Tag: jesus

The People of Hope

Yesterday we talked about hope. And after last night I realized something. So often our hope is based in things. For example that this thing will change, that we’ll get this thing, or that this thing will come about. Whether that “thing” is a job, a desire, a relationship, or whatever, true hope isn’t based in things.

True hope is based in a person, and in people.

True hope is based in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the reason we can have hope because he enters into our lives, meets with us wherever we are at, and promises no matter what we are going through we’ll never go through it alone.

True hope is also found in people; in a caring community that loves and supports. Last night I was at a Small Group where a few couples gathered to share, pray, and talk. And what I saw was honesty, openness, deep caring, love, a bit of crying, but true friendship. Hope is found there too, because when you care like that you are literally being Jesus Christ. Whenever this happens hope is found…

So whatever you are in the midst of needing or hoping for this season, don’t forget to find hope in Jesus Christ who walks with you. And also don’t forget to lean on those who surround you and who care for, find hope there as well.

And if you don’t have either of those things…well then I think this is the perfect time to find Jesus…and people who live like him too…

by Andrew Mills

What are you Hoping for?

This Sunday starts the season of Advent, and we’re focusing on hope. Hope is so prevelant in Christmas. Kids are hoping for a special gift, parents might be hoping to just get through Chrismas. We look forward to Jesus’ birth and how he brings us hope. All of these things are true and good.

But what I want to focus on today is – what are you hoping for?

Not in terms of material gifts, but in terms of you’re life. Is there a need in your life you’re hoping to be filled? Is there a desire that lingers, a prayer that needs to be answered, is there a darkness that needs to be lifted?

Advent is about anticipating, waiting and hoping for Jesus’ birth. Because with his birth comes new hope and new life. This Sunday were going to be focusing not on what hope is, but how Jesus wants to give you and me a hope that overflows.

So today what is it your hoping for this Christmas?

Spend sometime honestly sharing it with God. It can be hard to whisper those deep needs, for fear of being disappointed. But if the Christmas story is true, then it means that hope gets birthed in the most unexpected places and ways.

And it can happen to you today…

by Andrew Mills

Finding God in a Blanket Fort…

Today I did something amazing. I made a blanket fort with my almost 2 year old son Hudson. He loved the fort, we sat in it forever. He would run in and out, bring in books, his ball popper, and anything else he could fit in there. He would snuggle in towards me and we’d read together.

It was probably one of the best days of my life.

It got me to thinking of a odd verse in the Bible, where it says, God will “cover you with his feathers; he will shelter you with his wings”.

But in all honesty I don’t know much about birds, wings, or feathers. I do know though an awful lot about blanket forts. So in my version of the Bible that verse would read: “And God will cover you with best blanket fort ever made, where you can feel safe, secure, and protected. Under those pillows and blankets you will find youself cared for, and close to the one who loves you”.

It might not be as poetic, but for me it might be just as meaningful.

So today I found God in a blanket fort. And I have a feeling that if Jesus were here in the flesh with me. He’d want to make a blanket fort with me for Hudson…

by Andrew Mills

Coffee, Connecting, and Slowing Down…

I’m a fairly high energy person. I like to get things done. I have an at home to-do list and work to do list. And in I love to get things off that list. I feel like I’m making progress, that I’m doing a good job, and in general a productive person.

Productivity is a good thing, except when it comes to relationships. Relationships aren’t meant to be productive.

The difficulty is that’s often times that’s how we view them. We feel obligated to connect with people we haven’t seen in a while. We meet with people that circumstances or situations force us to talk to. We talk to only some people when we need them in some way. That’s all productivity influencing relationships. And unfortunetley the same happens with God. We try to catch up, talk with him when we need too, or when we need him.

But relationships aren’t mean to be productive their meant to simply be. To be enjoyed. To be experinced. To be part of. To simply be.

So after reflecting on my sermon on Sunday where I shared that we need to connect with God, I’m going to try to do just that. Today rather than focusing on being productive, I’m going to focus on being with God. I’m going to get a coffee, get some space, and slow down. To give my relationship with him room to breathe. To not focus on bringing all my agenda items to him, or going through my list of needs. Instead I’m going to appreciate our friendship, and simply be with him.

What about you? Is there space in your day to connect with God? Over coffee, lunch, or while driving?

For me I’m going to simply be with God and have a good cup of coffee.

I think that’s a good way to start the day…

by Andrew Mills

Where I Saw Jesus This Week…

Earlier this week I got a text around 7:30 AM from a former youth of mine. In it she simply said how she was thinking of me, praying for me, and missed me.

It was a very simple and small thing to do.

But the amazing thing is that small things can leave a large impact. Mother Theresa famously said, “Do small things with great love”. Its amazing how doing a simple thing, with great love leaves a huge impact. Sometimes I think we focus on large gestures to much, rather than the beauty and impact of small everyday gestures from a text, a hug, a phone call, or a smile. Small actions with great love demonstrate Jesus. So what can you do today?

Maybe send a text, give a hug, or write a letter. But take a small action, and make it intentional. And show Jesus’ love to someone today.

Because that’s what an early morning text did for me…

by Andrew Mills

How Do You Connect With God?…

On Sunday were going to be focusing on one key part of following Jesus: our relationship with him. If we are going to follow Jesus we need to have a strong, deep, and vibrant life with him. The question is, how do we do that? How do we ensure our relationship with him stays strong? How do we stop drifting apart?

In essence, on Sunday I want to share how to keep a strong connection with God.

Which leads me to my post for today. Take a moment and think and reflect in your own life: how do you connect with God?

What is it that’s apart of your life that helps you to stay grounded with him? What practices, rhythms, or acitivites do you do to connect with him? All of us are diverse; our personalities, preferences, and particulars differ. So the ways in which we connect with God as also diverse.

So my challenge for today is simply to do this. Take time and reflect on your life and how you intentionally connect with him.

  • What strengthens your relationship?
  • What gives it new depth and meaning?
  • What have you found helpful in keeping your connection strong?

And then if you can, comment, email me, or facebook me about how you connect with God.

Because your way of connecting maybe just the encouragement or inspiration for someone else…

by Andrew Mills

Where I Saw Jesus This Week…

So this week I saw Jesus in something I rarely see Jesus in…in Facebook.

This week earlier I posted on how relationships can create influence and change and that we should appreciate that. Because of that post, a young lady who was once involved in my former youth group messaged me about the influence I had on her life. Now, I haven’t seen this fun girl in a while, as she has grown up, and gone on to university, but I always look forward to seeing her when she’s back home. She was very vulnerable, open, and honest. She shared with me the impact that I had on her, even though I didn’t know or realize it.

And I saw Jesus in that message.

Because isn’t that something Jesus would do? Share openly and honestly about the good things he sees in you. About how your life is having an impact even if you didn’t know it. And here’s the thing through her sharing about her change, she changed me.

Her willingness to openly show love, gratitude, and grace changed me. It made my day more real, alive, and joyful. It reminded me that following Jesus is worthwhile. It reminded me that relationships are important and do leave an impact.

In short it reminded me of Jesus…

by Andrew Mills

I Spy With My Little Eye…

On Sunday I want to explore how we see people. Because I’ve been noticing that how you see someone truly changes how you interact with them.

Think about this for a moment. How would our world, our neighborhoods, our churches, or our communities change if we saw people as Jesus did? That each person has value, each person is worth loving, each person has something special to offer, that no one is beyond redemption…how would our lives change?

Its a beautiful thought thought isn’t it?

But isn’t that the problem?

That so often it only remains a thought becuase its so hard to practice. To actually love your neighbor who throws loud parties; to appreciate your co-worker who grates you; to value that family member that causes so much difficulty. Seeing others like Jesus does isn’t easy. But the path of following Jesus isn’t meant to be easy. Its meant to be worthwhile.

Perhaps one of the most worthwhile things you can do today, is to seek to see others like Jesus does. It won’t be easy but it will be worthwhile.

So how do you do that? Well obviously this type of a change doesn’t happen overnight. But maybe the simplest way to start is to pose a question. Each time this week you find yourself challenged by someone, and struggling with someone. Ask yourself this question, “Jesus what do you see in them, and help me to see it too…”

Maybe the path to seeing with new eyes, begins with one simple question…

by Andrew Mills

People Shaping People…

Yesterday I was given the honor of preaching at Hanover Missionary church for their anniversary celebration.  Afterwards I had a few people come up to me and say how much I reminded them of my dad. How I have the same preaching style, mannerisms, and passion. To be honest anytime I’m compared to my dad it’s a compliment.

But it got me thinking about relationships and influence. People who you have close relationships influence and shape you for better or worse. Maybe you’ve seen this with friends, married couples, or your kids. Those who you invite to walk closely with you, will impact and change you. But relationships are a two way street. So those who you are walking closely with, you are also influencing. Whether or not you see it – your life is having an impact.

This is worth thinking about. Who are you shaping? Who is shaping you? And more than that I think this is worth acting on.

For me that means being intentional in the relationships I’m in; seeking to be a person of grace and love. And it also means appreciating those people who have impacted you and shaped you.

So on a dreary Monday why not let someone who has left and impact in your life know about this. Call them, email them, or message them saying your friendship has influenced and shaped me and here’s how.

For me personally, obviously that’s been my parents. But less obvious it has been all the wonderful people at Plattsville Church. You may not know it but you’ve shaped me. The first thing I thought when I walked into work today was: “I missed being here yesterday”. You have shaped me by welcoming me into your family, caring for me, and giving me a home here. Your care and love is shaping me.

Why not share that with someone today? Let someone else know that their love and care matter. The beauty of relationships is that they change us.

So let someone know of how they changed you, and maybe through that they might be changed as well…

by Andrew Mills