Bearing Interest

What grabs my interest? Penguins are in the playoffs, and Pastor Trent is a Detroit fan. Yep, that has my attention. The warning light on the dashboard turns my head. Phone calls, family schedules, to-do lists, meetings, the economy, and the status of lunch all interest me. Most people turn to a specific section of the newspaper, watch certain television shows, and involve themselves with various activities because that is what interests them. Yet, I am starting to see that while many of my interests may be good and noble, they are often short-sighted and selfish. Rather than what grabs my interest, I should ask, “What grabs Jesus’ interest? What’s important to him? If I am a Christ follower, do I bear the same interests he does?"

In Philippians 2, Paul writes about interests. He shows how Jesus laid aside his own interests for us. We are important to him. Paul explains that he strives to make Jesus’ interests his own. Then, he explains how Timothy and Epaphroditus also focus on Jesus.

So, where do I stand? Are my interests the same as Jesus’? If not, how can I realign them or at least admit I’m playing a game? If so, how does this flesh out in everyday life? What does this mean for me, the Christ follower? Join Zion of Petroleum Valley this Sunday, May 31, and we will look at Philippians 2 together on this message, Bearing Interest. See you at 10AM.

Pastor Joe

There go my socks

Have you ever had your socks blown off? I did. Now, I just returned from a pastor’s conference where I heard many of today’s top leaders and authors. In fact, I intended to post about the things I learned. Their messages were beyond inspiring. I needed the input. As cool as that time was, I’m even more amazed by something else. It blew my socks off. It comes from the kindness of a dear lady who prays for me.

When I was a mere seventeen, I met Grandma Fess. Since I didn’t have grandparents nearby, she adopted me. Here’s the truly amazing part: Fess is still praying for me and my family. That’s thirty years of knee time, folks. She has an old picture we sent in a Christmas card from about a dozen years ago (yes, I owe her a new one big time).

A few lessons to be learned from Fess. As a body of believers, God gives us one another for support, encouragement, and prayer. Speaking of prayer, the prayers of the saints (especially the widows I think) are chunks of gold. Treasure them. Faithfulness is really illustrated over years and years. And, don’t think of prayer like it’s some religious thing. We enter God’s presence, worship at his feet, and he listens to our needs.

Thanks, Fess. I will get a new photo off to you soon.
Pastor Joe

Just a few reminders...

Just a few reminders…

MEN: Don’t forget Men@Millers this Saturday at 7:00AM as we begin a study of discipleship. How did those New Testament men do it? What made it work?

And, after Men@Millers, everyone is welcome for Campus Care Day at 9:00AM at ZPV. We have some inside chores to make the place sparkle.

Still not sure about a Life Group? We have a fantastic opportunity for you: A four week Connect Group. We will meet on Tuesday nights at ZPV at 6:30PM. This group starts on June 9 and ends on June 30. This group will give a clear taste of what life groups are all about. Look for sign up sheets starting this Sunday, May 17 in the Worship Folder.

Questions? Drop me a line at joe@zionlife.com.

Pastor Joe