At Peace With 2011

As we are in the final days of 2011,  I can't help but give thanks to God for his many blessings throughout this past year.  While it's true there have been some difficult and challenging times.......including a few questions, some with out answers; I have been able to rest in God's peace and trust fully in his great love and goodness for our lives. I am thankful for God's amazing love and His continual faithfulness. 

Barb and I want you to know just how thankful we are for the many ways you have blessed us this year.  Your prayer, expressions of kindness, cards, thoughtful and encouraging words throughout this past year have been greatly appreciated. 

We are thankful to God for all our friends and family, including the blessing of two new little grandaughters this past year and another one on the way. 

We are thankful to God for all our Comox Pentecostal Church family, for the many ways you continue to prevail and believe God with us for an even greater future together. We are excited about 2012 and look forward to leading and serving you in this next CPC chapter. We know that greater things are yet to come. 

A scripture I have leaned on often this past year and one I want to bless and encourage you with as we approach 2012.....

"May the God of hope

fill you with all

joy and peace as

you trust in Him" 

Romans 15:13

Happy New Year Everyone

We Love You
Pastor Dave & Barb

"Guaranteed" Thoughts From Joel

Allow me to pass along some email thoughts from Joel Sedan, one of our CPC worship leaders.  Joel was reflecting on last Sunday's message from 2 Corinthians 1:19-22 where the Apostle Paul talks about God's decisve YES to us and the GUARANTEE we have been given as followers of Jesus, both in this earthly life and one to come. (Click on the scripture link.)

It's always great to be able to share encouraging words from others.....So enjoy Joel's reflections.   (Joel gave me permission to pass this along to you.)   

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Hey Dave.  What you said at the end of the message yesterday about The Holy Spirit as a deposit started me thinking.  So I figured I would jot down some thoughts as to what this means practically in our lives.

The word “guarantee” here can be translated as “deposit” (NIV) or “down payment”.  Therefore, the Holy Spirit’s Work in our lives is just a deposit of what is to come, that is, what is waiting for us in the fulfilled kingdom of God at the end of all things.  Since a down payment is usually only a small portion of the full price we can assume the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is just the tip of the iceberg in comparison to that which is to come.......And that is really incredible when you consider the AMAZING works He does in us, through us and around us in this life. 

So what does this Guarantee mean practically for us when we look at the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives here on earth?

• Means that when the Holy Spirit works in us to Sanctify us and Regenerate our hearts from having old sinful desires to having new holy desires.....It is a taste of the total regeneration in store for us when we are glorified.  .....On earth, though we still sin and have sinful desires, we need not get discouraged because our sanctification and regeneration will be made complete in the end.
• Means that when God gives special gifts of Supernatural knowledge to individuals in this life......It is just a taste of the complete knowledge we will have when we see him face to face.
• Means that when the Holy Spirit works healing in us......It is just a taste of the TOTAL healing that is in store for us at the end where we will receive glorified bodies that will never get sick and will never die.  That means that when all are not healed it is because the Holy Spirits healing work on the earth in this life is just a taste of what he will do completely for all who belong to him in the end.
• Means that when we experience the real, powerful presence of God and when our hearts are stirred in us to worship him it is just a taste of an eternity spent face to face in close relationship with God Almighty as children and friends, continually in the fullness of His presence worshipping at his throne.

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Thank you Joel - While we are encouraged by the 'guaratneeed' hope of what is to come; it is with great joy and excitement we get to live today under the out flow of God's Open Heaven.  As God's children we are benificeraies of His Yes, including His daily benifits and blessings.  As Christ's ambassadors, empowered by the Holy Spirit we have the awesome priveledge of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth.  (Guarantee Included)

What joy & and fun.

Pastor Dave

Thank You For Serving

It's been awhile since I posted on this blog but on this Monday morning I just want to say a big thankyou...... to all our CPC family for continuing to help cultivate a culture of serving here in our church.  Over this past month many of you have demonstrated willing and generous hearts in the way you have served.   Everytime someone says 'yes'  to the call to serve, our effectiveness and influence as a church is extended.  

With the fall season comes the regular start to a new season of ministry, including launching new ministries and kickoffs to existing ones.  In this season, volunteerism has been accelerated, leaders are being trained, children, youth and young adults are being served, small groups are being launched and so much more; all with the purpose of serving and reaching as many people as we can with the love of Christ.   

During this time as well, three of our CPC families have lost loved ones.  So many of you have picked up a serving towels and with great love and compassion you have served these families in any way you could. These families have been so appreciative and comforted through your serving.

All this reminds me of the mission statement of Jesus when he said:  "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."   Mark 10:45  

.......And as we heard yesterday, Pastor Jabin talked about paying attention and being willing to "make the most of every opportunity"  Colossions 4:5  .......to make a difference in someones life.   This includes opportunities to serve Jesus by serving others.

Thank You CPC
Pastor Dave

• 
  PS:   I read the story about a businesman who asked his Bible study group, "How can you tell if you have a servant's attitude?" He answered the question himself: "By the way you react when you're treated like one.   (Something to think about....)

Mosquitos & Difference Makers

I was challenged this week by something Murray Cornelius, our Missions Director tweeted recently: 

‘If you think you are too small to make a difference,

just spend one night in a closed room with a mosquito.'  African Proverb

If you're from Saskatchewan like I am, you can relate to this proverb I'm sure.  The point is, you matter and you can make a difference no matter how small or insignificant you may feel you are. 

I love all the examples in the Bible where God uses small things to make a big difference. 

Pastor Mike Bidell reminded us of this, this past Sunday in his talk: 'Hope For Canada'.
While the task of reaching Canada and making a difference seems so enormous; feeding thousands with only a boys small lunch seemed enormous to Jesus disciples as well.  (Matthew 14)   What is so amazing is the fact that even small things, in the hands of Jesus and blessed by Him can have powerful influence.  We know the rest of the story.............The good news, everyone ate and were fully satisfied.   (....and the disciples were once again amazed by the goodness of Jesus....)

Let's be encouraged to give Jesus whatever we have no matter how small or insignificant we might think it is.  Like a mosquito, don't ever underestimate the influence you can have. Who ever you are and where ever you are, God wants to use your life to make a difference. 

Be encouraged. You really do matter. 
Go make a difference.

Update on Pastor Mike & Laura Bidell

Good Morning CPC Family    In case you did not hear the news we wanted you to know and honour you our CPC family by sharing an announcement that Pastor Mike & Laura Bidell made yesterday (June 12th) in our morning service. But first of all......let me put it into the context of a Word from the Lord I shared yesterday as well. Yesterday being Pentecost Sunday, we were reminded of the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit and birth of the New Testament Church. (Acts 1 & 2) Pentecost - A Few Takeaways - Marks the birth of the Church. Happy Birthday everyone. - Marks the beginning and celebration of a new season of harvest, a harvest of souls. - Marks the continuation of the Mission of God, now through His Church extending to all the world. 'The Church does not so much have a Mission as the Mission has a Church' The Holy Spirit was given to us for the purpose of empowering us, equipping us and helping us expand the church into all the world. (Acts 1:8) As a result a healthy church will always have in it's DNA the need to Go into all the world which will ultimately result in churches sending, often their very best. Someone once said: Don't judge a church by it's seating capacity, but rather by it's sending capacity. Here at CPC we are pesently in a season of sending. We are thankful to God for the opportunity of partnering together with the greatest mission of all, the Mission of God. Be encouraged everyone. Jesus is building His Church. We are filled with both joy and hope as we begin a new season together, both for our CPC family as well for Pastor Mike & Laura as they begin their new journey. God is good. The Mission Continues Pastor Dave

From: Mike Bidell's Facebook Page Update Hi Friends! Just wanted to take this opportunity to share a brief update with you. Today, Laura and I shared with our congregation here in Comox our sense of call to missions. We are preparing to plant a church in Victoria, BC! We really began to hear Jesus speaking to us about this almost exactly a year ago, however from the present vantage point we're beginning to see how God has been preparing us for this for many, many years. We are so thankful to Jesus for the journey so far (it's always exciting with Him, isn't it!?). A number of very clear confirmations began affirming what we felt we were hearing from the Lord. We started to realize we couldn't ignore what we were feeling stir within and needed to begin carefully taking steps forward in faith. We began to invite some key mentors and close family to be listening and praying with us - they have been so helpful, affirming and encouraging as we continue to advance in this. We're in an interesting place of mixed feelings right now. Obviously excited for what we're moving towards! However, as is the case in transitions, there is a move away. We've been in the Comox Valley for three years this summer. We just love this community, the people of this church and those we are privileged to work with. The thought of leaving would almost seem easier if we didn't love all these! I'm so thankful for Pastor Dave & Barb Postal. We first shared our hearts with them back in November and they have been carrying this in prayer with us since then. Not only are we thankful for them but also the CPC board and family! We know that when God is speaking and moving, it's because He has a plan. And if He has a plan, it is good! We know God has it in His heart to continue to bless, advance and increase His work at CPC. As you may know, God has been moving in so many special and powerful ways on the Island, especially in this last year. We were in a service last night were literally dozens of people were healed! God's kingdom is increasing and advancing! What a great time and region to be planting a new work in! In the future more information will be made available in regards to the detail of the church plant in Victoria. The timeline isn't exactly determined yet, though we do see things continuing to progress in these next few months. The picture will become clearer with each step forward. We do know the call is to plant the gospel and see a church grow. Victoria is full of people of all kinds of backgrounds and stories; but at the end of the day, they're people, and people need God. We believe the power of the gospel is real and is for people in everyday life. And we believe in seeing a church planted that is marked by: Worship, Mission, the Supernatural & Generosity. Stay tuned for more details as the story unfolds! If you love Jesus, people, and Victoria and are want to know more about what this or even explore the possibility of joining us in this mission, send us a facebook message or email at mikebidell@gmail.com . For Christ and His Kingdom! Mike & Laura Bidell Missionary Church Planters Victoria, British Columbia

CPC Values & Behaviours

Recently we completed an eight week series here at Comox Pentecostal Church, identifying and exploring our Church Family Values & Behaviors. 

It's been a good experience to intentionally study, reflect and discuss these very important matters.  Along the way we have tried to draw our inspiration from the life and words of Jesus as well as the values demonstrated in the NT early church model.  With each value, we have identified key behaviors along with commitments we must be willing to make in order to live them out in real time.  (A work in progress.)

Be encouraged as you read the post below. 
Pastor Dave Postal


Why we Must Know and Articulate our Values
• Our Values Help Identify Who We Are & What We Stand For
• Our Values Inspire & Shape Our Vision
• Our Values Influence Our Decisions
• Our Values Impact Our Behaviour – What we will do and not do….
• Our Values Impress The Next Generation – We have a baton to pass along…..


CPC Values & Behaviours
Value #1 Love for God & Love for People
• We are committed to radically loving God and others.

Value #2 Presence & Ministry of the Holy Spirit
• We are committed to welcoming the presence & ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Value #3 Proclamation & Demonstration of the Gospel
• We are committed to spreading the truth of God’s love in word and deed.

Value #4 Life Application of God’s Word
• We are committed to applying Biblical truth to daily living.

Value #5 Meaningful Connection & Community
• We are committed to strengthening relationships, seeking to foster (holistic) environments both large and small that support growth, giftedness and care.

Value #6 Reaching the Next Generation
• We are committed to reaching, raising up and releasing the next generation for ministry and influence.

Value #7 Generous Living
Understanding the Lord’s ownership of all we possess,
• We are committed to living a God honouring culture of generosity, including the faithful giving of time, abilities, finances, etc. all for his purposes and advancing His Kingdom.

Value #8 Missional Living
• We are committed to being missionaries, first to our neighbours, our community and extending throughout the world.

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Values Sermon Series Available On Line  -  http://www.cpclife.com/

Reaching The Next Generation

Pastor Mike Bidell recently shared a thought provoking message on the importance of reaching the Next Generation.

• Based on current trends, Christianity in Canada is projected to grow by only 0.03% in the next 20 years.

Click on image for clearer view.

To hear this message as well as check out the notes & discussion guide go to our website.

http://www.cpclife.com/index.php?nid=15956&s=gl&media_id=470532&showMedia=a

Be intentional this week in praying for our next generation. We are committed to reaching, raising up and releasing the next generation for ministry and influence.

Psalm 33:11 'The plans of the Lord stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart through all generations.'

Blessings

Dave Postal

Great Start To 2011

I just want to say we have been having some precious prayer gatherings this week here in the Comox Valley. The Holy Spirit is stirring the church, preparing His bride for a greater work.

• The presence of the Lord has been strong...
• There is an increasing hunger for more of His presence.....
• Pastors and people from various congregations have been praying together....
• The posture has been beautiful......shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, heart to heart................All in a spirit of humility and interdependence....
• There is a desire to bless and honour one another.....
• There is an increase in love and pursuit of greater unity......
• There is a rising tide of the Holy Spirit that our whole community will benefit from.....
• There's much more than this....

We some how believe God is up to something and the best is yet to come!!!!

'For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.' 1 Peter 3:12

Where ever you are.....Keep pressing on...and into God's best for 2011.

Blessings
Pastor Dave

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