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