the hardware store and bought a new switch. None of these efforts made any difference; the light still did not come on. I finally got the 'bright idea' to check the bulbs in the fixtures. When I did, guess what I found? Of course, they were burned out. I replaced the bulbs and the fix miraculously worked.

After replacing the other bulbs in the house that were burned out, I started thinking how frustrating it can be for us when we feel disconnected from God. When we go to flip the switch and it seems like nothing is happening. We try the switch. We try the bulb. And still...nothing. It seems as if there is a short circuit in our flow of electricity to and from God.

I supposed you are waiting for the 'punch line' of the fix. What is the solution. Can I just do something as easy as change a light bulb and fix everything? Can I just go to the hardware store and buy something new to complete the circuit again? Sometimes the answer is as easy as connecting to God again. We cannot expect to flip a switch after months of non-useand have everything right again. So, we need to repair the connection by spending time with Him for no selfish reason and prepare to listen as much as we talk.

Sometimes, however, there is no problem at all. There is no disconnect. There is no short circuit. Elijah prayed seven times before a cloud the size of a man's hand finally appeared on the horizon and God brought the rain after a three year drought. God heard him the first time, so why didn't He answer him? I don't know. Elijah didn't know. God knew, but He didn't say. The point is Elijah kept praying until he received an answer. Of course the rain was something that God promised He would send too.

I don't know why there seems to be a short circuit between us and God sometimes. All I know is that the Bible always promises that God hears us! And the Bible promises that God works according to His will and purpose and not ours. When we know God has promised something we can be assured He will answer the way we expect. But, God's hands are not tied to answer our prayers the way we think He should.

Know this; God hears our prayers and is faithful to answer. We may not always hear Him. We may not always see the answer. But 'faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.' Not the assurance of things that have already come to pass and the conviction of things we see.

Pray and have faith!

Real Sacrifice

2009-11-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

I heard an old Jewish proverb about Adam. The story goes that Adam had 1000 years allotted to him by God to live on earth. He was living his life with God in harmony and bliss (as much as he could after the fall). One day God showed him a glimpse of heaven. There was a child that was entertaining God with his music, his dancing, and his poetry. This child was going to be someone great in the world. He was designed to be a powerful leader, a passionate worshipper of God, and a charismatic father. But, God told Adam that he was not going to be born. As Adam questioned God he found that God had used up all the years allot ed to man in this world. This child, God had no years to give. Adam, sensing the necessity of this child being born, offered to give the remaining years of his life. God gave Adam his wish and he took him to heaven at the age of 930 instead of 1000. Years later the greatest king that ever ruled Israel was born. Although David only had 70 years in this world, they were some of the greatest years anyone had ever lived. He became one of the greatest teachers of the worship of God who ever wrote a song. Adam's sacrifice is praised; for what would Israel have been without David?

I like the story. I don't buy all the theology. But, I like the story of sacrifice. How much better the story would have been if they said that Adam gave 30 years up for out Lord and Savior to live on earth? I don't think Adam had to give up years for Jesus, but the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, the lessons that we learned from Him, the worth of His life compared even to David's life, all eclipse any sacrifice or life anyone has ever given. Jesus didn't just live His life (although I am glad He did LIVE), He gave His life for ours. No greater sacrifice has ever been made. No greater life has ever been cut short. We hear of young people dying needlessly every day. Not to belittle the pain it causes, but to know that Jesus died so they could have hope, so their parents could have hope, so their churches could have hope, well...it gives you hope. Let's remember, as we head into the Christmas season, that the Christ child, the Anointed One, held out His life as payment for our lives!

The Buzz

2009-11-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

There it goes again. The old saying that bad things happen in three's seems to be ringing true again. Although we have had so many groups of three lately that I have stopped counting. The newest buzz word, though, is terrorism. Well, according to the definition of terrorism, we could label all kinds of acts as threats to our lives that are designed to elicit fear in other's lives. However, what we are calling out is what the Bible tells us we can expect. We are told to expect people we are lead and controlled by the spirit of the ant-Christ. Peter reminds us that there are many who are in that category and will continue to be in that category until Jesus comes.
But, can't we be free from that threat because of whom we belong to? Unfortunately we can't expect to be free from the effects of sin and Satan's controlling efforts until we are in the presence of our Savior.
What do we do then? Like any other threat to our lives (sickness, accident, crazy neighbor [don't go watching their every move now], etc.) we purchase the best insurance available; the peace of God. It doesn't have a deductible, or a co-pay. It doesn't keep you from injury; it only covers you from going completely crazy thinking about all the stuff that could happen. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7 NIV) But, according to Paul, that doesn't just happen because we love Jesus and He loves us. It happens because we, "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil 4:6 NIV) As we give our causes for concern over to God, we can wait patiently until He comes for His Church with hope and expectation rather than fear and trepidation.

Light Years

2009-10-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

I was lying in bed last night praying and listening to God. All of the sudden He started related to me and reminding me of how much He loves me. He talked about the depth of His love for me. He said to imagine digging to the center of the earth and beyond. His love for me is deeper than this He said. Imagine Taking all the people in the world and joining hands stretched out across the universe. His love for me is wider than this He said. Imagine all the technology in the world combined to see the highest star in the universe. His love for me is higher than this He said.
Then I watched the news this morning. Maybe you saw the new telescope the scientists used to discover a new ring around Saturn? The ring is invisible to the human eye because the dust and ice particles are so fine. The Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s conversation with me last night and I was amazed at how much He truly loves me and you! His love is light years beyond what we can ever imagine!

Imitation

2009-10-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

Last night I was working on our new Jeep when I heard an unfamiliar but recognizable sound. It was the sound of an Elk bugling. At first I wasn't sure if it was an actual Elk or if it was someone using an Elk call and practicing. But after a second bugle I realized that it must be a real Elk. I figured that a person practicing would repeat it over and over again in quick succession. I also didn't think that there were too many people who could make the identical sound twice in a row. However, I am aware that there are people who have practiced being 'Elk' long enough that they can fool even the most experienced Elk.
As I reflected on this last night I wondered if anyone would mistake me for Jesus? Now, don't get me wrong, I don't expect people to actually mistake me for the Savior of the world; I'm no where near that conceited (I hope!). What I mean is, have I practiced sounding like and looking like Jesus long enough and hard enough that I actually act and sound like Him? Well, that's what being a Christian is; isn't it? We are to be imitators of Christ. We are to memorize His words. We are to practice His actions. We are to reflect His faith. We are to be Christ in the world.
When you walk into a room do people do a second take to see if it is really who they thought it was?

The Foolishness of God

2009-09-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in the Rockies today. As I woke this morning and looked out at the sunrise, the light pushing through the changing Aspen leaves, the wonder of the day soon turned to all I had to do this week; not to mention this month. I quickly remembered that I am not sufficient in and of myself to accomplish everything I am called to do in this world. I don't have enough time, energy, money, wisdom, knowledge, or persistence on my own.
Fortunately for me and for you we don't have to accomplish everything on our own. We have the Holy Spirit here with us to give us what we need. I never cease to be amazed by the fact that God equips those He calls! If He asks us to do a task, He gives us the tools. If He asks us to love someone, He gives us the ability to love. If He asks us to understand His Scriptures, He gives us the wisdom to do so. But...we have to ask. "The Holy Spirit is a gentleman." He will not force His guidance or gifts upon us. We need to get in the habit of asking him for what we need instead of trying to make it happen on our own. He has what we need if we will simply ask. "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

Dehydration

2009-09-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about moving to the Middle School next month. It has reminded me that we are still a church plant and there is still work to do. I was reminded tonight, however, that there is more to the process than strategy and planning. We need to find out who we are, what the needs of our community are, and how we are going to meet them and fulfill his mission of making disciples. All that is true. However the most important thing as always is our relationship to Him. We are, first and foremost, Christians! We build churches because we are Christians. We share our faith because we are Christians. We give time, energy, wisdom, money, possessions, love, etc. because we are Christians. But if we loose connection to Christ because we are too busy doing everything else, we have not succeeded. We have to ask ourselves ( as a church planter said tonight) what we are hungry for. If the answer is not God then we might need to take a look at why we are doing what we are doing. I want to be hungry and thirsty for God more than a big church. more than being successful. More than having everything I need in this world. because if I am hungry and thirsty for God everything else will come! "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you."

Long Distance Race

2009-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

My uncle Bob dropped in on us the other day. He called to see of he could leave his truck at our house while he took some time to ride his bike through the mountains; three weeks! There's no way I could ask my body to meet that challenge. what it must take for a body to endure all of the up and down, the altitude changes, the cold nights on the ground and the sitting on that little seat for so long. But, Bob has done it for so long that his body responds.

I believe the Christian walk is the same with the mind. We have to train ourselves to act and react the way Christ would ask us to. We also have to learn when to give ourselves a break. It's not all about how we behave, sometimes it's about how we allow God to give us grace. Grace, remember, is not just about forgiveness. Grace helps us live the life God called us to. When we can't answer the call to all those mountains and pressure on the mind, that's when we call on God to give us the grace and strength we need. But that takes training too.

This life we are called to is all about endurance. But we cannot built up endurance over night! Give yourself time to get used to answering the right way. Cut yourself a break when you don't. Get back on the bike and go again. Eventually it will come more naturally and you will learn to call on God quicker. Learn the life of a long distance racer and learn to endure.

The Main Thing

2009-09-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

As we spend time looking for a meeting place for NPCC many things go through my mind. Of course the obvious would be things like accessibility, visibility, affordability, or dependability. But the other day, as I was reading a book by Ed Stetzer, I was reminded that a building is most of all about a place to connect to God and people; a place to make, build, and cultivate our relationships. Churches (and pastors) have a tendency to get caught up in the hype of materialism just like every other organization. To have the newest and nicest accommodations for your members is a huge draw. But to get back to the purpose of meeting is the most important thing on my mind today.

The first church didn't meet in the largest, newest, most auspicious building in Jerusalem. They would not have been allowed to most likely. They met in the largest empty room they could find at first. Then, they met in the largest home they could find. When those options became too small, they met in multiple large homes or where ever they could. Church was about connecting and building relationships, not about the building.

Where ever you meet for church, focus on the reason for being there more than you do the shell around you!

Tursting, not Testing

2009-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Part of my duty to my family requires that I work a second job in addition to my work as a pastor. I chose (with the help of the Holy Spirit) to work as a substitute teacher in the Woodland Park Schools. After much preparation and paperwork, I finally had a class yesterday. It was better than I thought because I got to watch a young student teacher teach some of his first classes. The first class was a senior honors English class. They were discussing the creation stories of Greek mythology. The second class was a freshman English class. Wow! What a difference in the two! I could tell the teacher was having fun and enjoying the first class; it seemed to be what he signed up for. The second class was a little different. They were your typical freshmen on the first full week of school after a long day of sitting and listening. I was proud of the teacher though. He kept his cool and was learning to be patient with their attitudes; they were testing his integrity!

I thought this morning how God must feel when we test His integrity. When we see how far we can push His grace and mercy. When we see how far we can push His sense of right and wrong. We we look Him right in the eye while we are rebelling against the classroom rules.

Thankfully God is a patient God. He is a jealous God, but a patient God as well! Thanks to Christ's sacrifice we get to see more of His patience than His wrath. We get to enjoy the forgiveness in life before the judgment in death. Let's just be careful not to test that patience too much!

Sand Traps and Water Hazards

2009-08-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

I went golfing with Jay after church today. We had a great time and got some exercise to boot. I had not played golf since last summer and really surprised myself with an okay game. I love the course here in Woodland Park. It's well taken care of and not too hard for guys like me. I just wish they made a course without all the hazards. I did fairly well with them. I think I went into the sand twice and missed the water altogether. I hit one on the fifth tee from the second hole (I think) and one in the front yard of some poor guy who probably has way too many golf balls in his garage. The biggest hazard of the day was actually lightening!

On my way home I started thinking of all the hazards that life presents us with. Some of them are due to our poor selection of clubs (poor judgement), some due to the hazards on the course (just plain life struggles), and some of them come from the least expected places (other people, the Devil, etc.). You would think we would get better at avoiding those hazards; but we don't. Sometimes all we can hope to do is hit a good shot out of one of them. Just pitch back on the fairway and try again. Sometimes we get enogh courage to go for the green from them; not always a good idea, but sometimes it works. The point is not to sit in the hazard and give up trying! There is always a way out. It may take some ingenious shot. Or it may just take a little courage to try again!

Don't stay stuck in the hazard because you are afraid of the course! You have a Friend in Jesus who will be your caddy when the shot is not obvious! Check with Him and He will help you get back on the course!

Thanks for a great afternoon Jay!

Invisibility

2009-08-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

I looked out in the general direction where I usually catch a glimpse of Pike's Peak this afternoon and found only clouds where it should be. It was a little disappointing to want to see that majestic mountain only to see dreariness. I didn't see the snow in the crevases. I didn't see the glimmer of the visitors center atop. I didn't see the tree line so well defined 2/3 the way up. All I saw was rain and clouds.

Although we usually find rain and clouds annoying in their ruin of our schedule, we also find it hard to imagine what the view was like before them and what it will be after them. Clouds come in and cover our mood. Then we find it almost impossible to see past them.

I was reminded this morning of the horses and chariots of fire circling the city when the Arameans where trying to capture Elisha. Elisha saw them in the sky, but his servant did not. The servant only saw the army of the Arameans all around and asked what they were going to do. Elisha said, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Still not seeing the Lord's army Elisha prayed, "O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And he saw the multitude of the Lord's host there to help them.

Don't let the clouds in your life obstruct your view of the multitude of the Lord's host here to help you in your time of need and your everyday life. Look beyond the clouds and ask the Lord to open your eyes to see how he is lending His help!

Unconditionality

2009-08-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

It's tough sometimes to watch your children from a far enough distance so as not to give them a complex. At the same time, it's hard to know when your too far away to help them gain confidence and shape their lives. It's hard not to get frustrated when others don't see in them what you do. Or when they aren't recognized as the best. It's hard not to feel hurt for them when they aren't the starter on the team or first chair in the band.

Grandparents have figured out the helping from a distance thing better than us parents. They ask questions like what did you learn, or what was your favorite part, or who are your friends in that group. In stead of how did you do, or did you get the position, or who beat you.

I think God is more like a grandfather than a father in that respect. I think God asks us those kind of questions. But, that comes from His unconditional love for us. You see, it doesn't matter what we accomplish as much as how we accomplish it with God. It doesn't matter where we end up as much as how we got there with God. It doesn't matter when we do stuff as much as if we listened to His direction on doing the stuff. One of my favorite verses speaks of God's unconditional love toward mankind. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) He did not send His Son because we had proven we were worthy! He did not send His Son because we had cleaned our lives up! He sent His Son because we were in need of a Savior. God loves us in spite of our failures and wrongs.

Parents, try to understand and show more unconditional love to your children; love them because of who they are, not because of what they have done. I know you do, but show them that!

Sinners (that's all of us!), except God's love just the way you are. Let Him decide who is worthy of His Son's sacrificial offering!

Seasons

2009-08-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

A friend saw a post on "Facebook" the other day and thought my wife was crazy for wishing for snow in August. I didn't think she was crazy! I love snow and would welcome it at anytime. It does make me think of something I heard my grandmother say one time though. She said that "we are not supposed to wish away time." I have often thought about that saying as I journey from one season to the next, or, more probably, get stuck in the middle of an uncomfortable season of life. We are all strange creatures who wish for change and then grow quickly uncomfortable the moment we have the change we sought. Sometimes life seems like an ongoing series of problems to fix. Sometimes it seems as though nothing will ever happen. Whatever the season, we always seem to want the other season back or to move on again. The moral of the story? Take care of today, "do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt 6:34 My grandfather used to say there is no such thing as tomorrow because tomorrow never comes; it's always tomorrow if we want it to be.

Searching for greener grass is a pastime that leaves only empty desires. Learn the lessons of the season God has you in and you will move on soon enough. Even then you'll most likely wish to go back.

A New Beginning

2009-08-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

It is great to know we are a part of such a wonderful community and church here in Woodland Park. We are excited about the days and months ahead and we are praying that God opens some doors for ministry. This blog will contain mostly sermon notes and musings brought to my mind during the week. I hope you will post your thoughts and musings along with mine.

The first thought that has been going through my mind recently is the incredible view I have from the window I look out everyday. To some of you it may be old and you may take it for granted, but for us, it is a wonderful new experience that we have been longing for. The wonderful creation of God that we live in daily is not just purposed to sustain us. We are also surrounded by measures designed to give us pleasure. Some of the activities and pastimes we take pleasure in are not healthy for us. Paul said that all things are permissible to him, but not all things are beneficial! (1 Cor 6 & 10) However, God's creation is both permissible for us to enjoy and beneficial for us to take advantage of. You don't know how medicinal the mountain air and life is until you have lived elsewhere for a season. Don't take the wonderful creation of God fro granted. As you pass by the scenery and the wildlife, thank God for all He has given us!