Wednesday, January 26, 2011

It's Been A Wonderful Start! & "Shame OFF You!"

We are nearing the end of the first month of 2011. It's been a great start. I keep hearing encouraging testimonies from so many. For example, new friends of ours, Juan and Leighanne just started attending Shady Grove on New Years Eve. Over the course of three weeks they have found a home in this wonderful community and have decided to stay. Juan even turned down a lucrative job offer as he and Leighanne were sure that this was the place for their family. As a result Juan took a job here in the area and has seen the blessing of the Lord in real and significant ways, both financially and otherwise.

Also, on New Years Eve, I met Aaron and Melissa Cheuvront. I had not seen Aaron for 20 years. Back in the day, when I was a school teacher, Aaron was in a 7th grade Life Science class I taught. He and Melissa are now seeking the Lord for fresh direction in life and have found a place, for the time being, at Shady Grove.

Another really wondeful thing is that we have been hearing over and over how people are being set free from shame. We've adopted a new saying around here and it is "Shame off you!" in place of "Shame on you!"

Looking forward to much more,

Ps. Jon

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year! A Glorious 2011

It's early on New Year's Eve 2010 and I'm up early! I wouldn't have it any other way. I woke up and knew instantly; It's time to pray for Shady Grove Church. What a joy to spend time in prayer for some of the most wonderful people on the earth.

Here is what I am praying for us as we leave 2010 and enter 2011. I first learned about this fundamental truth years ago in my twenties and since then have tried to allow it to be deepened in my life each new year or during each significant transition in my life. I have shared it with my friends, family and ministry associates. I referred to it last Sunday in the closing message of the series IT's All Related. It is clearly seen in the Bible in the lives of all the great men and women of God, it is attested by history for individuals, families and even nations. A great man and a great man of God put it in clear written form and this truth from the Word of God has travelled the globe changing the lives of thousands thanks to Dr. Edwin Louis Cole. It's the timeless truth of Entering and Leaving. So, Shady Grove, here are some things to think and pray about as we leave 2010 and enter 2011 and I am praying God's best over all of us with these thoughts guiding me.

1. In Transitions we experience crisis and Crisis is normal to life and almost always a part of transition in some way, (easy or hard ) No matter how you look at it, no matter what the change is, WHO you are is more important than where you are going! You are leaving 2010, but you are taking YOU into 2011 and with that thought in mind here is a my prayer: Father, your Word says in Proverbs 3: 5,6 that if we trust in you with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge you in all our ways, You will make our paths smooth. Father, I acknowledge you for my life, my family, and the life of the wonderful people of Shady Grove Church.

2. Leave 2010 and Enter a Glorious 2011 and Follow the Lord's Pattern: Forgive.
Remember, forgiveness is a gift, it can not be earned, it is given. Don't take unfor- give-ness into 2011. Release others to the grace of God just as Jesus released you to the grace of God. Forgive now! It's not saying you were not wronged or that the other person was "right". It's realizing in the light of God's love you were still in sin when He forgave you and you should forgive others even if you were wronged and in the "right". Lord Jesus, I thank you that we have been forgiven, so I forgive freely, completely and with out reservation because of your love for me.

3. Lord, I Admit that God is my (our) source. As the writer of Hebrew indicates in chapter 13 verse 6 Lord I declare over the people of Shady Grove Church "The Lord is my (our) helper and I (we) will not fear..."

4. Don't Panic! In between jobs, preparing for a marriage or going through any transition with it's crisis, don't panic--Be Productive! Look for a way to serve, keep trusting God no matter what happens. Worship and spend time in God's presence and in His Word. Keep faith and a good schedule. God will be faithful! "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day...because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling." Psalm 91: 5, 9,10 Thank you Father that you are with us in times of change, transition, crisis and new experiences. I put my trust in you and your faithfulness.

5. Admit God's Sovereignty over your life. God has the right to overrule anything and everything in your life. The life of Joseph is a clear and present encouragement to those who admit God's Sovereign right in life. Joseph had every reason to give up and conclude that God had failed him but He remained faithful to God in a time of great crisis and even confusion. If you have not recently done so read Joseph's story in Genesis 37 and following. Lord God, only you are Sovereign and I admit you can do your will with Shady Grove Church. Her people, her possessions, her ministries, and all she represents. I put my trust in you and know that you will be faithful in all things. Thank you Father in heaven.

6. Don't Limit God

7. Humble yourself to obey God. There are some people who can not admit they are wrong and some people who can not stand to be wronged. Both have difficulties serving God. Humble your self and obey God no matter what. If you are wrong, admit it. If you have been wronged, commit yourself to God and he will lift you up! (1 Peter 5:6) Lord, I thank you for the ability to walk humbly before you and others in all things in my life.

8. Trust God to Vindicate You. Walk, live and act in truth. The Lord always honors those who do. No matter what happens God is able to work justly in our situations and life. Romans 12:19 instructs us to allow God to vindicate us if we have been wronged. Put the situation in God's hand, do what is right, speak what will Glorify Him and let the truth of God vindicate you. Jesus, you are our example in all things. Thank you for aiding us in our weakness and ordering the steps of our lives to bring you glory in all things.

9. Communicate. Communion with God and fellowship with people or in other words: Passion for God, Compassion for people! That's what Shady Grove Church is all about. Keep on praying and stay in touch with those you are in relationship with. Go forward believing that God and others He has put you in "community" will continue to increase His grace and greatness in you life. Worship God and enjoy Him in all things!

10. ACT (Do All you do) in Faith!


Lord Jesus, I pray that as we all move forward together from 2010 into 2011 that you will cause us to leave 2010 "free and clear" so that as we enter 2011 it will be a Glorious beginning of a Year of Glory in Your presence.

Happy New Year 2011 Shady Grove,

Ps Jon

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Weekend Service

Hey Everyone,

If you plan to attend the Christmas Weekend Service at SGC it starts at 10 am as usual but will be a bit unusual.

When you walk in the door you'll be greeted with Cider, Hot Chocolate [tea or coffee too] and Christmas goodies.
From 10 to 10:30 hang out in the cafe, the Great Hall, or on this day only, you can take Christmas Cheer into the sanctuary.

If you'd like to be served communion Laurinda and I will be serving in the sanctuary from 10:05 to 10:25.

At 10:30 we have worship, carols and the Word. I'll be finishing the series "It's All Related" with a message entitled: Living A Healthy and Prosperous Life.

Merry Christmas to All and Laurinda and I hope to see you Sunday,

Ps Jon

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Shout Out to...

This is a SHOUT of thanks to Pastor Josh Briscoe, Bruce Phillips, director of PTC, and Daniel Foster, Operation Blessing AND to all the volunteers from Shady Grove Church and other churches and oganizations for a wonderful day yesterday at Holiday of Hope!

What you have accomplished by giving of your time, resources and energy is significant now and will make a difference in many lives for eternity! Thank you, Thank you Thank you, one and all!

blessings,

Ps. Jon

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Encounter 2011

If you are thinking about joining in a fast during the Encounter 2011, here are some general guidelines for fasting. It's going to be a wonderful time of celebration, expectation and hope as we experience the wonder and joy of this season together!

General Guidelines for Fasting 
Spirit of Fasting (Isa. 58:5-7)
Fasting to God (Zech. 7:5,6; Matt. 6:17,18)


Purpose of Fasting
To Chasten the Soul (Ps. 69:10)
To Humble the Soul (Ezra 8:2j1)
To Seek the Lord (2 Chron. 20:3,4)
To Prepare for Spiritual Warfare (Matt:17:21)



When to Fast
When Facing the Judgment of God (1 Kings 21:27; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:12; Jon. 3:4,5)
During Periods of National Mourning (1 Sam. 31:11-13; 2 Sam. 1:12; 2 Sam. 3:35; 1 Chron. 10:11,12)
When Communion with Christ Is Broken (Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:19,20; Luke 5:34,35)
When Concerned for the Welfare of Others (Ps. 35:13)
When Challenged by Personal Concerns (2 Sam. 12:15-17; 2 Sam. 12:21-23)
When Facing Danger (2 Chron. 20:2,3; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:15,16)
When Engaged in Spiritual Warfare (Mark 17:21; Mark 9:29)
When Ordaining Ministers of the Gospel (Acts 13:2,3; Acts 14:23)


Fasting Accompanied by
Abstinence from Sexual Relationships (1 Cor. 7:5)
Confession of Sin (1 Sam. 7:6; Neh. 9:1-3)
Humility (Deut. 9:18; Ps. 35:13; Ps. 69:10; 1 Kings 21:27; Neh. 9:1)
Lamenting (Esther 9:30,31)
Mourning (2 Sam. 1:12; 1 Kings 21:27; Esther 4:3; Neh. 1:4; Joel 2:12; Ezra 10:6)
Heavenly Reward (Matt 6:17)
Prayer (Ezra 8:23; Neh. 1:4; Ps. 35:13; Dan. 9:3; Luke 5:33)
Reading the Scriptures (Neh. 9:1-3; Jer. 36:6; Jer. 36:10)
Weeping (2 Sam. 1:12; Neh. 1:4; Esther 4:3; Ps. 69:10; Joel 2:12)
Worship (Neh. 9:1-3)


Blessings Associated with Fasting
Answered Prayer, (Ezra 8:23) Insight and Restoration (Isa. 58:9-12)
Joy, Gladness and Cheerfulness (Zech. 8:19)
 Jesus' Authority over Demons is released (Mark 9:29)


Just a reminder that I'll be teaching one more seminar on fasting, Sunday morning at 8:30 am in the prayer room.


blessings,

Ps. Jon

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011!!!

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation to Lord for you that

Laurinda and I write this letter to wish you and your loved ones a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011!


We so look forward to celebrating the birth and life of our savior Jesus

Christ with you and bringing in the new year the following week. Our Dec.

26 Sunday morning worship will be such a joyous occasion as we will come

together as a community to worship, sing carols, and enjoy holiday treats

and hot drinks together. As you enter the Great Hall feel free to get

yourself a cup of coffee, hot-cider, or hot chocolate paired with a

Christmas treat of your choice. You can even take it right on in to the

sanctuary this particular Sunday if you so choose. The service starts at 10

am with Christmas drinks and goodies and we will be worshipping together

around 10:30; singing some of our favorite hymns, praise songs and carols.

We will conclude the series It's all Related, with a message from 3 John

entitled Living a Healthy Life.


The following week we will bring in the new year together starting at 7 pm

with a special time of worship and prophetic ministry together with Cindy

Jacobs. See www.shadygrove.org for all the details. And after a break at

9pm you will have the opportunity to re-gather in the prayer room at 11:30

to bring in the New Year 2011 together. Starting the following Sunday we

will begin an 8 week series called The Word. It all about the Word of God

and how powerful and effective it is in our lives as believers. That same

week we will move into Encounter 2011. 5 days of morning, noon and night

worship, prayer and vision for the new year. During this week those of you

who choose can join us as we fast and believe God for revival fires to

mark the beginning of our new year together and ask the Lord to continue to

deepening in us the revival culture we so desire as a community of faith.


We are going to see the hand of God and His presence move upon us and

through us in this season of celebration and the coming year! I eagerly

look forward to all God has in store for us as we live, celebrate and worship

and do our part in extending the Kingdom of God together.


With much love and appreciation,


Ps Jon and Laurinda

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey SGC,

Check out the upcoming series: It's All Related.

It's All Related: family, friends faith


Life contains a constant connection of people and events. Navigating those connections and learning how to relate to family, friends and God is what "it's all related" is all about. Come join us as we take a look at these important lessons from 1,2,3 John.


Message 1: Related by Love: The Love of God

Message 2: Related through Faith: Faith, Victorious Faith!

Message 3: Related to Others: A key to Life Giving Relationships

Message 4: Related to All: Do What is Right!

Message 5: Related to Some: Acquaintances, Friends and Family

Message 6: Related to Life: Healthy Living


Have a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving!


Ps. Jon