Setting our GPS: Get Growing!

Come to www.EastView.org for a series of studies on the Prodigal Sons by Dr Timothy Keller. 6 Sunday nights starting soon....

Jody: I will rejoice I will declare God is my Victory and He is here.

Delbert Enns, Pastor
Eph 2:10 we are God's Masterpiece. Do you feel that way 1st thing in the morning?

Joined YMCA to get in shape. After 4 laps around the pool he was totally wiped.

Imagine God having a conversation with you trying to get you in shape and chisel away the dross. Do you want to give God the freedom to change you?

We all desire to be good. More like God. We don't want the pain of God changing us.

A young man Jesus met walked away sad because he did not want to change. We think 1 hour in church is what we need to do to be good.

Often we forget that we need community. Does God's word change us inside? Do we think we can change on our own? No. Spiritual growth at its best is done in community.

Listen now. In Community we read God's Word. To find what I need to do. No - read the Bible to find out who God is. Not what I need to do. Read the Bible. 30 day reading plan. 365 days? Do you want to know who God is?

The Cross. Baptism. There are few non negotiables. Baptism is one of them. You need to become part of the community. Intro to EastView course is coming up.

3. Regular church Attendance. Very important. Faithfulness. For 2,000 years Christians have gathered together. Faithfully with the same group of Christians. I love my church. Who remembers me? I want to commit myself to get together.

Rocks (sin) can hurt. Confession and repentance are needed so the rocks can he removed. Confess and pray to be healed.

Dear God - I'm turning everything over to you. Make me you masterpiece. I love you God

God does not make junk.

Lorna Dueck at Providence College

Diversity.
The Koran burner is a nightmare for Christians.
Tea Party and comedians.
We are connected to diversity.
10 years ago we had 1.3 million enthno cultural Canadians. By 2031 14 million or 36% will be ethno cultural. StatsCan.
Immigrants will live in the 3 big cities.
What does it mean to be Canadian? In 20 years the non-Christian population will double.
Lorna recently did a program at Ground Zero. There is a huge backlash against the Muslims. Most Imams are moderate and want to educate people to love one another.
Lorna went to Winkler Bible School and met a wonderful farmer. Wanted to be a good farm wife. Vern told her to start writing.

When Jesus' disciples asked: Who sinned - where is the blame for the man born blind? Jesus told them that they were asking the wrong question. Ask what can God do in this situation?
Standing on the edge and yelling for change, does not change anything. Get involved with diversity. We need to be on our knees asking what can God do?
It's not the same Canada as a generation ago when 95% checked off "Christian". That is rapidly going down. What can God do with this?
Providence College has and is making a difference in this world.

Mennville EMC Riverton

Roger Friesen Song Leader:
Retrospective on church singing (trip down memory lane)
Who were the early song leaders?
Henry P Plett
Aaron P Plett
Bernie Thiessen
Ed Harms for 30 years
Early song books:
German, a red chorus book,
"Spiritual Songs and Hymns" had 80 songs pertaining to Evangelism /18 in the new The Hymnal
66 heaven /16 new book
Common Songs
"When we all get to heaven"

Dwight Plett pastor
Had a good summer here in Mennville
Series on the Life and Teachings of Jesus
We are now in 11th Message in the series.
Luke 4 The inauguration of his public Ministry.
Jesus did not come to start a new religion-
To be religious like the teachers but he kept coming to the synagogue.
Jesus was not a Christian. He was a Jew. He was not concerned about religion.
2. Not Concerned about popularity
People's opinions change fast. Justin Beeber is on top of the world. Michael Jackson was there once.
Fan clubs turn on their idols. They ended up crucifying him.
He stirred up controversy and pointed out that God shows favour to Gentiles. Why did he say things that would get them mad?
3. Jesus came to initiate a movement of faithfulness. Forsake all and follow. Expect persecution. But be not offensive. Love your enemies.
4. He did not come to be boring. He was not subdued and safe. Dorothy Sayers. He was not boring but he gives a fulfilling life
5. What did he come to do? Preach liberty. To fulfill Scripture. Preach good news. Not religion.
Why? What would you say if someone asked you what Jesus came for?
What's the good news? Who are the poor?
He had a broader definition than praying the sinner's prayer.
The gospel is for the poor. Woe to the rich. Awareness of need is the critical element. Aware of insufficiency -the poor in spirit- those for whom the gospel is good news.
If the good news does not sound good to you, you are poor.
Many people know what Christian generosity is. Giving our goods away is not good news for our society.
Jesus sets captives free. The greatest challenge ever
Are we ready to face the challenge?
We pray that God's will be done in our lives.

Parkland Pentecostal Church in Marathon ON

Ananias & Sapphira sold their property for $200,000 but told Peter they only got $100,000. He died and was buried. Sapphira showed up said the same thing and she died. That should have scared away a lot of people. But it did not. Lots of people became Christians. The Lord added.

Pastor dreamed that lots of people came to church to hear him. He said: who am I? And the Holy Spirit said, it's not about you, it's about Jesus.

We are no-names but the secret is in the presence and power of the HS. The spirit quickens.

Acts 2 they were all of one accord in one place. Not off to Florida.
God gave his blessings. they had waited. When the blessing came it was a MIGHTY wind. Suddenly. Bid they control the wind? The fire? No one was left out. Even Mary the mother of Jesus had a tongue of fire on her head. Each of them were filled with the Spirit. Overflowing. Almost bursting! All filled. Received this treasure in earthen vessels. All the People were amazed. Peter was quick explain what this was all about.
All were filled. No yawning.
Oh, God do it. This is the secret of growth.
Father, thank you for your Word today. Fill me with your Spirit. In your Name, the one that is above every name. Hallelujah!
Communion - this is the new Covenant. Do this in remembrance of what Jesus did.

Church east of Dryden?

We are in Dryden. Does anyone know a good church 12 hours east of Dryden?
We are on our way to Toronto with Alayna's household goods.

CMU lab in memory of Renee

When you watch the news tonight check to see if the Premier is holding the New Testament I gave him.

The Life of Joseph: Finishing Well

Children's Story: Why are there so many pages in the Bible about Joseph? Joseph loved God and God was with him. Joseph loved people. Joseph forgave his brothers. He got to be 110 years old. He was a good example for us.

Dave Ens www.eastview.org
As a pastor I have the privilege of spending time with people in the last days of life. Christians have this beautiful clarity about God's love at such a time. The sense of shalom and dignity. So beautiful.

Joseph's story ends. Jacob's father comes into the picture. He wants to finish life well. 26% of Joseph's story is about death and dying. 3 chapters. Jacob's life had issues. Before his death he decided to finish well. Gen 48:1-4 Joseph and his sons cane to see him.
Rivalry can take over a team at the expense of the team. Dave's coach dealt with it. He made them run together for 2 hours. If you can't play together you will puke together.

Jacob reminded Joseph that he was here because of God's promises to Abraham. Often we look at individual accomplishments and idolize people. Too much confidence in ourselves.
Life starts with Jesus in the centre of our lives if we want balance in our lives.
Sometimes we think we need to take control of our lives and our spiritual journey.
It is God living through me. Gal 3:29 we are children of God through Christ.
Plans of people would turn against Joseph's family. Ps 146:4 don't trust princes. Trust God.
Are you striving to live on your own strength (Egyptian) or in God's strength? If you say YES to Christ you must say NO the idols of this life. You can't have it both ways.
When you live for Christ you will live with extravagant generosity. Because you know God will bless you. With abundance. You have the promise of God - what are you going to do with it?

You can listen to this series at www.EastView.org

The visits counter says 150 people read this blog every week. I wonder who and why?

Karl Kohut's Last Recital

At the University of Manitoba.
All those years of hard work and study came shining (ringing) (sparkling) through. I love the way he plays that base. So accomplished!
Pieces included:
The Visitation by Paul Chambers.
Ask me Now - one of the best songs ever written for bass.
Fresh and lively arrangements and original compositions. Enjoyable.

Karl's compositions:
The Hourglass - an odyssey through life.
The Double K - Exuberant fun.

Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat - Rainbow Stage

We bought 17 tickets for Justin's 27th birthday.
My impressions and notes:
Very musical and imaginative.
When Potipher's wife tried to seduce Joseph he said: Please stop I don't believe in free love
In jail he sings: Do what you want with me, Children Of Israel are never alone. We have been promised a land of our own. In a dream sequence Joseph is encouraged to keep hope.

The amazing music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber 60 voice children's choir was well choreographed

People who saw this production several years ago, say this one is quite different.

Elvis Pharaoh sings about the 7 fat and 7 skinny cows. This was over the top.

JoJo became #2 and got all dressed up.

Those Canaan Days we Used to Know" song did not make much sense. Maybe Joseph and his entertaining dreams were not so bad.

When the brothers show up at Joseph's palace, they say honesty is our middle name.
When Benjamin is found guilty the brothers sing not he - but we are the guilty ones. Show him some mercy Oh mighty One please.
Now Joseph knew they were honest and he introduced himself to them.
When Joseph meets his father his father bows down to him. Then Joseph bows to his father.

May I return to the beginning. The world and I are still waiting. Any dream will do! Such a dazzling Coat of Many colors. There is one more angel in heaven one more star in the sky. Joseph's dreams will never die!

If there is a criticisim it would be that are too many styles of music for one show, but it makes for variety.

Fabulous! Don't miss it. They refer to the Bible frequently so hopefully some people will go home and read theirs.

The Life of Joseph: Say what you Mean, Mean what you Say!

Children's story about Joseph keeping his promises was very well done. Each of the children got candies and a small bag of wheat.

Pastor Delbert Enns www.Eastview.org

The 235 DVBS children made blankets to be send to Africa. Pictures on-line.

What are you willing to do for ten million dollars? abandon family church give away their children?
What if you found a $10 bill what would you do? Give it away to someone as an act of kindness?

A young man called his employer anonymously asking if they needed an honest hard working man. The answer was no, they already have one.

Why should we believe in Jesus? Christ's followers: Say what you Mean, Mean what you Say!
People are walking away from Christ because so many Christians do not. Mean it speak it. People want authenticity and quality.
Integrity is not possible by living a man-made code of ethics. Joseph is proof of that.
4 spheres of life that overlap.
1. Personal
2. Family
3. Work place
4. Spiritual
Unless Jesus is in the center these 4 spheres will not come together.
Integrity is a word that comes from Latin- sine sera without wax.
Potipher trusted Joseph completely. The jailer trusted him.
3 attributes of Joseph s integrity
1. Joseph did not use others for his own advantage. The great depression gave Joseph the opportunity to take advantage of others. Do we enjoy seeing others fail? 600b$ Lehman Bros. bankruptcy gave the Media a big story.
2. Joseph acted with mercy and fairness. Did he? Bring me your money animals and land and he fed them. When the famine was over he gave them their land back and taxed them only 20%
3. Integrity won the respect of the people. They were happy to be Pharaoh's servants. Does your work place integrity give you respect?

I can't be like Joseph? Are you happy satisfied w your life? Ph 2:6 Jesus gave up divine privileges and died a criminal's death on the cross. God elevated Jesus to the highest level. Only Jesus can make you everything God wants you to be.
How do we finish our race well? Jesus gives a new lease on life. The life we have received is for us to give away. Only then will we find it.
Invite Jesus in.

High Seas Expedition DVBS

This is the ship that was built for DVBS. More than 200 kids came to hear the gospel every night during this last week.

Pastor Delbert Enns www.Eastview.org

Discovery Church - Orange Ave Orlando

6:30 PM "Status" Youth Service very informal
Anne Alexander just got back from Cambodia. They spent time with rescued sex trafficked workers, took them to the beach, fed them seafood, and presented then with care letters from the people at discovery Church. It was incredible.
Got a letter back from them that was very encouraging.
Our team saw miraculous things and some very difficult things. Here we are so safe, to hear their stories is hard. A mother brought her 5 year old that had been rescued from the brothel. World Hope International works with this rescue effort.

Is anyone's life different because of meeting together here? Kyle talked about his friend who lost his dad 4 years ago. He had lost his job and quit going to church until Kyle invited him.

Pray that we would live out what God wants in us. We love you Lord.

Sack Improv Comedy Club. The first thing they teach you to do is to quit thinking. That's hard to do because of insecurity we always filter everything we say and do. Today we are talking about Pride.
the cure for Pride, is to do something crazy no one expects you to do.
The pious need nice robes to cover their nudity.
Pride is haughtiness arrogance highness swelling when applied to self.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. When we come to place of humility we allow God to sweep us in the direction of his grace and abundance. The beauty of the life he has planned for me. Relinquish ourselves to Christ. Sit with people and be honest share the truth of our brokeness. That gives freedom and beauty.
2 Cor 12 Keep from being conceited. There is a strange paradox with God. To become strong with God we yield to him in our weakness and brokeness. Our strength flows from the heart of God.
Uzziah become powerful and then decided he had the right to be a priest all by himself. That led to his downfall.
In January the speaker took on this ministry position and now recognizes that God is doing something bigger than him.
Don't forget the blessings of God who provides something big.
David said he had a slingshot and God. With that he defeated Goliath. God was his shield.
If you are feeling prideful try living a larger life. God created You for something bigger.
Become a Servant like Jesus. Jesus could have used his skills and knowledge to become a governor or Pharisee. Jesus spent his time with unskilled people and ministered to the outcasts and washed their feet of his followers.
Phil 2:3-11 Jesus sacrificed himself.
Jesus sat with an outcast woman and talked about true worship. No pretense
Stop trying so hard to please the world. Float with the grace of God
Stop trying to impress the world.
Allow God to lift you to new heights.
Songs
When death will be no more your bride will come together and all will be new
You make beautiful things.
Oh Christ be the center of our lives. You hold everything together.

More Star Wars Fans

Fans in Costume

Mark Hamill line up

They have room for only 2,000 fans to hear Luke Skywalker from Return of the Jedi! All these people are in line for a wrist band that will serve as the admission ticket. Some of them have been in line since early this morning for the 2:30 show.

The One Man Star Wars Show

Charlie Ross from Canada does a fabulous one man star wars show with sound effects and all. This is the line up to get into the theatre.
Celebration V - tomorrow The Daily Show's Jon Stewart will interview George Lucas. To get into Celebration Theatre, fans are expected to line up all night. Not me!

We have arrived in Orlando

For STAR WARS

Ethiopia - the land of the Lion of Judah and the Ethiopian eunoch

Certainly the most participatory Folklorama pavilion. 3D surround dancing and freshly roasted and brewed coffee from the land of its origin. Mayor Sam Katz participated in one the dances.
Ethiopian food is THE BEST.
This is the first time the oldest civilisation in the world participated in Folklorama.

The small town of Lalibela in Ethiopia is home to one of the world's most astounding sacred sites: eleven rock-hewn churches, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level.

Ukrainian LVIV Pavilion

Alayna's Last Week after 6? years of effort. Bittersweet. All good things must come to an end.

The End of An Era at LVIV

Alayna is doing her last week of performances at Folklorama. If you have not seen her perform, now is the time. There are 3 (6:45 8:15 9:45) performances each night at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre (corner of McGregor and Pritchard)until Saturday.
Later this month Alayna is planing to move to Toronto for her next year of University.

Tonight the show opened with the Dance of the Violins by the Yunisk ensemble. That was followed by a ''famous" soloist and other dances.
The fiddle group Northstar performed several numbers.