Pastor's Perspective - Christmas Pardons

According to ABC News, today before leaving for Christmas vacation, President Bush granted 19 pardons, offering forgiveness for convictions ranging from gun and drug violations to bank and mail fraud. One of the official pardons was granted to Charles Winters, a man with an interesting story who passed away in the 1980s.

Winters for many Jews was considered a genuine hero. A Protestant from the northeast, he ran a successful cargo business after WWII, in which he used former military aircraft to transport food and other items internationally. However, he began to use them to transport arms to his Jewish friends in their quest for independence and statehood, a violation of the Neutrality Act. Winters served 18 months in prison. As mentioned he died over twenty years ago in Florida. After his passing, director Steven Spielberg appealed to President Bush to pardon Winters and clear his name and record. The famous filmmaker recently remarked, “There are probably many unsung heroes of America and of Israel, but Charlie Winters is surely one of them. While a pardon cannot make Charlie Winters whole, and regrettably he did not live to see it, it would be a fitting tribute to his memory and a great blessing to his family if this pardon is granted.”

Christmas 2008 is only a few short days away. For many millions worldwide, it is so much more than mall Santas, slammed parking lots, beeping sales registers, tinseled trees and semi-chilled eggnog. It is, at its very essence, the celebration of John 3:16! It is the humble remembrance of humanity’s greatest hero, who continues to confound us with the account of His humble advent. It is the season in which we humbly bow in awe that a child would be the linchpin to the greatest rescue mission ever executed and recorded. We stop and reflect that One left the splendor and privileges of deity, to pay a price that simply wasn’t His to pay; and in doing so, offers pardon in place of our many and most vile offenses, not just to 19, but to every member of the human family – the scandal of amazing grace.

Undoubtedly, today is a day of celebration for the family of Charles Winters, Steven Spielberg, and thousands who remember and appreciated his controversial actions from yesteryear. However, unlike today’s White House news, the Bible tells us that the unparalleled pardon only Jesus Christ offers is available and accessible only while we’re alive. So, if you’re reading this, the ‘good news’ is – you still qualify!

Have you received your pardon?

“TODAY, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3

Merry Christmas!

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Vacation Inspiration

It’s good to be home! My family and I just returned from Thanksgiving vacation in central Florida where we spent ten wonderful days reconnecting with family and friends. We tried to see as many people as possible, but failed to get face-time with many we hoped to see. However, our time with those we could catch was rich, invigorating and inspiring. Let me elaborate on that inspiring part.

While in the Sunshine State we spent precious time with my mother, Sandy Stambaugh. It was her desire and goal to have the entire family near her this Thanksgiving. Mission accomplished! For those who don’t know, my mother has dealt with many medical challenges in recent months, including a series of small debilitating strokes. Despite her setbacks, she has inspired many in her tenacious quest to focus on what she still has, and not on what she has lost. Her warmth, Christ-like love and hospitality, despite her circumstances, continues to inspire her eldest son.

We also spent quality-time with my ‘father in the faith’, Paul Neal, and his dear wife Mary Frances. Paul, a retired minister, was and continues to be a mentor and wise seasoned adviser in my life and ministry. Due to a severe vein disorder in his legs, blood circulation is limited, causing immobility and chronic discomfort. Yet, when his inability to do what he once did was mentioned, this gallant servant of the Most High focused on the silver linings. He chooses not to lament on the chair he sits in for hours daily, but instead on the beautiful serene waterfront view God has given him from his recliner. His courage and attitude continues to inspire me as his Timothy.

Lastly, we were able to spend time with Carol Johnson, a treasured family friend for many years. Carol is currently battling stage four cancer. She has had a double mastectomy, radical abdominal surgery, and is receiving a strong regime of chemotherapy. Although she has lost her hair, she has not lost her faith in God, her hope in His amazing grace, or her sense of humor. Carol’s strong and brave assurance in the Father’s sovereignty and unconditional love for her, despite her diagnosis, moved Michelle and I to tears several times. Our desire to visit her while in Florida was to minister to her; yet God had other plans. We were the targets of His beautiful lesson on how to truly live and die in Christ. We parted not knowing if we’d ever see Carol again this side of Glory; but we left knowing that we would see each other again.

As my fellow readers, congregants and sojourners, please take a moment and lift up my mother, Paul and Carol in your prayers. Each inspired me immeasurably by their trust in the One who is trustworthy, despite the unanticipated chapters written in the books of our lives.

In closing, last Friday Carol gave Michelle and I a Christmas card and a letter. The card was a beautiful picture of her smiling (with hair!) standing ankle-deep in snow during a recent trip to Canada. Her letter stated, “This is such a special Christmas this year as I am still here!..I am savoring each and every day I have and so believe my journey is a special one, as I have been chosen for this very time. Just as the mother of Jesus was chosen to birth our Savior, so I have been chosen to continue His story of love, forgiveness, mercy, healing and salvation…It is my prayer that this Christmas we look deep within our hearts and just spill out all the love we have to all we meet, forgive old hurts and renew all relationships as we await our dear Savior’s return. I believe it won’t be long!”

Merry Christmas!

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Pop Quiz Hotshot!

Pop Quiz Hotshot! Those words represent what I believe the Lord was conveying to me early Saturday morning in a dark quiet parking lot in South San Francisco. Better elaborate, huh?

Friday night we drove our minivan filled with dear church friends down to Mountain View to watch our creative arts director Jeramy Sossaman (‘Special Soss’) play a solo set of his new music at a packed coffee house. Several from FCC had made the long drive down to support ‘J’ and enjoy some kid-free connection with other adults (what a concept!). After Jeramy’s great solo set, followed by another set with his band East of Western, we piled into our Honda Odyssey for the trip home. As I drove an indicator told me that a tire was rapidly going flat. We stopped several times to put air in it, but it was losing everything I pumped in. The tire was very hot to the touch. We were far from home. This couldn’t be happening. This would be a marathon night.

Several months ago when we purchased the van, Mr. Non-Mechanical (me) didn’t stop to ask the salesperson about the tires. There were four and that was cool with me! The ones that came with it were the special ‘run flat’ type that literally do not go flat like conventional tires. Instead, because they have a rigid structure within the tire, you can literally drive for miles (to a repair station) without having to pull over and change the tire the old skool way. Because of this technology, no spares are provided in the vehicle. By the way, did I mention that this “convenience” comes with a price tag – approximately $400 per tire! Back to the story.

I pulled over into a hotel parking lot, cautious to drive the van any longer. Thankfully, my wife and ladies with us maintained very sunny dispositions despite the ultra-late hour and unanticipated scenario in which they found themselves. There we were. Van full of ladies. Well over an hour from home and families. No spare. Late hour. Tire technology I’m totally unfamiliar with. No money for a replacement. Tired. Hungry. Borderline agitated. No helpful roadside assistance available. Trying to be the strong and calm alpha male, when inside I don’t know what to do next. Reality.

Imagine the joy of calling Jeramy and asking him to please turn around and make the long drive back to pick us up. It’s a true friend who would and did! In the meantime, I jacked up the van and removed the tire. Nothing to do now but wait. Maybe Jeramy’s spare tire would somehow fit. A long shot at best. In the meantime the girls walked over to a hotel to kill some time. I stayed behind with the van. In my solitude I began thinking. What if the spare didn’t fit? Will a conventional tire work in this special tire system? If not, what will I do? How will I pay for it? This will blow the Christmas budget completely. How will I get it to a dealership? Driving it any more will cause even more extensive damage. Cha-ching! Then, that ‘Pop Quiz Hotshot’ moment came.

Alone, as I looked down at the tire in the darkness, an impression of comments and questions flooded over me. “Steve, it’s a only a tire! I’ve led you through heartaches and even cancer; and you’re tempted to fret over a piece of rubber? I love you. I’m watching this. I’ve got this. I’ve given you a voice for my people. How can you lead my people, if you’re tempted to become angry over a tire? I’ve brought you 3,000 miles from what was familiar to what was unfamiliar, and I’ve met every need you have. Son, don’t worry about the money. It’s my money. I’ll take care of you. With what I’m about to do in the church I’ve led you to, you’ll be writing much bigger checks than this. And look at the friends I’ve given you, who love you and encourage you. As a matter of fact, one is driving to help you right now. You’ve been through tougher. I’m aware of this. I’m your wisdom. I’m your answer. Just trust me.”

Guys, I literally had a praise service for an audience of One at three in the morning in an unfamiliar parking lot in a totally unfamiliar town, facing an unfamiliar situation. I lifted my heart and hands and just began thanking Him for His immeasurable faithfulness and assurance. I’m glad it was the middle of the night, because people would have called security on me! Suddenly, everything changed. The situation was the same; no AAA angels swooped down with a new tire –but, something real had shifted in me. In my little trial, my Father reminded me how BIG and dependable He really is!

How did it all end up? Jeramy’s spare didn’t fit. He drove us all back home, and we laughed the whole way. He took me back to the van Saturday after a few hours of sleep, where I drove it the longest seven miles of my life to a dealership. The tire couldn’t be repaired and had to be replaced. I spent all day in a service department in the booming metropolis of Colma! Then, at the end of an endless day, to add insult to injury, got stuck in heavy San Francisco traffic. Readers, it was a great and glorious day! I wouldn’t change a thing. It began as an unanticipated late-night trial and ended-up being yet another testimony in my life’s testimony – a fragile little letter about His glory.

Pastor's Perspective - Even the President!

Last Tuesday, Election Day, was a day filled with ups and downs.

It started with an up as I did my civic duty and voted. Someone once said, “Wanna feel powerful? Vote!” I left my precinct polling center pleased and satisfied and yes, even powerful, that I had voted my values and had played my part.

Down came later when my pick for the presidency lost, as did one of the important propositions I hoped would pass.

An up came when an important proposition passed later in the evening.

A predictable down came as the candidate I liked conceded the election.

However, the day ended with an up. Let me tell you about it.

Throughout the day my wife Michelle, a homeschooling mom, had been teaching and exposing our four youngest children to the voting process in the United States. She took them to the polling center where they witnessed their mother vote. Next they came to our church building (a high-volume polling site) and helped provide coffee, cookies and free Bibles to those in the community. With others in their homeschooling ministry here at First Christian (LIFE), they conducted a mock election, in which John McCain won. The lone descending vote came from 2-year-old Tavian Cross who voted for “Badack Odama”! Later at home the children, armed with red and blue crayons, watched the national news and colored in states accordingly.

My highest ‘up’ of the day came watching my three beautiful biracial children watching the new president elect’s victory speech. Likewise, when the Obama children walked down the platform with their parents, my children’s faces lit up. Here was a man and his family who actually looked like them. They saw themselves in his face. They saw themselves in the hand-holding bounce of their contemporaries. Honestly, until Tuesday, none of the forty-three portraits of former presidents in their textbook shared similarities; but now, the highest office in the land had familiarity for them, and yes, even attainability.

As we watched on, Michelle and I tried feebly to understand the magnitude of what we were witnessing, manifested in the many tear-filled eyes of African Americans in attendance. Our intellect helped us relate, but only in part. Although we wanted to ascend to their heights of elation, we were mere party crashers. They alone understood the toil; they alone knew the triumph.

At the end of the day, my guy lost. As a person of faith, I’m praying for our great country and for Barack Obama and his family. His success is all of our success. Simply put, I’m sincerely grateful to live in a place where such immense power can be shifted so peacefully. Lastly, I’m thankful to live in a land where at the high and regrettable cost of a sad chapter in our national history, I can now say to my children without reservation, “If you work hard enough, you can be anything you want to be – even the president!”

Pastor's Perspective - Dying of Thirst?

Last week my family and I enjoyed a week-long jaunt into the Nevada high desert for some well-needed R&R. We went to Las Vegas, a place Michelle had never been (other than the airport), and a place I haven't visited since 1985 during my infamous 'airline days'. We explored, made precious memories, enjoyed dear friends, and relaxed. Aughh.

Like many of you, I believe half of the fun and enjoyment of any vacation is the journey, or the "getting there". That sense of adventure and experiencing new things with loved ones is a thrill I have enjoyed since childhood (Thanks Mom & Dad!)

During our 20 hour round trip excursion, the kids slept, sang and wrote songs, watched movies and engaged Chelle and I in very interesting dialogue. One memorable discussion happened as we were driving through the desert. Chelle, a homeschooling mom always-on-duty, shared with the children the difference between a mirage and an oasis. She shared those facts on a few different occasions during the week, sharing that "If you were lost in the desert and were dying of thirst, a mirage might fool you into believing there was water nearby." As we drove back from Vegas we actually saw a mirage on the sandy horizon. As we pointed it out to our kids everybody got excited and finally understood what Chelle had been describing. As the decibel level fell, our little Lily's voice broke the silence from the backseat - "Are we dying of thirst?"

The truth is, we're all dying of thirst. Our physical bodies were created by the Almighty to require constant hydration. Likewise, the spiritual (real) you requires constant spiritual hydration. Jesus told us that He alone holds the key to unlocking rivers of refreshing, life-giving, "living" water. That without His infusion in our lives, we are hopeless. We possess the appearance of life but are really dead - spiritual zombies.

Friends, a mirage gives the appearance of life, refreshment and rescue - but offers absolutely nothing. This world offers us a lot of mirages! However, an oasis is that priceless, unexpected, life-preserving and life-enhancing treasure that you never thought you'd ever find.

Are you dying of thirst?

Jesus is an oasis, and not a mirage.

I Love You!

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - The Trio Challenge

At the very beginning of 2008 I challenged the FCC faithful to identify three important people in their lives this year - a Timothy, a Barnabas, and a Paul. Anybody remember that? I explained that all of us need this trio in order to grow and mature as modern-day Jesus followers. Let me explain.

A Timothy is a person that we pour our lives into. Usually a Timothy is a younger believer who needs guidance, coaching and encouragement. They are genuinely excited about their new lives in Christ; however, they lack that personal investment (mentorship) that only a seasoned believer can provide. We all need a Timothy in our lives.

A Barnabas is that person with the gift of encouragement - a commodity we all need to survive and thrive. These are those folks you can call on any time of the day or night for a cup-full of assurance and a heart-felt prayer. They are the amazing folks who sometimes see more in you than you see in you! We all need a Barnabas in our lives.

A Paul is a seasoned veteran of the faith-walk trenches. They are tenacious students of the Word of God, have fruitful prayer-lives, are deeply embedded in the life and service of the church, and are always in-season with the fruits of the Spirit. Likewise, they have a desire to reach out to younger believers and help them along the path of righteousness. We all need a Paul in our lives.

As I mention regularly from the platform, I always preach to myself first. My Paul and 'Father in the Faith'(Paul Neal) lives 3,000 miles away and has been declining in health in recent years. I realized that I was deficient in the area of local 'Pauls'. After prayer and patience the Lord graciously brought into my life and ministry Roger Gibson (veteran pastor with Stadia) and Rick Craig (pastor with FCC-Napa)- two amazing older brothers who have walked where I walk, who love me, reach out to me, pray for me and continuously challenge me to higher levels of faith and discipline. So, I'm excited to say, I've got my 'trio'.

How about you?

Do you have someone to help along in their younger or weaker faith? Do you have someone who elevates your soul and continuously reminds you that you can make it? Lastly, do you have a person with some miles on their spiritual odometer helping you become the person God created you to become?

My challenge stands!

I Love You!

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - INFUSED!

I looked up "Infusion" in the dictionary and found that it means to "pour into". Yesterday, the FCC family of believers poured into our community as an invasion force of Christ's goodness.

Months ago we as leaders decided that instead of celebrating our 30th anniversary the old skool way (ie. making our tenure all about us), that we would mark ourselves in Suisun City through humble acts of service, thus pouring all the glory and attention on the only One worthy - Jesus Christ. I can tell you with great joy today - job well done FCC!

We met early for a family breakfast, took communion together, identified teams and went out to show those living and working around us that Christ-focused hearts are others-focused hearts. Numerous teams reached out to the elderly and widows, did much-needed lawn care, picked up trash in local parks and roadways, washed vehicles (including a fire engine and the vehicles of firefighters), cleaned the building, and offered countless acts of service to many. We later rendezvoused at the building for an amazing lunch and a high-octane time of praise & worship. Though smudged and dirty, tired and spent, we all left exhilarated by all God had done and excited about all He would continue to do through us in the future. I invite you to check out our church website and watch the fun!

I want to thank Nicky Peterson for her stellar organizational skills, every team captain, all who volunteered and maintained such Christ-like sacrificial attitudes, those who provided such loving childcare and ministry back at the building, and those in the community who allowed us to wear a towel and serve them. I'm greatly encouraged that this is a new and exciting day for our family faith.

Our greatest gratitude goes to the One who refuses to fail us.

Happy 30th Birthday FCC!

I Love You,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Let's Hear Em!

Enough!

Enough starched-shirt, 'things that make you go hmmm' Pastor Steve stuff. It's time to lighten up. This week there's only one thing I wanna know -

What's your favorite movie quote?

Mine?

"Leave the gun, take the cannoli." (Clemenza)

Stop being so religious 'real people', and let's hear em!

Pastor's Perspective - What's Up Doc?

I’m writing this to let you know that I FINALLY went to the doctor yesterday. Release the doves and cue the trumpets and dancers! For those of you saying “Huh?” right now, let me elaborate.

Recently while preaching on the subject of procrastination, I felt a leading to confess my sin of feet-dragging. Since turning ffffffffforty, I haven’t subjected myself to the more…THOROUGH physical examination that comes with age. As a busy pastor and family man, I have been conveniently treating that event with the hospitality of a Heisman Trophy stiff-arm. However, I have noticed some symptoms at ffffffffforty-five that unlike my younger days, didn’t just go away. Admittedly I’ve been losing hearing in my left ear; I have never had my cholesterol level checked; I’ve been more fatigued; and other stuff I used to laugh at my Dad about. Age is a great equalizer!

So as I peck this, I’m thrilled to report that other than carrying a few extra pounds, and officially being diagnosed as ‘Stage 4 Ugly’, your pastor looks like he’s got a few thousand more miles on his tread. My hearing was even taken care of yesterday in the office in an encounter that was more Roto-Rooter than anything else! I actually bolted out of bed in the middle of the night because I heard a dog yelping… in Benecia! My hearing is so good now, I’ll actually be able to see AND HEAR you snoring as I preach.

This morning I had my lab work done, so I’m about a quart low. To quote Bruce Almighty, “I’m IB Positive’. I BE POSITIVE that I don’t like needles” – and I don’t. And, about that more “thorough” part, well that taunting-Goliath will happen next month at my follow-up visit. Isn’t it wonderful to have exciting things to look forward to?!

Mega-thanks to all of you who through very creative, tenacious and humorous ways pushed me to finally see a doctor. Sorry to break it to you - I'm healthy and you’re stuck with me.

I Love You!

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Called Out

I'm calling you out. Let me clarify that. Jesus is calling you out.

The word in the original language for church is 'ekklesia' - the 'called out' ones. Sadly, church for many has become a religious club of sorts, a place where we meet regularly with others who hold a similar worldview and dress code, go through a few rituals, pay our dues and leave with a sense of obligation and appeasement met. Tragically the word 'church' has been minimized to a structure, an earthly address. However, the church, according the the Bible, is something far different. It is a community of 'real people' who have been by God's grace 'called out' of something.

This past weekend we at FCC were overwhelmingly blessed to receive the powerful yet tender ministry of Bronwen Healy from Australia. I encourage you to listen to her testimony on our website. As Bronwen explained, as a heroin-addicted prostitute, God reached done into the pit of hell and pulled her out of a nightmare existence. Similarly, years ago God yanked me out of a jail cell life marked by hopelessness, shame, guilt, disillusionment,and powerless religion.

However, as Christ builds His 'ekklesia' He doesn't just call us out of something. In other words, He doesn't just leave the baby in the incubator. Praise the Lord, He simultaneously is calling each of us us into something! That something is a new abundant sin-liberated life. That something is an existence of hope and heavenly purpose. That something is a new mission and focus that focuses on God by touching others. That something is an escape from mediocrity and mere daily survival. That something is a call to divine dreams. That something is a community marked by worship, encouragement, equipping, unconditional love and acceptance. That something is an adventure of a lifetime that simply cannot be overlooked and missed.

Because I love you, let me ask you two honest questions -

What is God calling you out of today? You know the answer. Give voice to it. Talk to Him about it. Hint: He already knows all about it and loves you any way. Next, confess it to a trusted friend of faith.

What is God calling you into today? Likewise, you know the answer, even if its a bit foggy. Sure, it's kinda scary, but give voice to it any way, ie. "go public" - it's the first bold step toward your dream and destiny.

Friends, Jesus is calling you out; out of the destructive, mundane, unfulfilling and lifeless - the road most travel.

Friends, Jesus is calling you in to something; something grander, mysterious, revolutionary, satisfying, alive - a narrow less-traveled road - a new level- a place closer to Him.

Friends, its not enough to just be called out. Half is just half!

What is God calling you to?

I dare you to respond.

You're being called out.

Pastor's Perspective - Go for Gold!

Have you been watching the Olympics?

Admittedly the Summer Games are my favorite. Growing up in humid central Florida as a very active child and teen, I can relate to running, throwing, swimming, wrestling and a plethora of other things kids do competitively. The Winter Games are entertaining, but Tampa has never been synonymous with luging and curling! As a matter of fact, the only time I saw ice there was in 1979 during a freak "dusting" that got us Kiefer kids out of one day of school.

More than the actual competition is my admiration for the preparation each athlete has endured to be in Beijing this summer. The countless hours in the pool, on the track, in the weight room before the sun even rose each day. The attention to form, fitness, nutrition and overall discipline. The ability to subject oneself to the harshest circumstances to refine and build year after year for literally ten seconds on a sprint track or three minutes in a pool. The internal drive to push yourself beyond normal physiological limits to become optimal. To trust your relay mates to train and execute as vigorously as you. The Olympics are about dreams becoming realities, hard work becoming victory, discipline and tests becoming medal gold.

The Apostle Paul toward the end of his journey shared many familiar Olympic images about his life and ministry. He shared that his race was coming to an end and that he was anticipating a glorious award ceremony. Likewise he shared that everyone is called to life's race, and that spiritual discipline was necessary to finish strong and ultimately win - that tests make us stronger.

In the midst of his many daunting tests Job said - "..When he (God) has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10b). James augments this idea with a challenge - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).

Friends, you and I are both called to an amazing race called life. Our course can oftentimes takes us through harsh and unanticipated circumstances. Admittedly, our race is not for the faint of heart. Our race is not a sprint, but a marathon. Our race is about team, not individualism. Our course is not for those who start well, but for those who finish well. Our race has a distance known only to the race coordinator. Our race has a common destination - the One who issues rewards!

My prayer for you is that you will come forth as gold. See you on the medal stand!

I love you!

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Where's Jesus?

I read this Associated Press report over coffee this morning:

An Israeli couple going on a European vacation remembered to take their duty-free shopping and their 18 suitcases, but forgot their 3-year-old daughter at the airport, police said Monday. The couple and their five children were late for a charter flight to Paris Sunday and made a mad dash to the gate. In the confusion, their daughter got lost.A police spokesman said a policeman found her wandering in the duty-free area at Ben-Gurion airport, Israel's bustling main international air portal. He said the officer alerted airline staff, but the flight had already taken off.Israeli media said the parents were an ultra-Orthodox Jewish couple but did not give their names.Rosenfeld said the parents were unaware they had boarded the aircraft with only four children instead of five until they were informed by cabin staff after 40 minutes in the air.The child, accompanied by an airline staffer, took the next flight to Paris where she was safely reunited with her parents.

Naturally this story reminded me of another story recorded in Luke 2:41-49 where another Jewish couple forgot a child. Mary and Joseph were excellent parents of impeccable character, yet, even they forgot what was most important - Jesus - in their lives and family.

In the ever-accelerating fastlane of life, we all can sometimes forget what's most important in our lives. As humans we can easily get disoriented by life's storms and circumstances - so many bases to cover, so many fires to extinguish. Yet, throughout it all, we can must never lose sight of the Savior.

Where's Jesus in your life? Is He in your heart, at your side, on your mind, on your lips? If not, its never too late to turn around. He's easy to find. He has not gone anywhere. He's right where you left Him. No guilt or rebukes - just sloppy kisses, bear hugs and forgiveness.

Here's to happy reunions!

I love you,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Esau & Jacob

This week I’ve been having the best time reconnecting with my younger brother Mark. He and his wife Joy have been visiting us from Brooksville, Florida (near Tampa) where Mark serves as a captain in the Hillsborough County Fire Department. Neither have ever been to California before, so we’ve been having a ball showing them the local high-interest sites.

Growing up in Tampa, Mark and I were very different. He was Esau. I was Jacob. He was a straight-haired brunette with dark eyes, while I was moppy-headed with blue peepers. He was a ‘daddy’s boy’, while I was a ‘mamma’s boy’. His subscription was to ‘Field & Stream’, while mine was to ‘GQ’. He liked to fish and hunt, while I was very content with a good book. He was a builder, while I was a dreamer. He used a table saw, while I preferred a good Mont Blanc pen. Funny how the Lord makes us so different.

From adolescence our connectivity was family, church involvement, humor (he’s got a great one!), sports, music and of course, interest in girls. One of my earliest recollections of Mark was his very tender heart toward God, one he still has. If anybody coulda-shoulda been the pastor in the family, it was him. He and Joy married young, had kids young, and with God’s kindness raised three wonderful kids – each currently enrolled in three different colleges along the eastern seaboard. Now that’s a prayer request!

Like ol’ Esau and Jacob, Mark and I have spent many years a bit disconnected, busy raising our families and building our careers. But also like the famous twins in Genesis, we’ve had some memorable reconnection time that I’m absolutely cherishing. No longer are we greasy-faced teens testing how loud the stereo could get and how fast the Camaro could run. We’re in our 40’s now. Our experiences (good and bad) have led us to common ground – a place where once obvious differences have faded away and we now see each other as men. Our mountain top ascents and valley excursions have given us a renewed love and respect for one another – and somehow I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that our heavenly Father is pleased with it all.

Pastor's Perspective - Lily's Store

This morning I woke up in a place other than the place I fell asleep. Can you say, "Whoa!" Predictably I fell asleep in my bedroom, but woke up in 'Lily's Store'. One more time.....Whoooooaaaaaaa. (Cue the creepy keys and enter Rod Serling). Seriously, Chelle and I got a good laugh over the whole thing, and the Lord reminded me of some good stuff I'm passing along to you. (Remember the whole freely received, freely give thing?)

To me the large room in the back of our house where my bed, dressers, nightstands, lamps and skivies are kept is called "My Bedroom". Tracking me so far? Its a place to relax, unwind and let down my (continually greying) hair. Its familiar and kinda cozy. However, to our youngest child Lily its a totally different place - it's her satellite office to play - her imaginary store.

In Hebrews 13:14 and 1 Peter 2:11 we are reminded as Christians that this world is not our home. To quote the grand old finger-snapping hymn, "We're justa passin through"! However, like my bedroom, for many of us its become comfy, predictable, comforting and relaxing; when to God it's something quite different. Its a passin through place where He unashamedly calls us aliens, foreigners, strangers and ambassadors. While sometimes through complacency we see the world as a bedroom, to Him its Lily's Store - something quite different.

One of my favorite titles as a modern-day follower of Christ is 'ambassador'. Though I'm not the best toy in the Happy Meal, I do know that ambassadors are foreign representatives. They live in a strange place very different from their homeland; yet they are serving in an alien culture quite intentionally as aliens. Likewise they serve in a place called an embassy. An embassy is a representative culture in a foreign place that retains the identity of the kingdom in which it was sent. Still with me? Though only a relative few faithfully serve as ambassadors, each represents an entire kingdom, king, population, and way of living. Each is in a foreign territory temporarily. Each speaks a different language, lives uniquely, and recognizes a different sovereign. An embassy is a place where people find help, identity and safety on foreign soil. Ready for this? Believer, you're the ambassador, and the Church is the embassy in which we serve! Each of us is on Kingdom assignment, serving faithfully an undetermined term known only by our King. The cool news is, when our time of service is finished, He'll bring us home and reward our selfless ambassadorship.

So in conclusion, remember your ambassadorship. Now is not our time to sleep and treat this world as our bedroom. This world is not your home. Its an amazing opportunity on our way home. You represent so much more than you could ever imagine. You represent a literal everlasting Kingdom led by a literal benevolent King - Jesus the living Christ!

By the way, I think I'll keep the sign on our door as a good daily reminder. If you stop by, Lily's currently running a 'Clearance Sale'!

Pastor's Perspective - Freely Give!

I think Jesus would have a blog. I'll explain.

Yesterday I had a great day with Dad! Over the course of several hours I read all of 'Matthew' and spent quality time with Him talking about life. As I was enjoying the first gospel I was struck especially by chapter 10, where Jesus sends out His followers to preach, heal, raise the dead and drive out demons. In verse 8 Jesus says something so simple, yet so impacting - "Freely you have received, freely give." The simplicity of that statement rocked me and simultaneously reminded me.

I fell in love with the person, reality and power of Jesus in 1991, when in a valley place in my life He overwhelmed me "freely" with His love, compassion, comfort, hope and direction. Using "real people", He touched me, changed me, marked me. As we began this new walk togther I was humbled that God would choose to use a highly imperfect man like me while I was still in the getting-up process. Yet He showed me quickly that being used for His glory was extraordinarily simple - What Jesus did for you, do for others - What you received, give away - What you learn, share! "Freely you have received, freely give" - the not-so-secret key to happiness.

As preachers, we have ample opportunities to share with others regularly what God has given us through His Word, experiences and opportunities. However, not everybody has that grand opportunity. Until now! Now through blogging all people can freely share with others the truths that God has freely given them. Life is a gift to share - and blogs are effective vehicles to that end.

What has God given you that others can benefit from? What is the Father currently teaching you that may help a fellow traveler on the way? What experience has the Lord held your hand through that might encourage someone bearing a heavy load today? All of us have something to give away!

Yep, I think Jesus would have a blog. Your thoughts?

Pastor's Perspective - There's Nothing Like Family!

Dear FCC Family & Friends,

This past Saturday I had the beautiful opportunity to officiate a child dedication in Vallejo. A sweet young couple in the church went all-out and threw a big party in honor of God's kindness shown through His gift of their baby boy. As a pastor, I'm always honored to participate in the lives and histories of others. Oftentimes we as clergy are there when new life comes into the world, when spiritual new life begins, when marital life begins, and when lives leave this world for the next. Its a beautiful and humbling thing indeed.

I know that its dangerous to encapsulate an entire people in one sentiment, but I'm going to do it any way. I love all people; but, I've got to get something off my chest. Ready? Here goes. I ABSOULTELY LOVE FILIPINO PEOPLE! Ahhhh. That felt great! Why you might ask. Because its just downright true. In my four years of ministry here in NorCal, my love, admiration and appreciation for this beloved community has only increased. Let me explain my statement based on several personal observations:

My Filipino brothers & sisters love:

God - Such humble, serving, abiding faith is a priceless gem to FCC.
Each Other (Family)- They seek out opportunities to be together and serve one another in joy.
To Laugh - Smiles and joking are never in short supply.
To Eat - Enough food? Are you kidding me?!
To Sing - Karaoke rocks!

Saturday (and countless other times) I left that gathering so blessed by the spirit of humility and hospitality so beautifully manifested in the Filipino community. Elders were respected. People laughed. All ages were present,deeply enjoying each other. God was honored. Food and smiles were everywhere. Pictures were snapped. Songs were sung. Gifts were given. Life was celebrated. Culture was embraced. Everone showed up. Everyone belonged. Everyone pitched in. Did I mention food was everywhere?!

Again, I know its dangerous to make such broadstroke statements about an entire culture & people. Sure there's always a few bad eggs. But, I see in the Flipino spirit what I read about in my Bible - love for God and family - authentic love - something so rare in our generation and society.

I'm sincerely grateful for my Filipino brothers & sisters at FCC. If our Savior tarries and the good Lord allows, I look forward to many more years of making warm memories, eating a ridiculous amount of lumpia,and belting out #107 together! I love you dearly.

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Early Fathers Day Gift

Dear FCC Family & Friends,

Last night the Lord gave me an early Father’s Day gift – a timely reminder that moved me deeply.

Two weeks ago our four youngest performed splendidly at their first piano recital. They have been taking weekly lessons for several months from their grandmother (aka “Mae Mae”). Michelle and I just beamed with pride watching each of our little ones dressed in their Sunday best, sitting straight-backed on the piano bench pecking out such timeless classics as ‘Playing on the Monkey Bars’, ‘The Friendly Cat’, ‘Pat-A-Cake Pat-A-Cake’, and ‘It Aint Gonna Rain No More’. To reward their personal achievements, we bought them a summer gift they could all enjoy together – a small inflatable pool.

The pool is only thirteen feet in diameter, so its’ small, but, too big to drain and replenish regularly. So as ‘Dad on Duty’, in short order, I have become the keeper of the pool and an amateur chemist. Every day I run the pump, test the water, skim the surface for leaves and critters, and place a cover over it at nightfall. Which leads me up to last night.

As the sun was setting, I left my family and guests briefly to step outside and dutifully put the cover over the pool. Immediately I was seized by the sight of the area around it. There were wet swimsuits and towels everywhere, Barbie dolls in the grass, floatation “noodles” strewn all over, a new inflatable whale upside down against the fence, and a variety of various splashy things strewn all over the place. My mood began to plummet as I dialogued internally - “Couldn’t these kids at least throw this stuff up on the patio?” “Does stuff have to be everywhere?” “How long does it take to lay a wet bathing suit over a chair to dry?” “Do they not know where the trash can is?” “What would this whole thing look like if I didn’t tend to it daily?” “Why can’t…?” Then my Fathers Day gift came.

Just as quickly as my good mood was taking a flume ride, an inner voice stopped me. With skimming net in hand, the following comments and questions welled up inside of your pastor – “Be joyful that you have children”, “Be grateful that their bodies are strong and healthy, that they can play, splash and swim”, “Their laughter and enjoyment of this pool far outweighs any inconvenience you have”, “Smile son, it’s not that bad”, “Someday, you’re going to wish you had all of this back”.

Friends, my negative outlook quickly melted into humble choked-up gratitude to my heavenly Father. The skimming net even felt lighter! My desire to angrily vent was quickly translated and transformed into four lingering hugs of love and appreciation. So in the end, maybe I am a sucker. But what I do know is, as of last night, I’m thrilled to be my kid’s 45-year-old pool boy.

Thanks for the early gift Dad. It fit perfectly and was just what I needed.

Pastor's Perspective - The "Go" in Goodness

How often in my forty-five trips around the sun have I heard the following statements? - “You know, people are basically good”; or, “All people are good deep down inside.” The same people who say these things in a warm and fuzzy ‘Walton’s Mountain Christmas-time’ moment, haven’t seen the hit & run video I saw yesterday.

Last Friday in Hartford, Connecticut, on a busy street in broad daylight, a video caught a 78-year-old man being tossed like a rag doll into the air by a hit & run driver who callously drove away. As the man lie motionless in the street, several pedestrians gawked but did nothing. One driver stopped briefly then pulled back into traffic. A man on a scooter actually circled the victim before zipping away. Governor M. Jodi Rell said the video is “beyond chilling.” One local commented, “Like a dog they left him there.” Chief Daryl Roberts’ commentary said it all – “We have no regard for each other.”

Jesus told the rich young ruler in Mark 10:18 that “No one is good – except God alone.” Likewise, Paul reminded us in Romans 3:12, “..there is no one who does good, not even one.” So, are we as humans intrinsically good? The Bible gives us an emphatic ‘No’! God is the only One that is good; and the only way we as humans can be in the same vicinity as ‘good’ is when God’s fruit of goodness (Galatians 5:22) flows through us. Jesus elaborates that as “branches”, the only way a human can exhibit true goodness (His goodness!) is by being deliberately connected to the “vine” – Jesus Christ! (John 15:5)

This horrific new story from Hartford reminded me of the story Jesus told, that of the ‘Good Samaritan’; where a severely injured man was ignored by a host of people, until a most unlikely fellow came by and treated the victim the way he himself would want to be treated.

Remember when Cain asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Friends, as modern-day Christ followers, indeed we are our brother’s keepers. The injured are everywhere! Yet we know that only as we deliberately abide/connect with Christ can we become authentic agents and channels of His goodness in Solano County and beyond. As thousands lie spiritually injured all around us, crying out for the help and answers only Jesus provides, we cannot conveniently look away any longer. Jesus never turned a blind eye, and as His ambassadors, neither can we. Let our legacy as a community of faith be – “They loved Jesus, and never turned away from opportunities to do good.”

Pastor's Perspective - Dr. Forrest Pollock

Dear FCC Family & Friends,

You never know when you’re making a beautiful memory.

Five years ago while I was persevering through a challenging season in my life, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with a great man of God – Dr. Forrest Pollock. Forrest, 44, was the lead pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church, a 7,000-member mega-church near my hometown of Tampa.

I was introduced to Dr. Pollock by Bob Anderson, one of his wonderfully dedicated staff pastors. Graciously, the pastor agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me. He met me with a huge contagious smile at the door of his palatial office, hugged me and made me feel like a friend from the old neighborhood. He listened to me, nodded along kindly, encouraged me lovingly from the Word and did something that tattooed itself into my memory. Wearing a nice pressed business suit, Dr. Pollock stood up, walked across the office and kneeled down on the carpet and prayed for me. Here was a shepherd of thousands taking time to love on a fellow brother in the cause, hitting his knees on my behalf – and I’m not even a Baptist!

Five months ago I thought about what that day meant to me and the deep lasting positive impression it left in my soul. I emailed Dr. Pollock and expressed my heart-felt gratitude, a victory letter of how blessed I was ministering to a great congregation in northern California; a letter that was soon read by thousands in the monthly Bell Shoals newsletter. I just had to tell him how a few minutes of his time, and a humble prayer of intercession preached a message I’ll never ever forget.

Today, three thousand miles away, your pastor is mourning with the family of believers of Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Their beloved pastor and his 13-year-old son Preston perished in a private plane accident in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina on Monday morning.

Friends, you never know when you’re making a beautiful memory.

If someone out there made one for you, please take a moment and say thanks while you can.

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Bubble Gum Heroes

Dear Family & Friends,

Are you somebody’s hero today?

Last night our 8-year-old son Sam thoroughly entertained us. His play as a team member of the undefeated (11-0) little league Twins had his family’s undivided knee-slapping attention. Admittedly, the kid is pretty good. But what really entertained us was that throughout his game, Sam had a large wad of bubble gum in his mouth. Throughout the six innings of regulation play, Sam whether at bat or fielding, chewed, blew big bubbles and popped away. I have to admit, seeing my boy out there chompin away all chipmunk-cheeked took me back a few years. My heart swelled with pride – a Daddy thing I guess! It was clear to all of us that my kid has watched many of his big league heroes doing this on television, and last night was his opportunity to imitate them and shine.

As much as we laughed at Sam, it was a good reminder for me and one worth passing along to you – that our children are looking for heroes to imitate; and that their observations have laser clarity.

As a kid my heroes went from sports stars to rock stars and back to sports stars. As an adult my heroes shifted to heroes of the faith (biblical and contemporary) and those who heroically and courageously wear our stars and stripes. Most real heroes I’ve found are only known by a relative few. They humbly live dedicated and content lives, selflessly serving a higher cause by sacrificially serving others. Their quiet integrity is unquestionable, and their definitions of true success always substitute “I” with “We”. They are known not by their flashy skyrocket ascents, but by their consistency and ability to attain and maintain an altitude. The Bible is filled with them, and “real-life” too, if you’ll stop and look.

I believe strongly that the Lord is calling each of us (especially as parents, grandparents and guardians) to be people worth looking up to and worth imitating. Even the apostle Paul encouraged his readers to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). For you see, it’s only as we personally know and fall-in behind Jesus that we become people worth following.

Chew on that!

In the Fight,

Steve Kiefer

Pastor's Perspective - Going or Becoming?

Dear FCC Family & Cherished Friends,

As a parent of four children under ten, the following questions are frequently asked in our minivan – “Where are we going?” and “Are we almost there?”

As a pastor of over four hundred, the following questions are frequently asked in our gatherings – “Where are we going?” and “Are we almost there?”

The Bible is the infallible authority on God’s plan for every member of the human family and every congregation that waves His banner in Christ. From Genesis to ‘Maps’, we read that our Father is more interested in our character than our short-sighted summit attempts. He is more concerned about the authenticity of our kingdom ambassadorship than our self-pleasing success quests. He is into the journey more than the destination – the drive more than the resort – the flight more than meeting Mickey! In other words, He is more interested in who we are becoming, than where we are going – as individuals and as an FCC family. We’ve gotten it backwards! Success, as defined by God, is our transformation, and not our destination.

Where we are going hinges entirely on our ability to surrender to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Only through yielding to His Christ-glorifying work in us daily can we become the congregation and individuals the Lord predestined and desires us to become. Tragically, too many in the Body are hyper-busy and hyper-involved, yet, are not actively becoming. Admittedly, we as the sign-up-sheet-friendly clergy are partly to blame.

Just a reminder, that Christ didn’t suffer for us just to be busy. He suffered that we would become - acceptable and pleasing to His Father; that real life transformation could begin and never cease.

So, the questions are simple, ‘Are you cooperating with Him, or contending?’, ‘Grieving Him, or pleasing Him?’, ‘Going, or becoming?’

The choices are yours.

‘And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit’ – 2 Corinthians 3:18

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Drop Your Weapons!

I’m not a ‘political person’ – especially politics in the church! However, I take great pride in my country and naturally have dreams and concerns about our future as a nation. As a fan of current events, I have been watching the Obama-Clinton dogfight quite closely (not that I have a choice). Today I read that the ‘super-delegates’ have been issued a deadline (July 1st) by which they must cast their lot with one of these two battling senators. This effort is to ensure that the Democrats have ample time to identify and promote their candidate against Republican John McCain this fall.

I’m no Tim Russert, but even a political novice like me knows that this move makes sense. There is a heavyweight bout coming up with the GOP’s best choice; and that to fight and exhaust resources, energy and focus on each other will only weaken the one that eventually prevails.

Friends, as a pastor, I see a similar dynamic at work within many marriages and homes. Too many spouses are fighting each other and viewing each other as the enemy; when the real enemy is in a place of strategic ambiguity and strength. Husbands and wives who were once madly in love and couldn’t live without the other, now become master players of the ‘blame game’. As a result, the real enemy of marriages goes undetected, dancing and skipping around the perimeter, unidentified and winning – while the married combatants duke it out and homes crumble.

Husbands? Wives? Here’s the 411: Your marriage has an enemy, and your spouse is not that enemy! The Bible tells us that our battles are not flesh against flesh, but against unseen spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12). These forces of evil are (literally) hell-bent on destroying all of your God-seeded potential – your lives, your children, your joy, your hope. As long as we see our seen spouses as the enemy, unseen enemies flourish.

It’s time to drop your weapons and see your spouse for who they really are – your God-given helpmate and gift – wedlock and not headlock!

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Pastor's Perspective - Living Commercials

Dear FCC Family & Friends,

I’ve got some mega-important, earth-shattering inquiries for you. Ready?

Which team are you pulling for this ‘Super’ Sunday? Where are you watching the game? Have you planned your menu? In front of what sized television will you and your nachos be parked? And finally, are you looking forward to the myriad of multimillion dollar commercials ahead?

Although I’m a frustrated jock at heart and anticipate the big game first, I admittedly look forward to the laughs and creativity shown through these spots annually – turning a typical 3-hour game into a global marathon event. Some commercials make me howl. Some make me cringe. Some leave me saying, “Wow”. Others leave me with a blank-faced “Huh?” But somehow, despite my personal ratings, this process is all good – one I eagerly look forward to.

Did you know that your life is a commercial? An anticipated one at that!

Before the creation of this garden planet, the one true sovereign God in His perfect forethought creatively planned and orchestrated that you would be His living-breathing commercial in 2008 A.D. With unparalleled genius, our Father anticipated that our brief public lives would appear and make indelible and attractive connections between the people in our community and His epic redemptive love story. Like the commercials we’ll all see this weekend, all of our life commercials are designed with great purpose for great purpose; to make an impact, and in some small way, drawing attention to something grander and higher than ourselves– for something every human soul thirsts and craves – love, belonging and meaning – found only through Jesus Christ.

In the game of life where many are watching and seeking, let your unique life commercial run!

In the Fight,

Steve