Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
From the all nighter!!!
Well its 3 am and my mind is starting to slow down so I thought it would be a good idea to start blogging!!Tonight we are holding are second annual end of summer sleepover, although last year we vowed never to do it again I am really glad we decide to try it again! With a lot more staff then last year and some great kids we have had a fun night of connecting and developing relationships!! I guess somethings are better the second time around.
PEACE!
PS we are always looking for some great volunteers to help out some equally great kids!
Monday, August 27, 2007
You know what really burns me?
Human Nature...really burns me. The bible teaches that the tongue is worse then any sword and it can cut deep.
Over the past couple of months I have been burned several times by an individual who feels it is his job to pass on information to others without checking its validity. This gossiping has lead to some issues which are completely unnecessary and were totally avoidable. This need for gossiping while really pissing me off, has taught me a very important lesson. If I am going to share something with someone about someone else I need to first check my intentions and then make sure the information is correct. I challenge all of you to do the same. Like my mom always said "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." Hopefully the individual I was referring to catches that message as well.
On a brighter note here are some life updates!!
The baby is not here yet, but it is still cooking and very healthy a long with his beautiful mother!
The Church plant is starting to come together (PS still looking for some missional Christians to help out!!) I am hoping to start meeting with potential leaders this september!!
PEACE!!
Over the past couple of months I have been burned several times by an individual who feels it is his job to pass on information to others without checking its validity. This gossiping has lead to some issues which are completely unnecessary and were totally avoidable. This need for gossiping while really pissing me off, has taught me a very important lesson. If I am going to share something with someone about someone else I need to first check my intentions and then make sure the information is correct. I challenge all of you to do the same. Like my mom always said "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." Hopefully the individual I was referring to catches that message as well.
On a brighter note here are some life updates!!
The baby is not here yet, but it is still cooking and very healthy a long with his beautiful mother!
The Church plant is starting to come together (PS still looking for some missional Christians to help out!!) I am hoping to start meeting with potential leaders this september!!
PEACE!!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Camping with the Freeway
Back from a great weekend of relaxing with the Freeway at Valens Conservation area. Our days were filled with eating great food (thanks Natasha), and chilling out by the lake. It was really nice to connect with some great people and develop strong community! But, now its back to the grind of working and getting things ready for the baby!
I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend as well!
Peace
I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend as well!
Peace
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Glimpses of Real Church Community
After a couple of weeks of really slacking off and doing nothing but worrying about things that are completely out of my hands God has kicked me in the pants and told me stop focusing on the insignificant and start focusing on him.
As a result I have kicked off a personal study of Acts which is easily my favorite book in the Bible. I love the vision that Acts gives for what Christianity is and what it should be. Reading through the first 6 or so chapters yesterday I was again amazed at the growth of Christianity. A spreading of not only a religion but away of life that was starkly different from the culture of the day.
When I was reading through the opening chapters I started thinking about the complaint I here most often when I speak with my Church friends. For the most part they complain that their Church isn't growing. They often tie that lack of growth to something like crappy worship or bad preaching. Ironically if they would look at the ACT's church compared to their own community they may see some more realistic reasons why "Non-Christians" are not drawn into Church communities like they were in first century AD.
Check out this passage and see if you can see some differences between how we play Church and how they live out Church.
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2 40 - 47
These early Christians were practicing true community and were helping those in need and as a result their numbers grew exponentially. Their values and lives offered a stark contrast to the values of the day. They were truly new creations, their old values were gone. Is it really any surprise that Western Christianity is in the decline? Consider that Christianity over the past centuries in the Western world has moved away from a community based religion, a religion that is focused on the needy and has become a Church that shares more in common with a country club then the original church. The Acts church asks for nothing less then complete devotion to the Saviour of the world, in lieu of his sacrifice not really that much to ask for. In contrast todays Christianity asks for an hour to an hour and a half a week and may be an evening during the week. Is it really surprising that half ass Christianity has bread half ass Kingdom growth.
Sorry if my thoughts are a little scattered my mind is a bit shot today. My hope isn't to offend but offer a challenge, a challenge that God has placed on my heart as well. I think as Christians we need to join together devote ourselves to Christs work!! Let us all pray that we as a Christian Church can catch the fire that the early Christians had!
As a result I have kicked off a personal study of Acts which is easily my favorite book in the Bible. I love the vision that Acts gives for what Christianity is and what it should be. Reading through the first 6 or so chapters yesterday I was again amazed at the growth of Christianity. A spreading of not only a religion but away of life that was starkly different from the culture of the day.
When I was reading through the opening chapters I started thinking about the complaint I here most often when I speak with my Church friends. For the most part they complain that their Church isn't growing. They often tie that lack of growth to something like crappy worship or bad preaching. Ironically if they would look at the ACT's church compared to their own community they may see some more realistic reasons why "Non-Christians" are not drawn into Church communities like they were in first century AD.
Check out this passage and see if you can see some differences between how we play Church and how they live out Church.
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2 40 - 47
These early Christians were practicing true community and were helping those in need and as a result their numbers grew exponentially. Their values and lives offered a stark contrast to the values of the day. They were truly new creations, their old values were gone. Is it really any surprise that Western Christianity is in the decline? Consider that Christianity over the past centuries in the Western world has moved away from a community based religion, a religion that is focused on the needy and has become a Church that shares more in common with a country club then the original church. The Acts church asks for nothing less then complete devotion to the Saviour of the world, in lieu of his sacrifice not really that much to ask for. In contrast todays Christianity asks for an hour to an hour and a half a week and may be an evening during the week. Is it really surprising that half ass Christianity has bread half ass Kingdom growth.
Sorry if my thoughts are a little scattered my mind is a bit shot today. My hope isn't to offend but offer a challenge, a challenge that God has placed on my heart as well. I think as Christians we need to join together devote ourselves to Christs work!! Let us all pray that we as a Christian Church can catch the fire that the early Christians had!
Monday, July 16, 2007
HELP WANTED!
As most of you know by now I have been exploring the possibilities of church planting. One of the first steps in planting is surrounding yourself with people who share a similar vision and who are willing to help out with the plant. I need people who are willing to be active participants. Basically I need people who are willing to join me in doing the grunt work doing the small things that go into launching a church community. Now I know many of you are probably saying I would love to be involved in some ways but I don't want to leave my current church. If thats the case and you feel God wants you where you are, you can still support spiritually and financially. If you are willing to help out by praying for the church or if you are willing to support it financially please drop me an email!
I guess the next thing I should do is let you know some of the non-negotiables about the church plant. The vision I have had for this church plant is one of a "community Hub" or a "Third place". Basically I am hoping to create a community that meets spiritual, social and physical needs. I want to create a community like we see in Acts. A group of people who come together often, who share there things when someone is in need, but most importantly they are a community that embraces the community around them with Christ's Love and Peace!
Please pray about it, and if God convicts you and you are interested I would love to meet with you for coffee. There are a lot of unknowns in this process but I know two things for sure. One I can't do it on my own and two God wants it to be done and I don't want to get in his way!!
PEACE
I guess the next thing I should do is let you know some of the non-negotiables about the church plant. The vision I have had for this church plant is one of a "community Hub" or a "Third place". Basically I am hoping to create a community that meets spiritual, social and physical needs. I want to create a community like we see in Acts. A group of people who come together often, who share there things when someone is in need, but most importantly they are a community that embraces the community around them with Christ's Love and Peace!
Please pray about it, and if God convicts you and you are interested I would love to meet with you for coffee. There are a lot of unknowns in this process but I know two things for sure. One I can't do it on my own and two God wants it to be done and I don't want to get in his way!!
PEACE
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Sorry about the delay
Life has been crazy as per usual, and looks to only get busier with the arrival of my little guy at the end of the summer. That being said I couldn't be happier, and it is amazing to see God working through the chaos. Over the past couple of weeks Kristen and I have settled into our new church community "the freeway," which has been a lot of fun. I have accepted a part-time position selling for a tech company Emrose in T.O to help with the bills as we prepare for maternity leave. On top of which Routes has been pretty busy with lots of programs and trips! BUT Life is good and more importantly GOD is good!
Peace!
Peace!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
The Beach
2 days on 2 different beaches + No sun screen = one serious burn.... So I am a bit of a lobster right now and when I say a little bit I mean a lot. As I am typing my back feels like it is going to peel right off. Ouch I just moved. Turns out I learned the age old lesson again "Every decision has its consequences." The past months have been filled with decisions and I pray I am making the right ones as opposed to the ones that are going to get me burned!
Peace
Peace
Saturday, June 30, 2007
MONEY MONEY MONEY
I was reading Pernell's blog yesterday, and he went off on something I have been interested in for a while. This whole idea of the "Prosperity Gospel," the idea that if we are good little middle class Christians God will reward us with more money then we could ever imagine. I don't buy into that one iota. You see I agree that God can bless us with money and material possessions but he doesn't want us to use it for selfish reasons or hoard it. God wants us to give it away. This is certainly an area of life that is difficult for many of us to give over to God, because we want so desperately to cling to the resources "we earned with our own hard work" we need to remember in this screwed up world, the richer I get or you get the poorer someone else gets.
If you are blessed to have the nice house, the great job, the good cars remember most of the world isn't and give God what is God after you "give Caesar what is Caesars (taxation - completely unrelated but I love it when Jesus throws stuff in the "MANS" face)."
Remember the rich young ruler, Jesus called him to give up everything and he couldn't. The more we hoard and cling to the harder it is to separate our selves from money. Its not a sin to make money, its what we do with our money that truly shows where are heart lies.
Peace
If you are blessed to have the nice house, the great job, the good cars remember most of the world isn't and give God what is God after you "give Caesar what is Caesars (taxation - completely unrelated but I love it when Jesus throws stuff in the "MANS" face)."
Remember the rich young ruler, Jesus called him to give up everything and he couldn't. The more we hoard and cling to the harder it is to separate our selves from money. Its not a sin to make money, its what we do with our money that truly shows where are heart lies.
Peace
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Faithfulness
What if we were truly faithful, what if we actually believed that God works for the benefit of those who love him. What if we gave him everything believing he would fulfill all of our needs. We would find the peace that surpasses all understanding. This week God has proved over and over that when there seems to be no way he will find away. Its premature to announce what has happened this week on my blog but stay tuned, I will share it next week!
peace
Jason
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Baby = No money
So on top of trying to figure out how we are going to raise our soon to be son, what to teach him, how we will discipline him.... the reality of the looming maternity leave is coming. So it turns out taking 50% of one income out of the equation leaves about enough money to either eat or fill up the car. lol! So this will end up being the summer of saving! Which also means I may be taking on a second weekend job. If anyone is looking for someone to work for them on Saturday's I am available! On a positive note I will work for diapers.
In all seriousness we are a little scared but we do find comfort knowing that God will provide all we need (mostly likely less then we want).
"He is able, more then able to do much more then I could ever dream"
PEACE!
In all seriousness we are a little scared but we do find comfort knowing that God will provide all we need (mostly likely less then we want).
"He is able, more then able to do much more then I could ever dream"
PEACE!
Friday, June 22, 2007
"Small is the new Big"
A few weeks ago I was chatting with Pernell Goodyear and he said something that stuck "small is the new big" he was referring to the benefits of smaller churches versus mega churches. I was reminded of that tonight as I was sitting at Routes. The results of a high school graduation and a party at someones house meant Routes was pretty empty most of the night. Although we only saw about 30 kids (half of our normal turnout) throughout the night, it was still one of the most rewarding nights I have had in a while. Because there was less people it was a lot easier to make good solid connections.
So often we get caught up in numbers... when your are in the business of following Christ one great connection is worth more then a million unconnected bodies!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Routes this Summer -
Are you hanging out in Hamilton and looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community or get involved in youth ministry this summer? If so, come check out Routes! We are always in need of strong/responsible volunteers, especially in the summer when many of our University volunteers go home for the summer! We basically run some kind of program Tuesday Thru Friday every week so if you have a free night you are willing to give up, give me a call!!
Hope all is well!
Jason
Monday, June 18, 2007
Some thoughts from the couch
2nd last Sunday at my old Church first time leading a worship gathering at my new church. Yesterday was a great affirmation that I have made the correct decision. It started in the morning when I realized my uniform pants had ripped forcing me to wear old black khaki pants (yeah they look as bad as they sound) then at church my uniform shirt popped open at the neck. It seemed as though my uniform was telling me it was time to move on. Then Sunday night, I lead discussion and gave several small messages, and I have to say I was a bit nervous before I spoke, but while I was speaking I felt more comfortable then I had ever felt speaking in a church. I thank God for giving Kristen and I the strength to follow Christ even though it would have been easier staying put.
I was reminded again that following Christ is an amazing journey but it certainly isn't and shouldn't be a comfortable and easy journey!
Peace,
I was reminded again that following Christ is an amazing journey but it certainly isn't and shouldn't be a comfortable and easy journey!
Peace,
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Random Thoughts
Sorry for the time away, the last couple of weeks have been crazy as I transition out of Meadowlands and into FRWY, as well as having a busy Routes schedule. What you have missed, well last weekend, I had the "privilege" of playing in the Hamilton international Tattoo, Pipes and military bands from 9 am to 10:00 pm good times lol! I am not saying I don't like brass music, I actually enjoy it, but there is something mind numbing about standing in Copps coliseum surrounded by hundreds of pipers and military bands playing as loud as they can. But I found solace in knowing that it will be my last Tattoo!
This week God has really been impressing on me that just because something is good, and Godly it doesn't mean I should be doing it. I have come to the realization again that one can become overwhelmed with Holy busy work. For instance, the Tattoo, not a bad thing, and may be even a good thing to play spiritual music in a secular environment. But, when the "means" becomes more important then the "ends" we can get ourselves into trouble, in other words when the prestige of playing in front of 5000 ppl becomes more important then growing the Kingdom of God we can get ourselves in a little trouble . Another example from my Salvation Army tradition is the uniform. The uniform is a wonderful spiritual symbol of full Salvation and a life of devotion, but when instead being a symbol of Christian service it becomes a tool to play in bands/choirs or take on leadership while hiding behind it, its original purpose has been perverted and what was good and can still be good, has become bad.
Oh well just some thoughts from this crazy week.
Peace!
PS I am writing this at 9:00am after doing a presentation at 7:00am @ Rotary for all of you who don't think I have to work before 1 in the afternoon! lol!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Love
I have been thinking a lot about choices these days, especially with the baby coming. And there are lots of choices to make, what will we teach our little guy, what colour will we paint his room, how will we teach him to love Jesus. What will we do if he is rebellious? What will we do....
And as I was looking for video clips to do with choices as I prepare for my message in a couple weeks at FRWY ironically on choices, I came across this clip from Bruce Almighty. And the last line really made me think. Jim Carrey says about his ex-girlfriend, I want her to be happy and find someone that will see her the way I see her right now through your eyes (Gods eyes). Eyes of unconditional love, eyes that see the good when all we can see is the bad. I pray I will always look at my child through God's eyes!
And as I was looking for video clips to do with choices as I prepare for my message in a couple weeks at FRWY ironically on choices, I came across this clip from Bruce Almighty. And the last line really made me think. Jim Carrey says about his ex-girlfriend, I want her to be happy and find someone that will see her the way I see her right now through your eyes (Gods eyes). Eyes of unconditional love, eyes that see the good when all we can see is the bad. I pray I will always look at my child through God's eyes!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Finally a day to relax
Nothing like taking a break after a really really really long weekend...
I spent the day regrouping and relaxing. This morning was spent looking into the word, and trying to pull some thoughts together for my first opportunity to speak at FRWY. I am really excited but a little nervous as well.
The afternoon I got to hangout with my bro playing catch, and other then almost hitting a few cars it was a good time.
Anyways, thought I would blog since I haven't for a while.
Peace,
I spent the day regrouping and relaxing. This morning was spent looking into the word, and trying to pull some thoughts together for my first opportunity to speak at FRWY. I am really excited but a little nervous as well.
The afternoon I got to hangout with my bro playing catch, and other then almost hitting a few cars it was a good time.
Anyways, thought I would blog since I haven't for a while.
Peace,
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Crazy Week leads into crazy weekend!
Sorry for the inconsistent blogging, this week has really busy and the weekend looks to be even worse. Here is what I am up to
Friday - Routes --> we will be having a live band performing in Routes to attract kids from Buskerfest. Plus Meadowlands is having a Carnival and outdoor concert.
Saturday - Morning - Meadowlands is having a community breakfast/open house from 8am - 11am
Routes - Afternoon BBQ (FREE)
Meadowlands - Evening concert
Sunday morning Church
Afternoon at Routes
Evening at FRWY
I will be at all of this so if you are interested in checking it out, I would love some company!
Peace!
Jason
Friday - Routes --> we will be having a live band performing in Routes to attract kids from Buskerfest. Plus Meadowlands is having a Carnival and outdoor concert.
Saturday - Morning - Meadowlands is having a community breakfast/open house from 8am - 11am
Routes - Afternoon BBQ (FREE)
Meadowlands - Evening concert
Sunday morning Church
Afternoon at Routes
Evening at FRWY
I will be at all of this so if you are interested in checking it out, I would love some company!
Peace!
Jason
Monday, May 28, 2007
Are you being Brain washed
This weekend I had an interesting question posed to me that at first really insulted me and really disappointed me. To be honest I am still a little disappointed by the intentions in the words but on a positive note they have made me think. On Saturday I was asked by Christian friend if I really believed I was being called or was it just that I was being brainwashed by someone. The implication certainly was that they believed I was being brainwashed. I am glad to say that I don't feel like I am being brainwashed by a person but rather I am proud to say I have drank the 'Koolaid' and that if anyone is brainwashing me it is GOD and truly I pray that he continues to envelop my thoughts and place me where he wants me to be! Also, it is worth noting that I am thankful for the person accused of brainwashing me, he has been a good friend with great spiritual maturity, and continues to help me grasp and understand ideas which are new and unfamiliar.
This quote really helped me frame my thoughts,
"Don't do anything until you are sure Jesus is with you. Like Mose's tell the Lord I am not going to take one step forward unless you go first." (Niel Cole)
I am more than conifident that God is one step ahead of me, and no matter where he leads me he will never leave me! That comment from a friend although initially upsetting helped affirm my recent decision. God is not asking me to stay somewhere and be comfortable but rather he is asking me to go places that can only be attempted with his help.
I pray that as I continue down a road, a seemingly impossible road without God that I will always stay focused on the vision God has placed on my heart, and that I stay on the heels of the King! My hope is that no one can say Jason did that but rather I hope they say there is no way Jason could have done that with out GOD!
PEACE!
I pray that as I continue down a road, a seemingly impossible road without God that I will always stay focused on the vision God has placed on my heart, and that I stay on the heels of the King! My hope is that no one can say Jason did that but rather I hope they say there is no way Jason could have done that with out GOD!
PEACE!
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