John Bishop

239 and 1

Still thinking about last weekend.   So many people made decisions to surrender to and follow Jesus.  So cool.  239 people were baptized.   Thanks to everyone who prayed, who served, who helped baptize and who, like me are still amazed about what God and ONLY GOD can do.

239 people baptized, and yet all I can do is think about the one person who sat in the auditorium after the 1:00 PM service was long over.  She just sat and stared at the pool.  When I sat down to talk to her, I found out she had received Christ, but wasn't 'ready' to be baptized.  The more I explained grace, the more she wasn't interested.  She just couldn't round the corner.  Her heart so desperately wanted to believe the story, and yet for 10 minutes we talked, she stared at the pool, as if to say it can't be real.  I found out there were some things in her past that she couldn't let go of.  She just couldn't.  I may never meet her again, but have prayed for her and thought about her story all week.  So much so that it framed the message for the beginning of this new series.

Isn't her story a bit like ours?  Don't we all have things we can't let go of?  Regrets, guilt, fears, problems, issues, or other things that just grip us.  I know I do, so I have to assume you do as well.  Talking to her made me more aware of just how messed up I can be at times.   In fact, I think the past grips us so much that I contemplated all week on this thought.  Most of the decisions I make in life are in some part because of the past.   Ya, I make decisions about things based primarily on the past.  Weird?  Isn't the Bible clear.  Paul says to the church in Philippi to FORGET the past, and yet we (I) don't do well at this.

As we begin a new series this weekend, I hope we can move past the past.   The story begins with a family who made a choice.  Trust God or not.  Our series begins with a choice.  Trusting God for our lives

for a new beginning.   A new day.   It matters more than any of us can possibly really know.

john

PRINEVILLE

I am finishing up our annual 13 days in Prineville with friends and family.

No phone reception, no e-mail or internet connection, but plenty of family connection. We have spent time hanging out, getting dusty, swimming, wakeboarding and roasting marshmallows. It is all good.

I hope everyone is doing good. Sorry for the long delay in blogging. Actually I guess I am not all that sorry, because it was out of my control, and in the vacuum of blogging and e-mailing I was able to really really think about what matters, and what will matter.

Camping is both frustrating and fun. It is draining and refreshing. It is challenging and good. It is complicated and simple at the same time. Maybe camping is like life? Maybe we ought to do it more?? (joking)

I have been able to camp in Prineville with Michelle's family for over 25 years. It has always been something that I both looked forward to and couldn't wait for it to be over. I always just look forward to going 'home.'

Aren't we funny creatures? We want things the way WE want them. I am the worst at this. My expectations, my way, my stuff, my agenda, my money... Do you think it is possible that so often we miss the journey because of our focus on the destination? Maybe the journey is what it is all about? So many times, I miss the moment and miss God at the same time. God is always up to something...ALWAYS. The only real issue is, will I get in on His deal or wait for Him to get on my deal? Camping is unpredictable and messy, but so many memories. Yeah, I will be cleaning my toenails for a week, folding tents and putting things away for two weeks, but have so many times and wouldn't miss any of it.

This year, I want to say thanks to Michelle and her family for staying the course. For allowing different environments to challenge us every year. I love you Michelle (even though you may not read this). I appreciate your commitment and passion for your family. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. Thank you for almost 24 years of marriage, for 25 years of Prineville, for being my best friend and for being the best mother I have ever met. For real. I always tell you, and mean it... I only love Jesus more.

Lee and Ted. You live and breathe the value of family. Our kids will never forget, nor will I. Don't worry about the stuff you can't control. Fight for family. I love you both. You have been such great examples for me to see and appreciate. Thanks.

So, another year at Prineville. Someone e-mailed me recently and said Prineville isn't the best and most romantic environment. Well said.

Maybe it isn't so much where you are, but who you are WITH. Right?

Enjoy the moments. Stop stressing about stuff you can't change. Change what you can, and be joyful. You really can be, and in the end, joy is your strength.

See you guys next week.

John

PS
BAPTISM WEEKEND. DON'T FORGET, GO TO EVERY SERVICE YOU CAN, AND WALK YOUR DOG.