Pastor's Perspective - Imagine They Were Right

Imagine they were right.

The Mayans are the ‘they’ I’m talking about.

Imagine if they accurately identified the termination date of the world.

Now, we know the truth. Jesus Himself said twice (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) that no one knows that day or the hour when life as we know it will end. Likewise, theologically speaking, it’s highly unlikely that God would have revealed this kind of global revelation to a polytheistic people who routinely exercised child sacrifice in their worship. Though they were an impressive civilization, they weren’t exactly singing off of God’s hymn sheet!

But, imagine they were right.

Imagine the world was ending, as they predict, just one week from today.

How would that affect the next seven days in your life?

Would you make some overdue phone calls? Would you send out an apology email or two? How would your Facebook posts read? Would you be in church this Sunday? What would your family-time look like? Would the pages of your Bible be turned with greater urgency and interest? How would your conversations with the Lord sound? What would you do with all of the things you’ve accumulated? How would you view the reality of life after death?

Stop and think about it.

Imagine they were right.

Pastor's Perspective - Come Forth As Gold!

A radio preacher said something during a broadcast that has stuck with me for a few days now. He stated in a very matter-of-fact tone, “God offers the choice to every member of the human family – ‘You can burn now, or, you can burn later.’” 

We all know about the elusion to burning later he made. That’s a reality for the unrepentant; those who choose to give God’s gracious invitation through Jesus Christ the Heisman trophy stiff-arm. However, it’s the ‘burning now bunch’ I seem to be counseling the most lately as a minister. Maybe you’re one of them! You’re one of those ‘real people’ we celebrate and open our proverbial arms to here at First Christian. You’re a person who seems to be going through it – and by ‘it’ I mean the confusing, turbulent, disheartening sequence of life events that has left you wondering if God is watching and if He even cares. If that’s you, meet Job!

The Bible describes Job’s life as one blessed beyond compare. He has a wonderful family, wealth, and a stellar reputation, grounded in his high values and adoration of God. But, you know the story. One day everything changes. The benevolent baron from the land of Uz loses everything – almost his life. Gone within a few messengers’ reports is everything in which he found his stability, pride and greatest joy. 

In his torment, his friends come to visit him. What begins as a model of good pastoral care quickly ignites into finger-pointing cross-examination! Surely there is a cause for Job’s disaster. There is a reason Humpty had a great fall. Yet, after forty-two chapters and a special cameo by the Almighty Himself, no reason is ever identified.

As humans, we are meaning machines! We want everything to make sense. We claw at the ‘whys’ of life and long to wrap our craniums around reason and blame. But, in this ancient narrative, one never appears. Leaving us all to wrestle with the facts – God is not like us – He sees a bigger picture – He does whatever He wants whenever He wants with whoever He wants without asking permission first!

As we persevere through the unpredictable  tsunamis  of a fallen world, our thirst for understanding may never be quenched. However, we can hang on to hope – the kind of hope that comes through knowing the true character of God. Listen to Job’s hope – “But he (God) knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (23:10)

Job knew that being an authentic follower did not mean an exemption from hardship. Instead, he knew that in order for God to truly transform him, that the painful fire of trials were necessary. That in order to purify Job and mold Job into a vessel God could use, heat was uncomfortable but essential. God was fully aware (‘knows the way that I take’), and testing, according to Job himself,  wouldn’t last forever. 

How about you? Are you going through it? Hanging on by your fingertips? Wondering when the ‘Broil’ setting will be turned off?

 Hang in there! Rejoice! You are not alone. God has got you! He knows what He is doing. Trust. Surrender. Believe. The Master is burning away the impurities and shaping you for your good, the benefit of others, and ultimately for His glory. And when He is all done, you’ll come forth as gold!

Pastor's Perspective - A Child's Pain

Is there anything worse than seeing one of your children in pain? 

It really doesn’t matter the type of pain – physical – emotional – it’s all just so heart-wrenching to watch as a parent. 

Last Saturday afternoon our 14-year-old Emma was concluding her 2012 soccer season by playing in a ‘Fun Tournament’. At the very conclusion of her very last game, the Fun Tournament lost its fun. Emma, while going for the ball, rolled her ankle and lay writhing on the turf in tears. The side of her foot immediately began to swell dramatically. She was carried off the field and into our minivan for the short drive to the emergency room. As I drove I watched her wince with every bump in the road. Playing soccer all during my youth, I had had many similar injuries, but witnessing my child endure it was a whole different story.

Upon arriving at the ER an x-ray was taken revealing a badly sprained ankle. She left the hospital about an hour later with a new pair of crutches, a prescription and a handy-dandy ice pack. This week she has been a model patient. However, my heart still breaks watching her hobbling along. She’s my child.

Yesterday as I taught my mid-week Bible study on Luke, we talked about the historic ‘Last Supper’. In the infamous upper room, Jesus revealed many things to His friends – the announcement of His betrayal, another’s denial, the secret of ‘greatness’. But, most revealing and revolutionary were His words, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (22:20).

As God-fearing Jews, Jesus’ followers had grown up under the existing (‘old’) covenant; as had their ancestors for almost 1,500 years. It was all they had ever known. Given directly by God to the legendary law-giver Moses, the covenant was sacred ground; something they had all grown up learning about, memorizing, quoting and attempting to live by. During the last Passover meal Jesus would eat with them, He announced the old was ending and the new had come – exclusively through His blood – an anticipated Messianic embodiment of all the Passover event, festival and meal represented – Jeremiah’s prophecy (31:31-34) come true!

As I taught yesterday, I was reminded and shared that the Law (the old covenant) was like Emma’s x-ray on Saturday. It was useful in diagnosing the injury; however, it had no ability to provide the remedy. The law only provided the straight edge of God’s righteousness; thus allowing the people to see in contrast how crooked and broken they really were. It was useful, but, it simply wasn’t enough! What was needed was a better covenant built on better promises, offering better benefits – a remedy and not just an x-ray.

Helpless to cure ourselves of our sin injury and distance from God, the Lord Himself had to provide our remedy and ultimate reconciliation. The only way to satisfy His arm of justice, display His love, and pay the death penalty our rebellion warranted – was to offer up Himself personally - a fully-human substitutionary representative willing to receive the full frontal assault of God’s wrath; yet, a fully-divine perfectly sinless representative to be acceptable. That uniquely qualified person was Jesus Christ – fully man and fully God.

Emma’s injury and my reaction to her injury triggered many thoughts. I wondered..

As God’s gracious remedy for you and I winced and writhed, suspended between earth and sky just outside the Jerusalem wall, what was that like for our heavenly parent?  What emotions did He experience? As His Son’s innocent blood was pouring out on the cross, establishing a new covenant, how His great heart must have broke. Is there anything worse than seeing one of your children in pain?

By His injury we are reconciled.

By His blood we are cleansed.

By His stripes we are healed.

Pastor's Perspective - To Whom 'Appreciation' is Due

I submitted this blog post a few years ago. It is still as pertinent today as it was then and deserves a repost. It is a tribute to my wife Michelle - to whom 'appreciation' is due. 

I’m not sure if the same month we elevate ‘spooky’ and pastors has any connection! Typically, October is designated as ‘Pastor Appreciation Month’. I’m not sure where it began and how long it’s been around. Naturally, we as humans all like to be appreciated in some way or another now and then. Like most pastors I know, we love and believe we are divinely called to what we do, whether appreciated demonstratively or not. However, it does feel kinda warm and snuggly to know that what you pour your life into daily connects with somebody out there. We do what we do ultimately for the Lord and His glory, but a ‘That a boy’ now and then admittedly doesn’t hurt. We were people before we were ‘pastors’!

As I thought about ‘Pastor Appreciation Month’ 2010, I thought about the most overlooked and sometimes most undervalued and underappreciated demographic in our churches. Without this faithful group, there would be no pastor, much less a month to appreciate him in. That group I’m referring to is pastors’ wives. Clearly, without the continual love and prayers, encouragement, support and honest treasured advice from our spouses, we could never do what we do.

The Lord certainly knew what He was doing when He gave Michelle to me as my friend, wife, children’s mother, and cherished ministry partner. For years I’ve told so many, “I get the paycheck, but Chelle is the best minister in the family!” I believe that to be true even today. She not only is an amazing homeschooling mom of four, she runs our household with great efficiency, always has time for family and friends in need, juggles several ministry responsibilities at FCC seemingly effortlessly, and continues to be my greatest confidant and advisor. Over our many years together, she has proven time and time again that she is as reliable as the day is long. If there is anybody on this green garden planet who has my proverbial ‘back’, it’s my bride of almost seventeen years. She is my ‘Proverbs Thirty-One’ gal! Michelle will be the first to tell you, “I didn’t marry a preacher. I married a banker!” She’s right! However, her divine transformation from a banker’s wife in Tampa to a preacher’s wife in California has been her husband’s joy and sweetest gift, for which I will always be exceedingly grateful.

Simply put, anything appreciation-worthy this month is sweet – but must be shared. I could not do what I do without someone humbly and faithfully serving in the proverbial shadows. I know it, and I don’t acknowledge it nearly enough.

I once heard someone say, “Behind every great man is a woman, laughing behind his back!” I’m certainly not a great man. Anything perceived as “great” is Christ in me. But one thing I do know, I have one great wife.

So, to all you amazing pastors’ wives out there, ‘Happy Pastor’s Appreciation Month!’ You’re the true heroes, and each congregation’s greatest blessings. 

Pastor's Perspective - Increase Our Faith!

If you’ve ever visited us at First Christian, you know that there is a simple question I ask the audience weekly, “How many real people came to church?” The response is predictable – loud hoots and hollers! So, I just keep asking.

I have found that there are three prayers the Lord always answers in the affirmative in my life and ministry: “Lord, would you please encourage me?” “Lord, please lead me to someone hurting.” “Lord, help us reach real people.” For those wondering, ‘real people’ are simply those aware of and honest about their needs and challenges – those courageous enough to trust God to heal and help them. At FCC we have plenty of them!

This past week, several of these treasured friends shared with me honestly and with great transparency a herculean obstacle in their paths – forgiveness. As I looked at each face, I began to rewind their stories in my mind. Some had been severely abused and neglected. Some were the victims of violent acts. Some were battered verbally, still hemorrhaging emotionally from the cruel careless words of others.

Contrary to some beliefs, I believe that you can teach an old dog new tricks! As I listened to their struggle to forgive their predators, I thought about how the younger version of me as a man and minister would have responded in a far different way. As a younger less-experienced man, I would have been much quicker to be pragmatic – throw them a few pertinent verses – maybe a well-worn cliché about forgiveness – then move on. Yet, the current version of me listened. I listened to their anger and resentment. I listened to their hesitations about finally cutting the proverbial line – and letting their tormenters swim away. Real life and grey hair reminded me of the many times I needed to forgive and needed to be forgiven.

I reminded them, as I do you (my reader) today, that God often calls us to do difficult things – things that are fiercely opposed to our nature. He asks us to not only forgive our enemies but to also pray for them and bless them. Why? Because that is exactly what He did for us and modeled for us – even to those who crucified Him.

Its somehow comforting to know that Jesus’ apostles struggled with this whole forgiveness thing also. In Luke 17:5, realizing the demand to forgive, ‘The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”’ This is too much Lord! You don’t know what you’re asking us to do! We can’t do it! You’ve got to pour something more into us in order for us to forgive – really forgive.

The beauty is that God never asks us to do anything that He didn’t do first; and, that with His personal help we cannot accomplish. In the natural we can’t do it; but with a supernatural God in the loop – we can! It would be a cruel father who would ask his children to do something impossible. Our Father is not a cruel father! Instead, with intimacy, engagement and empowerment, He does it with us and through us. It’s only in Christ that we can do all things.

Recently I shared a good litmus test for identifying the ones we must forgive. Here it is: If there is a person in your past, that if you heard they had become a Christian, and, that they were now a totally different person – and that report made you bristle with anger – that is the person you must forgive!

Friend, if you’re one of those real people I mentioned struggling to forgive, let me encourage you with a few things.

First, forgiving is not about forgetting. You’ll most likely always remember what someone else recklessly did in your life. However, with God and time, the pain of that person’s actions will diminish.

Second, forgiveness is a process. It takes time; but, it must start for your own well-being.

Third, forgiveness ultimately helps you and enables you to walk in true freedom.

Lastly, forgiveness honors God and models His life and reality here on earth.

The good news is that Jesus went on to say in Luke that if you have just seed-sized faith, you can do the most challenging things the authentic Christian life requires. So, when it comes to forgiveness…

You can do it.

For your sake, you must do it.

Lord, increase our faith!

Pastor's Perspective - What's Your Thing?

Recently our beautiful 12-year-old daughter Abigail gleefully announced to my wife Michelle, “Momma, I’ve found my thing!”

For those of you readers who have never met our Abi, she is an amazingly gifted child. She is high-energy personified, with the rare ability to see something once and do it perfectly – better than the one she watched!

Over the years Abi has tried her hand at many things – soccer, dance, even hip hop. Each, predictably, she excelled in immediately. However, recently we found the thing Abi really loves – cheerleading!

Last month she joined the ranks of the local Solano Mustangs football league. She practices hard every evening and logs over eleven hours each week. Her diligence and preparation shine! Each Saturday she takes her place within her squad and really gets the crowd going. As a matter of fact, after her very first game a few weeks ago, she was awarded the coveted ‘Spirit Stick’ (Yep, that’s her holding it in the picture). So, with pride in our hearts each Saturday watching our little girl from the stands, we as Abi’s family have to agree with her – she indeed has found her thing.

Let me ask you a question.

What’s your thing?

Have you found it yet?

Are you actively doing your thing?

Are you courageously experimenting with different things – looking for yours?

As modern-day disciples of Jesus, we are assured in Scripture that each one of us has a thing – something unique – divinely invested – given for the good and glory of the church – and for the benefit of countless others.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul tells us that each one of us is a part of the body of Christ (verse 27), and that our place in it is divinely arranged (verse 18) as God determines (verse 11). In other words, when it comes to the church – you have ‘a thing’!

Here are just a few helpful hints in identifying yours:

-What have you always wanted to do?

-What do you like to do?

-What do you frequently think about doing?

-What seems to come easy for you?

-What do others say you do well and derive a personal blessing from?

Friend, that’s your thing!

Pastor's Perspective - A Stroke of Love

Since my earliest recollection, I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Word of God; however, admittedly, I love seeing it more! This morning I got to see it in heart-warming action. Let me tell you about it.

Two years ago a beloved member here at First Christian named Lynn Stone experienced a devastating and debilitating stroke. Through God’s matchless kindness, Lynn survived. Her speech and mobility were affected, but again, the great news was she survived! Through the Lord’s faithfulness and therapy she has made tremendous rehabilitative strides.

For two years I’ve prayed with and for Lynn. Through this unwelcomed episode and chapter in her life, I began to see a new Lynn emerge. I thoroughly loved and appreciated the former version; but, there was a newness about her – a newness that radiated unashamedly for Christ to all who meet her.

Several months ago Lynn approached me rather nervously about something she believed the Lord had put on her heart – a new monthly peer support group ministry for stroke survivors – one she was willing to create, promote, coordinate and lead. Her desire was that victims of stroke would know how much they are valued, and that they could be heard and encouraged.

Over the course of several months, by the Lord’s generous kindness, Lynn has created a team of compassionate medical people inside and outside the church who understand the special needs of stroke survivors and their families. The result is a brand new ministry called ‘A Stroke of Love’, and they are meeting right now for the very first time here in the building as I type this!

The Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthian believers that God is the ‘God of all comfort’. But he didn’t stop writing there! He continued that God comforts us in our troubles “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Did you get that?

The desired divine objective is that what we receive from God would be transferred to others. That ultimately, what we receive from God is to be given away for His glory and in His name – something Lynn is doing beautifully in her life. She learned first-hand, and is inspiring others here at FCC with the fact, that ministries are sometimes created in the most unusual and mysterious ways – but we all have one!

What has God done in your life? How has He healed and comforted you? What has He pulled you through?

Friend, that’s your ministry! 

Pastor's Perspective - Isolation Destroys!

In my many years of ministry, I have prided myself on maintaining an ‘open-door policy’. One of my many desires is that the people I serve and serve with would know that I sincerely love them, and, that they would view me as friendly, accessible and hospitable. Admittedly, this ‘yall come in’ down-home approach can come with its snags; but, overall, I’m glad it’s still a part of my ministerial DNA.

Many of the people who wander into my office unannounced are lonely. They are looking for someone who will smile at them, be willing to know their names and hear their stories, and somehow reaffirm that their presence on the planet still matters. Many live highly isolated lives, brought on by years of rejection, shame, addiction, mental illness, fear and rebellion. I have repeatedly witnessed that ultimately and predictably -isolation destroys.

Sometimes fundamentally forgotten is the fact that we were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); and that God in His divine essence is a communal Being - that community is an essential component in growing, thriving and attaining and maintaining a healthy sense of wellbeing. In other words, we need each other! Though autonomy continuously beckons to somehow satisfy, I need you and you need me.

For years I have preached that the devil isn’t really doing anything new. He’s just repackaging the old and proven in new enticing ways. Yet his hooks for our demise are baited specifically, his overall plan for each of us is isolation.

Why?

Because we are easier to destroy that way!

Jesus called the enemy of our souls a robber, a killer and a destroyer (John 10:10), who easily accomplishes those sinister objectives via isolation. In other words, you’re easier to destroy apart from the security and safety of the pack. Nature proves that a small grouping of lionesses don’t carelessly and recklessly go charging headlong into a herd of gazelles. Instead, they patiently hunker down in the tall grass and watch – intentionally identifying the young, the old, the weak, and the injured – easy pickins.

Friend, if you are drifting into destructive isolation, it’s time to rejoin the herd! See isolation for what it really is – the enemy’s attack plan against your potential and life.

If you know of someone drifting into destructive isolation, it’s time to do the loving thing, by bringing them back into healthy community. This will take love, persistence and courage in many cases; but it will save lives. Identify and love a stray today!

Certainly, isolation for the purpose of reflection, meditation, rest and prayer is good for a season; but, was never intended to be a lifestyle!

Remember, isolation destroys.

Pastor's Perspective - Spiritual Compromise

A New York family bought a ranch out West where they intended to raise cattle. Friends visited and asked if the ranch had a name. "Well," said the would-be cattleman, "I wanted to name it the Bar-J. My wife favored Suzy-Q, one son liked the Flying-W, and the other wanted the Lazy-Y. So we're calling it the Bar-J-Suzy-Q-Flying-W-Lazy-Y." The visiting friend asked, “So where are the cattle?” The cattleman replied, "None survived the branding." 


Just a humorous reminder that compromise can be deadly - especially SPIRITUAL compromise!


Remember, its about standing on the promises - and not just sitting on the premises.

Pastor's Perspective - International God of Mystery

King David wrote that, ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it;”

In the last several months the Lord has proved as only He can, that He is truly an international God - sovereign and able to effortlessly cross borders and cultures and have His way – effortlessly. He alone is the international God of mystery!

Over six years ago a young man from western Kenya began attending the church I pastor with his dear young family. In my time with him, I quickly learned his extraordinary story. He had grown up in extreme poverty in a remote village. He was bright and ambitious and sailed through primary school. However, in his culture, secondary school was a luxury few could afford, requiring tuition, a uniform, boarding and travel expenses. Through the Lord’s graciousness, Anthony was sponsored! Not only did he excel in secondary school, but through the kindness of God and a gentleman from New York, attended university in Nairobi – a dream come true. It was while he was living in Nairobi that he met his precious wife Tricia, an American girl and wonderful educator doing humanitarian work there. They met, hit it off, and the rest is history! Anthony moved here to where his bride was raised, they married and began their family, and started faithfully attending and serving at FCC.

Anthony and Tricia shared with a few of us the overwhelming need back in Kenya; especially the plight of HIV orphans who were malnourished and unable to even attend primary school. We all agreed that something had to be done! With courage and love, they began a non-profit called Operation Orphans International. Over the years they have been able to feed, clothe, and sponsor countless orphans and be a blessing to Anthony’s former community at large.

Several years ago my wife Michelle traveled to this village with our daughter Emma. Last year I flew over and experienced it firsthand with several from the church. Seeing the sea of precious faces deeply moved us all. The task of feeding and clothing them was daunting enough – but how would they ever have the educational opportunities Anthony experienced? They didn’t have the funds. They didn’t have a secondary school nearby.

But God had a plan.

Several years ago Michelle flew to Brisbane, Australia with a few other women from the church to partner and serve with our dear ministry friend Bronwen Healy and the Hope Foundation. During a casual get-together one night, Michelle happened to meet one of Bronwen’s friends named Ryan Williams. Ryan heard Michelle mention the word “orphans” and lit up! He excitedly explained that he buildt dormitories and orphanages in his native Botswana, and has a strong burden for of all countries – Kenya!

Fast forward three years.

Michelle gets a message from Ryan that he for some mysterious reason unknown to him has a short overnight layover in San Francisco, and could we meet? I thought it was a stellar idea that could only get more stellar if we brought Anthony and Tricia. So we did. We all met at a restaurant near the airport, sat down and God did the rest!

So, as I type this, we have FCC people on the field in Kenya preparing the foundation for a secondary school right where the orphans live and go to school! In two weeks, a team from Australia led by Ryan will arrive and build it.

What I’m saying is – A guy from Kenya happened to be lavishly sponsored by a guy from New York. He happened to meet and marry an American girl and moved here. He had a passionate dream he happened to shared with some Californians. One Californian happened to meet a man from Botswana who happened to be in Brisbane who happened to have a heart for Kenya who just happened to have an unanticipated layover in San Francisco!

Did you get all of that?!

Bottom-line.

We honor, serve and worship an international God of mystery – and to Him be all the glory and praise forever!