Monday Morning Thoughts

I really enjoyed Sunday's gathering.  Karin and team did a great job of leading us in worship.  Catherine hit it out of the park with her message on Heaven.  I had lots of great conversations with great people both before and after the service... I love our Church family.  I am grateful for the work Jesus has done, is doing, and has yet to do, in and through us.

Some thoughts that struck me from Catherine's message on Sunday:

• Is Heaven a never-ending Church service?
• Success in our goals comes from clarity of vision.
• Ps. 16:11 (NIV) "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
• Jesus is the master chef and is preparing a feast... I am drooling already.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait until Heaven!  New body, complete fulfillment/pleasure, complete love, no sin, no fear, everything good, and everything God.  God is good!

This morning we have CRA coming in to do an audit for the year 2009.  Usually the word audit sends shivers down the average person's spine, but I'm looking forward to it.  It's a chance to measure our fiscal operations.  It's a chance to affirm those in the office on the great work they do week in, week out.  It's a great opportunity to let another person that God created and died for know about the love and salvation we have in Christ.

I arrived home from Calgary at about 1:00am on Sunday.  The van ride with the Parson's was a good time.  I enjoyed talking with Dave.  I told a few lies to their kids so that I could get out of watching Hannah Montana (told them I was allergic to it and my ears swell).

Spent last night playing with my kids.  I play "Russia the Bear" where I growl and drool fiercely as they scream and run away (pretending to be squirrels).  It usually ends up with both of them riding me like a horse at the end, then I flop on the floor and "sleep" for ten minutes.  Angela and I watched a movie last night called The Fighter.  It was okay.  It was good to spend time with them after being away for four days.

I work at the college this week.  It's exam and graduation week, so it will be busy and fun.

Is God Our Treasure? Pt 3

March 28 - April 3, 2011
When We Treasure Jesus We are Satisfied (Mtt. 6:25-34)

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the saying these things.  Take time to reflect and journal on vv. 25-34.

DISCUSS
What do you worry about in life?  Why do you have those worries?  How does Matthew 6:19-34 fit with you worries?  How will applying the truth of Jesus’ words affect you personally, in your relationships, in your Church, and in your community?

LIVE
Look at today... however long is left in the day, and put God first in the remainder of your day.  If you don’t know what that looks like in your life, ask God to guide you.  Repeat the process tomorrow and the day after.  As you’re doing this find someone to share with.   Tell them what you’re doing, tell them how it’s going... you don’t need to “show off”, but Jesus in you can be a huge inspiration and encouragement to others.

Prayer Focus This Week:  Shaela Warkentin (Accident in California); Zain Krikau (Improved Health);  All Saints’ Anglican Church (on 2nd Ave);  Northridge Foursquare Church (Maple Ridge, BC); John & Debbie (Canadian Foursquare Missionaries); Nations of Japan, Libya, and Yemen.

Is God Our Treasure? Pt. 2

March 13-19, 2011
Is God Our Treasure?  Part 2: Who we treasure reforms our heart.

PRAY
 Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the saying these things.  How do the different metaphors and illustrations link together in teaching something greater about the nature of how we see God and self?

DISCUSS
What is it about our focus that changes how we operate?  Have you ever tried to be in two places at once... and how’d that go?  Have you every tried to serve both yourself and God at the same time... how’d that go?

LIVE
Take time to reflect at the end of each day this week (a journal is recommended).  Go over your day’s events and reflect on your response to those events.  Ask yourself which things were self-satisfying and which things were God-glorifying?  Reflect on thoughts, attitudes, and actions.  Ask yourself, was my focus today on God or self?  Learn from today and engage the truth in tomorrow.

Is God Our Treasure?

March 6-12, 2011
Is God Our Treasure? Part 1: What we treasure reveals our heart.

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the saying these things.  Do you think Jesus was speaking to an audience that was wealthy or rich?  Why is that question even important when reading this passage?

DISCUSS
What does Jesus mean when he says the word, treasure?  What are the natures of treasures on earth and treasures in Heaven?  What storehouse are you investing in?  Read all of Matthew 6:19-34 and look to see how verses 19-21 connect and relate to following verses.

LIVE
Make an hour in your week to look at: 1) your bank statements from the last couple months; 2) your calendar from the last couple months; and 3) look at your hands in the context of your calendar and ask yourself what did I do with skills God has given me?  Take the remaining time to come before Jesus and worship Him.  Confess, repent, and thank God for His grace and power.  Look back to your calendar, statements, and hands, and see how you can live like Jesus is your treasure.

AGM Recap

Today we had our Annual General Meeting for the year 2010 where we looked back and ministry and operations of our Church family.  It was the first time we've incorporated it into the service and I think it went pretty good.  We were able to worship God with our praise to thank Him and celebrate His goodness.  We were able to look back through photos and video to the year 2010 and see the visual affirmation of His goodness and faithfulness.  We were also able to look back through financial records and see the growth and provision of God.  Lastly, we were also able to look back at the leaders and volunteers who gave so generously of their time and talents.

I got a little teary-eyed at a few points (surprise, surprise)...  God is so good!  I am have so much fun serving our Church family... we are so blessed to have our Church family.  Thank you for a great 2010... I can't wait to look back at another year of God's work through His people!  The best is yet to come!

To watch the 2010 MFC Video Annual you'll need a password.  To get the password request to join the MFC Facebook Group or email clint@missionfoursquare.com.


MFC 2010 Annual Video from Mission Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Fasting - Is it really necessary?

Explore More Guide
February 13-19, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 10): Fasting


PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6 and Isaiah 58.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the spiritual disciplines.

DISCUSS
What place has the discipline of fasting played in your life?  Are you content with the extent to which you have used this tool in your walk with God and the purposes you have in Him?  What are the benefits of fasting?

LIVE
Consider how you can discipline your life so that fasting becomes a regular part of your life.  Ask God to help you choose a method of fasting (food or something else) and then walk it out.  Start small and healthy, but be purposeful about growing in your ability to fast.   Use a journal to be even more purposeful in your reflection and evaluation of the discipline.

Need Guidance?

February 6-12, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 9): Guidance

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Genesis 11:10 - 25:4 (lthe life of Abram/Abraham) and Hebrews 11 (New Testament reflection of Abraham).  When reading pay special attention to the moments when God appeared and/or spoke to Abraham and observe Abraham’s response.

DISCUSS
How does one hear God?  At what points in your life have you received guidance from God?   Are there times in your life where you wish you had sought God’s guidance or sought it and then chose to go another way?  What role should the body of Christ (the Church) play in receiving guidance from God? How often do you seek God’s guidance in your life?

LIVE
Take time to enter the presence of God... confess and repent of your sins and worship Him, then be silent and allow Him to speak to you.  When God speaks to you, step out in faith and obey.  Now matter how small or how large His call to you is, step out and follow Him.  His next step will open the door to many more steps on a path that leads to righteousness, holliness, delight, satisfaction, joy, and the life you were created to live.

Spiritual Discipline of Worship

January 30 - February 5, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 8): Worship

KNOW | Study
Read 1 Chronicles 16.  Take time to read these portions of Scripture.  Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.

GROW | Discussion Option #1
What is worship?  If you were an dictionary editor, how would you define worship (in a Christian context)?  What role does the place of worship have in the life of a Christian?  What role does it play in your life?

GROW | Discussion Option #2
Is it possible for worship to be an idol?  What is idolatry?  Much of the Church appears to flock to hear certain Christian worship leaders... is this idolatry (does the music or leader become the focus) or is okay?

SOW | Application
Take a chunk of time this week to get alone and sing songs of praise to God.  You can use recorded songs or make up new ones.  Try reading a portion of Scripture (sections of the Psalms are a good place to start) and turning them into songs of praise.  Ask God to gift you with tongues and begin to praise Him in a Heavenly language!

Confessing Our Sins

Explore More | January 23-29, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 7): Confession (Part 2)

KNOW | Study
Read James 5:16; John 20:21-23; Proverbs 28:13; and Acts 19:23-41.  Take time to read these portions of Scripture.  Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.

GROW | Discussion Option #1
Why is confession, especially to another person, so difficult?  In your experience what has kept you from confessing either your public (direct offense/hurt towards someone) or private (unwitnessed/internal) sins to another person?  What kind of a person should you confess your private sins to?

GROW | Discussion Option #2
What benefits are there in confessing our private sins to one another?  What about confession to one is good for you?  What about confession is good for the other person?  What about confession is good for those in your life?

SOW | Application
Develop a deep relationship with someone.  If you don't have a mature friend in Christ, make steps to develop that relationship.  It's okay for that relationship to take time... be purposeful, but don't push people!  If you have something immediately to confess you can connect with an Elder or Pastor of the same gender as yourself.

Vision Sunday Recap

The Power of One: Church from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Yesterday we gathered to worship Jesus and hear from Him the objectives for our Church family in the year 2011.  I am humbled to coordinate this process and spent some time reflecting on not only what we are going to do this year, but the importance of us doing it together.

We looked at our past (watch the video above), we looked at our future, and then we looked at the present (year 2011).  Although we all agree on our history, future, and the general objective of the present (the Great Commission), the Church often breaks down when it comes to getting along and working together.  We rarely disagree on the destination, but we often disagree on the path and pace in which it will take to get there, together.  Many people run off ahead, abandon the group, or apathetically participate.

Our challenge is to die to self and serve one another by following Jesus together!  Below is the path and pace (our objectives) for the year 2011:

Objectives for Mission Foursquare Church in 2011:

1.  Continue to grow up (both personally and corporately) through things like engaging in Sunday Gatherings, attending Financial Peace University course, attending the next Truth Project course, joining/starting a small group, and participating in Freedom Sessions this Fall.

2.  Expand our Eldership both in number and in leadership.  Will you be ready to be an elder in one year, five years, or ten years?  Continue to grow in your love for Christ and serve those around you out of your love Him.

3.  Be more intentional about sharing in the work.  Consider how you can help out with the work and ministry of our Church family.  We currently need help in Sound, Sunday School, Janitorial, and Continental Breakfast hosts.

4.  Simplify and increase in excellence.  We're always open to ideas so please keeping thinking and praying about the ministry we have been called to!

5.  Develop greater community.  Sign up for our weekly email newsletter (go to our website to do this) and attend events you've never been to before.  Invite someone over for lunch or go for a walk with someone new!

6.  Encourage greater participation in small groups and start more small groups.  Join or start a small group... it doesn't have to be complicated.  Use the "Explore More" guides, pray with one another, and support one another.

7.  Unified in our giving.  Continue or start giving generously to our Church family so we can do all the things we are called to do!  Don't give with strings attached, but give freely... there's nothing like it in the world!


EXPLORE MORE
January 9-15, 2011

Study: Read Heb 13:8; Mtt. 18:29-20; Ecc. 4:9-12.  Take time to read these portions of Scripture.  Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.

Discussion - Option #1: If we work together can we really achieve more?  In a world where technology allows for less dependence on one another, is the belief that we can achieve more together still true?  How does this apply to our Church?


Discussion - Option #2: What personal desires are we supposed to let die and what ones do we protect (if any)?  How big is the God that you know?  How much do you trust Him to be who He says is and fulfill what He has promised?  How much to you believe in the resurrecting, redeeming power of the cross?  How much do you rely on the Spirit's power and gifting?

Application: Of the objectives given for 2011 where can you participate and help out?  See the back for a summary of our Church's objectives for 2011.  Take time to discuss with loved ones and pray about your part in God's family here at Mission Foursquare Church.

Joy

December 12-18, 2010
Advent: Week 3

KNOW | Study
Read Luke 2:8-11; John 15 & 16; Hebrews 12:1-2.  Take time to read these portions of Scripture.  Observe each time you see the word joy/rejoice and reflect on the cause and effect of joy in the life of a Christ follower.

GROW | Discussion Option #1
What makes good news, good?  What is it about a news story that makes it good or bad?  What good news have you had in your life?  What emotions did it evoke?  Did your good news ever overshadow the bad things in your life?

GROW | Discussion Option #2
How can a Christian rejoice in all sufferings endured for the sake of the cross even when it seems unnatural (in a worldly sense) to do so?  Read Romans 5:2-5 and Hebrews 12:2  to get greater perspective on this question. 

SOW | Application
Rediscover the Good News of Jesus.  Take time this week to come before Jesus and invite Him into your life.  Repent of the damage you have done in your life and caused in others.  Ask for His forgiveness and He will forgive you.  Ask Him to baptize you in His Spirit.  Begin to sing personal songs of praise to Him rejoicing not only in the good work He has done in your life (i.e. forgiveness), but also in expectation of His return and our eternity with Him.  Ask Him to lead you and follow where He guides.

Christmas 2010

Sunday, December 12
Advent: Week 3 (Joy)
 Join us at 10:00am for our Sunday gathering!  Our kid's will be signing a number of Christmas songs.  Pastor Clint will be reflecting on the unique nature of Christian Joy.

Saturday, December 18
Benefit Concert
Join us at 7:00pm for an evening of music (Willy & the Wannabees, Karin Olsen, Tony O'Hara, and Isaac & Catherine Dagneau will be performing).  Please bring non-perishable items.  All proceeds will go towards our Christmas Hampers and Mission Christmas Bureau (City Hamper program).

Sunday, December 19
Advent: Week 4 (Peace)
Join us at 10:00am for music and a message by Catherine Dagneau on peace!

Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve Service
Join us at 6:30pm-7:15pm for a time of Christmas carols, Scripture reading, and reflection on the birth of Jesus.

Love

December 5-11, 2010
Advent: Week 2

KNOW | Personal Study
Read 1 John.  Take time to read this awesome letter.  1 John reveals much of the truth of who God is and what God means to those that know Him.  Read through it a few times this week and make notes as you go.  Don't be afraid to stop on a phrase and ponder its meaning and application! 

GROW | Discussion Option #1
Compare and contrast the differences between the world's definition of love and Christian love.  When someone says, "I love McDonald's cheeseburgers" and then in the next sentence says, "I love you so much", how does that change your understanding of love?

GROW | Discussion Option #2
What is the Church known for in the world's eye?  Does this view match what the God's purpose is for the Church?  What does your spouse know you for?  What do your kid's know you for?  What does your neighbour know you for?  What do your co-workers and boss know you for?

SOW | Application
Love someone this week in the same way you have experienced Christ's love.  I suggest you start in your home.  Take what and who you have in Christ and pour that same kind of love out on them.  Exert patience, kindness, forgiveness (the mercy and grace kind), self-sacrifice, and generosity.  If a week is too much of an onerous task, try it for just one day.  Pick a day and love that person as much as Christ has loved you.  See how it goes!

Hope

Advent: Week 1
November 28 - December 4, 2010


Personal Study
Read Romans 5:1-5; Hebrews 6:13-19; Ephesians 2:12; Luke 2:8-11; 1 Tim. 6:17.  Take time to read and reflect on these passages.  Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).

Discussion - Option #1
If there was no God how would that change the way you see your life?  If God wasn't good and loving, how would that change the way you see your life?  What big questions of life does God answer?

Discussion - Option #2
How is Christian hope different from the world's definition of hope?  What is it about Jesus' birth that defines those differences?  What about His death and resurrection?  What about His return?

Application
As we use the Advent calendar to help us to see and follow Jesus, where is He leading you this season?  Take time to reflect on your calendar over the next four weeks and determine what things are for Jesus and what aren't.  Do the things that fall on the Jesus side (and do them well) and leave behind those things that He isn't calling you to be/do.

Sexuality and Christian Hope

This past Sunday, Pastor Barry McGaffin (guest speaker from Kingsway Foursquare Church), mentioned in one his points that hope is the reason we save sex for marriage.  What did he mean by that?

One of my favourite preachers, Dr. Timothy Keller (Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City), spoke a great message on this on April 18, 2004 from 1 Corinthians 6:13-20; 7:27-31.  Listen to the message on their church's website: http://sermons2.redeemer.com/sermons/sexuality-and-christian-hope.

P.S.  We'll be talking more about hope this Sunday as we light the "Hope" candle for Advent.

Study

Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
November 14-20, 2010; Week 5

KNOW | Personal Study
2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:3-5; Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:9-11; Ephesians 3:10-11.  Take time to read and reflect on these passages.  Make observations about these words of inspiration and instruction.  Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
If your neighbour asked, "why do you read the Bible?", what would you say?  Would your answer line up with the way that you live your life and would your neighbour agree?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2
 What excuses have you made when it comes to studying God's Word?  It's important to be honest with yourself, but not beat yourself up over past failures.  Get back on the horse and try again, and again, and again!  Also, be purposeful in combating your excuses.

SOW | Application
Start a devotional plan (or continue with your current one) and set aside a good chunk of time (i.e. 45-60 minutes) to not just read a passage, but to study it.  Pick out key words and phrases and ask yourself, why did he say this or why did he choose that specific word?  Use resources like concordance, lexicons, dictionaries, etc. to help.  If you don't have printed versions of these, go to www.biblestudytools.com.  You can also ask others questions about it.  Finally, don't forget to interpret the application and then obey it!

Submission

Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
 November 7-13, 2010; Week 4

KNOW | Personal Study
Mark 8:34-36; Eph 5:21-6:9; & 1 Peter 2:13-14, 21–23 .  Take time to read and reflect on these passages.  Make observations about these experiences and words of instruction.  Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
In what areas of your life do you feel you need to control?  Where do you get annoyed, frustrated, bitter, impatient, or angry?  What is it about that situation that causes you to experience those feelings?  How does submitting to God in that area change your perspective?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2
Is there a situation in your life where you wonder if God requires you submit because doing so goes against God's word and seems destructive?  Take time to talk to God and with others in your life that have walked for a long time with Jesus.  God will guide and direct your steps.

SOW | Application
Take a relationship or situation that you are currently involved in where you know God is calling you to submit (trust Him).  Prayer for the person/people involved, ask God to give you guidance and strength.  Allow the love of Christ as demonstrated in His submission towards you to provide you with an example and the inspiration to follow Him into your world.

Clear & Present Danger

Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines 
October 24-30, 2010; Week 2

KNOW | Study
Read 2 Peter 1:5-8; Isaiah 6:1-8; and Luke 10:38-42.  Take time to read and reflect on these passages.  Make observations about these experiences and words of instruction.  Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Who do you tend to be like, Martha or Mary?  What distracts you in life from spending time with Jesus?  Why do they distract you (what lies are you buying into)?  What about Monk's or Nun's?  Do they have the right balance?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2
When Scripture reveals that God is now dwelling within those who are born again, how does that make you feel after reading a passage like Isaiah 6?  How does your response to the presence of God compare to seraphs or Isaiah?

SOW | Apply
Take time to meditate.  Create within your schedule (ideally on a daily basis) a time and a place that will allow for you to spend time with God.  Take time to not just study God's Word and talk to Him, but to be still and open to His presence.  Create a longer period of time than you normally would in a typical week/day and just be present with Him.

The Birth of a Legend

Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
October 17-23, 2010; Week 1

KNOW | Personal Study
Read Acts 2:41-3:10 & Hebrews 11.  Take time to read and reflect on these passages.  Make observations about their daily life, character, and ultimately what they were known for.  Take time and allow God's Spirit to speak to you through these passages and give you direction.

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Who is/are your hero(es)?  Take time to think through your life and list who have been/are your heroes.  Next, ask yourself why they were/are your heroes?  What was it about their life or a decision they made that separated themselves from others?  Why did you want to become like them?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2
What do you want to be known for?  If you want your life to have an impact past your physical death, what kind of an impact do you want to have?  How will that impact come about?

SOW | Application
Prioritize your life.  If you live your life with the "end' in perspective it will calibrate your priorities.  The next step is to then act on those priorities and structure your life, finances, relationships, and time around those priorities.  In this process it is important not to measure yourself against other people, but to simply follow Jesus in the calling He has given you.

Baby Dedication

Yesterday, Angela and I dedicated our son to the Lord before our Church family.  We were blessed to have Dave Parson's lead this time... thank you Dave!  I always love baby dedications because of the inherent reflection that comes with such an occasion.  Fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, and Church family take time to personalize their role in our community of faith.  I love knowing that our Church family is here to love and support my family.  Thank you to all of you who call Mission Foursquare Church, your family, and who commit to supporting and loving one another.