Dr. Jay's Blog: March 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Releasing a friend

Over the past week, I've been immersed in one of the most difficult, yet powerful experiences of my ministry. One of my 30 yr. friends, Jay Dawson, collapsed while running on his lunch break at work; a daily habit for the 57 yr. old who was in excellent condition.

Jay, and his wife Sue, were among the eight other couples that joined with Carol and me to launch North Way some 31 years ago this week-end. He was a man of few words, much wisdom, and a steady strength admired by all who knew him.

Jay provided scriptural passion, a desire for Spirit-led worship and a hunger to teach others that he exercised in various groups and venues of the past three decades.

However, as in most godly men, his primary legacy is his family of three beautiful daughters and his wife, Sue; all of whom love and serve Jesus and will miss him terribly.

At another time, I will recount at least two very dynamic spiritual moments in the journey of Jay's call to heaven. (He battled to live for five days following his apparent heart attack on Friday, the 23rd.) Anyone who questions if the 'spiritual realm' and the 'physical realm' overlap may find these stories very interesting.

In the meantime, please pray for the family to continue in the growing grace in which they have walked as they released Jay to the Holy Spirit. We celebrate his life this Sunday at 3:00 at North Way, Wexford. You are welcome to participate.

Pastor Jay

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Going Higher

It's no secret to anyone who has read this space for any length of time that Oswald Chambers has been my 'devotional mentor' for 35 years. He somehow gives words to the deepest questions we seem to ask about our spiritual journey; while always keeping our relationship with Jesus as primary.

Today, he talks about 'the plateaus' that we all seem to encounter. Discerning if it's from God or elsewhere is the challenge..

http://utmost.org/classic/today/05/0508.html

Still climbing,

Jay

Saturday, March 24, 2012

"Now faith is..."

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we we do not see"

(Hebrews 11:1). The two key words in this definition are "sure" and "certain".

Faith is a God given impartation to believe something even when what we see tells us the opposite. It applies to any area of our lives and is always commended by God.

Jesus marveled at it (or the lack of it) and Hebrews 11 reminds of the many who preceded us with it. (I might add, not all of the time; but certainly in key moments).

Just yesterday, one of my friends and a long time elder, leader and father in our Church had a sudden heart attack that has left his physical body in critical condition.

(His name is also Jay if you care to pray for him). At his bedside yesterday in the ER,

one of his children passionately prayed "to the God who rules in the unseen world".

Do I know that our Lord can undoubtedly step in and heal my dear brother? Yes!

Do I know that healing takes place everyday; and that scripture reveals it as part of our inheritance in the New Covenant? Yes! It's the mystery of the "sure" and "certain" part that only God can give in moments when human reasoning signals

otherwise. It's now that we must will to put our hearts on God's Word and in His promises and not what we 'see' if faith is prevail.

Ultimately, our God is good and His providence is to be totally trusted. However,

faith is 'more precious than gold' James says and more powerful than anything we see according to Hebrews. O Lord, that we might grow in faith!

Jay

Sunday, March 18, 2012

The Campus Buzz

Having just returned from our Sewickley Valley Campus, I can tell you that our

multi-site strategy is 'alive and well'! To see the volunteers transform an elementary school into a place of worship and ministry is a thing of beauty. It seems that everyone knows their role and plays it to perfection.

We were blessed today to see the 5th Year Anniversary video from the Oakland Campus, which was full of stories of young men and women who have either found Christ or their calling because of the Oakland adventure. From totally unchurched students to highly skilled young professionals who were 're-directed' in life; Oakland captures a set of folks we would not have reached in Wexford.

It also served to remind the Sewickley people as to the possibilities of reaching their neighbors without having to drive 30 minutes away to worship.

We are blessed to have four campuses and more already in the "prayer incubation" stage. Once people 'get it'; the seem to love the possibilities of being part of a 'movement' that can reach an entire region with the hope of the Good News!

Blessings!

Jay

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Leveling the Field

My young friend, Emmanuel Pothen and I talked at length about the 'new spirit'

of world missions that sees folks who care about the overwhelming challenges of

the 'third world', not as supporters, but as 'partners'.

We have much to learn from the growing Churches in other parts of the world, but few Americans see it that way. Spend some time with this new generation of leaders in Missions world, and you may think differently.

They don't want us to open our checkbooks (only), but our hearts; and to receive back as much as we give. Any one with an openness to how God works will learn that this is absolutely the case. The faith, passion, clarity of mission and strategic thinking of these new leaders is awesome.

Should it surprise us that they consider our country the world's third neediest

mission field? (in terms of 'uncommitted' followers of Christ'.)

Let's lean in to what we can learn from each other..

Jay

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Unseen Realities

This evening, I had the pleasure of an extended time with my good

friend and "emerging leader" from the nation of India, Emmanuel Pothen.

One part of the conversation greatly affected us both. Emmanuel was

sharing about the enormity of reaching a country of 1.2 billion people who

speak 21 different languages from "states" all over the nation.

84% of India is Hindu. 11% Muslim. 5% Christian. How does one even

begin to think 'strategically' about closing this gap. Emmanuel referenced his

diligent studies that revealed that the most influential state is Uttar Pradesh,

in North Central India. "If you win U.P.; you win India". How so? Not because

of demographics or numbers, but because of the 'spiritual strongholds' associated

with that area.

There is so much to be said about the biblical nature of advancing the Kingdom

of God by 'winning in the spirit realm'; then reaping the harvest. (Think of Paul on

his missionary journeys). We are inclined to work hard, give our best and then pray for blessing; when most great movements of God were the opposite.

If U.P can be 'won' in the spirit through prayer, it's influence will reach all of India with the love of the Cross. Emmanuel (and his teams) are working on this enormous challenge, but at least they know where to direct their primary efforts.

May God grant us all wisdom to see the unseen realities that control all of our

most beloved peoples.

Pastor Jay

Saturday, March 10, 2012

I'm Billy

Last week-end I shared a story about Jason, a two year old on a plane ride,

and his Dad, Billy. It was meant to be humorous, proving that often times,

parents are worse than kids on when it comes to controlling them.

Here's a story that proves my point in an even more dramatic way!

The 'posts' in response strongly support the pilot's decision to remove

the wailing child and her two out of control parents!

None of this do parenting perfectly, but it's pretty amazing how, absent

serious issues, most kids just need to be firmly reminded who the parent is!

Blessings,

Jay

http://now.msn.com/now/0309-jet-blue-tantrum.aspx

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Generations

Following a very exciting worship experience at North Way Wexford, I joined with

my family and a few friends to go to an "art exhibit". Quite honestly, this would

not be my first choice following three full services in which I had the privilege of

bringing the message.

But this "art exhibit" included three works by my 'just turned seven' year old

grandson, Jack. There's no doubt in my mind that Jack's apparent talent in art

came from his father's genes, as no one in our immediate family can a draw a straight

line without a ruler.

What made the experience (and the lunch that followed) so memorable was the fact

that four generations of our family were present to celebrate Jack's first 'show'.

My mother,(Jack's great grandma) joined us, along with one of her very dear 90+

year old friends; herself a very accomplished artist.

Stories were told, many pictures were taken, much laughter filled the gallery

as well as the restaurant as grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brother and sisters all came to celebrate one young man's early achievement.

In a world with so much sorrow, suffering and strife, it's deeply refreshing to

still be able to unite around something childlike, simple and full of hope. To do so

with nearly 90 years of separating the youngest from the oldest was sweet indeed!

Perhaps this is why just one reason why we need to keep 'art' alive in the hearts

and minds of the next generation..

Jay

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