When Tragedy Strikes

I sit here in the early morning hours of this Sunday contemplating a week of tragedy that has shaken our nation. I prayed for the families of those that were effected by the Virginia massacre and couldnt help but feel helpless as I sit here miles away from the event.

Once again our nation is asking the questions of why. Why did this happen? Why would God allow this to go on? Questions that could be asked for days but are difficult to answer. I think the question of "why does evil exist" should be left for another time and our focus needs to be on the fact that during these times there is a God that is there for the hurting. Evil is everywhere we turn but there is a God that does work in miraculous ways in the aftermath of destruction.

I once read a book entitled "God works the night shift" and how true that is. When it seems that everything that could go wrong does - God is able to turn it for good. We often look at what is and have a difficult time seeing anything good come out of it but God has proven time and time again that joy can come in the morning.

If you are reading this and in your heart there are questions and you are hurting - I want to reassure you that God is close. He is not some religious icon - He is alive and He is real! All you have to do is call out to Him and He will be there.

May God bless you!

Pastor D. Sargent

IS SILENCE GOLDEN?

Does this color look good on me? Do I look pudgy in this outfit? Ok lets be honest guys, when your wife throws you these questions there really is no good answer. You really dont come out of the conversation with any brownie points if you try to answer. Silence is golden at these moments.

Can you imagine if God were like some of us? Can you imagine if God was silent when you had a question that wasn't the most eloquent? What if God never responded when you said things like - Why do I fail so often? I am such a loser aren't I? I could go on and on but when it comes to God at these times of our lives silence is not golden! We need to be reminded what He says about us in His word - You are more than a conqueror! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! You are fearfully and wonderfully made! You are a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people...etc.

I trust that you can hear what God is saying about you instead of what the enemy has been telling you. I trust that today you can be encouraged with what His Word has already declared you to be when your situation is looking hopeless and the sky is cloudy.

He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. He said I am with you always. God is not silent about how He feels about you and I. We just need to listen closely and be encouraged in the fact that He loves us so much.

May God break through in your life today!

D. Sargent

How Do You Soar?

Just a simple thought that came across my brain the last few days. Life is full of surprises - some good some not so good. The not so good ones many times are called trials or storms that come and test us. It is hard to understand this but those times really do make us better people. There is something about a trial, a storm that has the ability to strengthen our resolve to continue through the moment believing that something better is around the next bend.

I live in a lovely place surrounded by an Avocado orchard. When it is stormy outside I enjoy stepping out onto my back patio and watching the hawks and how they relate to the storm. You never find them hiding or staying close to the ground during a storm. You know where you find them? You find them riding, soaring on the currents of the storm. They are taking what many would consider something bad and using it to soar high above.

I think, which is hard to do sometimes, that we could learn a lesson from some fowl. It is time we "mount up with wings as eagles." Learn to soar. Learn to fly. Learn to rise above the problems that are keeping you down.

In the words of a famous song - "I believe I can fly"

Soaring

Pastor Sargent

It has begun

We are officially into the New Year. Resolutions made are probably close to being forgotten and life will carry on as usual for most. I like the New Year, I always have. I quit making resolutions years ago but I do like the opportunity to forget last year and start with a clean slate in the New.

There is something kinda cool about the chance to learn from last years mistakes and try again. Making this year better than the last is always challenging and exciting. With God it is even better because He is the creator of the NEW. His mercies are NEW each and every morning, He promises to give us a NEW heart, He even went so far to put in His Word that old things are passed away and all things become NEW. I like that. I am a NEW creature in Christ.

I am not sure about you but that is great stuff when you think about it.
Till next time -

Pastor Darin S.

The Journey of a Lifetime

I recently was enrolled in my first Seminary class and had to fly to Pennsylvania to take the class. The class was on discipleship and it was very challenging. It is amazing what comes out about yourself when you spend some time really focusing on areas of your life that you know need correction.

As a result of taking this class, I was instructed for my homework assignment, to create a personal discipleship program addressing the areas of my life and personality that needed the most attention. Wow - what a journey. I have always strived to have a devotional life, spending quality time in prayer and study, but this plan that i created is going to push me beyond what is comfortable.

I realized from the beginning of starting this plan that this is going to be the journey of a lifetime and I am anxious to see what God is going to do.

On the journey,

Darin Sargent

The Journey into Blogging

This is my first entry. Seeing that blogging is the latest craze I thought it might be interesting to see how I could jump in and become a part of it. I also wanted a place to discuss what God is doing at North Point Worship Center in Escondido, CA. The greatest church in the world that God has given me the privilege to pastor. So stay tuned as we discuss issues, look at current events, and basically journey together to a place where Direction is Defined.

Have a great day,

Darin Sargent