Key Verse from Sunday:
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”  -Acts 1:11, NIV

Recap
Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:9-11

1. We Don't Have to Have It All Together for God to Use Us (Mt 28:17).
2. Our Mission Comes from an All-Powerful Christ (Mt 28:18).
3. Go! Don't Stay (Mt. 28:19).
4. Share the Good News (Mt. 28:19).
5. You Are Not Alone (Mt. 28:20 &Romans 8:34).
6. Stop Gawking and Get To It (Acts 1:11).

Question for Reflection
What difference does it make in your life knowing that you are not alone (Matthew 28:20)?

I welcome your comments.
-Jason

Happy Easter!
For some reason, I've been tempted to say that today even though it's Tuesday.  It's funny how we build up to Easter weekend in the church and then it's over...when the real power in our personal lives continues past the empty tomb to a full life!  So, in that spirit; Happy Easter! :)

Key Verse from Sunday:
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you."  -Romans 8:11, NIV

Recap
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead gives us power to face the challenges of our daily lives.

Four "Power Ups"
1. The Power to Change Your MInd (Romans 12:2a, 2 Corinthians 10:5).
2. The Power to Change Your Situation (Romans 8:28).
3. The Power to Think Big (Psalm 37:3-6).
4. The Power to Live (John 10:10).

Question for Reflection
What are ways that you can keep the reality of the risen Christ alive in your spirit all year long?


I welcome your comments.
-Jason

We had a great weekend of ministry at Laurentian. Tony, Tim, Josh, Steve, Drew & Don all did an excellent job presenting "Before the Nails". It is awesome to work together to present something that none of us could do alone. I would remind us to learn from the example of the disciples and follow Jesus with complete abandon. As we talked about at the end of the presentations, the cost of following Jesus can be very high. Many of the disciples died as martyrs. Actually, the Bible says that, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NIV). Following Jesus does indeed have a cost. But just as Don Boake's character Andrew said, "I served my life for his cause, but I received so much more than I gave."

I pray for meaningful times of worship and reflection as we look again at Jesus' death on the cross. And I hope you can join us so we can celebrate together His resurrection this Sunday!

Question for Reflection

You could say that the cost of following Christ is nothing and everything. What do you think this means?

I heard a quote this week about prayer that I think deserves some further thought.  It's from a woman who was giving her testimony at a church in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.  "Spontaneous prayer will change your situation but committed (daily) prayer will change your life".  -Michele Breen.  I thought she had a really good point.  Sometimes we come to God in desperation for a specific need, and that's good.  God can work in that situation.  But committed, consistent daily prayer will do more than just change your situation, it will start to change your life.  May I live this principle out.

Key Verse from Sunday:
"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent". -Luke 15:7, NIV

Recap
Message: The Lost Are Found
We looked at the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin (Luke 15:1-10).

1. Purposely Engage with the Lost.
2. Take a Risk to Reach the Lost.
3. Be Persistent.  Don't give up.  When something doesn't work, try something else.
4. Celebrate the Find.

Question for Reflection
What are ways that we can learn from our mistakes rather than let them discourage us from trying to share the Gospel?

I welcome your comments.
-Jason

How To Know You've Let It Go

We get clues from the life of Joseph.
(we focused on Genesis 45:1-9).

1. Joseph didn’t spread it around.
2. Joseph put his brothers at ease.
3. Joseph helped his brothers forgive themselves.
4. Joseph helped his brothers keep their dignity.
5. Joseph protected his father (protect the innocent).

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” -Galatians 5:1, NIV

Question for Reflection
Just like Joseph, can you see how God has built your character through past hurts as you've chosen to "let it go"?

I welcome your comments.
-Jason