Over this past week, our Life Group members have been hit from all sides. Others within Zion face struggles and bad news too. Seeing Life Group members rise in support warms the soul. And for those hitting the struggles head on, you amaze me. Yes, these issues keep you up at night and weigh heavily. At times, you had no idea where to turn and what to do. Your “Why?” questions seem to echo unanswered. But, you know your God and persevere.
We often bring up Job at these times. After hearing his life and family are shattered and gone, we read, “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:20-22).
Notice that Job mourns (the robe and shaving part is mourning). Yes, there is pain, and it is no threat to God to acknowledge it. Then, he worships. In all his pain, he declares to all people and demonic kingdoms, “I will praise God.” And finally, Job does not use his hardship as an excuse for sin. He remains faithful. As we read the rest of the book, Job’s heart reveals his dedication to the Lord despite the arguments from his friends.
We often say that our purpose in life is to glorify God. When we worship and trust him in the darkest hours, it honors him.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Accept no substitutes.
On one hand, we try to purchase the least expensive product. Many generics are just as good as the name brand. On the other hand, some substitutes don’t cut it. I buy a name brand garbage bag that maybe more up front, but I use only one bag instead of doubling or tripling the cheap ones. Sometimes, we go with the name brands because we must.
Paul writes a heartbreaking passage for him to write and us to read in Phil. 3:18-19, “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Even in the early church (historically and geographically closer than us), people fell away. They became enemies of the cross of Christ. Time and space does not allow a discussion on losing salvation. So, regardless of one’s view, look at the description of those enemies. They have settled for a generic instead of the Name brand.
They traded down to a destiny of destruction. They replaced the God for another god: their stomach. Paul could easily be referring to their desires and not just food. God’s glory is replaced with shame. Earthly mindedness replaces the heavenly mind.
How? Why? The explanation can be found in the Parable of the soils. Some of the word just got choked out. Others had no root. Paul warns them in the previous verse to follow his example. Be diligent. It can happen. We can settle for cheap imitations. Chilling. I want the brand name when it comes to Jesus. I need to be on guard against cheap hucksters who over promise with cheap facsimiles.
Paul writes a heartbreaking passage for him to write and us to read in Phil. 3:18-19, “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Even in the early church (historically and geographically closer than us), people fell away. They became enemies of the cross of Christ. Time and space does not allow a discussion on losing salvation. So, regardless of one’s view, look at the description of those enemies. They have settled for a generic instead of the Name brand.
They traded down to a destiny of destruction. They replaced the God for another god: their stomach. Paul could easily be referring to their desires and not just food. God’s glory is replaced with shame. Earthly mindedness replaces the heavenly mind.
How? Why? The explanation can be found in the Parable of the soils. Some of the word just got choked out. Others had no root. Paul warns them in the previous verse to follow his example. Be diligent. It can happen. We can settle for cheap imitations. Chilling. I want the brand name when it comes to Jesus. I need to be on guard against cheap hucksters who over promise with cheap facsimiles.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Bunny travel
Time to hippity hop down the bunny trails.
I continue my journey through Philippians. I love Paul’s not so subtle conclusion after he encourages to forget what lies behind and press on (persecute) to what lies ahead. He then writes, “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you” (Phil 3:15). So, if I’m immature am I off the hook? Well, we like to think of ourselves as mature, so we had better agree. But, if you do not think accordingly, GOD WILL DEAL WITH YOU!
Here, my thoughts travel the bunny trails.
Trail one: God loves me enough to correct me on this issue. The underlying principle is that he loves me enough to correct me on all issues. He will make clear how I need to mature. Nice.
Trail two: Zion has been working on Generosity to start 2011. Just because one preaches a topic, does not mean one has “arrived” there. This series causes me to think hard about my own heart when it comes to generosity. I have thought differently before, but now God is making it clear. His grace inspires more generosity. I will reap what I sow, so why not sow all I can into God’s kingdom?
Trail three: How can I do that? Am I holding on to my time, abilities, and money where I should be generous? Where am I investing these resources that come from God in the first place? And most of all, will I stick my neck out, sow what I have knowing that there will be a harvest?
Pastor Joe
I continue my journey through Philippians. I love Paul’s not so subtle conclusion after he encourages to forget what lies behind and press on (persecute) to what lies ahead. He then writes, “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you” (Phil 3:15). So, if I’m immature am I off the hook? Well, we like to think of ourselves as mature, so we had better agree. But, if you do not think accordingly, GOD WILL DEAL WITH YOU!
Here, my thoughts travel the bunny trails.
Trail one: God loves me enough to correct me on this issue. The underlying principle is that he loves me enough to correct me on all issues. He will make clear how I need to mature. Nice.
Trail two: Zion has been working on Generosity to start 2011. Just because one preaches a topic, does not mean one has “arrived” there. This series causes me to think hard about my own heart when it comes to generosity. I have thought differently before, but now God is making it clear. His grace inspires more generosity. I will reap what I sow, so why not sow all I can into God’s kingdom?
Trail three: How can I do that? Am I holding on to my time, abilities, and money where I should be generous? Where am I investing these resources that come from God in the first place? And most of all, will I stick my neck out, sow what I have knowing that there will be a harvest?
Pastor Joe
Friday, January 7, 2011
I want to persecute
Yes, I know…what’s the point of having a blog if I never update it? Sorry…I will try to improve my diligence. But, I noticed something in my devotions this morning I thought challenging.
I’ve been on a tweezering through Philippians. In chapter three, Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:14). He uses the same word for press on twice earlier in the chapter, but it is translated differently in one instance. He says in verse 12 that he presses on to take hold of what Jesus took hold of him. Ok, that fits. But the other time is in verse six: “…as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”
What? Don’t see the expression press on in verse six? Paul is explaining his previous life before Jesus. He has quite a pedigree including persecuting the church. Wait, there it is: persecuting. In all three verses, Paul uses the same Greek word, dioko (dee-o-ko). It’s a very strong word. One does not persecute something half-heartedly. You go for it. You chase it down. You become obsessed.
Now, think of the two latter verses. “I persecute toward the goal…” and “I persecute to take hold…” Yes, it can be press on, but is Paul saying, “I now use all my energies to pursue after this prize with the same vigor I used to persecute the church”? Maybe.
I want that heart in my own life. I want to vigorously pursue the goal and prize that God has laid up for me. May it consume us with persecution vigor!
Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley
PS Don't forget: The Generosity series starts this Sunday! We can see how to "perscute" after a generous heart!
I’ve been on a tweezering through Philippians. In chapter three, Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:14). He uses the same word for press on twice earlier in the chapter, but it is translated differently in one instance. He says in verse 12 that he presses on to take hold of what Jesus took hold of him. Ok, that fits. But the other time is in verse six: “…as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”
What? Don’t see the expression press on in verse six? Paul is explaining his previous life before Jesus. He has quite a pedigree including persecuting the church. Wait, there it is: persecuting. In all three verses, Paul uses the same Greek word, dioko (dee-o-ko). It’s a very strong word. One does not persecute something half-heartedly. You go for it. You chase it down. You become obsessed.
Now, think of the two latter verses. “I persecute toward the goal…” and “I persecute to take hold…” Yes, it can be press on, but is Paul saying, “I now use all my energies to pursue after this prize with the same vigor I used to persecute the church”? Maybe.
I want that heart in my own life. I want to vigorously pursue the goal and prize that God has laid up for me. May it consume us with persecution vigor!
Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley
PS Don't forget: The Generosity series starts this Sunday! We can see how to "perscute" after a generous heart!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
ZPV November 2010 Prayer Letter
November 20, 2010
Dear Zion of Petroleum Valley Prayer Team,
Over the past 40 Days (or so), we have been looking at Jesus’ commands: Love God and love your neighbor. This Sunday, we will put some legs on what we have been teaching. We are collecting Walmart cards for families within Zion, food and coats for our local community, toys for families at Christmas, shoes for the Philippines, and our Celebration Offering to help continue the ministry at Zion here and around the world. Phew! Later that night, we will gather to celebrate with all three campuses meeting together. That should be fun!
Please keep praying!
• Thank God for the people at Zion. Just this last week I heard, “There is something different here” and “The people were so nice and friendly.” Buildings and programs are just fine, but people bring others into the community. I really appreciate them.
• Our Third Annual Polish Christmas Dinner is December 4. Yes, we based a dinner on a Veggie Tale song about Polish food and made it into a potluck and outreach. Pray for new faces to come. We have tons of fun (good food too: Perogi, Gaumki, Kielbasa, Bigos, etc.).
• Continue to pray for the youth of the valley. There are many who are making some strong stands. Others are making poor and harmful choices. Pray that Zion can respond and support where needed.
• We have also had a rash of injuries and surgeries.
• Our planning for 2011 has begun. We need wisdom.
The Olkowski’s are doing well and always appreciate hearing from you. Our Christmas card will include a photo, so send me an address if you’ve not received one before.
Thank you!
Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley
Dear Zion of Petroleum Valley Prayer Team,
Over the past 40 Days (or so), we have been looking at Jesus’ commands: Love God and love your neighbor. This Sunday, we will put some legs on what we have been teaching. We are collecting Walmart cards for families within Zion, food and coats for our local community, toys for families at Christmas, shoes for the Philippines, and our Celebration Offering to help continue the ministry at Zion here and around the world. Phew! Later that night, we will gather to celebrate with all three campuses meeting together. That should be fun!
Please keep praying!
• Thank God for the people at Zion. Just this last week I heard, “There is something different here” and “The people were so nice and friendly.” Buildings and programs are just fine, but people bring others into the community. I really appreciate them.
• Our Third Annual Polish Christmas Dinner is December 4. Yes, we based a dinner on a Veggie Tale song about Polish food and made it into a potluck and outreach. Pray for new faces to come. We have tons of fun (good food too: Perogi, Gaumki, Kielbasa, Bigos, etc.).
• Continue to pray for the youth of the valley. There are many who are making some strong stands. Others are making poor and harmful choices. Pray that Zion can respond and support where needed.
• We have also had a rash of injuries and surgeries.
• Our planning for 2011 has begun. We need wisdom.
The Olkowski’s are doing well and always appreciate hearing from you. Our Christmas card will include a photo, so send me an address if you’ve not received one before.
Thank you!
Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October 2010 Prayer Letter
October 20, 2010
Dear Zion of Petroleum Valley Prayer Team,
Wow, what a great month. First, thank you for praying for Zion of Jefferson County. They are officially launched! You can see a great video explaining the morning at http://www.youtube.com/user/zionmedia#p/u/0/kJubosKyq9M. Second, our 5th Quarters after the Karns City High School football games have been successful. The students enjoyed themselves and heard a Gospel message. One young man even brought his parents to church the following Sunday (and they’ve returned). We have two more 5th Quarters (10/22 and 11/5).
But, there’s no rest in sight (I mean that in a good way!).
Please be praying for the following:
• Our 40 Day focus, Do you Love Me?, continues. We are studying the first and second great commandments Jesus explained in Matthew 22. Pray for new guests to attend as well as deeper understanding for all of Zion.
• Project Safe Kid happens on October 31. While we hand out tons of candy, we meet so many families in our area. Pray for good contacts and interest.
• At the end of the Do you Love Me? and 40 day focus, we have Celebration Sunday. This year, we plan to apply it immediately. This involves love towards one another and our community with some special projects.
• Zion has three values: Changed by God, connected in community, and committed to service. All three represent a process we are all in as Christ followers. Pray that we will be continually changed. Pray that we will be more and more connected as a church (we use something called “life groups”). Pray that we will commit to be part of what God is doing here locally and around the world.
• Our 40 Day focus, Do you Love Me?, continues. We are studying the first and second great commandments Jesus explained in Matthew 22. Pray for new guests to attend as well as deeper understanding for all of Zion.
• Project Safe Kid happens on October 31. While we hand out tons of candy, we meet so many families in our area. Pray for good contacts and interest.
• At the end of the Do you Love Me? and 40 day focus, we have Celebration Sunday. This year, we plan to apply it immediately. This involves love towards one another and our community with some special projects.
• Zion has three values: Changed by God, connected in community, and committed to service. All three represent a process we are all in as Christ followers. Pray that we will be continually changed. Pray that we will be more and more connected as a church (we use something called “life groups”). Pray that we will commit to be part of what God is doing here locally and around the world.
On the family side, we plan to do some traveling over Thanksgiving weekend. We are looking forward to some time together.
Let me know how you are doing. You can reply by email, mail, or facebook.
Thanks!
Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 2010 ZPV Prayer Letter
September 15, 2010
Dear Zion of Petroleum Valley Prayer Team,
Dear Zion of Petroleum Valley Prayer Team,
This has been one of our busiest weekends…all good and fulfilling. However, I will start with the previous weekend just to update you on items I mentioned in last month’s letter.
• One Day on September 5. All three Zion campuses met only briefly for church and then head out into our communities. ZPV sent two teams to two nursing homes and one team to work on a youth center for an upcoming event. All three teams were fantastic! We just shared some time with the folks at the nursing homes. They were so lonely just to tell stories. At times, it felt like our ears were talked off, but it made a difference. The youth center work involved plumbing, painting, and cleaning. All done well.
• Fifth Quarter started on September 10. We opened up the main room of ZPV for dodgeball after the Karns City Varsity football game. It gave students something to do, a chance for us to present the gospel, and an opportunity to build relationships with them. We had 62 students in all.
• Save a Life on September 11. Our numbers are not confirmed, but we think about 250-300 students attended this community event which included area churches, groups, and individuals who want to communicate that there is hope instead suicide. The one man volleyball team, Bob Holmes, played about six games. He also spoke twice. We were able to establish contact with those students who may need help too.
So, what’s on the horizon?
• FUEL, our student Bible study group, starts on Thursday, September 16. We hope our previous contact with students yields some who want to go deeper.
• Zion’s third campus, Zion of Jefferson County, starts 10-10-10!
• I am also starting some new community contacts in the coming weeks. Furthermore, I have been praying about some new (possibly out of the box) ways for Zion to reach our valley. Please pray for wisdom and boldness.
Some of you know that I wrecked our van last week. After hitting a deer, I lost control, slid on the driver’s side, and popped back up again. The our now totaled van served the Olkowski’s well (222K miles!). But, we need a new vehicle and wisdom on what to buy (yes, I’m ok).
It means so much to know you are praying for us! Drop us an email (joe@zionlife.com) or find me on Facebook to let us know.
Thanks!
Pastor Joe
Zion of Petroleum Valley
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