Loosing Weight

Life is good when we travel light. In a recent message I told my story of hiking the West Coast Trail and how our guide told us to pack light. He said the seven day hike would be much more enjoyable if you don't carry more than is necessary. The same applies to life. There are many I know who are carrying heavy weights, excess burdens that God never intended for them to carry. As a pastor and as a church we see this all the time.

We see people who are exhausted by the many weights of life that have been piled on. The weight of past experiences, past hurts, injustice and much more. Some of you who are reading this are carrying weight that goes back to when you were a child. It might be a wrong, a violation, a negative word that still haunts you today. Life can never be good when we carry these weights.

What weight are you carrying that God does not want you to carry? What is weighing your journey down?

The good news is that Jesus invites us to come to Him.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

• Come with your burdens...
• Come with your hurts...
• Come with your offenses...
• Come with your sin...
• Come with whatever is weighing you down.
  

Allow Jesus to lighten your load.
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you.”

It gets even better.....
Isaiah 53:4-6 “It was our weaknesses he (Jesus) carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! 5 But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! 6 All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.”

Allow Jesus to help you today.
Psalm 68:19-20 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances.”

Max Lucado says, "Traveling light means trusting God with burdens you were never intended to bear."

What do ya got to loose?

Do you have a "weight loss" story that God has helped you with that might encourage others who read this. How has Jesus helped you travel light?

Be Encouraged
Pastor Dave

FEEL FREE TO POST A COMMENT.

Kid Friendly Ideas For Summer

When our family was growing up, keeping four boys occupied and out of trouble in the summer was at times a challenging proposition. Barb and I were always interested in what others did to make summer fun.

One thing we discovered was that some of the best times we had did not have to cost alot of money. (Often there was no cost at all other than the time being together.)

Let's put our ideas together.

• What are some of the favourite things you enjoy doing with your kids during the summer?

• What is your favourite summer place in the Comox Valley?

• If you could pass on a "kid friendly" summer idea to one of our CPC or Valley newcomers what would it be?
  

• What would you suggest for a "rainy" day with the kids?
  

It only takes a minute to respond, so do it now. Let's have some fun exchanging ideas. Post on comments below.

Praying For Sunny Days
Pastor Dave

A Tribute To Pearl - We Appreciate You

Last Sunday as people were leaving our morning service I connected briefly with one of our elderly saints, Pearl Cochrane. As many of you know, Pearl has had a very difficult winter and spring recovering from knee surgery and having to cope with much pain.

Following a time of prayer for this years Community Block Party I was reminded of Pearl and the many years she has enthusiastically served hot dogs to the 100's of people who come each year. My assumption was that because of her physical difficulties she would not be able to help this year. When I mentioned it she quickly and emphatically corrected me and said: "Oh no Pastor Dave, I am signed up to help again this year. I will be there." I thought; "Wow what a great attitude."

I hope when I am 85+ that I will be just as excited about life and making a difference where I can. My prayer is that I will still be loving and serving God to the best of my ability.

Pearl we want you to know how much we appreciate you. Thank you for your smile and being such a wonderful example to our church family. We really do love you.

Pastor Dave

PS. Pearl is a great pie maker as well. Ask me, I know.

If you would like to post a comment go ahead. We will pass them on.

Still Standing!!!

Jesus said to his disciples whose hearts were agitated by worry and fear; "Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1 Jesus was inviting his followers to trust Him, to put their faith in God.

You see; what we believe about God is very important.

• Do I really believe that God loves me unconditionally?
• Do I really believe that God is my ultimate provider?
• Do I really believe that God has a plan and purpose for my life?
• Do I really believe that "all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose?" Romans 8:28
  

One thing I have discovered, especially in troubling times is to anchor my life daily in the promises of God's word. That's why it is so important that we take time regularily to read and meditate on the truths of the Bible.

You may be doing OK today, but one day, guaranteed you will need the foundation of God's Word to stand upon. There are approximately 3000 promises in the Bible, enough for every circumstance you will ever face.

Do you know what those promises are? Do you know what you believe?

• Take a minute right now and POST A PROMISE from God's Word that has been especially meaningful to you in your life. By responding you may be encouraging someone else in our CPC family with the hope of God's Word. May God bless you all?
• 
  
• What is your favourite Bible promise? See Comments Below.
  

Standing On The Promises,
Pastor Dave