Pittsburgh District Church of the Nazarene

Light Thoughts

January 24, 2012

Jeremiah 29:11

One of my earliest memories of Bible verses that I memorized was Jeremiah 29:11.  We were encouraged by our pastor Dr. Oesch to learn this verse and keep it in mind as we went through the days of our lives.  So, for my first installment of Light Thoughts, I would like you to read that verse in your favorite Bible version.  Then, I would like you to read it in at least four other versions.  If you do not have that many in your home, you can go to websites like, www.BibleGateway.com, or www.crosswalk.com to access more.

From the NIV this is how it reads "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So what does this verse tell us?  Before He created you, He had a plan for you.  My Interlinear Bible translates the first part of the verse this way, "For I know the purposes which I am purposing for you".  This simply tells me that when I was created, He had a purpose (plan) for my life.  We are not born just because.  We were not created to "ride the pine' as they say in basketball of those who are just bench warmers.  We were not created just to take up air.  We all have a reason for being here.  What is your reason?  What is His plan for your life?  What is it He wants you to do?  This is where it gets interesting.  It is up to you to find out.  I cannot tell you.  Your pastor cannot tell you.  Your parents cannot tell you.  You have to seek Him to find out.  Will you get it right all the time?  Probably not.  However, His plan does not change; He just wants you to keep looking and searching and let Him lead you.

Now, do not let the last part of this verse mess with you.  "To prosper" is not to be made rich in the eyes of the world or to be prosperous in our human mind, but to be complete.  The Hebrew word here for prosper is shalom which is simply peace.  It means to know God (Jehovah) so much that there is completeness in your life and that completeness brings peace.  With godly peace, you will be able to see that what happens in your future is not for harm, but for hope.

Are you fully surrendered to Him that you can say, "Not my will, but Yours be done"?

Your District Shepherd,

J Bret Metcalfe

Following the Light
Abhaya's Story

Western Nepal -- For nine days, Abhaya could not sleep. 

The elderly missionary named John had turned her thoughts and beliefs upside down.

Abhaya was devout in her worship of numerous gods in western Nepal, and her father was a priest in the local religion. Her husband and her parents were also devout worshippers of many gods. And until she met John, Abhaya, who was 26 at the time, had never given any other spiritual path a second thought.

John had stayed in her home as a guest for a week, and during that time he had talked to her about Jesus and asked her to consider following Him. He'd bought her a Bible, but she wasn't interested in reading it. Then he invited her to join him on one of his home visits, and she agreed.

John took her to the home of a man with a mental illness. The man was very sick, but none of his family members were willing to care for him. Abhaya watched as John prayed over the man, who was confined to a bed. Startled, she watched as the sick man gave a giant yawn, then sat up, suddenly full of energy and healthy. John then bathed the man, gave him a haircut, trimmed his nails and brought his physical hygiene up to date.

NYI Winter Retreat will be held January 27-29, 2012 at The Woodlands in Wexford with speaker Jay Trainer and Infuzion (family camp '09.) The Woodlands has many indoor areas that we can utilize including a large heated pool, half gym, and several recreation areas with pool and fooseball. The cost for the retreat is $90 if you register by December 29th, $100 thereafter. Space is limited, so a non-refundable $30 deposit is due with registration. Please make all checks out to Pittsburgh NYI and send them to Tom Aaron, 141 Supervisor Dr., West Newton PA 15089. Please direct all questions about the retreat to Kelly Miner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 724-258-4401. Send your teens for spiritual renewal and a little stress relief. Winter retreat 2012 - represent.

Pastor appreciation month just ended. You know a great way to show your pastor and family you appreciate them? Send their children to Clergy Kids Retreat!

Clergy Kids Retreat keeps getting bigger and better! This winter our district clergy kids have again been invited to participate with the MVNU Region in their 6th annual regional retreat. This past year saw our largest turnout yet - 77 teenagers! Retreat is always during President's Day weekend, which for 2012 is February 18-20. Check-in is 4:00 p.m. Saturday. We wrap up with lunch on Monday.

Kalahari is an amazing resort and a perfect setting for all the goals of the retreat. We have kept the cost as low as possible again. Between MVNU Church Relations & Admissions, and MVNU Regional NYI Council, they subsidize well over 50% of the total expense.