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