Thoughts from Pastor Bill

Easter

2010-03-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Good day everyone!

I have really enjoyed 'The Easter Experience'...it has helped me to take the opportunity to settle my heart down during this very important season.

As I have shared around a number of messages surrounding the cross, I now find myself wondering who I best resemble.

Am I like the Soldiers who mocked and spit on him as they scorned him.
Perhaps like the disciples who deserted Christ in his time of need.
How about the Jews who rejected Him because he wasn't the Messiah they wanted
Perhaps Mary and John who stood there watching there son and friend die.

Regardless of where we find ourselves today, I want to encourage you to ponder the story of Easter and make the coming week(tradition calls it the Passion Week), and think about the many blessings we have in Christ.

Thanks so much for reading,

Thoughts about Mom Holbrough

2010-01-26T05:17:00.000-08:00

I came across these verses and thought about my mother in law, Mom Holbrough.

Psalm 119:73-76...

⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.

⁷⁴ May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.

⁷⁵ I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.

The words, in faithfulness you have afflicted me, stood out today.

Here are my thoughts...Perspective brings pain. Gratefully, God is in the midst of our pain. We don't always understand the things that happen around us, but we can be assured of God's love...his unfailing love brings us comfort at the right time. I know God's love is with Mom Holbrough and he will bring the comfort to get through this next season. God understands our limits...he understands our hearts...he understands our afflictions.

So today, if you are struggling, remember, He created you, He loves you and He will see you to the very end.

I love you Mom Holbrough and remember, God can....

Peace

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

Psalm 20:7 says, Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

What a great passage of scripture.

We can find ourselves to trust in allot of things, people and sometimes the government. But today, I want to encourage all of us to trust in the name of the Lord.

None of us don't know what 2010 may hold, but God does....who know what may take place...we may come into a huge amount of money...maybe you might be blessed with a better job...how about this one, your kids may surprise you with a trip to Florida in the middle of this cold winter!

It is great to dream and wonder what is going to happen. But I want to encourage you today, trust God beyond your circumstances. We can get discouraged so quickly when we believe only what our eyes see.

So, today, let's make it our goal to trust in the Lord beyond what we may not see in the horizon this 2010.

Happy New Year Abundant Life!

We love you!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe that another year has gone by?

7 years ago, a little family was invited to come and Pastor a great church in London called Abundant Life Community Church. We were from a small town. The anticipation was large. All of didn't know what we were in for.

Yet, now 7 years later...

we have 3 grown children with 3 wonderful spouses!
God has blessed us with two incredibly cute grand children!
ALCC has become a place where people can safely grow in the things of God!
the earmark of our little church is changed lives!
We are so thankful that God brought us to LONDON!

At times, it is overwhelming with everything that is going on, around us. But, we are so grateful, in how God has used all of us to see changes which are healthy for so many people.

This Christmas, spend a little time and thank the Lord for what He has done in your life. God is up to something for all of us as we peak around the corner into 2010!

I am convinced, that 2010, is going to be filled with more God Encounters! I hope that you are ready, I sure am.

In the meantime, from my family to yours...

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is Coming!

2009-11-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, in 28 days we will be sitting down with family and friends to celebrate one of my favorite times of the year. But I was giving some thought to this...why is this one of my favorite times of the year? Certainly we know that for some for a variety of reasons, don't particularly like Christmas...

For me...

I loved my mom's baking...she made special cookies and treats!
The gifts were always a hi-light, my dad worked hard to blessed his four children!
Certainly being together was always a good thing because my dad was so busy with work, that sometimes, we didn't see much of him. Not complaining, just missed him.

Now some of you are going to wonder, what about the times with Church. Well growing up, we didn't go to church. Very few memories. But later in my teen years, I do remember going on Christmas Eve to what became my home Church. Pastor Stewart would lead in Carols, bring a strong message and it was like family. To this day, I have Christmas Eve Service because of the profound effect of Pastor Stewart. Good memory of my Pastor growing up.

So, this season, I hope that you will be blessed by all the activities that surround the season and make a new memory with God.

He loves you!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Remembering...

2009-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today my daughter asked me, if we had anyone who fought in any of the two World Wars. I was proud to say, yes, my grand father battled in the First World War. Secondly, I am very proud of my grandfather who fought in the war by farming and providing food. The story goes, as my farming Grandpa went to the recruiting centre, he was told, go home and grow food, we need you more in that field than oversees.

My dad tells me, he was saddened by the rejection but understood. His role was very important as well as my other grandpa who fought overseas.

Friends, each of them had a vital role to play. So do we, when it comes to church. When we all do our part, it is amazing how much more is accomplished for the Kingdom. But when we don't all do our part, we don't live up to the potential that God has given us.

Can I encourage you to consider your role carefully. If you doing your part, then keep going strong. If not, then consider what you think would be a good place to start. Pray and ask God, he is always looking for people that will serve him in a variety of capacities. You may be surprised at the outcome.

I Corinthians 12:18, 'But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he want them to be.'

We all have a part to play...may God continue to arrange us as He see's fit!

I hope that on this day of remembrance, you took the time to honor those in your heart that gave of themselves for our freedom...lest we forget...lest we forget!

Blessings,

Great View

2009-11-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

I read a great statement from the book, the dark side of the soul...it reads..

“It’s not about turning away from the pain but learning to rest in it."

What a great thought....how often do we find ourselves trying to resist the pain in our lives when God wants us to embrace it. I am rediscovering how God is there in the midst of our darkness. He is actually much closer then we may realize.

The psalms is a great place to read when we are in pain. David and other writers were not afraid to idenitify the pain of there own hearts. There walk with God allowed them the opportunity to be vulnerable and open about there hurts, habits and hang ups.

May we all find that place where we can rest with our pain, knowing that God is there in our darkest moments.

How freeing is that?

Jesus be the Centre...

2009-10-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I led worship in church. In fact, I led worship in all the churches I Pastored except for Abundant Life Community. One of my favorite songs was, Jesus be the centre...

I loved that song because it spoke volumes about the importance of keeping God in the centre of everything that we are.

Over the years, I have appreciated the opportunity to keep God first in my life and made him my priority. Last week in Punta Cana, I thought, have I reduced God to a priority? I never want to make God a priority like a to do list. My desire is to make God the centre of everything that I am.

Psalm 118:8 says, ⁸ It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.

When I make God the centre of my life, I begin to realize how much I need him in all areas of my life. Refuge in God far outweighs any trust I put into man.

So, may you find yourself inviting God into all that you have today!

Jesus be the centre of my life today and everyday.

Blessings,

October Already?

2009-10-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Can someone tell me where September went?

Yesterday in Church when I heard Kathy promote the Fall Tea, all I thought was, where did September go.

With thanksgiving coming up this weekend, I was thinking about a few things to thank the Lord for...

>Family of course...all my family, including Abundant Life

>Change of seasons...with all the prayer, I sense a greater anointing in our services

>All the volunteers...those people every week that offer themselves up to be used by God to build the Kingdom along side of us

>Understanding...so many people that take the time to hear my heart when I share on Sundays!

I can honestly say, I am a blessed man. God has taking care of all of us for so many years and I don't take that lightly.

Take some time this week, and ponder upon the good things God has done in your life.

There is an old hymn I use to sing call, 'Count your blessings, name them one by one.' It use to bother me a little bit, because I thought, do we limit the blessing of God to just one?

I wonder how many blessings there would be if I were to start a list...one, 100, 346,789?

Might be something to think or consider...a heart that is filled with gratitude helps us all to appreciate more those blessings God continuously sends our way.

Happy Thanksgiving! I look forward to seeing you when I get back from white sand!

Pastor Bill

Good stuff...

2009-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

As I began to clean out my garage, I began to notice alot of good stuff laying around. Stuff that I forgot I had. Painter's tape, a measuring tape I thought I lost and lots of other little things.

The thought ocurred to me, I wonder if God feels that way when someone discovers the greatest treasures he has to share with us.

Over this past weekend at D.T.U. in Leamington, I was impressed upon by the Holy Spirit a great mystery that took me back. It was so strong, I had to stop teaching momentarily and listen as God shared with my heart.

Friends, take a moment and treasure those times when God shows up. It is not that he does it in a large way but sometimes just listening to that small still voice means a great deal.

I treasure those moments when God speaks to our hearts in a variety of ways, but primarily in the Word of God.

So, take some time today, be still and listen...it may be God trying to speak to you.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us of this treasure: Be Still and know that I am God!

Have a great week!

Pastor Bill

Celebrate Recovery

2009-09-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

It is so amazing how time has a way of getting away from us. Almost 5 years ago, Marty and Blanche called me to share a video promotion on Celebrate Recovery. There was about 5-6 of us downstairs and we watched with a little reservation.

Up to this point, I was praying, 'God, we need something for people who are so filled with hurt, habits and hangups, please give us some direction'...maybe not the exact words, but close.

So, as I listened to Rick Warren sharing his heart, something ignited in my heart that said, 'YES' and before you know it, we were all off and running. God blessed us with a great opportunity to bring Celebrate Recovery into ALCC and eventually to our community beyond the doors.

Now, when I think about all the people who have been ministered to, it is wonderful to say the least. God is certainly up to something these days in Celebrate Recovery.

Tomorrow night, I am sharing what God has done in my heart through this ministry. Yes, I admit it, I am a little nervous but excited all at the same time. It could prove to be an interesting evening.

Consider coming and checking out a ministry that is self directed in the Holy Spirit.

The verse that comes to mind is Proverbs 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge God and he will make your pathway straight.

Thanks Lord for bringing me to Pastor ALCC...I have not finished healing, but I am blessed to be in a safe place to heal.

Until next time...

Blessings,

Circus Sunday

2009-09-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I have been asked, why do you want to clown around on a Sunday?

The answer is easy...God is not so up tight and so why are we. I believe that God wants his children to have a wonderful time in His presence and we should not be afraid to express the joy that lives in our hearts.

Think about this for a moment...

When they ran out of wine at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, who was the one who provided this?

If you said Pastor Bill, you are wrong! It was Jesus Christ!

Jesus loved to party and expressed it on different occasions. I think it is time for the church to shake loose it's religious bounds and start to party like Jesus intended. Too often, we think that Jesus was only serious.

I have worked with men for 14 years in PKC. Each time a group of us came together, laughter was the result. Do you think maybe the disciples joked with Jesus? Well, in my opinion, if they were normal men, I believed they did. They enjoyed each other's company and probably much more than we think.

So, come on Circus Sunday and enjoy yourself. I am looking so forward to seeing each of you on Sunday and hope that we will come celebrating the good things of God.

Have a great week!

Pastor Bill

New Season Starts...

2009-08-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer....

It is so easy to get caught up in doing things our way, rather than God's. As I read this verse last week, it made me think about my priorities and God.(but not in that order either)!

Too often in the past, I have found myself running ahead of God. Then I wonder why I got myself in so much trouble because my strength fails, or I can't seem to stay focus, or my spiritual barometer is running on empty.

Over the next season of ministry, I want to make it my goal to pray more, listen to God's heart and walk by Jesus side. Life is so much more less complex when I do this. Too often it is easy to fall into the trap of doing things my way rather than God's.

So, my encouragement to you today is simple...let's pray through everything we adventure out as a church and watch God move. Like you, I long for more of God in my life and desire nothing less than his perfect timing and will.

Who knows where we may be in another year, but if God is by our sides, I guess that is really all that matters.

Make sense?

Gratitude

2009-06-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful to be a part of Abundant Life. As I look around our church, I have a heart filled with a great deal of gratitude for all of those who participate to make our church the blessing it is to so many people.

It seems like only yesterday that our little family arrived in London and now my last little girl Bethany is getting married in less than 2 months, wow, where did the time go.

So, if you are having a difficult day, I want to encourage you with this scripture.

John 14:27...27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Aren't you glad to have the gift of peace that Jesus only brings? If you are struggling today, give it over the Jesus for he is the answer. He is the only one who can bring the peace that not only transforms our lives but a calmness in a topsy turvy world.

Blessings to all of you!

Pastor Bill

Love of God

2009-03-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Psalm 103:8 says, 'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in Love'

I thank God for his compassion and how He is abounding in love. Where would I be without the love of God. Hmmmmmm.... My security, confidence, trust and so much more needs to be based on the love of God. Too often I take for granted of all the many blessings of this love.

So my challenge today, walk in the love of God and allow him to use me from that place. It is great to care for the people in my community when I am filled up with His love.

Friends, go out there and love someone today. God loves us to go and give it away to others.

Blessings,

PB

PS Sorry it has been so long since I last entered anything here...I will try again next Friday :)

Faithful God

2008-08-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

God is so amazing! I am humbled in how faithful God is. He doesn't condemn us when we fail. He picks us up when we fall. He reaches out to us in love.

Matthew 6:21 says, 'For where your treasure(assigned value) is, there your heart will be also.'

I discover in the Men of Integrity devotional, that a clear definition of treasure is to place assigned value to something. Yet, the value we place on something, is ultimately what we worship. Further....

What we assign our hearts will ultimately control us!

So, over the last little while, I have discovered, that God is simply trying to get my attention but so does the ways of the world. God is filled with light, the world is filled with darkness.

The question of the day for me: what do I treasure or assign value to? It will become my focus, my desire, perhaps an object of worship. May God help me and all of us to stay focused on things that don't rust or get eaten by moths.

We make a living by what we get;

We make a life by what we give.

It sure is good to be home from three weeks vacation. I really didn't miss the noise of London, the traffic or people cutting me off on my bike. But I did miss my church family. See ya soon!!!

Train up a child...

2008-07-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 22:6 says, "New American Standard Bible (©1995)Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Over the past week, I have reflected upon my youngest daughter and how she has grown so much in the Lord, and in many other ways. On Wednesday, I had the joy of attending a Parent Orientation with her at the University of Western Ontario. As I looked around the room, I noticed a number of different expressions.

There was parents who were nervous about letting there child go into university. Others were anxious and wondered somewhat of the future. Still for myself, I was proud to be there because of what Bethany has accomplished.

It is so true about God's promises.

Train up your child and they will NOT depart from the Lord. I believe that Bethany will excel in school and do well as a teacher not because of her acadamics or various other reasons. It is my belief, that Bethany will do well because of her solid walk with God. It is a joy to watch and to appreciate. But also, I stand on the promise of God's word, that when a child is trained properly, they will follow the ways of the Lord, and everything else is secondary in my opinion.

So, may I encourage you to pray for your children and grandchildren daily. Encourage them in the ways of God. And finally, when it is time, let go and allow them the freedom to walk in the ways of God. By the way, if you are reading this Bethany, I am proud of you :)!

Sorry I haven't been around lately to my blog family...now I go on vacation today and hope that all is well with you and your family.

God bless

PB

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of days, I have pondered the wonderful things God has done in ALCC in 2007. We have seen people healed(verified by doctors), others encounter Jesus Christ for the first time and most of all, people change.

Before coming to ALCC, I always thought that success in church was found in attendance, programs and lots of money in the bank. I have come to understand that success in any church community is the transformation of people, as they encounter Christ.

What does that mean?

When we encounter God, and discover a better way of living and others soon ask the question, what is different about you, we soon find out what success is all about. Success is discovering what life is all about...meeting God on his terms that leaves us different.

So, what is instore for you and God in the new year?

Pastor, can we get over Christmas first...Yes, but make Christmas a meaningful event where you find a greater depth of life that God offers...Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

It is a joy to serve all of you as Pastor and hope as we look to God into 2008, we will continue to be blessed by our Savior and King!

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Bill

God in Control

2007-11-08T12:25:00.001-08:00

Over the years, I have watched, prayed and anticipated God doing new and wonderful things. But I have to admit, it has taken a great deal of patience to let go and let God control each and every area of my life.

My tendency is to think, I can do a better job than God if I stick my fingers into the mix. Then the sad depiction is, I settle for second best for my life.

Over the next season of my life, I am going to work a little harder in Letting God be in control. When I practise this a little bit, it seems to me, I have less strife in my life and more peace. However, it is hard to get use to sitting in the drivers seat.

A couple of months ago, I was attending a meeting and someone else drove me. It was strange in the beginning but after a while, I grew more accustomed. Now I find myself enjoying it more and more. Today, I like it when others drive me around, but I do like the front seat.

Friends, let God do the driving and you can share the front seat with your Pastor as we watch Him take us places we didn't think was possible!

Proverbs 3:5-6 serves us well, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge God and He will make your pathway straight(if you give him the controls).

What a great adventure we have in God when we know, he is the God of the controls...

What do you think?

Until Next Week...

Pastor Bill

Life

2007-10-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

Jarod William James Giffin, my first grandchild of many, I hope, arrived on Wednesday night a 10:59 PM... what a joy to hold him for the first time. When I first held baby Jarod, my heart was immeiately filled with love as I looked into the face of one I have been already praying for.

As I looked into his little face, I wondered if he was going to be a teacher, pastor, bricklayer, maybe pitch for the Blue Jays... but that didn't matter. I was simply in awe of how God could be so good to Kathy and I to experience great joy in this moment. Then it occured to me....

Does God have such joy when he holds me in His arms?

Yes!

Does God have such love when he holds me in His arms?

Yes!

God's heart is full of joy and love for his children...

Think of this for a moment...God doesn't have grandchildren. Each of us come to Jesus and become His children. Interesting thought... we can't have a relationship with God without knowing Christ for ourselves... so it is my prayer that at an early age, Jarod will love the Lord. He can't experience salvation through me but for himself and trust that he will.

Well, I will be praying for all of you this coming week. Kathy and I are off to Punta Cana and hope to find some rest and build towards a great Christmas season. Look forward to seeing you soon.

Thanks for reading and God bless...

PB

Intimacy with God

2007-10-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

As I reflect upon a great Sunday morning service, I thank God for His direction on our lives. As I preached on Mary and her gifts of thanksgiving to Jesus, I was so blessed to see so many people with the same desire as there Pastor...greater intimacy with God.

A place with God where I feel safe.

A place with God where I can be who I am.

A place with God where all is at peace.

A place of refuge and strength.

I have come to understand that ALCC is more than a church or extended family. ALCC is becoming a place of intimacy where people can discover more of God. WOW, what a joy to come and experience this intimacy in Prayer & Bible Study, Youth Group, Celebrate Recovery and services like we had yesterday. The altar was rich with the loving presence of God.

As we reflect upon giving thanks this week to God for His goodness, ask God today for a greater intimacy in your life.

On a personal note... my desire is for greater intimacy in my life with God. Come and join me as we seek God in this great venture.

Over this thanksgiving, may God bless you with greater intimacy of His love and Presence.

Happy Thanksgiving!

PB

Disappointment

2007-09-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Life certainly has its ups and downs. It seems to me, that people, circumstances, and life has a way of disappointing us.

Someone mentioned to me the other day, 'if I don't have expectations, then I won't have disappointments.' This statement caught my attention.

So, if I have expectations with people and they fail, then I get disappointed. If I have expectations around a trying circumstance and it falls apart, I get disappointed. This is so true.

However, if I have only expectations in God, HE NEVER DISAPPOINTS.

What a great revelation to my heart... God never disappoints us because he always, faithfully, lives up to our expectations.

God is there to listen to our hearts. God wants to answer our prayers. God supports us in our failures. God is there in our circumstances. God longs to encourage us with the Word of God.

What a great God we serve.

On a personal note, I have struggled with disappointments lately and have learned again...

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge God and He will make your pathway straight' and never disappoint you.

Have you been disappointed by circumstances or people... remember, God is always there to live up to our expectations, that is why He is a loving God...

Enjoy your week

PB

Welcome!

2007-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that you have taken the time to log in and read my blog. Each week, I am going to try and write down a few thoughts and hope this will bring you more insight into your Pastor's heart. It is my desire to be more intentional in relationships in this next season of ministry and want to blog to assist in the process. So here we go!

I have been so blessed to watch our church grow into a loving and caring family. Each Sunday that we are together is filled with love and acceptance. It is not every place that we go, that we can find a warm hug from Bessie, or a firm handshake from Paul or an open heart that truly cares. We are blessed... Today one of my collegues in the Pastorate called discouraged because in his church, they struggle simply by reaching out and loving people who visit. That troubles my heart, because the Church was designed with others in mind.

Now does that mean, we have arrived, not really. We need to be careful to reach out to others on a regular basis, sit in different spots to get to know others and maybe take someone out for a coffee and find out what makes them tick.

So, give it some thought, who you might want to get to know over this next season of ministry. You might be surprised how much you have in common...

Philippians 2:4 says, 'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'NIV

Enjoy your week...

PB