GracePoint Church

This week in People Like Us, we look at Abraham and Lot and the dangerous difference between what looks good and what is good. Their story reminds us that one of God’s great mercies is not giving us everything we want, but changing our hearts so we want what is truly good.

Watch this short reflection video, and listen to the song to slow down and meditate on it.Wherever you are, this is an invitation to remember, to worship, and to draw near to Him.Listen to "I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)" by Keith & Kristyn GettyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eJUqY_6tqoSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3sIGsIzS5gv4gUOAcl6aOy?si=dafeb3bc603e4cd3

Watch this short reflection video, and listen to the song to slow down and meditate on it.Wherever you are, this is an invitation to remember, to worship, and to draw near to Him.Listen to "What An Awesome God" by Phil WickhamYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFOe4c08dHcSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6SZY2dHMtwnjqWQdk3EpSv?si=05660ab1c5394e59

Watch this short reflection video, and listen to the song to slow down and meditate on it.Wherever you are, this is an invitation to remember, to worship, and to draw near to Him.Listen to "Christ Be Magnified" by Cody CarnesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjGMlYywK9MSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0WfYGGL9NugwFZPWKLdz4N?si=6966c1990d834842

Watch this short reflection video, and listen to the song to slow down and meditate on it.Wherever you are, this is an invitation to remember, to worship, and to draw near to Him.Listen to "Two Wooden Beams" by Josiah QueenYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYhnmpsognISpotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2hWTH0Q7X3aOpPRHGBwNqw?si=83b8601a9a214acd

Day 2: Holy TuesdayWatch this short reflection video, and listen to the song to slow down and meditate on it.Wherever you are, this is an invitation to remember, to worship, and to draw near to Him.Listen to "Death Was Arrested" by North Point InsideOutYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMsMiluCUUISpotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1rXQLRlZfNTj8uaxIsEZQi?si=aa409f77b2784b22

Day 1: Holy MondayWatch this short reflection video, and listen to the song to slow down and meditate on it.Wherever you are, this is an invitation to remember, to worship, and to draw near to Him.Listen to "Calmer of the Storm" by DownhereYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNmIO9uN8eUSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/40Z8UGqSQXKv0P7wVNvChI?si=32c12f8369df43fb

Money does strange things to us, doesn't it? It certainly has a lot of power. We've all felt the rush of having. But like a drug, once it's gone, we're left wanting more. We try to control it, but it always seems to control us. We hide it under a mattress. We put it in a 401K. We "invest" in homes and second homes. My last church was in a community that was filled with wealthy, retired people. I met so many folks who spent so much of their retirement checking in with their wealth, moving investments around and living with stress. What should've been the time to spend what they had saved was taken over by the obsession to keep what they had. We've all seen how our addiction to money impacts our lives in destructive ways. Yet, we all battle hoping, thinking...that maybe it will be different with me. Oh what we would do if we could find the inside track on the best investment strategy. There is good news. The bible gives us a lot of guidance here in one of the most written about topics contained in its pages. It's not hidden in some complicated investment equation. It's right in the open...though challenging to apply. Yet those who live by it experience what so many spend a lifetime chasing and never experience. Take a look at James 5:1-6. It may scare you off a bit, but I promise you...there is more to it. I hope you'll join us this weekend as we explore the idea of "How To Live Rich Without Being Ruined". 

It was a deal I couldn't pass up! I walked away feeling like I just ripped off the guy. He had sold me a gym membership for a fraction of the actual fee. I wondered how this guy could possibly stay in business. He was practically giving memberships away. On my first day of "working out," I was surprised that the gym wasn't packed with people.Fast forward 8 months and I finally understood the business model. I had gone to the gym barely a handful of times, the owner banking on my failure. I took advantage of the "deal," but never realized the benefit of my plan.Isn't this how so many of us approach a loving God–who has freely given us His grace and has invited us into a life-giving relationship with eternal benefits? Our intentions may be good, that we want to experience something different than what life is delivering. We start off strong only to realize we're not taking advantage of all that God has for us as we walk "with" Him.God is not "banking on my failure." God desires that we would experience the joy and peace of following His plan. The book of James acts like a trainer who shows the way to get spiritually healthy and isn't afraid to get in our face at times when we need a little push to stay on track.In James 4:11-17, he takes us there again showing us practical ways to stay in spiritual shape. I encourage you to come with us and let's workout together in the community of church. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but it's good truth and a great deal.

It was a deal I couldn't pass up! I walked away feeling like I just ripped off the guy. He had sold me a gym membership for a fraction of the actual fee. I wondered how this guy could possibly stay in business. He was practically giving memberships away. On my first day of "working out," I was surprised that the gym wasn't packed with people.Fast forward 8 months and I finally understood the business model. I had gone to the gym barely a handful of times, the owner banking on my failure. I took advantage of the "deal," but never realized the benefit of my plan.Isn't this how so many of us approach a loving God–who has freely given us His grace and has invited us into a life-giving relationship with eternal benefits? Our intentions may be good, that we want to experience something different than what life is delivering. We start off strong only to realize we're not taking advantage of all that God has for us as we walk "with" Him.God is not "banking on my failure." God desires that we would experience the joy and peace of following His plan. The book of James acts like a trainer who shows the way to get spiritually healthy and isn't afraid to get in our face at times when we need a little push to stay on track.In James 4:11-17, he takes us there again showing us practical ways to stay in spiritual shape. I encourage you to come with us and let's workout together in the community of church. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but it's good truth and a great deal.

Prayer is a huge part of the apprenticeship journey. But have you ever stopped to take inventory on how you pray or what you are praying for? All too often my prayers are the "as I'm going" type of prayer, or the "help I'm in a crisis" prayer, or the "I guess it's my only option left" prayer.One of the prayers I pray is about "sin in my life." I'll pray and ask God to help me overcome my judgmental spirit or my negativity–(insert your signature sin here). I find myself getting discouraged when I fall back into the same sins over and over. So, I pray again. I ask others to pray for me. I pray at church, in my car and before I go to bed.I get worn out when those sins seem to stick to me like glue. Then I read James and I'm given some really practical advice: to make the decision to just "stop it." I know that's easier said than done, but it's where James goes in his letter.Remember he's the one who said that if your faith doesn't result in action is it really faith at all? I'm still thinking about that. But he's right.I'm going to keep praying over my sin, but now I'm adding a discipline or practice to do something about it. James gives us a lot to think about on this issue and this Sunday looks to be favorable for us to finally meet together... in person. I miss you all.

ICE activity in Minneapolis, tension in Iran, unrest at the border, seemingly unending wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a spiraling economy, violence in our cities... and now unpredictable weather.It’s a great day to be an apprentice of Jesus.Christians should never be surprised by a fallen world that produces fallen things. Distressed? Yes. But anxious? No. The Bible gives followers of Jesus a clear path for navigating life in a darkening world.Church is where we practice this traveling together. Our peace can never come from this temporary world. It always comes from God alone. That said, we are not called to run or hide with our heads in the sand. Rather, we are to be instruments of hope, peace, and love to a world thirsting for it.Our current series in the book of James tackles real struggles head-on and offers clear direction back to the narrow road. Last weekend, we experienced one of those challenges firsthand when severe weather forced us to cancel in-person gatherings at both campuses.This weekend looks to be bringing some of the same. At this time, we plan to hold services as usual, but please continue to check our website first and church communication outlets for the most up-to-date information. If you have any concern at all about the weather, we strongly encourage you to stay home. While we will miss the intimacy of being together in person, our team is working hard to provide a rich and meaningful online worship experience–if it comes to that.Additionally, during any weather-related challenges, please direct folks with emergency needs to this email or our website for current information and resources.

I wanted to compete in the Olympics. I had just watched the 1976 Olympics and was so inspired that I determined that 1980 would be my year. I was ten years old. I had the vision of incredible athletes fresh in my mind. Our men's 4 x 100 relay team had just finished in 8th place.  I tore out a picture of the Olympic symbol and a flag of Canada...and put it on my dresser in my room. Then I ran. I ran to school. I ran between classes. One time I even took the city bus to the track at our local university and I ran. Several weeks later, as I was walking past my dresser with a donut in my mouth I caught a glimpse of the flag and the Olympic symbol. I don't remember what happened to that picture, but I never saw it again. Mercifully, Canada did not compete in the 1980 Summer Olympics allowing me much-needed additional time to prepare for 1984. The truth of the matter was that I was inspired. I had a vision of what could be and I started off so well, but life got in the way. Distractions flourished and time went by. I never did live out my Olympic dream. Isn't that the way so many of us approach our faith? We sense a need that grows into desire to know the truth and to live it out in our lives. We find a church and we begin to "walk with Jesus." Our intentions are great...but life gets in the way. We never experience the "abundant life" (John 10:10) that Jesus came to give to us. Thankfully, God keeps the vision for becoming like Jesus...ever before us. However, we were never meant to accomplish it on our own. It begins with a longing that stirs within us. What follows is a decision to follow Jesus. But we need the Holy Spirit to be our help...AND we need each other to accomplish the vision. 

I could feel my face begin to turn red. My hands felt sweaty and got a little shaky. My voice was on edge and words just kept coming out of my mouth. I could feel the sound of my voice getting louder and people in the room beginning to stop what they were doing to look at what I was doing. It wasn't my proudest moment. I wish it was simply "a" moment. Sadly, I have had too many "moments" where I was attempting to help someone see the truth...at least the way I saw it. Have you been there? You know you are right and the conversation has heated up because now you have to prove you are right. It had long shifted away from a respectful dialogue now to a need to win at all cost. I find myself getting "sucked into" this mode more than I care to admit. Yet, James tells his readers that this is not the way to communicate God's truth. James wants us to know how to be wise in the way we treat one another--that being righteous is more important than being right. Perhaps, this may be a root cause in some of the relational tension you may be feeling in your marriage, with your co-worker, friends, neighbors or family. We want everyone to agree with us...to do it our way...to be a clone of us. If we could just get everyone to understand, then all will be well in our world. Really?I hope you continue with us in our ongoing look at this letter, penned by the brother of Jesus more than a few years ago. Surprisingly, it reads as though the ink might still be wet. I hope you can sit with us this weekend and join other friends and family as they do the same.

Here we are, already nearing the second Sunday of a brand new year! We're grateful to already be starting this one strong together, and we’re thankful for each of you who make GracePoint such a gift to our community.In a world so easily divided–where people are slow to listen and quick to speak instead of the other way around, this Sunday's topic in our James series will be a good look at the idea that “words matter.” Bill Brown is bringing the heat from James 3:1-12, so it's sure to teach all of us something. We’ll reflect on the power of our words and how God calls us to use them for life, truth, and grace.Oh, and another fun thing! This weekend, Neil will also share a brief update on how 2025 ended and as we enter 2026, walk us through how to vote on the budget, membership, and slate of elders. We'll also have the 2025 Annual Report to share! A bunch of GracePoint's ministries have spent significant time contributing, so we're excited to share this renewed effort to tell the stories of what God's doing.As we step further into a new year, I pray that the Lord guide your heart, shape your words, and strengthen your witness. Thank you for being part of what God is doing... we’re excited for what’s ahead!

Well...we've survived another season of the fire hose of advertising. In the midst of it all, we celebrated the birth of our Savior and ushered in a New Year. The change of pace can be crazy but it has also brought moments of reflection. I've reflected on another year of rich and meaningful relationships at GracePoint. Relationships that are deep because of the Spirit in each of us who know Jesus. It's been a time to think about my own abiding walk with the Lord too. I'm grateful that God continues to be patient when it comes to His continuing work on my own soul. I have also been sucked into the vortex of all the chaos this holiday season...striving to find the balance between the world's version of Christmas and the churches. I think I blew it on a few gifts I bought for loved ones. When I read the advertisement, they sounded so great. But when my purchases arrived, several of my gifts failed to live up to their billing. It was rather disappointing. Isn't that the way advertising goes? Rather than seeking to improve your life, most retailers are simply trying to separate you from your dollar. Hopefully we learn, as we move forward, how to read the fine print and know what we're getting into--saving much heartache and pain with future purchases. I wonder if some of us come to faith in Jesus in a similar fashion. We have an idea of what it means to follow Jesus. But once we commit to being a Christian, many of us find ourselves disappointed, frustrated and confused. And I wonder if some of the reason is because we bought into an "idea" of what it meant to follow Jesus, but we didn't really read what the bible says about following Jesus. Which, by the way, isn't fine print, but rather bold print. And it's good news. When we follow Jesus His way...it leads to such a better experience. I hope you'll join us at church on Sunday as we step back into our series on the book of James. Happy New Year. 

I don't like waiting. When I see a yellow light...which means, slow down and get ready to stop...I tend to speed up. When I see a long line at a restaurant, I go to McDonald's. More than once I have been in a grocery store and I'm ready to check out. More than once, I see another shopping cart out of the corner of my eye, heading to the same open check out line that I am heading to. I'm not proud of this, but I have crafted the fine art of "racing without looking like I'm racing"...to get to the shorter line. Before you start judging me, admit that you do the same thing. Whether it's paying a little extra to be bumped to the front, racing to the short line or simply deciding to give up...none of us enjoys waiting. It's ingrained in our culture that always promises the consumer that we will deliver sooner, get you there faster and ensure "no waiting". Christmas is over. We now have to wait for over 360 sleeps for the next one. This week we are going to take a look at the Christmas "story after the story". We're going to see how "waiting" can be a sacred time in God's economy. We're going to worship together online. It's a day to rest...for you...for our volunteers...for our church. I hope you'll relax, fire up the screen and tune in. Perhaps invite a friend or a neighbor...or someone you know who will be alone this Sunday...to come and watch with you in your home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Many of us will travel over the Christmas holiday. Whether it’s to the next holler, the other side of the mountain, or a journey that takes a plane, a train, and an automobile, it’s almost inevitable this season. I hope you’re not like me, but travel is only one of the many things that can make me anxious this time of year. Is it the schedule of events and family itineraries? Emotional stress tied to tough memories? The constant bombardment of consumerism? I find myself seeking peace this Christmas.This holiday has a way of stirring up deep things within us. Whether it’s peace, meaning, hope, love, or something we can’t quite name, we long for something more. We’re continuing our Advent series, Seeking Jesus, where we step into the perspective of people in the Christmas story and learn from the way they sought Him. The ones we’re focusing on this weekend were looking for something too... and they followed it.I’m reminded of the old Christmas hymn: “Coming from the Orient, traversing afar… westward leading, still proceeding… field and fountain, moor and mountain…” Quite a journey, not unlike the ones many of us will make in the coming weeks. I hope you’ll join us on Sunday as we reflect on this truth: not everything that shines can lead us home, but there is still a perfect Light worth following.

My brother was in Nashville this week on business and invited me to join him. It's always great to spend time with my brother. Not only is he a friend, but his job is executive coaching. As a cheap Scotsman, I love getting free coaching tips to help me become a better leader. He also had tickets to the Grand Ole Opry. As a cheap Scotsman, I love getting free tickets to stuff. (Do you see a pattern here?) I've never been to the Grand Ole Opry. Now I have. I was awed at being in such an iconic place. I was amazed by the talent and the quality of the presentation. I found myself taking pictures and texting family and friends about the experience. It was exciting...and I couldn't stop talking about it. I imagine that this might've been like what the Shepherds in the book of Luke experienced when the birth of Jesus was announced (not that the Angels are like performers at Opryland). Multiply it by ten and likely more with the experience of such a celestial event. The point I want to make is about the response of the Shepherds. People who were among the lowest in society--who had no rights in the court of law--couldn't contain themselves. Their immediate response to experiencing God was TO GO. I often wonder if I know God well enough yet to realize that He's all that I need? I'm not sure I've ever allowed myself to experience His Presence in a way that motivates me TO GO--to go and tell others--to share the experience of wonder and hope that is for all people. I wonder. I hope you'll join us this week...to wonder alongside us...as we look at the Shepherd's experience at Christmas.

Maybe it's all of the commercials. You know the ones, with soft music and slowly falling snow. The ones with the image of a crackling fire and a mantle hung with stockings. The ones with Christmas music heard from another room as a family bakes treats. Is it just me, or do these days between Thanksgiving and Christmas not line up with the reality the TV is showing me?I feel that we’re surrounded by messages telling us to “find peace,” especially this time of year. As we continue our Advent series "Seeking Jesus," we will look at what peace is even when things are chaotic.How? By looking at Mary and Joseph and what they found to be the answer! Spoiler alert: the Bible reminds us that peace isn’t something we manufacture, rather it’s Someone we meet. I won't ruin anything else for you, because if I write it here, it'll give the whole thing away and I'll have nothing to say this weekend.On Sunday as we gather, we’ll explore how God offers something deeper and more steady than anything our circumstances can muster. If your week has been noisy, unpredictable, or full of the unexpected, you’re not alone, and God has something to say about it.Hope you’ll be with us this Sunday.

In 2003 we accepted a position to be the new Lead Pastor at a church in Northern California. When we began looking for homes to buy, we were disheartened. California is an expensive place to live. We began to resign ourselves to the reality of a small trailer park as our resting spot for the foreseeable future. (not to knock on any of you that live in a trailer park). But with three boys in tow, it would be a challenge. Without getting into details, God miraculously provided a great home. It has more than enough room for our family...AND a dog. It had a fireplace and a great yard...along with wonderful neighbors. We thought, this is it. We will never be wanting again. Isn't it amazing how things get old so quickly? Within weeks, we were thinking about needing something more. As a people, it is our nature to always want more. We are also obsessed with trying to figure life out. We are all seeking to find outhow we got here...why we are here...and where we are going. What amazes me is that the bible answers that question in spades. Many of us come to church and celebrate that we have found what we have been looking for. This week, we will gather around tables and thank God for providing that. This Christmas we'll hold candles as we sing Silent Night and celebrate the birth of Jesus who showed us the way. But what amazes me, is that so many of us come Monday, go right back to living our lives as if we are still seeking. We pursue more money or deeper love. We travel to exotic places to find peace and rest. We need to "remember" that Jesus is THE way. We will only find our rest in Him. He gives our lives meaning and purpose. This week, as you gather around tables and as we prepare for the Christmas season, begin to focus on celebrating Jesus in the times outside of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Meditate on the greatest gift we could possibly have been given and practice walking more intimately with the one who has freely given it all. 

A few weeks ago, just before the weather turned cold, my wife and I took the Kayaks out one last time. It had been a busy few weeks and we desperately needed some sabbath rest. We packed up the kayaks and sped to Lake Jocassee. We could not have asked for a better day. The warmth of the sun. The refreshing feel of cold water on hot skin. We had nothing but time and the lake practically to ourselves.  We made our way across the water to a small island. A secluded and peaceful white sandy beach came into view. We paddled as fast as we could to stake our claim. Ugh what a glorious time. We spread out on the warm sand, swam in the cool water, ate like royalty (Doritos can seem like royalty at times) and napped lazily in our hammocks. Then it happened. A splash in the distance. Other kayaks were coming our way. Not one but eight kayaks. I did my best to discourage their desire to come ashore. I spread out our stuff to make it look like it was a Smith Family Reunion...but they would not be dismayed. They scrambled on the beach like a bunch of geese landing to rest on their migration. Our plans were shattered. I was grumpy. I know it's hard to picture your Pastor being irritable and I'm ashamed to admit it. The people were nice and even invited us to have a meal with them. Outwardly, I was polite. Inwardly, I was seething. I began to judge them. How could you be so rude? How could you not "read the room" (or the beach)? Who are you people?  I quietly packed up our site and we paddled away in defeat. I was amazed at how I was thinking about these wonderful folks. I'm sure they could sense my hostility. And isn't it just like God to have a little passage in our series on James pop up for this weekend. Apparently, what we think of others and how we treat others is a big deal to God.

Parenting is a hard job! You work around the clock to teach your kids how to grow and be successful in the world. There are not many things more enjoyable than when your child "gets it" and they begin to live out what you have long taught.That being said, have you ever had that moment when you tell them how proud you are for learning what you've taught...only to have them give the credit to someone else? Ugh. It happens all the time. Someone models it or says it another way and the lights go on. As a parent, I was disappointed in one sense...but thrilled that my child was understanding and maturing into adulthood regardless.This is what I hope happens this coming weekend at GracePoint. We have had a busy couple of weeks that have magnified the majesty of God and the beauty of the body of Christ. Ten kids were dedicated this month. Last weekend eight individuals demonstrated their faith and trust in Jesus by expressing it in the waters of baptism.This coming weekend is our Spiritual Enrichment weekend--a weekend that got lost in the calamity of Helene a year ago...and a weekend that is slammed in the middle of a busy season this year. Having said that, I hope you will consider jumping in to some great opportunities we have this coming Sunday--to deepen your understanding of what your Pastor has been striving to say over these past three years. My prayer has been that "hearing another voice" might help you grab onto the heartbeat of what drives us here at GracePoint.Apprenticeship is what we are all about. How do you walk with Jesus in a thriving relationship? It's the heart of a disciple...and our vision is all over this and "helping others to do the same".How do we relate to God--to one another--and to those around us? It's our mission captured in three words--UP--IN--OUT.

The water was cold. The material took on water and weighed me down. I was all of 4'10" tall...12 years old. I was about to be baptized in a huge robe. Pastor Wilson came to my house a few weeks earlier to talk to me about it. He used some pretty big words that I didn't understand. Words like "salvation" and "atonement" and "propitiation." He said that my baptism was "an outward expression of an inward profession." Hmmmm?  I knew enough...that sin was not good--that Jesus died in my place and that getting baptized was telling everyone that I was following Jesus. I'm grateful that I wasn't given a theology test--that Jesus allows, even the little ones, to come to Him. Baptism is such a beautiful picture of the work that Jesus has done for us. He laid down His life, was buried and He rose from the grave. He overcame death itself. The metaphor of water is all throughout the Bible. In baptism, we identify with His death as we go down into the water, we identify with His burial as the waters envelope us, and we identify with His resurrection as we are raised up out of the water. Baptism is a Celebration.

I found out that someone was critical of me this week. I'd love to say that I prayed for that person and leaned into my walk with Jesus who loves me for who I am but, that didn't really happen. I let the criticism fester in my mind. I reasoned through all of the ways that that person was wrong and how I needed to guide them into a right understanding. In reality, I allowed it to get too much rental space in my head. In reality, I felt bad.I don't like to feel bad. I'm tired of feeling bad. In fact, I've had serious thoughts about writing a book entitled, "Chasing Comfort". Temptation and trials are a part of life but, so are blessings. It's not wrong to desire things to be okay. In fact, the Bible tells us to enjoy blessings as a gift from God. James reminded us of that in vs 17 of the chapter we have been studying in our series on James.Here's the problem. I often make "blessings" the goal of my Christian faith.

Entropy... a concept some of you may remember from High School Science class. It's the concept that works to measure chaos. It's used to describe how the world works: that everything is falling apart and that the natural direction of everything in the Universe is heading for disarray and disrepair.Here's an example, using my body as an illustration–it's a reality that I find more and more pronounced as I age. Stop laughing, I can hear your scoff from here! I. know I may seem lithe and full of the strength of youth, but I played a church league softball game last week and the one time I ran to first base I think I hurt some part of my leg. Oh, and I slept last night, so naturally I've got a crick in my neck. But hey, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Falling apart a little is okay ...right?This weekend, we're continuing in the book of James. Will be talking about the way we grow to have complete and perfect faith in God comes from the difficult and hard times in life. How it's actually the best way. That it's such a beautiful and brilliant plan to teach us and let us practice what He's asking us to do. I hope that after this weekend, we will never wish for ease again and embrace the natural entropy of the world and can say with a confident heart, "come what may, God's got me."

I was watching the news last night. My jaw dropped when I heard a certain politician take ownership for a huge mistake.  I opened my eyes and realized it was all just a dream. When was the last time you saw someone take responsibility for their actions? Sadly, we have to think very hard if we can come up with any example at all. "The devil made me do it. It's just who I am. It's not my fault." We all have excuses for our actions. It's part of our fallen world--our sin nature. We blame others. When we're wrong, we double down with authority...as if saying it louder will somehow make it right. The Bible tells us that this is the certain path to death. In a world of image consulting, damage control and social media poses--no one wants to look bad. And we wonder why we are so angry, divided, anxious and addicted. The answer is because it doesn't work.  Instead of humbling ourselves (Hint: a huge theme in the book of James), we simply keep at it, in hopes that someday it may work...I'll feel good, look good and be good. The Bible offers another way--a scary way to wholeness. Take responsibility. Deal with your sin. James will take a step further back...to temptation and how to deal with it.

I met with my Financial Advisor this week. We crunched numbers and talked about the future. You may think I'm a great pastor, but I'm relatively certain that you don't want me serving in this position as a spry 93 year old.We calculated my Social Security payment at certain ages. We calculated the value of my home and looked at Life Insurance policies. We checked out my retirement accounts and made a calculation of how much to keep investing if I want to retire with a comfortable lifestyle.We calculated my net-worth. It was all based on stuff--how much money I had in the bank, how much was invested, the value of my assets. And there was a number, my Net Worth.James challenges the notion that what we HAVE here on earth is of ANY value...let alone our individual value. The book of James speaks the truth that our value we have in our stuff here on earth is really of no value. Our value comes from our self-worth and that comes from the declaration of God that we are His.I've been told my entire life that when I die, I can't take it with me. James begs to differ. The question for all of us is, "Are we investing in the right accounts?"

Someone cut me off again as traffic ground to a halt. I could feel myself seething inside. As I sat at a standstill, I began to wonder why I was so angry. My smartphone showed that this was only going to be a 4 minute delay. And why would I let a guy I don't even know (who cut me off) have so much rental space in my head? It had been a long day. Several discouraging things had happened and my heart was heavy.At that moment, I cried out to God. I simply said, "God, I'm tired of feeling badly." As I reflected on my day, I realized that I had jammed it full of "stuff" that I felt had to get done. What I didn't allow was space for God. Whether it was to read from His Word, set aside a moment to pray or simply allow space to be quiet. All of that got crowded out. The world and its worry squeezed through the crack in my day and was wreaking havoc on my soul.This week we begin a new series in the book of James. I love how practical James is on handling things like worry, anxiety and trouble in life. As I worked through my grumpiness, I realized that, though I could not control my feelings, I could control my thoughts and what I allowed to feed my thoughts. Good thinking can help shape feelings and set us on the right path of walking alongside Jesus moment by moment.

I wanted to compete in the Olympics. I had just watched the 1976 Olympics and was so inspired that I determined that 1980 would be my year. I was ten years old. I had the vision of incredible athletes fresh in my mind. Our men's 4 x 100 relay team had just finished in 8th place.  I tore out a picture of the Olympic symbol and a flag of Canada...and put it on my dresser in my room. Then I ran. I ran to school. I ran between classes. One time I even took the city bus to the track at our local university and I ran. Several weeks later, as I was walking past my dresser with a donut in my mouth I caught a glimpse of the flag and the Olympic symbol. I don't remember what happened to that picture, but I never saw it again. Mercifully, Canada did not compete in the 1980 Summer Olympics allowing me much-needed additional time to prepare for 1984. The truth of the matter was that I was inspired. I had a vision of what could be and I started off so well, but life got in the way. Distractions flourished and time went by. I never did live out my Olympic dream. Isn't that the way so many of us approach our faith? We sense a need that grows into desire to know the truth and to live it out in our lives. We find a church and we begin to "walk with Jesus." Our intentions are great...but life gets in the way. We never experience the "abundant life" (John 10:10) that Jesus came to give to us. Thankfully, God keeps the vision for becoming like Jesus...ever before us. However, we were never meant to accomplish it on our own. It begins with a longing that stirs within us. What follows is a decision to follow Jesus. But we need the Holy Spirit to be our help...AND we need each other to accomplish the vision. 

In 1984, I wanted to be an actor. Who doesn't want to be famous in their idealistic youth? I was a young believer and I was certain that this was "God's Will" for me. After all, I was getting the leads in the school plays. I had joined an acting guild in a prominent theatre town (the artsy people spell "theater" that way). I applied to a fine arts school in Banff, Alberta. I was in the zone...I was in the dead center of God's will. When I never heard a peep from the arts school, I began to wonder. So I applied to our local college as a backup for the coming school year. If I was honest, I was mad at God. I reached out to my Youth Pastor. I had never really taken the time to get to know Bob but I liked him. He was kind. He listened to my disappointment. He was willing to walk me through this difficult season of my life.  Then it hit me! THAT is exactly what I'd love to do with my life--come alongside people who are hurting, lost, confused and seeking direction. Within weeks of my disappointment, I was applying to a bible college in Chicago. My application was sent after the deadline for receiving them. AND YET, they accepted me. It all happened so fast and suddenly I was on my way to Chicago. God used all of that...a little disappointment, a friend and a small miracle...to steer me in the direction He had for me.

Money...I never seem to have enough of it. Just when I put a little away, an unexpected bill comes, the car breaks down, someone gets sick, and the air conditioner goes out.I'm getting to the age where my financial planner is calling me into his office to let me know that I might not be able to retire when I want to. And the scary thing is, I was going to call and ask if I can borrow against my retirement to get caught up.Money is powerful. The good news for Christians is that Jesus had a ton to say about money. The bottom line is that it is a "heart" issue. The secret to joy and peace comes by crafting a generous heart. It's not all about money. The Bible said that it's better to give than receive (Acts 20:35), and study after study validates this truth in our culture.Here's our problem. Most of us would "say" we believe the truth about generosity, but we "live" as if we don't.  This is not to heap a load of guilt on you. Far from it. Rather, the Bible's teaching and Jesus' example are the true pathways to achieve what we are attempting to get by self-serving accumulation. The Bible never tells us that wealth is wrong or that planning for retirement is bad. In fact, you can find plenty of scripture that speaks of the wisdom of investing.The problem comes when we put our faith and trust in our wealth. It's a battle, but one worth fighting.

I took my car to the mechanic today...routine maintenance. They just called. $1000.43. Ouch! I'm shocked.I don't know about you, but I'm tired of stuff breaking all the time. My check engine light just came on in my truck. The deck is rotting. My computer keeps breaking. The house needs painting. My outdoor electricity stopped working. The internet went out again (I know, first world problems for sure), and don't get me started on my body.We all tire of things breaking. If you're like me, I never expect things to break. I'm surprised that I have to pay for stuff because, after all, it wasn't supposed to break. Yet, it is going to break, and...the Bible told us it would. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.This world is not forever. Your stuff is not forever. Yes, even your very body is not forever, and that's good news! If I told you how to have a perfect body, would you want to hear more? This is not a sales gimmick. It's true. Have I piqued your interest?

I want to ask you a question: Is there anything in your life that you believe but don’t actually live like it?If I had a safe place to confess (and I hope do here!), I’d admit this: I know that getting plenty of sleep and eating vegetables is one of the best things I can do for myself… but looking at my life? You might not be able to tell. As a teaser for our message this Sunday, we’re exploring the very foundation of our faith: what would it mean if the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ never happened?There are staggering implications to this one question. If it didn’t happen, our faith is empty and our hope is lost. But if it did–and it did! then everything changes.