Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

I had recently went back to Canada. It has been 11 years since I last was there. This time was due to my brother, Mike. I have very few family left: My brothers and I (And their families). A lot of people love my family. They can be an unusual lot (The same can be said of me). This trip was quick. A visit with my friends the Mills. (whose grandson passed away while we were there - we think it was the Lord's timing we can encourage them). Then, we visited my brother, who had a stroke a few years ago, and had a brain injury accident and has been in the hospital for some time and looking for more permanent home and the next steps (As of this writing - they were looking to transfer back to Hamilton and maybe placed in facility in Dunnville) It has been a good visit with Darryl, Lori, Dwayne (Andrew) and others and a visit to my home church. There have been two things that have spoken volumes for us: 1. Family support and talking to one another is needed. Valerie and I plan on going

I had once had a 99 year old lady tell me the secret to long life: Faith in God, positive attitude, and have a great sense of humor. The secret to staying in ministry is simple: Don't quit too soon. Preachers quit for many reasons. Sometimes it's for health reasons, other times for financial reasons, occasional for moral reasons, but often it's simply the result of discouragement. I've had a few short youth ministries and just now entering my longest preaching ministry in Central Virginia. What worked for me may not work necessarily for you. Every preacher is different and every congregation is different. Two observations: 1. I didn't ever intend to be a preacher in Central Virginia. Turns out right place, in right timing, that God placed me here after serving a sister congregation years prior as a youth minister. 2. I do not think I would be the same preacher if starting today and the demands. It has been some of the lessons I've learned along the wa

In those one thousand days He calmed the sea, turned water into wine, made the lame walk, caused the blind to see, cleared the temple, raised the dead, fed 5000 with 5 loaves of bread and two fish, healed ten men with leprosy, walked on water, and (if that weren't enough), He had one more job to do. He offered himself to be crucified on a Roman style cross as a living sacrifice on our behalf - Mike Rehnberg.

(I used this prayer I came across for illustration in my sermon on Sunday) In this church, and may your will be done here as it is in heaven! For this we pray. Feed us today, O Lord, as you have done every day of our lives. We thank-you for our daily food. We have so much and we enjoy it and praise you for it, knowing that it comes from you. Let this be our Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are holy, righteous, pure and perfect, and we worship you through Jesus Christ your Son, our Savior, Lord and King. May your kingdom rule be here Forgive us, O Lord, as we forgive those who sin against us. Help us to walk in your forgiveness and grace. Please do not lead us into temptation, Father, for we are weak. But deliver us from the evil one. Grant wisdom, courage, and strength to our elders who shepherd this flock that you have put under their care. Thank-you for each one of them. May they lead us, discipline us, and encourage us and be an example for us in your ways and will according

Someone once told me: "choose your battles wisely." Currently there is fights over monuments, name changes and racism plays a part. I've read many articles that have articulated my opinion but one thing I haven't seen yet or rather yet to see (perhaps I've missed it) is to love our enemies. Pray for those that persecute you. I live in the RVA area ..not far from Charlottesville. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus in Mark 12 when asked what the greatest commandment was? "Jesus responded: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Perhaps we need people to love themselves, love others .... and love all people - from every nation, tribe, and colour. What the world needs more of isn't more words, or denouncing of evil acts ...what the world needs more of is Christians to act well Christian. Being Jesus' hands and feet to a dark world that needs Him. It all starts with a one person.

Introduction: "You sure do have a lot of books." That's usually the statement I get when one glances at my office. One might ask why does the preacher have a library, does he need one? The answer is because of the nature of our work. The importance of reading/studying for the work of a minister can hardly be overemphasized. Great preachers are great students. Jay Adams said "In the daily work of the pastorate, it is easy for one to dry up, unless he works at keeping the mind green." There is definitely a need for continual education and professional self-development. Everything we know for ministry is not learned in the four years of Bible college or the years after in Seminary. Although we cannot have all the material for ongoing education in our libraries, it is helpful to have some of it in our possession. Here are some general principles in building a library: 1. Start small and build. Some of my material and books came from retiring preachers who

What are you reading?

There are two kinds of Christians. A post and a tree. The post is placed in the ground and just sets and rots. A tree is planted, in the same ground, stretches its roots down deep for nourishment, and grows and produces fruit. Many Christians feel that they’re not going anywhere, their faith is not increasing, their attitudes are the same. They are not going anywhere. It is all how you look at life. Then there is those who are like trees: Many Christians are discovering that the Bible is an open, exciting Book, whose truths, like valuable gems, enrich their lives. Solomon urged us to search the Word of God as hidden treasure, as we would seek for silver the treasures of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:1-5). Be like a tree – grow in God’s Word don’t sit still like a post. Why study the Word? 1. Know Him Better. 2. Wisdom 3. Shows how to live. 4. Love for God (Read Ps.119)