Monday, December 26, 2016

26 December 2016 - Perspectives

Some reflection and prayer provide an interesting perspective
Thinking about communication, actions, and how I often live

Before I get irritated when someone does try to me cheat
I should remember what Jesus sees from his heavenly seat
Before fretting if someone does my earthly possessions steal
I should remember the eternal ones are so much more real
Before I get worked up about someone telling another lie
I should remember that my own sins caused Jesus to die
Before complaining that someone causes a schedule delay
I should remember that it gives me another chance to pray
Before I get insulted when not being shown proper respect
I should remember that my behaviour is even more suspect
Before I get affected by others and any unjust accusation
I should remember that via Jesus there is no condemnation

So before a minuscule speck in someone else's eye I do magnify
Per Matthew seven, I must remove the plank from my own eye
Dear Jesus, please forgive me for all the pain I have caused you
And give me the strength to live a life that is to your word true

Saturday, December 24, 2016

24 December 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh Harris spoke at ENCS this Christmas Eve
In advance of the food and presents we would receive
On “what Christmas Eve was like in heaven’ he spoke
From Hebrews chapter ten, his message did invoke

Old Testament annual sacrifices, per verses one to four
Could never our once sinless state ever fully restore
But then Christ, as detailed in verse five through seven
Came to earth as a man, per the will of God in heaven
To be that perfect sacrifice and for all our sins to bear
In this way, Christmas Eve was very far from being fair
God loves us so He sent His son to atone for our fall
We have been sanctified by His sacrifice, “once for all”
In this way, Christmas Eve proves God’s immense love
That is why we should celebrate Jesus in heaven above

And as into communion and worship we transitioned
We were reminded that we are eternally positioned
The reason for the season is what Jesus has done
So a very blessed Christmas I now wish everyone

Sunday, December 18, 2016

18 December 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Harris shared about Christmas Scene Investigation part three
Using Luke chapter one, his title was “There’s Something About Mary”

Like Herod and Zechariah, Mary was troubled when the angel spoke
Unlike those two leaders, Mary was just one of the ordinary townsfolk
When God speaks to us, often very challenged by His vision are we
As well as the gap from where we are and where He wants us to be
This can be compounded by what Josh called “the trouble with favour”
In other words, being great in God’s eyes may lead others to deplore

God’s favour is not always convenient, Pastor did then highlight
That Mary was a virgin made the pronouncement seem not so right
Add in an uncomfortable birthing place and to Egypt a forced escape
Thirty three years later Mary cried while on a cross Jesus did drape
But God’s favour was indeed on Mary and her son Jesus for eternity
Prophesied in the Bible, God's great favour was borne out in history

God’s favour invites us into impossible situations, Josh then said
For nothing is impossible for God’s word, in verse thirty seven we read
Interestingly very few biblical miracles in a religious setting took place
This was to show non-believers God’s immaculate power and grace
To live in God’s favour is to be with the Holy Spirit, per verse thirty five
As the Spirit prepares us for when doors open and opportunities arrive

Mary then responded by affirming that she was a servant of the Lord
Being a believer implies a level of servanthood not to be ignored
And we should remember that God works all things for eventual good
Often challenges we face prepare us for helping others in adulthood
From verse thirty nine, Mary visited Elizabeth who was finally with child
Elizabeth’s long wait helped Mary with her challenges to be reconciled

Verse forty five states that blessed are those who state God’s promise
Mary went on to rejoice and magnify the Lord, unlike doubting Thomas
Magnification does not change God’s power, Josh quickly pointed out
Only our perception of it, like a far off star through a telescope no doubt
Josh then again highlighted four key steps to help us on our life's trip
To pray, to meditate, to preach to others, and to engage in fellowship

Returning to the question of why we should want to walk in God’s favour
If we only serve in sacrifice, we will burn out as it will end up as a chore
The favour of God is actually His presence, per Second Corinthians four
God sent Jesus for our benefit, so His grace can reach more and more
In conclusion, Josh quoted that our troubles are light and momentary
Whereas God’s eternal glory outweighs them and is our goal primary

Monday, December 12, 2016

11 December 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh Harris spoke on Christmas Scene Investigation, part two
Per Luke one, with Zechariah and Elizabeth great things God did do

As a prelude, Josh reminded us of Herod’s seemingly difficult choice
Whether to retain his status as king of Judea or to listen to God’s voice
Even for us today, it is often very dangerous if we are too successful
To follow God, we must make sacrifices which can be very stressful

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous members of the Levi clan
That they had no children was actually part of God’s master plan
They had given up hope since they had effectively run out of years
In those days, having no heirs was one of a couple's biggest fears

But Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the temple, per verse nine
He was afraid when an angel appeared and said all would be fine
His prayer had been heard, the angel promised he would have a son
Our prayers are heard by God, even if in our time they are not done

Zechariah questioned the angel, as he did not believe the promise
But being in the temple, he should not have been a doubting Thomas
God wants to do better things with our lives than we ourselves believe
But God’s plan requires God’s involvement, which we must receive

The angel said Zechariah would be unable to speak until the birth
Ensuring that he did not destroy his manifold destiny here on earth
Faith empowers us to speak, per Second Corinthians chapter four
Paul honoured God despite going through pain that was hardcore

Josh said that faith and wisdom balance each other, just like wings
Too much of one without the other can lead us into spinning rings
That is why we need a relationship with God, not just mere religion
There is a right time for everything, not to be varied by a smidgen

The more time we spend with God, the more His voice we know
That helps us filter out deceptive voices that come from the foe
Remember that God’s picture is bigger than ours, Josh did say
So there can be a variety of reasons that we encounter a delay

No word from God will ever fail, according to verse thirty seven
Elizabeth was also given John to help Mary, as a gift from heaven
Her son John the Baptist fulfilled many an Old Testament prophecy
As his camel hair clothes and his lifestyle were evident for all to see

Josh then again highlighted four key steps to help us on our life's trip
To pray, to meditate, to preach to others, and to engage in fellowship

Monday, December 5, 2016

4 December 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh started a new series "Christmas Scene Investigation”
Matthew two details the birth of Jesus, who came as our salvation
The Magi likely came from Babylon, as presaged in Daniel four
They followed a star, as has oft been recounted in songs of yore

King Herod had rebuilt the temple even grander and had a big plan
But he was disturbed and did not want the baby to become a man
The people of Jerusalem were also afraid of any type of change
When Jesus comes into our lives, it might also feel a bit strange
For the Jews, they did not want to get their hopes too elevated
Similarly for us after a good time of worship, Josh then stated

Herod asked the Magi to report back so he could worship the boy
Although what he really wanted to do was Jesus’ life to destroy
A principle is that you will not find what you are not looking for
Herod was looking to protect his power and position, nothing more
But God spoke to the Magi who ignored Herod’s designs uncouth
Fortunately, God leads and guides those in search of the truth

The Magi brought gold for a king and frankincense for worship
And were also prompted to bring myrrh for their extended trip
For myrrh is an embalming herb, as per John chapter nineteen
So from the time of Jesus’ birth, his death for us was foreseen
Even if we don't understand, we should obey God all of our days
For remember, God’s ways are always higher than our ways

An encounter with Jesus will change our life’s direction
As Christ represents omnipresent truth, love, and perfection
Josh asked what are we looking for and who is guiding us
Along with what is our goal and are we willing to obey Jesus
Josh again highlighted four steps to help us on our life's trip
To pray, to meditate, to preach, and to engage in fellowship