Relationships Are a Mess Worth Making

Dear Family,

"I need help", I told a friend the other day. The help that I need is
in regards of being a godly and gracious parent and to help my kids
walk in the way of Jesus. There are times that I feel so overwhelmed
in all that is involved in parenting and fearful of how it will all
work out. I become stressed out and at times paralyzed in what to do.

So I cried out to my friend because as a Christian I am part of a
larger family-- a family of God who are called to help one another in
our faith journey. God has not called us to leave isolated and alone
lives. He has called us to pursue relationships that are a mutual
benefit to one another. From Genesis to Revelation, God is showing us
the importance of real, vibrant and helping one another relationships.
But building and maintaining biblical relationships are at times
messy and hard work and especially those in our immediate family.

Authors of the book, "Relationships: A Mess Worth Making", share
"Does the challenge and mess of relationships leave you discouraged?
Does the biblical honesty about human community shock you? Are you
feeling overwhelmed by the hard work relationships require? If so,
you are ready for this last fact: The shattered relationship between
Father, Son and Holy Spirit at the CROSS provides the basis for our
reconciliation. No other relationship ever suffered more than what
Father, Son and Holy Spirit endured when Jesus hung on the CROSS and
cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus was willing
to be the rejected Son so that our families would know reconciliation.
Jesus was willing to become the forsaken friend so that we could have
loving friendships. Jesus was willing to be the rejected Lord so that
we could live in loving submission to one another. Jesus was willing
to the forsaken brother so that we could have godly relationships.
Jesus was willing to be the crucified King so that our communities
would experience peace."

These are some powerful and yet encouraging words as we pursue
relationships within our family and with one another at COH.

As you know, I am always looking for ways on how our community can
grow in building these types of relationships. One such way is an
upcoming conference in November. The conference is sponsored by CCEF
(Christian Counseling Education Foundation). The topic of this year's
conference is below:

"Do not be afraid..."

The most repeated command in the Bible - by a landslide. By the time
you read the first hundred verses telling you not to be afraid, you
get the message. You are afraid! You, of course, already know that.
What you don't know is that everyone around you is also running scared
- afraid of danger, disease, death, disapproval, disappointment and
countless other things.

As you keep listening to the God who speaks to fearful people, you
find that he is revealing as much about himself as he is about you. He
is the God of peace and rest, and he invites you into that rest. And
what an invitation it is. God's most beautiful words of comfort are
for the fearful, anxious, and panic-stricken.

This year, CCEF's Annual Conference will focus on fear and anxiety.
Together, we will be surprised by God's grace, have our faith
encouraged by the depth of his wisdom, and learn to find rest and
peace in the Prince of Peace.

The conference is at Vally Forge Conference Center outside
Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 2-4 (Friday-Sunday). If you register before
Aug. 31, the cost is $165 per person. The hotel which is at the
conference center ranges from 99-109 per night. Here is the web site
to learn more http://ccef.org/ac_overview.asp. Also, if we get 10 or
more, the 11th is free. Let me know if you are interested!

PS: Val and I have made this conference our annual spiritual get away
and have been signficantly challenged and also forever changed!! The
worship is awesome as well! Please prayerfully consider this helpful
opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus and with one
another. I believe our families and our church will be better for it
as we grow to glorify God in all our lives.


--
Warmly,

Jeff Rickett
Pastor, City of Hope Church