Needing Prayer

Got a couple of preaching engagements and I need your prayers! Please pray for me!

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ..." (Col 4:3)

"Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." (Col 4:4)

Anger Management with Bitterness

Do you know what really wrecks relationships? Anger and bitterness. I met a man who set up some rules with his wife regarding this issue. They said that if there is anything between them, they have 24 hours to address the problem or else they lose their right to be hurt. How true that is!

""In your anger do not sin" Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (Ephesians 4:26)

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:22-24)

That Old Dirty Stereo

I remember that dirty old stereo. We had it in Man. It played 8th tracks and records. My bro got "Thriller." as one of his first records. Who can forget it? MJ had many hits. Well, I love the song, "Man in the Mirror." It has a great message that really can apply to those in ministry or those who deal with people in the business of fault finding. You know the people I'm talking about? They are the ones who can point out everything that is wrong with everyone and everything. Well, for every one finger we point at others, there are three that point back at us! That is what Pastor P used to say. And it is quite biblical! MJ must have known it to.

"If wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself than make that change!" - MJ









"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)

Kings of Leon

Problems Part 2

Got problems? Don't you just want to tell the right people about them in hopes that they can help in some sorta way? What if you are the one who always hears about people's problems? It can be taunting at times because you know that the problem is big and their is this expectation that you can solve it. The expectation can be to0 big to live up to. You may not have the answer. Or better yet, you know you don't have the answer and the person with the problem is ready to blame you because you don't know what to do about it. Somehow they got the impression that you are responsible for solving their mess. It can make you not want to hear about any one's problems. Well, there is always someone who is willing to take on any one's problem!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Funeral

It was another funeral. He was an excellent pastor who just finished his Doctoral Degree. The slides kept running on and on and on... It was marked with accomplishment after accomplishment after accomplishment all for the kingdom. And there was the occasional splash of humour on the part of his kids. There goes another soul up to heaven. It made you think. There are those who let life pass them by and than their are those who grab hold of life! He was in the second category.

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39)

Young Adults and getting there.

We got together at North Van. I just love the scenery. Trust me it was much more sunnier!



It was another Graduation. But this time our boy *phish is the valedictorian. It has been a long ride and it is awesome seeing these guys grow, mature and go one to newer and bigger stuff. This is just another cornerstone and I hope all of his plans, dreams and desires will come true. It is a new beginning. I love rejoicing with those who rejoice. Watching them learn, grow, mature and move on to the next thing. God bless you brother!

"Rejoice with those who rejoice..." (Romans 12:15)

Problems

Have you ever had a problem that you couldn't address? And the reason you couldn't address the problem is that it had the potential of embarrassing people? And to make matters worse, if you didn't address the problem, the problem would only get worse? This is a typical leadership scenario.

I've learned that in this situation, you need to measure the ramifications of not addressing the problem to the ramifications of addressing the problem. If the consequences were too severe if the problem is not addressed, than risk the embarrassment. If the embarrassment is more severe than don't address the problem. This is easier than it sounds. But anyway...



"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Matthew 10:26)

Preachers

" It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains." (Phil 1:15-17)

There are good preachers and then their are bad preachers. What is up with the bad preachers? My folks seem to keep running into them. I don't know what their major malfunction is... the preachers that is! They come into our home, bark a sermon and preach down at us and leave expecting us to be in awe of them. They take no time to listen or even try to be a friend. I sometimes do question their motives. Are they really in it for Christ or are they just trying to impress us? Well guess what? They have made and impression and it is not a good one. Why can't they try to look more like Christ and actually engage in some meaningful conversation and take time to listen and bear the burden of a brother or sister? Does is sound strange to you? Well Jesus did. And why not?

"...I have called you friends...," (John 15:15)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest..." (Matthew 11:28)

These zealous preachers can end up turning people away from God than to him. Who wants to be like them?

"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." (Proverbs 19:2)

Need Prayer

This is the next event at PMC. Please pray for us. I never did anything at this scale before!

HM 2009!

Tri City Cluster. That was the section we were seated at. It was next to the stage. We didn't look like we belonged there when they asked but they didn't ask twice.

There were plenty of dance circles. I wish I could dance.

Loved the new staging and set up. It changes every year. It means nothing without the Holy Spirit invovled. The tears kept coming down. It was time for some inner healing. What a mess and He took it all. Thanks again JESUS! Take it all!

HM'ers

R was really getting into it. He really loved it. He was fist pumping, learning about the realities of sin and rising far above that. We even got some revelations and it struck our hearts. It really did. R is so mature for his age. He is just far ahead of his age. We can't wait for next year. He couldn't believe it was all over. Until next year buddy!

Loved Parchute Band. They have such a presense on the stage. They ushered us before the very throne of God. We found grace and mercy in time of need. They were so passionate. We were wowed! What presence, passion and fervor. It won't be forgotten.

They love the water park. We went to a couple of break outs and they wanted to get into the H20. To each his own I guess. It was odd having to carry their wallets with me everywhere we go. Easterners are known to be more communal but sometimes there are disadvantages to it.

HM 2009

Looked at the broken mirror, images and words. Very profound.

Ajo Canux?

HM 2009

I had the chance to finally meet Manafest. I was able to thank him for writing such a powerful song. 'Impossible' got me through the tough mess, brokeness, pain, delusion and torment last year. It was awesome seeing him rip up the stage. His story was simple and real. This rap stuff fell on his lap. His skateboarding gig was working out and God used Him here instead. He never expected it but it happened. God bless this brother. His story was similar to others! Focus, persistence and a whack load of grace.

We brought a little bit of brown to the arena. It was for real!

Who's behind the curtain boxes?

They were running to race! Some first timers came and it was awesome!

Transform

Building

Built

Build

Bill Ding

Building

3rd Day

It had a bus and peaches. The first Christian CD that was every given to me. RS gave it to me. I loved, "Consuming Fire." Oh, I'm talking about the band Third Day. They came to town the other day. It was exciting! They played some of my favorites including, "Thief" with a gritty electric guitar. They kept calling us Canada... We are just one city in the entire country. What did they know? We were sitting near the back of a brand new arena. Than they put a small stage in the back of the arena and played some acoustic songs and even took requests which was really awesome. I love live music. But it is really cool to reflect and be moved by such an awesome band in the past and have the opportunity to see them live at a small venue. Loved the guitar solo! Loved the multimedia with the stained glass windows. Loved the song "Tunnel" live and "God of Wonders." Ohh it was great and a night to remember. You had to be there.

I especially love Christian Concerts. They always shave outrageous opening acts like Revive who were quite awesome. We were singing the Chorus of the Saints and it sounded much like Sanctus Real. Even A-Bomb liked it.

Now, off to HM!

Who we look up to

We all have people we look up to. Why do we look up to them? Because they inspire us. They move us. They remind us that our dreams can happen. They think outside the box. They make the impossible possible. They awe us! And there they are! Here we are wondering if we can really attain something like that. They leave us speechless... sometimes even inadequate. We think, "What can I do?" We wonder, "If only we had their money, manpower, perseverance, vision, influence, clout..." and the list goes on and on.

But what is more crazier is when He steps down from Heaven and comes in the form of a man and serves us. Than he looks at us and says,

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

Have you been honored by someone you look up to? It happens...

Job Descriptions

WANTED!


Youth Leaders to fill the following positions:





1. Follow up - Someone to follow up on new believers and those who haven't been around the Church and also those who'd like a personal visit for pastoral care.





2. Creative Arts Director - Someone to facilate creative, fun crafts, games, sports, multimedia that can tie into a message about the Faith





3. Tranportation Co ordinator - We have alot of youth that want to come out but have no ride. This lively, energetic person will rally volunteers to give rides to those who need it.





4. Preacher - Share the message of Christ in lively, contemporary and effective ways.





5. Set up/Take Down - These are people who can redecorate our Church to make it 'Youth' like!





6. Event Setter - This person co ordinates places, budgets, teams, administration, Field trips of youth events.

7. Female Youth Leader - To minister to the female youth

8. Web Master - We want a high quality Website for this ministry.

Qualifications:

• In it for Christ. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Galations 2:20)
• Fruits of the Holy Spirit "By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:16)
• Heart of Servant, "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant," (Matthew 20:26)

Others things

• Christian Bhangra Worship Team
• Pun Worship Band with Pun instruments and Lyrics but contemporary.

The Work of God

Can you believe that there are people who think they do God a favor by serving Him? They think that God needs them to do His work. That God cannot do it without them. It is ridiculous. Have you ever seen Jesus beg anyone for help? Never! God doesn't need any human to do His work and His work can go on without anyone. Just look in the Good book. Did you hear about how God can use anyone but also anything for his glory.

"As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by." (Acts 5:15).

Wow, Paul's lifeless shadow is used to demonstrate God's power. And why not?

There are many people who got it all wrong. In fact the opposite is true! We need God more than anything or anyone else!

"'For in him we live and move and have our being.' (Acts 17:28)

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5)

However, God does use people to do his bidding and will but we should not get to high on ourselves when he does use humans. Do you know who he uses and why?

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Yes, He uses the foolish and weak so no one can boast before him! And why not? After all,

“…he does whatever pleases him.” (Psalm 115:3)

God doesn't need anyone. And if he happends to use us, we shouldn't flatter ourselves dear friends or get too puffed up if we are being used mightily by God! He uses anyone and anything... Just ask Paul's shadow.

"How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!" (Psalm 92:5)

Team Nomega

Team No Omega!

The finalists!

Easter

Palm Sunday is an interesting time.

We have the King of Kings, Jesus riding on a donkey and people crying out Hosanna!

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!"

John 12:13

They are ready to crown their new King for now... but that changes. On Good Friday the crowds to crown him are not around anymore. We have Jesus dragging out his cross and eventually he is nailed to it. An how does Jesus react?

While Jesus was on the Cross, he didn't say:
“Lazarus, where are you?
After all I’ve done for you, can you at least be there for me?
I rose you from the dead! You owe me!”
Where is Zacchaeus?

Andrew - you saw the fish and loaves…

“And Peter, You said,
"Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:35)

I told you you’d deny me!
Where are the ones who wanted to crown him king now?

No, Jesus reacted much differently.

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

(1 Peter 2:23)

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

(Hebrews 12:3)

We can’t be do hard on the disciples. Are we any different?

Instead Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Later we see Jesus meet his disciples after the Resurrection.

“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” (Mark 16:14)

Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

¹⁶Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

¹⁷ The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." ¹⁹Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Jesus gave Peter a second chance! And Peter runs with it! He gives us all a second chance. Let's run with it!

Random

The Calling

Does the calling pursue us?

"...for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)

Or do we pursue the calling?

"...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Ephesians 4:1)

It can be both!

Team O Go Home...

Sideways!

Odd shots!

Team O Go!

Farewell Team Omega.

We had a fashion show and their can only be 1 WINNER!
We had soem helpers.

We talked to JESUS!

We took pictures.

And more pictures!

Farewell for now. I know we'll see each other again in GLORY! Until than!

Tough

We prayed

They strike a pose!

We shared about how they touched our hearts. Stole them actually!

It can be tough at times... Farewell that is... And now we are all of to fulfill our respective destinies. It was a moment in time... just a moment though. One that will not be forgotten and never relived but only reminisced. Meet team Omega! They stayed on board for over 8 months. They served, shared testimonies, choreography's, songs of worship, laughs and of course tears. They stole our hearts but what they won't expecting is that we stole theirs as well. Emotions were running and the tears were0 coming until they run dry.

Some would go off to the ministry as pastors. Some for children, others youth and than their are those for Young Adults. Some missionaries and all the rest. I miss them already. Don't you? I'm sure you do!

So we sent them off with prayers and how they touched us and off course we made them Indian by dressing them up. They loved it and so did we. We had judges who gave their input. It was funny, lovely and memorable.

But now, all that is over! It is time to move on to the next BIG THING! What will it be? What will it look like? WHAT?

Team O goes...

A little Farewell... now...

Team O Dining

Team Omega Farewell!

V-Game

Crumbs again...

They Grow up too FAST!

Crumbs Everywhere...

Seeking the Lord

Baby Dedication

Pic