Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

The Garden Prayer. Matthew 26:36-46 36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." 39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." 40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be d

The Last Supper.     Matthew 26:17-30 17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" 18 He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' " 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" 23 Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he

Clearing the Temple. Mark 11:12-19 12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it. 15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" 18The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because

Triumphal Entry. Luke 19:28-40 28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' " 32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34They replied, "The Lord needs it." 35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for al

Jesus Anointed. Luke 7:36-50 36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." 40"Simon, I have something to tell you," Jesus answered him. "Tell me, teacher," he said. 41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which o

This week's sermon comes from John 6 and the Feeding of the 5000. We look at how Jesus is more than enough for us and how we can depend on Him.

I'm thinking ummm there is no such thing as "Ugly People." all people are God's people.

You probably seen them. This past Sunday, we handed out  several dozens for each family to share the Easter Story with their children.  We had scriptures, and objects in each egg. I'm looking forward to hearing the stories, and how people are using them. Just one of the many tools we have had been using to get people excited about this time of year. This Sunday we're presenting people a resource to invite others and invest in their friends to be connected to the body here.

The Servant. John 13:1-17 1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." "Unless I was

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son. Luke 7:11-17 11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." 14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. When was the last time you were in awe of God? If God can heal and raise the dead, imagine what He can do with you? What are the possibi

Jesus Calms the Storm. Luke 8: 22-25 22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Where is your faith? Is Jesus calming any storms in your life? Why or why not?

Saw this video yesterdat about what VEF is doing to plant new churches.

People ask me what I think of healthcare. Actually they ask me a lot. Personally, I'm not in the politics of it. (I have opinions and think both parties are like middle schoolers fighting) Why do people ask me? Well they know I'm Canadian and wanting to get my background on what I think works better. Here is my thoughts (Obamacare or not) I. There needs to be reform. No doubt about. There shouldn't be these complex issues in dealing with insurance companies. (Fact is I was dealing with issues with my insurance company with a simple issue as forms and shot records to get my kids enrolled) II. The Canadian System isn't perfect. (My own family has issues with getting the care they need at times) III. There is going to be more paperwork. (Trust me government isn't perfect and the forms are huge - and the red tape complex - try having issues with the IRS or ICE (Immigration) or some other government organization) IV. Government isn't always the Answer. Th

So yesterday I was in Mechanicsville, Virginia at  Fairmount Christian Church for a seminar. The VEF otherwise known as the Virginia Evangelizing Fellowship and JBC (Johnson Bible College) were sponsoring this seminar on the Art of Writing a Sermon. The special presenter for this event was Bob Russell (Who I almost knocked over coming out of the restroom that day but that's another story) The Day was broken into several segments. We had 2 breakout sessions as well as the 4 sessions Bob Presented in. Here is what the Day looked like: Session I. The Process of Writing Your Sermon Breakout: What does the process look like to you? Session II: Balancing Exposition and Application. Lunch Session III: Finding, Filing and Fitting Illustrations Breakout: Where do you get your illistrations from?  (also on a side advice for those starting out in preaching - mine was to recent students: Be Yourself) Session IV: When Ministry Gets Tough. (I actually have a copy of this ta

Signs of the End. Mark 13: 1 – 8, 26-33 1As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" 2"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." 3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4"Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?" 5Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.”

The Greatest Command. Mark 12:28-34 28One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." 32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far f

The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

This Sunday we're looking at John 5. There are hurting people in the world today. the church offers hope. Let us give them the answer in which people are seeking.

Zacchaeus The Tax Collector. Luke 19: 1- 9 1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " 8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." 9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. How c

   Ten are Healed. One Returns.         Luke 17:11-19 11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"   14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.   17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." How thankful are you for God’s healing in your life for your sin-sick soul? Why is it hard for people to say Thank you? When was the last time you thanked God

People always ask me to Spell my last name. I say FESS, like in Fess Parker, do you know Him? (If you are over the age of 50 chances are you do.) or I say FESS as in Confess but Jesus took the Con out of me. Fess Parker seemed to achieve a lot in his life time as an actor and a career person. He was married for over 50 yrs. (almost unheard of nowadays with especially those from Hollywood) My prayers goes out to the family this day in their time of grief.

Comics found here

Perfectionism is an interesting theology that has been circulating for some time. A person cites after they become a Christian, they can become perfect and like Christ. The problem is we're called to be perfect, just without Christ - we never are. If we could be perfect on our own ... there would be no need for Jesus. Thus there are several holes in this theology. The big thing is to recognize that our Christian walk is a journey. God is the Potter, we are the clay. We are being molded - Daily.

What Do You Value Most? Matthew 6:19-24 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. What are those things you are investing in for eternity?

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. What is it to be like a child? What about innocence?

1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! Is your life transformed? Why was Moses and Elijah chosen? What does this say about Jesus?

18Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" 19They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life." 20"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Who do People say He is: A man who could do amazing things? Is he a deceiver? The Crowds said a prophet. Who is this Jesus to you, God’s Son?

Our congregation in the next 21 days (Leading up to Easter) is doing a daily scripture reading. Here is the intro: Our participation in the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Christian faith. We are delivered from sin through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we prepare for Resurrection Lord’s Day (Easter) we remember the victory of our redemption over sin and death, through Jesus Christ and participate in His life giving Spirit. We have prepared this devotional to help you participate in this process of spiritual renewal. For the next 21 days we want to help you make an appointment with God. Please spend time daily reading these devotionals, praying and meditating on the thoughts presented. Feel free to share this devotional with your family, friends, and co-workers. Be creative, let God’s Word speak for itself. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from The Holy Bible. New International Version. Copyright 1973

This week's sermon we look at Jesus as: I. The Living Water. II. Knowing our past. III. The Christ.

Just finished reading Kem Meyer's book. A must read for us that do a lot behind the scenes in ministry. One of the things I'm learning is less and simple is better. Currently in the ministry I'm in - we're trying to put a system in place to better communication and be more organized. This book is very practical and gave me some ideas to help better our bulletins, web experience, and to try to get rid of Noise. Now if I only can get better organized.

Key Verse: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1: 21 (New International Version) Read: Revelation 21 “And as He spoke (Aslan) He no longer looked to them like a lion; but things that began to happen after that that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all stories, and we can truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of The Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” (pg. 210 CS Lewis The Last Battle) Jesus. The Great Lion of Judah. Lamb of God. The One who took away our sins. Jesus, who came, lived, died, rose and is coming again. Jesus – the one Who creat

Key Verse: “Fear God. Do what he tells you.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13 The Message. Read Romans 3, 6: 1 – 11. Edmund presents the whole problem of mankind: sinfulness. Traitor. Tempted. He is caught in his own greed and by the White Witch’s lure. After Edmund is rescued, he and Aslan have a private conversation. No one hears what they say – but it changes Edmund forever. Afterwards, Edmund apologizes and all is forgiven. There seems to be two sides to Edmund. That of bad: temper, lying; and that of good: repenting, fights the battle, helps defeat some of the Witch’s schemes. Edmund is seen as unrighteous. One forgiveness is given though Edmund stands up for the truth and is still seen not as his former self but as an heir to the throne. Thoughts to Ponder: 1. What side of Edmund am I currently like? 2. How can I be more forgiving of others? 3. What is something I can do to see that justice and mercy is given to those that need it? 4. How hard is it to let go of grudges and past mistak

Key Verse: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Read Daniel 1. Daniel 3: 16 – 26. Lucy was known as the youngest of the Pevensie children. She was the first to discover Narnia (though actually not the first human to be there though ummm Read The Magician’s Nephew aka The Professor who was there before). Lucy set an example of Faith and that of love in all she did. She didn’t back down. Lucy seemed very similar to the valiant antics of Shadrock, Meshach, and Abednego. Lucy had trust that Aslan(God) would be there to help no matter what. Lucy’s persistence to tell the story of Narnia was evident. I wonder how we are to tell our story being a part of God’s story? Thoughts to ponder: 1. How are you setting an example? 2. How is your own trust in God? 3. How persistent are you? Are you telling people the good news of Jesus? 4. Lucy, also played a part of a healer, how are you hel

Key Verse: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2 New International Version. Read Galatians 5: 13 – 6:10. As a daughter of Eve, Susan was the eldest. Susan tried to talk and see the sensible things in this world. Her own heroic moment was with Lucy to witness one of the greatest moments recorded in History. The death of Aslan the Lion. The parallel is seen in John 19:25 – 30.(go ahead and read that) And then the resurrection of Aslan. Susan had the mothering instinct. She was gentle and kind. One of her last quotes before entering the wardrobe from Narnia to home was …”let us go on and take the adventure that shall fall to us.” Pg. 187. Are you taking the adventure? Thoughts to ponder: 1. How can I be more like Susan to others? Be Gentle? 2. What does it mean to bear one anothers’ burdens? 3. What adventure are you on? How is your faith journey? 4. What do you think it would be like to witness both the death and resurrection o

Key Verse: “You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” - Matthew 16:18 The Message. Read Matthew 16: 13 – 20. John 21: 1 – 19. “Rise up, Sir Peter Wolf’s Bane. And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.” – pg. 133 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Have you ever dreamed of being a hero? As Peter learns, imagining brave feats and doing them are two different things. Peter, in the Chronicles, is similar to the Peter in the New Testament. Both made mistakes. Both overcame obstacles to proclaim who the true King was. Both used swords for battle. (Literally and figuratively) We, much, like Peter are in a battle today. Spiritual battles abound. The question comes down to what are you doing to make right choices and in your first battle? “Peter did not feel very brave; indeed he felt he was going to be sick. But that made no difference to what h

Starting this week, I'm going to be reviewing and posting a booklet from a week of Camp I did for 2006. The Theme was the Chronicles of Narnia and this was the opening of the booklet to have an effective quiet time. I'll be posting the First Devotional in the next post. Each day we looked at a different character of the Book. The 4 children and then Aslan. Each morning we set aside time so you can keep that appointment to grow closer to God. Some call this meditation, others call it devotions. It doesn’t matter what you call it, as long as you spend time with God. Here is a suggestion how to spend your time: 1. Pray quietly. 2. Read the Scripture. 3. Read the illustration. 4. Work on the application. 5. Pray – by journaling your thoughts to God – and spending time with Him. You may want more time for #s 4 & 5. Remember to tell God about your blessings, struggles, sins, and to be specific. God wants to hear from you. Hopefully these times you spend with God wil

I. I thought the closing ceremonies were great, eh! II. That was one GREAT game. III. I take back all those things I said about Sidney. IV. I've got new respect for Ryan Miller. When he hits Free Agency ...wow. V. Michael J. was probably the best monologue of the night. I was embarrassed by Shatner. VI. Curling really isn't as easy as it looks. VII. Too bad the NHL can't capitalize on the whole US-Canada aspect. Bettman just doesn't get it. VIII. Canada set a record for the number of golds, and as well as the US with the number of medals. IX. I wonder if this Olympics hurt the future of Women's hockey? X. I love the Winter Games unfortunately I see that 2014 there will be less coverage and no NHL players in it. (Except maybe Ovechkin)

HT to Lara J.

I get this question a lot. Long Story short: God. I grew up in Canada, went to a church as a young man and was thinking ministry (Due to the influence of the godly men and women from my home church included several families like the Hoovers, Donovons, Kindys, Sevenpipers, Mrs.C, The Ladies Group, and of course Terry Tanner). I was looking at several different schools - then this one from NC came. I didn't have any $$$. They just said - come, God would provide. (And HE did). So I ended up on a campus I didn't even see, and going to school with people I hardly knew except by this Choir Tour.(The school originally was called Roanoke Bible College now Mid Atlantic Christian University) Originally my plans was to be a youth minister - and go back to Canada. But God had other plans. When I was at school, I was probably the class clown ... but also wanting to do what was right. In my Junior Year, I met my future Bride. We married 4 years later. I had my first ministry in Ohio and wen