200th Post/Groaning/Vacation/World Cup/Team

Life... it is never dull, always interesting and growing me every step of the way... Here are a few things going through my head on a Friday morning.

200th Blog Post... Can't say I've been counting, but noticed today that this is number 200. It has been a good exercise for me to write out my thoughts and trust they have encouraged in the faith any who have come across my musings.

Groaning... Had one of those weeks that I didn't see coming. Held on tight to the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 where he states "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Praise God that I am still in process and that many of the temporal challenges we all face as humans on this earth are working towards a greater purpose in our lives as we live and rest in a Sovereign God.

Vacation... Looking forward to two weeks away with my family. I am committed to intentionally pouring into my family on this trip as they represent a portion of my life that God has called me as a husband and father to faithfully love and lead. The pursuit of true Biblical rest is necessary and will be sought over the next few weeks. I've also been starting to do some reading on how we as Christ followers tend to neglect the concept of the "sabbath" which can lead to incredible shortcomings. Look forward to gaining more insight on this.

World Cup... Can't wait to watch some games with the kids while sipping Tim Hortons Coffee.

Team... I serve with a great group of people who strive to encourage, challenge and pray for one another. Thanks to those who have poured into my life lately. It is appreciated!!!

Been Thinking About...

For the past two weeks I've been thinking about the following two statements that I heard preached by Pastor John Garner of Redeemer Bible Church in Niagara Falls. I've also shared them with the staff of Grace Church in order to make sure we work hard at staying on guard and working towards course correction when needed as a spiritual drift can happen so quickly within our lives and the life of a church.

"You have forsaken your first love (Jesus). This is a tolerated drift from the heart of Christ and from a disposition and behavior of love... for one another and the spiritually lost. They are pumping out religious product with a waning affection, love and loyalty for Jesus and a compassionate love for people.

"Remember how it was... before your heart started to harden and shrivel, before your work for Jesus eclipsed your relationship with Him and others. Take the warning seriously... [if not] there will be a loss of spiritual vitality and power from your midst. A sense of God's activity and grace will evaporate."

This was the warning/exhortation to the church of Ephesus and to all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ in 2010. It is so easy to justify your life in respects to your "doing" for Christ rather than your "being" in Christ.