I First

Good Friday

2008-03-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

i-first

03-21-08

•Luke 23:34: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
When I read these words - said while Jesus was hanging on Calvary’s Cross and spoken to those who were hurling insults and condemning Him – I realize that God’s Grace is Not Only beyond our ability - It is beyond our understanding and comprehension. As we sit on this side of 2,000 years of God’s grace dispensed through the Cross of Jesus, we can be blind to the full extent of God’s Grace.

What do I mean when I say that we do not comprehend God’s grace? As you read Luke 23, people surrounded Jesus’ Cross mockingly telling him to “save himself.” Here are a few examples:

•Verse 35 -The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
•Verse 37 - The soldiers … said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
•Verse 39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
•Matt. 27:41- 42 …Chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!

Everyone was crying out: SAVE YOURSELF. However, Jesus was not there to SAVE HIMSELF. When you think that Jesus is the King of Kings; nothing that happens on the cross makes sense - until you look closely - and realize what He is doing. Jesus is not there to save Himself. Even though He was on the Cross, Jesus did not NEED to be saved. Jesus was there to save us – not himself.

When you see this bleeding, naked, suffering, beaten, bruised SAVIOR … It is beyond our comprehension and our understanding. You ask: IS THIS WHAT I NEED? The answer is YES!!! This is what I need because this is what You and I do to a perfect lamb. This is what we do to holiness. This is what we do to purity. This is what you and I do to God’s way, God’s Will, and God’s SON.

What does Jesus mean when He says: “They do not know what they are doing?”
Did they not know they were crucifying someone? They knew they were nailing His hands to a cross. They knew they were condemning a sinless person. The Roman Soldier said, “Surely, He was the Son of God.” What did Jesus mean, “They do not know what they are doing”? They could not know what they were doing – until they understood what Jesus was doing. Jesus was not there to save himself – He was there saving us.

They were so bound by sin – they didn’t know that Jesus was dying their death – taking their punishment. Our sin keeps God’s grace from us. Our sin keeps God from moving in our life. Our sin keeps us from fully understanding our blindness.
• Col. 2:13-14 When you were dead in your sins and in … your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, … that were against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

Our sin comes against us … it stands opposed to us - and keeps us from God. But Jesus took it away, nailing it to the Cross. Our unpayable debt was paid. Sin’s incurable wound was healed. The demands of justice and wrath, which could not be settled by our actions, are fully settled by God Himself - through Jesus’ death. Not until you know what Jesus did for us, do you fully understand what you are doing when you sin. It was not only the Roman soldiers that nailed Jesus’ hands to the cross – it was your sin and mine that drove those nails in His hands. And what was His response? ... Forgive them!

William Wilberforce told a friend moments before he died: I am a great sinner ... and Jesus is a great Savior! It is the simple truth. Happy Easter!

He is Risen!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Thursday

2008-03-20T03:32:00.000-07:00

i-first

03-20-08

When I read Jesus’ prayer on the Cross: Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing – I realize with God’s grace – No person is beyond Hope. No one is beyond God’s Forgiveness and no one is beyond God’s reach. They may be way beyond my grace - but not God’s grace.

When Jesus prayed this prayer, He is praying for the mob who is crucifying Him. Who one week earlier was cheering for him ... He was praying for the Pharisees who plotted his demise and instigated Judas to betray him ... He was praying for the Romans who were driving the spikes in his hand ... He is praying for those who were gambling for His robe. As you read the accounts of this story, it reads: they heaped insults on Jesus.

If there ever was a group that you would expect to be beyond the reach of God’s grace, would it not be this crowd? They physically drove the spikes in His hands and feet. With their mouths - they jeered and blasphemed the Son of God. BUT there is no one beyond God’s grace. No matter what you have done - when Jesus prayed: Father Forgive them - It was not only for the people surrounding that cross; He prayed that prayer for you and me.

Have you ever decided not to be gracious to someone? Your grace may have limits, but God calls us to give others His grace. However, when we judge others; we are saying that they are “beyond hope.” When we decide to let bitterness stay in our heart, we are saying that they are “beyond our grace.” When we get angry, distance ourselves, severe relationships, or criticize - we are saying that someone is “beyond my grace.” No one is beyond the reach of God’s Grace.

Today, realize that you will never be beyond God’s grace ... and neither will the person that you feel has so deeply hurt you. Now you see why it is so hard for us to understand and grasp God’s grace. As long as we keep it sterile and tame and reasonable - we can manage it. But when you encounter the true dimensions of God’s grace - it is tough to grasp. It is the most radical and preposterous thing that has ever been done in the name of love. When Jesus prayed: Father Forgive them ... He showed us the depth of God’s grace because no one is beyond God’s grace.

Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Don’t forget all that is planned for this Easter weekend:
• Resurrection Trail: Friday @11:30AM – 1:30PM; 5:30PM – 6:45PM
• Easter Musical: Every Tongue Shall Confess: Friday and Saturday @ 7PM
• Easter Sunday Morning Services

Wednesday

2008-03-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

i-first

03-19-08

As we approach Good Friday, let us remember that the Cross should never be taken lightly or casually. It demands our full attention, reverence, and passion. It is amazing to consider not only what Jesus did on the Cross, but also to consider what Jesus said on the Cross. This week, we are considering Jesus’ words:
Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing! It is the Bible’s most vivid display of grace.

I was surprised to discover that Jesus never used the word GRACE, even though John said that Jesus was full of Grace and Truth. Though He never said the word, Jesus always taught it and lived it. He told of the Prodigal Son; He forgave a woman caught in adultery; and He was anointed with oil by a woman whose reputation was dark. Even though there is no definition of grace in the New Testament, it is on every page.

The Root of the Word is from the Hebrew term meaning: “To bend” or “to stoop.” The idea is that the person who stoops or bends does something for the person that they cannot do for themselves. Donald Barnehouse said: Love that Goes upward is worship! Love that goes outward is compassion! Love that Stoops is GRACE!
Grace makes God personal in the areas of our life where we need Him most. – usually when we are fighting him the most – in this case – they were killing Him.
Still recovering from back surgery, there are a few things that I cannot do. My six-year old daughter, Izzie, ran up to me the other day saying: Dada, dada – pick me up (she had hurt her knee and needed a DADDY KISS to make it all better). As I bent over – I felt the strain in my back. So, I got on my knees – on Izzie’s level to kiss her knee, hug her and love her. I needed to get on her level to adequately love her. I stooped down to where she needed me most – to do what she could not do for herself. That is what God does for us every day.

As I read the story of the Cross in Luke 23, I learn some wonderful truths about God’s grace. Today we learn, In Our Weakest Moments, God’s Grace Flows Supernaturally. (v. 32-37)

Throughout His whole ministry, Jesus FORGAVE SINS. In Mark 2, when He was at Capernaum, a paralytic was brought to Jesus through the roof. As Jesus accessed the situation, before He said: Take up your bed and walk; He said, “Your SINS are forgiven!” The Scribes and Pharisees were agitated and argued: “Only God can forgive sins.” Jesus answered: The Son of Man has POWER (or the Authority) to forgive sins. (Mk. 2:10) Jesus spoke this as God – as He does throughout the whole New Testament. But in Luke 23 – on the cross – he speaks differently.

Here on the Cross, Jesus spoke this prayer as a human being - not as God. Here, he asks the Father to forgive. Why? On the Cross, Jesus was dying for mankind, as a man. He is weak and dying; and he shows the way We must live - in the most painful situations of life. God wants us to live supernaturally in the toughest of times. In our weakest moments, there is a source other than your EMOTIONS or sin, or pain. In the most painful situations of life, when we are threatened the most - it is God’s love and God’s grace and God’s power we must tap into. That is why Jesus cried out: Father, Forgive them – He was tapping into God’s grace. There is no resource in you and me to do this - But we must open the door for God to STOOP and ENTER into our life.

Jesus’ hands could no longer stretch and touch people. Now they are nailed to a Cross. When His hands could no longer reach out and give mercy and grace and forgiveness; Jesus prays: Father Forgive them. Jesus realized: WHEN WE CANNOT - GOD CAN! God’s Grace comes - not when we are filled with a reservoir of warm love. God’s Grace comes in our weakest moments. I don’t know if this means that Jesus didn’t have the grace to forgive at that moment. But we can be certain that it means, at times of our weakest and most limited emotions,
God’s grace is required. We must have God’s grace to do God’s will.

When we are in our weakest moment, we are taken out of our shape and into God’s shape because you are never more like God than when you are forgiving. At our weakest time; our anger, our perfectionism, our masks can arise or God’s grace can be called upon.

You are not called to manufacture the grace needed to meet your challenge in life. No one can. You are called only to be a GRACE DISPENSER! On Sunday morning, I held up one of my favorite things in life – a gumball dispenser (I think my secretary removed all the red gumballs so that I would not be tempted while I preached). Dispensers only dispense – they do not manufacture gumballs. We do not manufacture grace – it is our job to only DISTRIBUTE IT. This is why; in the midst of cursing, hatred, murder and pain; Jesus looks at those who were crucifying Him and prays: - Father forgive them! In our weakest moments - we are to dispense God’s grace.

Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

2008-03-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

i-first

03-18-08

As we approach this holiday weekend, we take a look at one of the most poignant moments in the Bible. As Jesus hung on the Cross, He spoke seven different times. From the Cross, Jesus gave us a picture of God’s heart.

On His way to Golgotha, Jesus had been cruelly mocked by the soldiers and scorned by the crowds that gathered all along the way ... He had been unjustly tried six times the previous evening ... At every trial, he was beaten, whipped, and slapped ... the soldiers placed a crown of thorns upon his head to ridicule His true position ... He was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter ... He was nailed to a cross and had spikes drilled into his hands and a spear thrust into his side ... The King of Kings hung there humiliated and naked and taunted. By this time, hundreds of people had spat upon him and jeered him with their words. One thief that hung on a cross next to him, made fun of him; and the Pharisees belittled him.

After all this, Jesus prayed for these people. He prayed for the soldiers who were executing him. He cried out to God for the crowds that were mocking him and the Pharisees who had plotted against him. With His last breath, Jesus prayed for the disciples who had betrayed him and the criminal beside him.

It was a symphony of rejection, cruelty, and pride coming together to scorn the Lord of Lords. And in the face of all of this ...for all these people Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.

It is the most vivid picture of GOD’S GRACE in the Bible. Never did a moment reveal anyone’s character like this moment revealed who Jesus was. This moment showed us God at His best and humanity at their worst. And those two elements – God at His Best and Humanity at their worst – demands God’s Grace. This scene reveals a great contrast between God’s grace and our selfish heart.

If you had a 10 year old son that had your looks, your eyes, and your hair; imagine that one day, the most horrific thing happened. Imagine that one terrible dark day, a criminal, in his sin, horribly murdered you son. How would you respond? On the Cross, we see how God responded.

·If you used every means (legal and illegal) to track this criminal down and then to have him KILLED for his crime – that would be VENGANCE!

·If you apprehended this individual; and he was convicted and suffers the appropriate punitive sentence in jail or even the death sentence - This would be JUSTICE (if you look in the eyes of many family members of those who have suffered the loss of a loved one at the hands of a criminal – you discover that even the death sentence is not enough justice – our hearts are not given to justice).

·If you would seize this person; find him to be guilty in a fair manner; and then you forgave them. You admittedly would carry the hurt for the rest of your life but you desired to act upon this deep scar. So, you would pardon this person while you carried the pain and hurt ... That would be HUMAN GRACE and MERCY.

·If you would capture this Criminal – and find them GUILTY; and you then forgave the criminal and treated him as if he never committed the act. In addition, you would take on his shackles and serve his sentence in prison– and then invite the very criminal who killed your son into your home and adopt this person as your son - This would be GOD’S GRACE!

There is not a person reading this article that would and could do this. But this is what Jesus did on the CROSS and it is how God cares for us each and every moment. God’s grace is not only beyond our ability – it is beyond our comprehension.

As Good Friday approaches this Friday, may we remember that God loves us and treats us with a grace that is beyond our comprehension. It is not grasped with our mind or our emotions. It must be received in our heart ... and it can only be encountered as you see the pure son of God on the Cross praying: Father, Forgive them ... for they do not know what they are doing.

May His grace fill your life and heart today!

Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Friday 3-7-08

2008-03-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

i-first

3-07-08

It was just nine days after my surgery. Watching my family leave for Sunday morning service was more difficult than I could have imagined. So, I decided to take a long hot bath. I closed all the blinds and drapes; turned on my favorite worship CD and relaxed in the tub. After just a few minutes – something strange started happening. The lights flickered on and off, the clocks started to flash and in a few moments all electricity went out ... it was a total black.

It was apparent that this morning was not normal. I could smell smoke in the air and ash was falling from the sky. The sun darkened to a dark red color as it seemed to be nighttime at 10am. Fires were raging out of control from Santa Clarita to San Diego. The power was out throughout Southern California. My bathroom was now filled with darkness. There was no light coming in from anywhere and there I sat in pain with no music, no light, no candles, and no help to get out of the tub. Darkness can be a terrifying experience.

In the Old and New Testament, darkness is used to describe the condition that engulfs any person who is separated from God by sin. Darkness is more than the absence of light - it is a spiritual condition. In war, most attacks are at night because darkness leaves people vulnerable. That is why Jesus challenges His followers to become a light to those who are blinded by Spiritual Darkness. Jesus said: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. (Matt 5:14 Message) To become an effective light to people in darkness – we must understand what it is like to be in total darkness.

First, darkness confuses one’s surroundings. When someone is in darkness, they cannot see what is before them, what is behind or what is around them—they are confused about their surroundings because darkness blinds our ability to see and discern our circumstances. When you are in total Darkness - not only are you confused about everything that is around you - you are overwhelmed by it. Jesus said: “The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.”(John 12:35). The person in darkness doesn’t know where they are going; where they came from; or where they are at! Why? Because darkness confuses our surrounding.

Second, darkness also conceals our identity. When you are in darkness - you can’t see yourself. You cannot identify anything about your true identity – because it is hidden by the darkness. This is why so many people are trying to find themselves in the acceptance and love of others. They try to find their self-worth and esteem in how others view and accept them. This is a sad and empty place to be in life – and it comes from being in the dark.

Because of the darkness of sin, too many people do not know and cannot see how wonderful God has made them, how special they are, and that God’s love is all around them – all because darkness conceals our identity.

There is a children’s party game that you and I have all played. It is called: Pin the Tail on the Donkey. You blindfold a person, place a donkey (a picture of one) on the wall; and have the child try to pin the tail somewhere on that donkey. Simple? Not when you are in the dark. In darkness, you are not even sure where a tail belongs on a donkey. If it could do that to your sense of identity to a donkey, how can it conceal your identity?

Lastly, darkness confines you to feeling. Those in darkness must feel their way. That morning in the tub, I had to feel my way back to the towel rack, into the closet, and back to bed. In the darkness, I had to go by my ability to feel. Darkness forces you to live by your feelings.
Darkness leaves you vulnerable, empty, and in need of help because it confuses your surroundings, conceals your identity, and confines you to your feelings.

One evening, as I was driving from Meadville, PA to Erie, PA many years ago; it was snowing so heavily that I had zero visibility. I was unable to see the end of the hood of my vehicle. The four lanes of Interstate 79 had become invisible. There were no visible traffic lanes, no guard rails and no dividers – I could only see snow. Out of nowhere a Volkswagen was headed in my direction, missing my car by only inches. As soon as I was able, I pulled to the side of the road to a safe place and waited until the snowfall slowed down. In those conditions, I could have easily ended up driving into a ditch. Darkness can be overwhelming.

Every person in darkness needs every follower of Jesus to be the light to a dark world. Why in the world are we in the world? To be light to a dark world. Let your light shine!

Passionately Serving Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

2008-03-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

i-first

03-05-08

As we are starting a time in which we focus on Reaching The Lost, we are reminded of one of our core purposes: Evangelism.

We Serve God by Serving Others. Jesus compelled us to “look to the fields – for they are white and ready for harvest.” Here are some numbers for you to consider that show us that the fields are still white and ready:

6.6 billion The is the number of people that are alive on earth today

4.6 billion The number of people that are lost and do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

200 million The number of people who are martyred for their faith each year.

100 million The number of adults who are lost and do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ – in the USA (this number does not include children).

44% The percentage of adults who have left or abandoned their faith or have switched religious affiliations in the US.
(recent Pew Forum report)

1 The number of Lost people for which I encourage you to prayer this week. Start with one --- then let God seed a burden in your heart for the Lost.

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Monday 3-3-08

2008-03-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

i-first

03-03-08

As Jesus wrestled with the last days of His life and what laid ahead for Him, He turned His thoughts to His disciple. In His life, He had called them into a whole new Kingdom. And these were His thoughts as He prayed to God in John 17:
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do …For they (his followers) are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it … As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17: 4,14b,15,16,18)

Jesus made it clear; the kingdom to which He belonged was not of this world.
He accentuated this idea again and again in this prayer, He was not of this world and His Kingdom was not of this world. Jesus then carried it further. He said: “All those who believe in me will be hated by this world because they are not of this world.

Not of this world? What was Jesus talking about when He said that we are not of this world? So, there would be no doubt, He repeated this idea one more time: Father, I am not praying that you take them out of this world - but that you save them from the evil one - For they are not of this world. Jesus said it again; we are not of this world!

This is a difficult idea to fully grasp. After all, I wear clothes of this world; I wear shoes of this world; I breathe the air of this world; I eat the food of this world; I live in a house of this world and drive a car of this world. Am I really not of this world? So, why am I here if I don’t belong to this world? If I am not of this world, than what in the world am I doing in this world?

It is almost as if Jesus anticipated our limited reasoning and He knew that we would ask: “If I am not OF this world, what in the world am I doing in this world?” He continued his prayer by saying: “I am here because the Father sent me...” Jesus came to do the will of the Father. He was on earth because He was on a Divine mission. He was here for a reason ... And then He turns to the disciples and says: As the Father has sent me; so send I you. He couldn’t make it clearer. There is no way to get it mixed up.

If you are in Christ, then you are in His Kingdom.
If you are in the Kingdom of God, then you are not of this world.
If you are not of this world, then you have been sent BY JESUS on a Divine Mission to this world. We are not here to be part of this world but we are here to be salt and light to this world. We are here to rescue the Lost. We must Know Why We Are Here. We must have a clear answer to the question: Why ... In the World ... are we In the World?

Jesus repeated three different images throughout His teaching that He commissioned us to be and become. They are more than a MISSIONS program – they are our mission while we are In the WORLD. When we forget these three assignments that we are to fulfill – we forget that we are not OF this WORLD and we start to become part of this world. You and I are sent INTO this world – just as Jesus was sent from Heaven – for a purpose. Jesus described our role on earth in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount:

Matt 5:13-16 (The Message) Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

We are here for a reason. It is how our lives will be judged. It is what will bring true fulfillment. It is why we were shaped and designed by God. You have an assignment from God.

At the beginning of each of the Mission Impossible episodes (I am thinking about the old TV version), Mr. Phelps received a package and some device that would explode or dissolve in 10 seconds ... but they always contained an assignment. They were always great challenges. They were impossible missions. But then after all, if they were easy – none of us would have watched the program. This week, I am calling you to a life that is worth living, a divine assignment, and an impossible mission.

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Tuesday 3-4-08

2008-03-04T03:29:00.000-08:00

i-first

03-04-08

All of a person’s senses bring pleasure and joy to life. I love to smell fresh baked bread. I love to see the sun set over the Channel Island and the Pacific Ocean. I love to hear beautifully performed classical or Jazz music. I love how God has given us wonderful receptors of pleasure called our senses. I love every sense that God gave to us - but none of my senses can bring more pleasure than tasting something. For an Italian, losing one’s ability to taste is a death sentence. When I bite into a well-made canola – all of life is good. I love to taste life, I love to taste the joy of my five year old daughter hugging me – we were created to taste life. B

However, when someone’s heart is damaged by sin and pain – one can lose their ability to taste life. Marie Antoinette once said in misery: Nothing tastes! It is this empty feeling that Jesus detected in the lives of humanity when He called His followers to be the SALT of the earth. It is one of the answers to the compelling question which we asked yesterday: why in the world am I in the world? We, as believers, are in the world to be the Salt of the Earth. We are to be Salt to a tasteless world. Jesus said it like this:
• Matt 5:13-16 (The Message): Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Salt was possibly the most dominant spice in Jesus’ days. And He gave us the vivid assignment to be SALT to a TASTELESS WORLD – giving God-flavoring to those who have lost their taste buds for life. I see it everyday – people have lost their ability to taste joy, peace, and satisfaction in life. Mick Jagger sang about this years ago, when he whined: I can’t get no ... satisfaction! But I try ...

Like salt, life can lose its saltiness; it can lose its taste. When Salt loses its taste – it loses its quality. There are two different groups of people to which Jesus is referring as having lost their taste. First, a person loses their sense of taste, sensitivity, or sense of life – through sin. A person in sin has lost their taste of life – even though they are possessed and captivated by trying to find more flavor. Sin causes us to lose our ability to taste.

Have you ever seen commercials that give warnings about the side effects of a medicine? Their warnings read like this: Taking this medicine can cause lose of hair, dizziness or the heart break of psoriasis! I have even read one that claimed: This medicine can cause loss of taste. In Eph 4:17-19: Paul tells us that SIN should have a warning label that says: WILL CAUSE LOST OF ALL SENSITIVITY and TASTE.

• Eph 4:17-19: So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

Let’s take a closer look at these verses – it speaks of how sin causes a person to lose all sensitivity and ability to TASTE LIFE and God. When that happens, a person actually turns themselves over to the worst slave-driver known: sensuality. Paul begins by claiming that this state of lost sensitivity and loss of one’s ability to taste life comes from a hardening of the heart. Paul gives us a fascinating picture when he describes a hardened heart. This term can be interpreted: hardened; callous; or blinded ... but what it literally means is to be PETRIFIED like a piece of petrified wood.

Have you ever seen a piece of petrified wood? Its name actually comes from this Greek word for a hardened heart. Petrified wood is fossilized wood in which all the ORGANIC (living) material of that wood has been replaced by minerals or rock - while retaining the original structure and appearance of the wood. This process occurs underground where the living material in the wood is depraved of all OXYGEN.

Get the picture: Because a heart does not have OXYGEN or breath ( HOLY SPIRIT life) from God pumping through it chambers to pump God through every vein of a person’s life – all living parts of that person’s heart are replaced by something that resembles the life of God – but actually snuffs out all life – through Sensuality. Sin replaces all living material with something that is as dead as rock – all while camouflaging your heart to appear untouched. Stone cannot taste life ... a piece of petrified wood only looks alive – but it is very much dead. This world has lost all ability to taste life and joy – because sin has petrified their hearts. And to a tasteless and petrified world, we are called to be God-flavoring.

Matt 5:13-16 (The Message): Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

In Alice Walker’s award winning novel, The Color Purple, a young black girl named Celie, whose life was abused, used, and misused came to a wonderful discovery about God. Because of all the pain and heartache in her life, her whole world became grey at best. Because of all her pain – life was tasteless. But her sister Nettie, who became a missionary – told her that God gives us unexpected gifts to keep our heart alive. Celie’s favorite gift in times of despair was the simple yet amazing experience of seeing how God can line a whole meadow with the Color Purple of flowers. In simple ways, God can color even a grey world purple. There is nothing that can fill a life with joy more than God’s ability to fill our life with God-flavoring.

A young five year old boy, once wrote to God: Dear God, I didn’t think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday! That was cool! Love, Eugene. When God calls us to be Salt to a tasteless world, He calls us to lead people back to life by demonstrating the wonder of God-flavoring in our life.

You are Salt to a tasteless world.
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero.

Friday 2-29-08

2008-02-29T07:49:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-29-08

I remember when choruses started infiltrating the worship services across the US. Most of the choruses were either scripture choruses like: Thy Loving-kindness is better than Life; and Thou art Worthy ... or the choruses were very simple like: Hallelujah. But there was one chorus that everyone loved ... it praised the wonderful name of God our provider. That chorus was: Jehovah Jireh.

This covenant name of God was first used in Genesis 22. After Abraham showed the Lord that he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac ... the Bible says:
Gen 22:11-14: But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

But because you have not WITHHELD – Withholding is the opposite of SACRIFICE. Whatever you HOLD back from God will become a STRONG HOLD in your life. So, God said – because you have not withheld – because you have SACRIFICED – Because you are willing to let go of your smallness - I am going to bless you with my greatness. When we refuse to SACRIFICE, we put the premium on the provision God gave to us. We make idols of a gift from God.

We make idols of the very thing that should bring us to a place of total release to God. But we have made our homes our idols; our family our idols; our jobs our idols; our cars our idols; our friends our idols; our pleasure our idols – God has given them all to YOU. But the moment you hold onto them too tightly – you start resisting sacrifice and begin to make an idol.

But Abraham was willing to sacrifice. After the angel stopped Abraham, over in a thicket was a Ram. What a beautiful picture that God gives to us on this mountain. As Abraham and Isaac climbed that mountain – there was no sign of any ram. If there was, Isaac would never have asked – Where is the sacrifice? But I would like to think that while Abraham was climbing the mountain with Isaac on one side of Mount Moriah. The ram was coming up the mountain on the other side. Almost in perfect choreography – they ascended up the hill. The closer we get to the will of God - the closer God’s Provision gets to our problem. Jehovah Jireh is always there when we need it.

But the angel did not end the story at the provision of the ram ... the angel proclaimed that because Abraham was willing to sacrifice – God not only was going to provide his needs – but the Lord would surely bless Abraham.

Through the angel, God was saying: I was your provider – but because you sacrificed – I am now bringing you to a new level and a new dimension – I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU. Isaac was Abraham’s provision. However, not until Isaac was laid on an altar did he become God’s blessing. Its time to let go of the very thing that God is asking of you. As Jim Elliot wrote a few days before he was martyred in Ecuador: He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep - to gain that which he cannot lose. Don’t hold on to your Isaac! God is waiting to bless you.

I counted dollars - while God counted crosses.
I counted gains - while he counted losses –
I coveted honors, achievements and degrees –
He wept as he counted the hours on my knees.
I never knew until one day by the grave –
How worthless are the things that we spend life to save.

Have a great day!
Passionately Serving Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Thursday; 02-28-08

2008-02-28T01:46:00.000-08:00

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02-28-08
The first time I saw the Grand Canyon, I was awestruck. The second time I saw the Grand Canyon, I was speechless. But the third time I saw the Grand Canyon, I was determined. Because that was the trip that my wife and I were determined that we were going to hike the Grand Canyon, sleep over night at Phantom Ranch (a campground on the Canyon floor), and climb back out of the Canyon the next day.

Hiking down the Canyon seemed like it was going to be easy – after all, it was all down hill. It would have been a breeze, if I had the right-sized hiking boot. But I didn’t ... and was left with two inch blisters on the balls of both feet. Needless to say, our hike (or should I say crawl) up the Grand Canyon the next day was the same distance – but seemed like an eternal journey. After four hours on the Bright Angel Trail, I looked up and saw a mountain side of switchback trails that led to the rim of the Canyon. June and I kept throwing away anything we did not absolutely need that was in our backpacks. The higher we crawled, the more we threw away. By the end of the journey, everything we had in our backpacks now occupied every trash can along the Bright Angel Trail. We would have never finished the journey without getting rid of all unnecessary items (and a few that were necessary too).

In the same way, if you want to continue on your journey with God – Sacrifice is required. You will never be able to continue on this journey with God without laying down some significant things in your life because sacrifice is required to continue on your journey with God.

When God asked Abraham to lay his son, Isaac, on an altar – He sent Abraham on a three day journey (following God is always a journey) from Beersheba to Mount Moriah (the subsequent location of the Temple in Jerusalem). This journey was navigated by God himself. Read what happened in Genesis 22:

Gen 22:3-5 When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."

Abraham came to the bottom of Mount Moriah and told all of his servants to stay at the bottom of the mountain with the donkeys. Only Isaac and Abraham would make this last segment of the journey. Only the people who were ready to make a sacrifice completed this journey – everyone else watched. Abraham and Isaac had to be willing to sacrifice everything to finish the journey.

You have gone as far as your sacrifice will take you in your journey with God. Like all the servants with the donkeys at the foot of Mount Moriah, you are as far as you can go unchanged and unwilling to sacrifice. To travel beyond your current place will require a sacrifice.

This is why so many people are stuck and not progressing on their journey to God. They are stuck with the donkeys at the bottom of the mountain while God was moving on the top of the mountain. They are frustrated because they can only watch the action. They want a burden without a willingness to sacrifice. They want passion without paying the price. They want a deep-seeded conviction without paying a deep-seeded cost. I have never seen a true burden that didn’t require a total SACRIFICE. All great things that God will place in your heart will require a GREAT SACRIFICE.

A Burden from God shows you that you are part of God’s plan ... but your willingness to sacrifice shows God if you are willing to pay the price. You will only go as far as you are willing to sacrifice. I have heard many people express a great desire to do great things for God, to see great things of God, and to receive great things from God – but it is their response to God’s call to sacrifice that will determine what will happen more than their rhetoric. Sacrifice is required to continue on your journey with God.

There is an old story about a chicken and a pig who wanted to prepare a birthday breakfast for their farmer. The chicken suggested a menu of bacon and eggs for breakfast. The pig protested by saying: For you, eggs are only a simple offering – for me, bacon is a total sacrifice. Which one are you willing to give when God calls? An offering or a total sacrifice?

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Wednesday 2-27-08

2008-02-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

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02-27-08

Following Jesus can and will require a great sacrifice. Jesus never minced any words about this subject. He told us that we would have to take up our cross if we would follow Him. When Jesus called the disciples to become fishers of men – they immediately left their nets to follow Jesus. Clearly, following Jesus will require sacrifice in your life. This sacrifice is not a one time thing – picking up our cross is a daily occurrence.

As we look at Genesis 22, Abraham’s faith, his heart, and his commitment was tested when God asked him to lay Isaac at an altar. If that happened to any of us, I am sure that we would react in one of many different ways – and very few of them would be godly … but Abraham gives us a lesson in how we must respond to God. Abraham responded first and foremost to GOD – not to the request. When God asks anything of you – your first and most important response is to Him … more than to the request. Genesis 22 shows us three things about our God who always requires sacrifice.

God started the discussion with Abraham by saying: “…Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love…” Before God calls us to sacrifice, He shows us that He understands us more deeply than we can ever imagine. God understood what Isaac meant to Abraham. He referred to Isaac as Abraham’s “only son, whom you love.” God did not make this request in a vacuum. God did not wake up one morning in a bad mood and decided to ask Abraham for his most precious possession. God understood and loved Abraham. And He loves and understands you and me.

The second thing we must understand if we are to respond to God instead of responding to God’s request in our life – is that God was trying to demonstrate His love to Abraham. The words in Genesis 22 are uniquely close to the wording of John 3:16. God refers to Abraham’s only son. Abraham was to tied a large amount of wood on Isaac’s back and have him climb up a hill to die. Isaac was to be bound and prepared to die. I could almost hear God saying: Take your son to the mountain – place him on the tree (wood of sacrifice) - so that you can understand what it is like to be me.

Hebrews 11 tells us that Abraham went through with this assignment because his faith believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead. As I read that, I am convinced that Abraham had a clear picture of what God’s future plan of salvation was … God’s only son carrying a cross up a hill to die and later being raised by God’s power from the dead. Abraham’s sacrifice led him to fully understand God’s love for us. When you face a sacrifice, the sacrifice is never the issue – the God who asks you is. His love can be found deep in the corridors of every sacrifice.

Lastly, God never asks anything of us that He has not first been willing to do himself. God never asks anything of us that Jesus has not already done for us. Jesus left heaven’s throne to become a servant. He died so that we can live. God was willing to sacrifice everything for us.

I often hear people respond to God (or me as their pastor) with the words: You don’t understand. I may not personally understand – but take my word – GOD UNDERSTANDS what He is asking of you because God never asks us to do anything that He first has not done for us. God has given His only son. So, when you wrestle with sacrifice (your time, your money, your friends, your career), Jesus is only asking you to live as He lived and to love as He loves.

We sing: I am a friend of God – If you want to be a friend of God – you have to know what He is like; how He responds; how He lives; and how He loves. God so loved us that He gave (sacrificed). God never asks anything of you and me that He first has not done.

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Tuesday 2/26/08

2008-02-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

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02-26-08

The other day, my son Anthony and I had an interesting discussion about the first verse in the Bible. Have you ever tried to explain to a nine year old boy that God did not have a beginning? When the Bible says: In the beginning … GOD – it means that God always was, always will be, and forevermore shall be. That sounds good to anyone who has teethed on a church pew back in the sixties – but that is a hard pill to swallow when your mind is trapped in the concrete thoughts of Transformers, Club Penguin, and Dinosaurs.

That evening, my kindergarten daughter, Isabella, wondered how God could be listening to her prayer and be listening to her friend Libby’s prayer – and all of Libby’s sisters prayers – and all the prayers of all the kids at church – and all the kids who pray in her class – and all the kids in Ventura – and all the prayers of all the Mommies and Daddies of all those kids. How can God be listening to all those prayers and still live in her heart? An infinite God can be a difficult image for young mind to grasp.

Everyday, humans wrestle to believe in God’s greatness when they face the shrinking power of their humanity. We sing the chorus: How Great is our God! We sing the old hymn: How Great Thou Art! Every generation that has praised our God exalts the wonder of His Greatness … but just like Isabella and Anthony – it is a difficult thing to put it into the terms of the life we live.

God consistently leads us to bridte this gap between His Greatness and our smallness in a tangible way – its called SACRIFICE. When God asks me to lay down something in my life of value it brings me to the very limit of my smallness, my limitations, my poverty, my fear, or my faith – He calls me to step into His greatness through the gateway of sacrifice. This is exactly what God was doing when He asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac. God blessed Abraham with Isaac at a very very old age. His lineage depended totally on Isaac. Now God was asking for Abraham to lay Isaac at an altar. Inside of Abraham’s heart was the showdown between the fears of his smallness and his faith in God’s greatness. Sacrifice always brings us to the smallness in our heart.

Sacrifice is one step beyond faith that God is great. Sacrifice believes that God is great in your life. One of the toughest days of my life came as I was just a young teenager in a wheelchair. I remember the frustration and helplessness that I felt by being trapped in a wheelchair. I still had all the energies of a teen … but I was confined because I didn’t have the ability to walk at that time.

Through a series of heart-wrenching episodes, God brought me to the place where I was willing to say: I would rather be in this wheelchair with God – than be anywhere else without Him. I was choosing God’s greatness in the midst of my smallness or my weakness. When God asks for sacrifice – He is bringing you to the very edge of your life. God’s greatness will never have a chance to enter your life unless you give it access to your life through that very thing He is asking you to lay down.

As I face my second operation in six months next week, I feel that same helplessness and frustration I felt years ago. But I lay down the time I will lose, the projects that I had planned for these weeks, the weeks of pain on my back, the times I wish I could be playing with my kids … by realizing that I never lose when I lay them on the altar of sacrifice to God … more about sacrifice tomorrow.

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Monday 2-25-08

2008-02-25T17:30:00.001-08:00

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02-25-08

We have been talking about Spiritual Attributes over the last few weeks. For many of you – this term (Spiritual Attributes) is a brand new thought. Attributes like surrender and sacrifice are more than good character traits – they are personal attributes that align us to God’s ways. They become the spiritual radio frequency of the Kingdom of God. When I was a kid, we listened to the radio on transistor radios (if you are younger than 45 years old, you probably don’t have a clue what I am talking about). All of those radios were AM radios. No one ever heard of FM radios stations ... all of the COOL stations were AM radio station. I always listened to WJET 1400 in Erie, PA. But just like FM radio stations broadcast on different frequencies – our spiritual life either responds to the many elements of our life on a flesh-centered frequency or a spirit-centered frequency. Spiritual Attributes (like surrender and sacrifice) make sure that we live our lives on God’s frequency.

We often wrongly call certain people “Spiritual” because they have various personality and or communication traits. Being “Spiritual” is not a personality trait or a way of speaking that addresses unseen things in terms that sound like it is right of a JRR Tolkien or C.S.Lewis novel. But what is it that makes someone not only spiritual – but spiritually healthy and effective? Spiritual Attributes!

Spiritual Attributes are personal traits (or even attitudes) that shape one’s spirit and soul. They are usually intentional responses to the experiences of life that are based on God’s character and God’s word more than our situation. Attributes are both an action and a characteristic because an individual must put an attribute into action before it can become a trait of their life.

Attributes are usually spiritual responses to God’s action in our life, God’s commands to us, or to the many Life-Experiences that come our way. For example, in Genesis, what was Joseph’s response to being sold into slavery or being betrayed by Potiphar’s wife? A typical human response would have many different attributes like anger, a thirst for vindication, denial, disobedience, hurt, and confusion, among many others. But Joseph did not respond with a fleshly response or a human response, he responded in the power of a Spiritual Attribute (Surrender to God’s Will). Attributes continue God’s formative work in our life at a time that he could have easily gone astray by his own responses.

When God asked Abraham to place Isaac on an altar, Abraham could have reacted in many ways that would have only built a wall between God and Him. But he did not withhold Isaac from God. Abraham was willing to sacrifice. He was willing to step out of his small perspective and step into God’s greatness. Abraham obeyed.

Attributes are the spiritual qualities that empower us to respond in Life Experiences to a holy God in a holy and God-honoring way. Today, you will face many moments in life that will give you ample opportunity to respond to God or respond in your flesh. The Holy Spirit cannot work in your life – when your heart and life are tuned into the wrong frequency – no matter how high the volume is.

(Here is a partial list of Spiritual Attributes: Brokenness; Repentance; Obedience; Sacrifice; Submission; Surrender; Trust; Faithfulness: Humility; Joy; and Peace. There are many others – but this list helps you to get a picture of the all important place of Spiritual Attributes in the life of a believer.)

We will talk about Abraham and Genesis 22 tomorrow – so why don’t you take a few minutes and read Genesis 22:1-18. How would you have responded to God’s test? What has God asked you to sacrifice in your life?

Have a great day.
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Friday; 02-22-08

2008-02-22T01:12:00.000-08:00

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02-22-08
I had a life-challenging experience last week. Over the last few weeks, I have been praying and fasting for my good friend and neighbor who has recently been diagnosed with stage four cancer in his liver, lungs, and lymph nods. I have prayed for this man and his family since December 7, 1996. We met them on the day we moved into our home ... he is Jewish and his voice was unbelievably familiar (I later found out that he is the voice of Disney’s character of Piglet – from Winnie the Pooh). There hasn’t been a week over the last decade that hasn’t included some conversation with Steve that hasn’t opened my eyes to a new dimension of faith (Nothing will deepen your faith like talking to someone who isn’t a believer).

Steve’s condition has made me take a long look at the way I trust and why I trust. So many times over the last few weeks, I have wanted to awake in the middle of the night and go lay hands on him and say to the cancer: Be Gone in the Name of Jesus! But something happened last week that gave me a glimmer of hope. As I prayed for Steve – my mind kept seeing him in his bed suffering because of the Chemotherapy. I saw him, in my mind, in his bed shaking in the midst of his suffering.

The next day, I spoke with Steve’s wife, Leslie. As I asked her about Steve’s condition – I asked: Is he shaking as he is lying in bed? She looked at me with disbelief – no, it was not disbelief – it was an astonished belief. No one has seen Steve in his room as he has been suffering over the last few days – not even his children. Leslie grabbed my hands and asked: How did you know? How did you know that he is shaking? No one has seen him in this condition – How did you know? I wanted to minimize the comment by saying something like: It was just a guess – but it wasn’t a guess. God had shown me a picture of my friend in his bed of suffering – shaking. As I explained to Leslie that as I prayed, my mind had a strong image of Steve as he suffered in his bed – shaking.

I wish I could explain the look that I witnessed in Leslie’s eyes ... in the midst of her husband’s suffering – for that one moment – Leslie's eyes were filled with hope and trust and a glimmer that something supernatural is possible. I had no doubt that at that moment, she encountered a personal and powerful God – it was in her eyes. I also was quite sure – that as God was with Joseph – the Lord was with my friend in his moment of suffering. God showed me that His presence – no matter how dark the circumstances are – bring hope and trust.

Trust is something that cannot stay in your heart ... it rushes out of your heart through your eyes and through your life and into God’s will. Steve and Leslie are not quite there – but for that moment – she caught a glimpse of a God who can be trusted. This is what Joseph experienced throughout his life – a God who can be trusted. And this trust led him to a place of total surrender to God.

Joseph Trusted God - Even When it was Difficult to have Hope

As Joseph’s life unfolded, it seems as though things only became worse for him. He lost his coat; he was thrown into a cistern; Sold to the Midianites (Ishmael’s descendants); Brought to Egypt; Sold to Potiphar; Seduced; Falsely Accused; Imprisoned again; forgotten; and abandoned. How can anyone keep hope alive in the midst of these circumstances? He kept hope alive by trust because real trust stands firm even when it is difficult to have hope.

You see, trust is the sum of faith and hope. The equation would look like this: Trust = Faith + Hope.

Even though, Joseph lived through difficult times – there was always a consciousness of God’s promise because of God’s Presence in his life. Joseph never lost sight of God’s promise and God’s presence ... Joseph never lost his hope. He never lost his trust.

We have two needs that God has placed deep in our heart when it comes to trust. We have a great need to trust something beyond ourselves. And We have a great need to trust FOR something beyond ourselves.

As I pray for my friend Steve, I am trusting in a power beyond myself – I am trusting in God’s power. And I am trusting FOR something beyond my suffering. You were made to be an agent of God to stand in the gap for great things for this world, for your neighborhood, for your generation, for our city ... for something beyond your suffering.

Joseph realized that he was destined to save the lives of his family, Egypt, and many others – God brought him through all his trials for something bigger than himself:
Gen 45:5-8: And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. ... 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Joseph was part of something beyond his suffering. In the same way, God has created you to be involved in something greater than yourself. Today – in your life - God is doing something bigger than your suffering or circumstances. He has placed something greater than your problems in your heart.

February is Black History Month ... it reminds me of so many people who lived for something beyond their suffering ... beyond their slavery ... beyond themselves. I am reminded of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who was a member of the Dexter Avenue Baptist church. She was a devoted follower of Jesus, who believed that God had something to teach a segregated world about love and justice and community. One morning in December of 1955, a bus driver told Rosa that she must vacate her seat and move to the back of the bus because she was an African American. A white person wanted the seat.

In one of the most courageous choices of the twentieth century, she stayed seated and started a revolution. The next Monday night, 10,000 followers of Christ gathered together at her church to pray and to ask God, "What do we do next?" Rosa Parks took a stand by staying seated in hopes of a new country.

Because of that choice, a movement started that was not easy; it had a high cost; many were beaten; many were imprisoned; some even died. But it changed the conscience of a nation. It didn't change it enough - but it changed it. All because a mild-mannered, soft-spoken, Christ-following seamstress stepped beyond herself in HOPES of a NEW WORLD.

When it is difficult to hope, trust looks to God ... and when we see him – you can see it in our eyes ... What is God showing you today that is beyond your suffering? Keep looking – it is there!

Passionately Seeking Him!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Thursday; 02-21-08

2008-02-21T00:49:00.000-08:00

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If trusting God was easy, everyone would be doing it. Trusting God is not our natural response to problems and challenges in life. But trusting God opens the door to what God has for us and it paves the way to surrender. Look at Paul’s prayer for the Romans, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him ..." (Rom 15:13) What a promise ... God will fill you with joy and peace AS WE TRUST HIM. Trusting in God leads to joy and peace.

We have been looking to the Old Testament character Joseph to learn the journey that leads to Surrender. We will never break through to Surrender if we don’t first learn how to trust because trust is an essential ingredient to surrender. You will never surrender to a God in whom you have not learned to trust. But there are many obstacles that stand in your way of your breakthrough.

Joseph Trusted God - Even When It Took a Long Time.
When you are surrendered to God, you trust God – even if it takes a long time.

Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold into slavery and 30 years old when he was promoted to Prime Minister of Egypt. That means he was imprisoned and suffered for 13 years. Imagine thirteen years of suffering – wondering if God would answer ... waiting for vindication ... thirteen years of crying out to God behind prison walls. For Joseph, trusting in God was an issue of patience because trust waits on God.

Repeatedly, the story of Joseph is sprinkled with the words: Some time later ... two years later ... some years later. Joseph’s promise took many years to come. When much time passes between when God promises something and when He fulfills it, we often act like small children. Have you ever noticed that children don’t know the difference between NO and NOT YET. Sometimes, we have trouble knowing the difference when our prayers aren’t immediately answered.

This slow cooking in the life of Joseph is not caused by a lack of righteousness or a lack of obedience. He did all that he could do to be fruitful - with no apparent results or fruit. Yet his dreams remained unfulfilled. The hardest type of waiting is waiting on God - when you are in a hurry and He is not. It is hard to be patient when you’re waiting for a miracle to happen … when you are waiting for God to change your financial condition, or your health condition. It is hard to wait on God as you pray for the salvation of your children or your spouse ... it is hard to wait on God when you are unemployed.

But God’s waiting room is a place of transformation and trust. When God is seemingly working the least – He is usually working the most. The Old Testament is rich with passages that tell us to wait on God. But don’t be fooled by the stagnation of this word “wait.” It is filled with action. Look at two of the Old Testament verses in which “wait” occurs:

• Ps 37:3-7: Trust in the LORD... Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD .... Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him ...
• Lam 3:24, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

When I think of “waiting,” I get the picture of my nine year old son tortuously waiting for something to happen – whispering: Dad, this is boring! The picture of this Hebrew word is not as boring as it sounds. It actually is a picture of a cyclone – in the USA, we call them a TORNADO. On Super Tuesday, a series of tornadoes ripped through several southern states – shredding neighborhoods to rubble. Whatever a tornado touches – it changes. Tornadoes are not boring.

But the picture in the Hebrew word is of a tornado that is not moving forward or backwards. It is spinning ever so violently and forcefully – but it is not moving forward. So, what in the world does this picture mean? Simple ... the destruction and change from this tornado is not on the outside – it all occurs on the inside. The change all occurs within. When God is seemingly not advancing on the outside of your life – there is a white tornado powerfully changing the inside of your heart and life. Waiting is a place of transformation.

Before James Garfield became President of the United States, he was president of Hiram College in Ohio. During his time as a college president, a student’s father once asked him if a particular course of study could be simplified so that his son could go through it in a much shorter period of time.

“Certainly,” replied Garfield, “But it all depends upon what you want to make of your boy. When God wants to make an oak tree, he takes a hundred years. When he wants to make a squash, he requires only a summer ... if you will settle for him to be a tomato – it only requires a few weeks. What do you desire your lad to become – an oak, a squash, or a tomato?” Is God making you an Oak or a Squash? It is all a matter of time and trust.

Have a great day! Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Wednesday 2-20-08

2008-02-20T16:22:00.001-08:00

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02- 20-08

In GOD WE TRUST – It's on every piece of money that our country produces. Isn’t it ironic that we write “In God We Trust” on the very thing that we really trust - money? TRUST ... it is an essential last step into the powerful attribute of SURRENDER to God.

As we have seen with Joseph’s life, so it is with every person who adventures down the Journey of Surrender – there is a series of Conversions ... not just one. The First Conversion is a CONVERSION OF THE HEART; a conversion from DARKNESS to LIGHT. When Joseph had his dreams in Genesis 37, he became aware that God is alive, active, and personal. He became aware of a living God. The first moment that one is aware that God is alive and that he is in your life – Your life is indelibly connected to His Life.

The Second CONVERSION is a CONVERSION of LOVE. This is a conversion from REJECTION to ACCEPTANCE. Joseph was rejected by His brothers, sold into slavery ... but He became aware that God was for him and that God was with Him. Time and time again the story says that “the Lord was with Joseph.” God removed the stingers out of his memories – He no longer was consumed with his insecurity. God’s love changed Joseph’s heart – and this a conversion we all need.

The Third Conversion was a CONVERSION of PURITY from Temptation to SATISFACTION. This is when Joseph lived his life to please God – and found that pleasure comes from God. When Potiphar’s wife seduced him – Joseph refused. Joseph aligned his life with God’s ways – and decided that God would be his source.

But there is one outstanding CONVERSION LEFT that we all must encounter if we are to ever thrive with the Spiritual Attribute of SURRENDER. This is the CONVERSION of TRUST – where the HEART of a person must convert from MISTRUST to TRUST. It is a conversion that must occur every day – in every one of us. It is a culmination of all these other conversions. To trust God, you must know that God is personal, loving, and satisfying. It reminds me of the individual who came to Jesus with a son who is demon-possessed. After he believed that Jesus could heal and deliver his son, he cried out to Jesus: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 We believe – it is our unbelief that needs help.

When we face a world filled with pain and adversity – it is easy to say: How can a loving God do this? Help my unbelief!!! There’s Unemployment, disaster, child abuse ... Help my unbelief! Our Trust is challenged, rejected, betrayed, failed. We face loneliness, pain, unanswered prayers ... How can a loving God permit this? Help my unbelief! Just this past week, we witnessed:

· A middle school boy in Oxnard named Larry King who was shot at Green Middle School ...
· A graduate student walked into a classroom at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and starts shooting ...
· A body of a California college female was found murdered in Reno, NV...

The world sees all these as cries in desperation: Help my unbelief! Jesus gave us direction at this time: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” The answer at these times is trust. However, this kind of trust is a product of God’s work in your life. Jesus said, “I will put my trust in him." Before we can ever SURRENDER – we must go from MISTRUST to TRUST.

Jesus changes our image of God in the midst of this world. Our world is falling apart ... BUT like Joseph, God is with us – Jesus is Emmanuel. He is with us ... He suffered and suffers with us. My insecurity demands an answer to the murder in Oxnard; My ego wants an equation why the Tsunami happens – My experience with Jesus SPEAKS that He weeps with us and He is with us in our times of trouble.
· John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Trust is a choice; Trust is a journey; Trust is a miracle of the heart – but it only happens when you realize that God is with you and for you. “In God We Trust” – it rolls off of our lips so easy ... Lord, help our unbelief – More about trust tomorrow.

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus,
Pastor Tony Cervero

Friday 2-15-08

2008-02-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-15-08

Every day we face temptations that work very hard to get you to surrender to your pain, your emotions, and your desires – rather than God. These temptations are not always as obvious as the sexual temptation Joseph faced in Genesis 39. The subtle temptations of pride, anger, offense, un-forgiveness, or the desire in your heart that says: “I just want to have it my way” – are all ways that the enemy uses to get you to surrender to something other than God.

So what can we do to stand firm against temptation like Joseph. The answer comes through two New Testament words or concepts that are synonyms for surrender. Today we will look at one of them:

First, we must Offer (Surrender) All Parts of Yourself to God. Paul told the Romans: Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.(Rom 6:13)

The Greek word for offer has a very picturesque background. It actually is founded on the image of a person placing something into a hot oven. You know the picture, your oven is preheated to 450 and you place that Tony’s Frozen Pizza into the oven. If you have ever done this before – you release that pizza as soon as you possibly are able. If you have never done this before, take it from someone who has experience – if you hold on, it can be a painful memory. You risk the chance of burning yourself. You have to release it fully and immediately into the oven. You would never consider holding onto that pizza while it cooked for several reasons (one being that you would ruin the temperature that is needed to cook it properly). That is what Paul is comparing what must be done as we offer (or surrender) ourselves – every part of ourselves to God – as we face temptation.

A few years ago, I bought something at one of those stores that is filled with all the great inventions that are sold on television. It was THE OVEN MIT. This huge yellow space-aged material Oven Mit covers your hand and enables you to hold onto any plate, pan, or roaster in the oven – no matter the temperature. It is a miracle mit – a space-aged potholder. But there is no such thing for us to protect ourselves as we offer ourselves to God. You must lay yourself down and let it go – fully and immediately.

Don’t miss this oven picture. The food you place in the oven is raw material: meat, cookie dough, or a cake. But in its time in the oven – that raw material will change ... it will change in form, change in temperature, change in appearance, change in taste – and it will be transformed.

As you offer your life to God, you are the raw material with which God works – but you must be offered and let go into God’s realm. When you release yourself to God – you can be transformed. But you can’t hold on ... you can not keep your grip on it – it must be released and surrendered to God. Only God’s oven can take an angry murderer like Paul and have him come out as an apostle of grace. Only Jesus can take a sinful woman and turn her into someone who passionately worships Him by wiping his feet with her hair. Only God can take you and me – and transform us into his image by filling us with his peace, joy, and love. But God cannot transform ANYTHING that is not offered to Him in SURRENDER

Every day, we are faced with circumstances, problems, defeats, emotions, memories, and sins that are trying to cause us to surrender to the wrong thing – but we must remember, a believer only surrenders to God. Today, offer all of yourself – what ever is being challenged by the enemy today – place it into the Oven of God’s Spirit – release it to His Lordship – and you will be changed.

Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Thursday; 02-14-08

2008-02-14T00:49:00.001-08:00

i-first

02-14-08

As we read in Genesis 39 as Joseph is tempted by the seducing Potiphar’s wife, temptation has a process. It doesn’t just happen – it doesn’t just come out of thin air ... it is a real and deadly process. James laid it out like this: ...but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. (James 1:13-15)

Temptation all starts with our own desires ... that’s right – temptation is an inside job. James said: "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires..." (v. 14) The first step of temptation is desire. Most desires are OK. You couldn't live without desires: a desire to eat, a desire for water; a desire to sleep – we have a whole array of desires.

The normal desires of life were given to us by God and of themselves are not sinful. Without them we could not function. It is when we satisfy these desires in ways outside of God’s will that we get into trouble. Eating is normal – gluttony is sin. Sleep is normal – laziness is sin. Because Joseph was a slave, Potiphar’s wife assumed he would fall prey to sexual temptation because he was deprived of all sexual relationships. However, Joseph was more than a collection of passions and desires. His desires served God. He did not serve his desires. That is why Joseph stood this test.

We often want to blame or point the finger for our temptation at everyone else but ourselves. But that is not the case – I am tempted by the evil desires that are within me. I will either make my desires serve God or I will have to serve my desires.

At no time, does a Claimjumper’s Motherlode Chocolate Cake ever jump out of the freezer at Albertson’s and shout: you want me, you need me, so buy me! That is not the case. That Motherlode Cake was minding itself in the freezer last week. And it was my mind that said: CAKE, buy Cake. With the dozens of things around it, my eyes only saw: CAKE, Motherlode Cake. My ears heard the silent cries of that box: take me home, take me home. Yes, it was not Albertson’s fault ... nor was it Claimjumper’s fault. (Some people actually sue companies because they gained weight). But it was the desire in me that started the whole temptation I faced last week.

On the other hand, I am never tempted by things for which I don’t have a strong desire. During that same trip to Albertson’s, I was not lured or seduced by the beets, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, cabbage, liver, or anything with Gargonzola cheese. They were silent ... I looked right over them. I could not even tell you where they are in the grocery store.

The temptation that Joseph faced was not won when Potiphar’s wife enticed him; it was won in his heart. He learned that to be passionately following God – one must make their desires serve God. Temptation is either won or lost in your heart as we learn to offer our desires to God.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and go easy on the Motherlode Cake (yes, I am preaching to myself right now).
Passionately Following Jesus ... and staying away from the freezer aisle at Albertson’s.
Pastor Tony Cervero

Wednesday; 02-13-08

2008-02-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-13-08

Being a parent of three children, some of the toughest decisions that are made each week is to which restaurant we will go to enjoy a quiet dinner (even though they never turn out quiet). I have discovered long ago, that my children do not choose a restaurant on the same basis that I do. I choose a restaurant for the food – they choose a restaurant for either the prizes that are given to the younger patrons or the FUN PACKET that a restaurant gives to the children. This “fun packet” usually contains a booklet; with games, drawings, and fun facts; and a small box of crayons.

In almost every “fun packet” booklet there is a maze for the children to conquer during the meal. These mazes are journeys that take you from a starting position over the great barrier of the maze to the other side that has some great reward or destination that is highly desirable for a kid that is five. But not all mazes are equal. Some are easy enough for a pre-schooler to conquer; but most mazes today, require a graduate degree in engineering and navigational skills. This is why I have a long history in being a maze master-mind (don’t tell anyone but the secret is going backwards – start at the end and work your way back).

I tell you all of this useless information for one reason – these mazes usually only have one way out. There are many different paths and options that you encounter as you go through the maze – but only one will bring you to the prize at the end. All other routes lead you to a "dead end." Like the maze in a “fun packet”, you daily are encountered with choices for a way in your journey – but there is only one way out. And God is that way out. All other ways are a dead end.

Paul talked about this when he told the Corinthians:
• No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1Cor 10:13)

Yesterday, we observed that just as God was with Joseph – He is intimately involved in the life of every single believer ... and that he personally sets a limit on the intensity of every temptation and trial. But as you read further in this verse, you discover another wonderful truth: But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Along side of every temptation – God has designed a way out. God is faithful and He has always provided a “way out.” When Moses and the Israelites came to the Red Sea while Pharaoh pursued them – God made a way out through the Red Sea. He made a way out for Jonah while he was repenting at the bottom of the sea. And for Joseph, God met him in a prison and provided a way out. He met Joseph while he was being seduced by Potiphar’s wife and provided a way out. But the way out is always God’s way. And we don’t always understand that God is working and how God is working. But we must trust the fact that God is working. God always provides a way out of every situation in your life.

This is such an important truth, that there is a book in the Bible that is named “a Way Out.” Exodus means “a way out.” For every temptation we have ... God has a way out that is PRACTICAL and POWERFUL. It is a way out of your rut; it is a way out of your despair; it is a way out of your sin; it is a way out of your pride; it is more than a way out of your problem; God provides you with a way to the other side.

There is one large catch to this whole plan. For every way out that God has for you – Satan also has a way out to offer to you. And it always comes in the form of a temptation. Temptations are always a surprise attack. They offer an easier and a seemingly more desirable way out. They are subtle and they are deceptive. They are deceptive because the enemy always uses your desires to turn you away from God’s way. In Genesis 39, Potiphar’s wife was providing a “way out” that appealed to desires in Joseph’s heart. But he refused – He kept his heart and eyes on God. He was tempted by an easy way out – but in the end, there was only one way for Joseph – God’s way because Joseph remembered that all temptations are dead end streets.

God is with you in every temptation to provide a way out – it is an A-MAZE-ING thing!

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus ...
Pastor Tony

Tuesday; 02-12-08

2008-02-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-12-08

Temptation is a test of PURITY. In Genesis 39, we see that temptation tested Joseph’s purity by testing the desires in his heart. I am concerned that believers learn how to stand up to temptation because I see so many people – that when they go through a tough time – they lose their spiritual passion and spiritual progress. They surrender their passion to their problem. That is why trials are a huge part of temptation ... Satan knows when to attack. Don’t forget, Jesus was tempted by Satan after he fasted for 40 days. He was weak and in need of food. We are in danger of losing our first love and spiritual edge when we surrender to the wrong emotions and and fall to the pressure of temptation.

God has made provision so that you can pass any test or endure any trial that may come into your life. DO YOU BELIEVE that? If you do – you will only surrender your heart and emotions to HIM – in any and every situation. Look at this verse:

• No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1Cor 10:13)

Just as God was with Joseph, He is intimately involved in the life of every single believer ... and this verse in 1 Corinthians 10 tells us that God personally sets a limit on the intensity of every temptation and trial that you face. We are not at the mercy of Satan, disease, and problems when we are being tested. We are in the hands of JESUS. So, we must learn to only surrender to Him. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.

Last week, my surgeon told me that I need another operation on my back. This operation will be more extensive and more intensive. In addition, the recovery will be much longer. It will be a painful and slow process of healing.

To be honest, when the doctor told me – I felt like I was kicked in the stomach. I felt defeated and powerless. And to this moment – I am still wrestling with this operation – there is little peace and I deplore facing three months on my back. I won’t even begin to explain the worry and despair that this has put on my children and family. I have many choices how to respond emotionally and spiritually. However, I can only surrender to one source – if I surrender to pity or anything else – I am going in the wrong direction. I must surrender to a God who will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear – He is personally involved in my trial.

Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus!
Pastor Tony

Monday 2-11-08

2008-02-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-11-08

We have been taking a close look at the life of the Old Testament Character Joseph as someone who has the powerful spiritual attribute of “Surrender.” One of the traits of Joseph’s life that made him someone who experienced God’s presence and God’s promise was his ability to stand strong in the midst of temptation.

You must be realistic, all of us are tempted. Sinners are tempted ... Christians are tempted. All of us are tempted. The New Testament says: "When tempted ... " not "if tempted..." Temptation is an inevitable part of all followers of Jesus.

Everybody's tempted. Every day we're tempted. You never get too old for it. And you never overcome it by getting too spiritual. In fact, he more you grow in your relationship with Jesus, the more you're going to be tempted. It's a fact of life. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1John 1:8)

When you are tempted you may feel weak or guilty – but you must realize: It is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to give in to temptation. Hebrew 4:15 says that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Temptation proves you're human, not that you're evil. The more committed you are to Jesus - the more you're going to be tempted.

Before we talk about FACING TEMPTATION using the life of Joseph, I want to give you some important observations about sin. The enemy of your soul tempts you to get you to SIN.

SIN IS EXTREME - whether it is small or large. Sin’s effects on our lives are extreme, and its final consequences are extreme. When we see sin for what it really is - in its most full and extreme forms - it will help us to flee from even the smallest sins and from temptation.

Ten Characteristics of Sin:

1.Sin leads to More Sin.
When someone is involved in one sin - that sin will lead to more sins. For example, when someone is involved in a Sexual Sin, the sin of lying is always involved. Why? Because sin leads to more sin.
At the first, the temptation may come once a month, but when you give in, it is like feeding a fire. Soon it needs to be fed again and again. The next time, the temptation may return after two weeks. If you sin again, it will return after a week, then after a day, and then - you are bound!

2.Sin leads to Worse Sins
This principle is absolutely terrifying. It is bad enough that sin leads to more sin. But it is even more sobering to realize that: SIN LEADS TO WORSE SINS. Sin always drags the human character down; sin never lifts us up. No one starts out in bondage. You don’t get a sinful attitude overnight. The child abuser was not born that way! The serial killer starts somewhere - perhaps with fits of hatred and rebellion. Alcoholism starts with one drink. Cigarette addiction starts with one cigarette – it slowly becomes an addiction because sin leads to worse sin.

3.Sin does not Satisfy
Sometimes as believers we forget that sin can bring real pleasure. It often feels great to sin. That is why sin is so powerful and addictive. It can be exciting, thrilling, stimulating, and lots of fun. However, after the drugs wear off, after the high fades, after the sexual ecstasy is reached - we are left with an empty feeling, a feeling of being unclean, ungratified, and discontent. You feel hollow because sin does not build you up or fill you – only God does that. Sin empties you of life. Sin is not what it is cracked up to be! Because there is no lasting satisfaction in sin!

4.The Wages of Sin is Death
Unfortunately, Satan never shares this secret with you when he is promising you riches, fame, pleasure, fulfillment, and power. Sin kills all sensitivity in your heart. It sears all conviction in your conscience. It destroys all courage in your will. Every time you sin - something dies

5.Sin Robs You of All That God Has In Store For You.
God said: I know the plans I have for you (Jer 29:11). Paul quoted God by saying: No eye can see; no ear can hear, no mind can conceive – what God has prepared for us. Sin cheats you out of everything God has in store for your future.

6.Sin Blinds and Deceives You
With Sin blocking your mind, heart and soul; you can’t see the truth. You can’t see yourself properly. You see everyone else differently. Sin leaves you in the dark where you cannot see danger or the future. You are in the dark.

Here are four more that I don’t have the room to comment upon:
7. Sin Destroys God’s Image in Your Life
8. Sin has a Life of its Own
9. Sin takes possession of your life.
10.When Sin is detected, it is too late. The damage has been done.

Since sin is so terrible – why is it that we continue to sin? Why is it that we fall into the same traps over and over again? The answer is that we don’t get into sin – realizing it is sin – We are tempted!

This week, let’s learn how to stand strong in the face of temptation.
Have a great day ...
Passionately Following Jesus!

Pastor Tony Cervero

Friday 2-8-08

2008-02-08T09:04:00.001-08:00

i-first

02-08-08

Over the last week, we have been talking about the Old Testament character of Joseph in a different light than we often read his story – the light of surrender and intimacy. How can a person who spent half his life in prison be the subject of intimacy? Joseph became a great person for God because his heart stayed surrendered to God – and that only happened because Joseph had a continuing sense of God’s presence – he was continually opening his life and heart to God.

Like Joseph, we come to the subject of intimacy and surrender wounded. We are a wounded generation. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the areas of surrender, intimacy, and relationship. We have to be willing to open our lives – to be intimate before we will ever have a heart of surrender. Today, we are greatly deceived by thinking that emotions are not to be felt but managed and handled. The nature of our culture is HURRY; ISOLATION; and POWER – all enemies of intimacy. But we are made to be fully human; fully alive; and fully known. This poem by Terry Hershey describes our dilemma:

•I want to be in relationship, but it is easier to be an island.
•I want to be open and vulnerable, but it is easier to be a rock.
•I want to learn how to be me, but it is easier to play out an expected role.
•I want to learn to feel, fully and without reservation, but it is easier to observe and be a spectator.
•I want to be a friend, but it is easier to be an acquaintance.
•I want to learn how to receive, but it is easier to be self-sufficient.
•I want to learn new truths about me, but it is easier to repeat those patterns of behavior which are familiar.
•I want to be human, but it is easier to maintain a reputation.
•I want to learn how to talk to God, but it is easier to learn how to talk about him.
•I want to grow, but it is easier to be comfortable.
•I want to learn how to listen and talk to another, but it is easier to talk at another person.
•I want intimacy ... or maybe I just want security ...
•So I shout, “Go Away, Come Closer!”

Opening your heart and life to God is the first step to surrender. As you pray today, imagine opening the door to your heart and all the doors to your life to God. Give him the keys – let Him in. You will be amazed what He can do.

Have a great day!

Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Thursday; 02-07-08

2008-02-07T01:45:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-07-08
There is one great problem with this challenge of daily surrender that Jesus gave to us. If I take this task seriously, to learn about surrender is to learn about myself. Surrender is not about how everyone else has treated me or how tough my trials are. If I am open to the truth – I learn most about myself. And most of us are not too sure that we will like what we see. Sometimes, we are not sure that we want to fully see the truth. But surrender is always a lesson about us personally taught by God. This is why:

2. Surrender is an Issue of the Heart

To learn about this lesson of Surrender, we read a family record about Joseph after God had raised him into the leadership of Egypt.
Gen 41:50-52: Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph ... 51 Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." 52 The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Surrender is the journey from our story into God’s story. For Joseph to ever journey from his life story to God’s will for him, he had to overcome his heart. The scar tissue that lay deep within his heart would have become too great of a prison if surrender was not allowed to set him free. He had to surrender the inward unresolved feelings and experiences that happened to him. Think of his life. He was sold into slavery; betrayed by your brothers, dragged to Egypt; imprisoned, seduced and lied about; imprisoned again, forgotten and left to rot – forgotten by all those who were supposed to love him. This heart full of pain had to be healed and SURRENDER was the only option Joseph had or he would have still been in his prison cell.

We don’t fully know the details of the process that healed Joseph’s heart but we know the results. Genesis 41:50-52 tells us that he had two sons named: Manasseh and Ephraim. In the Old Testament, names were not casually chosen – names were symbolic of a overriding characteristic of life or a life-changing event. That is what Manasseh and Ephraim represented for Joseph.
• Manasseh means “to forget”.
Joseph said: God has made me forget all my troubles. He needed to be loosed from his hurts. They had stacked up in his life and robbed him of all his dreams.
• Ephraim means “doubly fruitful.”

There is a Spiritual Progression here: Forgetting Precedes Fruitfulness.
There are many who have arrived like Joseph – looking good on the outside with a good job, a beautiful house, and a good family – but there are scar tissues that are hindering them from DOUBLE FRUITFULNESS. The reason? Until there is a forgetting; there will never be a double fruitfulness.

This verse literally reads: “God has mannassehed me” – meaning “to forget.” In the Hebrew it is a vivid picture. The word “NASHA” (or manessah) means “to remove or to take the sting out of a memory or the venom out of the bite.” It means to remove the BEE STING or the snake venom out of the body. Our hurtful memories are poison and venom in our lives. And Joseph was testifying by these names of what happened in his heart. God had taken the sting out of all his memories.

To forget doesn’t mean that you go through spiritual shock treatments that destroy all recollection with no recall. Joseph could remember what happened to him – but these memories no longer had the sting in it. This is a miracle that only comes through the powerful instrument of surrender.

If you have ever been stung by a bee and discovered that you were allergic to bee stings – you know exactly what to do. You have to immediately take a large dose of Benedryl. If you don’t – you will swell up to distorting proportions.
There are too many people that need the spiritual benedryl of surrender because the sting of your memory has swelled you up beyond proportion. You swell when the stinger remains in your emotional heart. Just as it is with those who are allergic to bee stings, we swell when we are stung emotionally and relationally. When you are swelling – God cannot be dwelling.
Some people can recall old painful experiences like it was yesterday. This old pain becomes fresh pain before your eyes – all because it will never be healed until you surrender the sting of your hurt to God. Only those who have the STINGER REMOVED are freed for double fruitfulness.

I have seen too many people who have let the stinger in their heart shape them, direct their decisions, and steer their life. God’s grace removes the stinger from our hearts. But more important, He never directs you by an unhealed or un-removed emotional bee sting. Sadly, every day – we see people let the pain in their heart dictate and direct their life.

When I was a young boy of six years, I first stepped on a bee. In total anger, that yellow jacket stung me on my bare foot. As I limped into the house, my mother grabbed the peroxide (she put peroxide on everything) and a pair of tweezers. As my dad tried to hold me still – I squirmed in every direction. Finally, mom said, “If you don’t hold still – this stinger is going to become a bigger problem than it has to be.” How true that is with all of us – if we don’t surrender and hold still in the arms of God to let him remove the sting – the stinger in our hearts will always become a bigger problem than it ever has to be.

Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero

Wednesday 02-06-08

2008-02-06T08:48:00.001-08:00

i-first

02-06-08
Prison walls were no stranger to the Old Testament character Joseph. From the age of seventeen to the age of thirty-five – Joseph spent most of his days behind the walls of a prison. However, it was his brothers who were imprisoned by walls that were as devastating as those prison walls that captivated Joseph. The brothers’ walls were not made of bricks, mortar, and chains. There were in a prison of the heart.

We live in a world of walls; they are everywhere – walls of hurt, walls of prejudice, walls of difference and walls of pain. And these walls are huge. A wall is simply an upright structure that encloses, protects, divides, or separates. People build walls to defend, to control, to protect, and to surround. Walls keep people in and they keep people out. Some walls are visible – most are not.

It is the invisible walls that cause more injuries than they prevent. When we want to stop passage into our inner being – we build a wall. In so doing, we keep out God, the Holy Spirit, New Life, and Healing. And only the hand of God can truly tear down the walls.

Yesterday, we discovered that:
1. Surrender is an Issue of Love (Gen 37:3-5)

How does this apply to our problem with walls? When we surrender – we open ourselves up to God ... to his love. But that is where most have trouble. We have great trouble with OPENING. Surrender is an opening ... a vulnerable opening.

There are two main reasons that make this intimate, wall-crushing surrender difficult. First, we know that we cannot live REJECTED. We know that we cannot live OFFENDED. We know that we cannot live ISOLATED. Deep in our heart, we know that our hearts were not made to carry the type of things that we let possess our hearts and remain healthy. However, secondly, we know that NEEDING LOVE HURTS - needing people hurts. It requires that I give my right to be right and open up. It understands my great need for relationship.

However, it must also understand that our greatest need is for a relationship with God before any other relationship. Our hearts will be filled with peace – until it first receives the peace of God. Our hearts will never sense love until it first receives the love of God.

I can hear you saying right now: “I know I have God’s love and God’s peace – but it is everyone else’s that I have to have.” If your happiness is dependant upon how others accept you – you will never find love. Joseph was rejected by eleven brothers. They sold him into slavery and masqueraded as though he was dead. They ate lunch as he was carted off to Egypt. If Joseph did not grasp his father’s love (and if you don’t grasp your heavenly father’s love) – you will build a wall instead of surrendering to God’s love.

Oh, we all remember the memories. You run to the playground and no one plays with you. You stand in line to be picked and you always are picked last at sports. You waited at the door for your dad and he never came home. You were jilted by your first real love (even if it was puppy love). Needing love hurts.

These examples sour compared to those who are in marriages that have soured, stiffened, or separated. How does a heart survive all these elements of rejection? By knowing the father’s love and surrendering to God’s love. Until you are grasped by God’s love – you will never surrender. And without surrender, the cancer of your pain will take all health from your heart.

• 1 John 4:10 - This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. This is love – not what we have done or what others have done to us. This is love – God has loved you and loves you as you read this email. Surrender is an issue of a heart that has been loved.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty took a great fall. All the King’s horses and all the King’s men – could not put Humpty back together again.
What is the moral of this story? Where ever there is a wall – people get hurt.
You don’t have the power to tear down the walls in your life – you are the one who built them – only God can tear them down. But you have to open the door. Surrender is the only key to those doors. Is your heart open or is it closed by the chain and lock of pain?

Have a great day!
... Passionately Seeking Jesus!

Pastor Tony Cervero

Tuesday, 02-05-08

2008-02-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-05-08

Surrender is not a way to avoid a fight or to escape someone who is bigger than you. Surrender is not what one does when defeat in inevitable. Surrender is a journey; it is the vehicle that brings you from a self-centered heart to a God-centered life. Surrender makes God an ACTIVE PLAYER in your life – in the circumstances of your life – no matter what they are. Surrender is our Journey from my way to God’s way.

This week we are looking at the journey of surrender in the life of the Old Testament character Joseph. His life teaches us many lessons about surrender – today we discover that:

1. Surrender is an Issue of Love

Gen 37:3-5: Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. 4When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. 5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.

Joseph was greatly favored by his father Jacob (Israel). The main reason for this love was because Joseph was the only natural born son of Rachel – Jacob’s true love. As a result, Joseph was showered with gifts and clothes. His father Jacob had a designer made multi-colored (this is just a speculation), highly ornamented coat. Now this was pretty sad because all the other sons probably had grey coats. It really made Joseph stand out in a crowd. God gave Joseph supernatural abilities, promise and dreams. Deep in Joseph’s heart was an assurance that he was loved by God and his father.

On the other hand, Joseph’s brothers didn’t have this same sense of love coming from their father. The brothers saw their elderly father – who was distant – until Joseph came along. They didn’t have supernatural abilities, dreams, or specially designed clothes. Joseph had the affection of their father and was adorned with gifts ... and they had to work in the field. This is not an easy picture to surrender to – not an image that made them want to surrender.
Your view of God determines your view of life. How you see God – will actually shape how you see life. You will never surrender to God until you are grasped by God’s love. You will never surrender to anything from which you do not sense an unconditional love. You may be coerced by a power greater to surrender – but the type of surrender that shapes the heart is one that is based upon love. And Reuben and the boys – did not feel the love. That is why Joseph was a picture of surrender and the brothers wrestled with it for the rest of their lives.

It is hard to describe what is activated by a look, a comment, a tragedy, an offense or an illness ... if you feel rejected, having to earn your acceptance, feeling unloved – Surrender does not flow ... You will never surrender until you feel love because surrender is an issue of love.

Read these scriptures about the love with which God fills our heart:
• Rom 8:15: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
• Eph 3:17-18: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
• 1 John 3:1 - How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

When I was a child, my mom and dad had a large green metal lock-box filled with pictures. Most of them were of my sister Karen. There was Karen’s first day, Karen’s second day .... Mom in the first month of my sister’s pregnancy ... Karen’s first booties, Karen in mom’s arms after one week, after one month, after 5 weeks – you get the picture. There was a whole box of pictures of my sister.

But when it came to pictures of me – there was no box. There was a small envelope of pictures. If it wasn’t for school pictures – I didn’t show up in any pictures until I was in the sixth grade. (My sister still cruelly jokes that I was the real son of the gas station attendant - Joe).

To retaliate, when I was six years old, I opened my parents’ wedding album and drew my picture on the wedding pictures. I had to show up somewhere. People do the oddest things when they feel unloved and don’t feel as though they are part of the picture. But none of us can accuse God of this. God lavished His love upon us to show us that we are His children.

When people come to Christ, too often we give those new Christians behaviors and rules to follow. But what is missing is a solid foundation of God’s love in their heart. God will never become personal until our heart and mind is established and grasped by God’s love. We will never surrender fully to God until we are possessed first by His love. His spirit causes our hearts to cry out: Abba Father.

Insecure people have great trouble surrendering. People who deeply feel rejected have great trouble surrendering. Just like the contrast between Joseph and his brothers. There seems to be a black hole inside their soul and nothing is ever good enough to make them feel loved.

When we surrender – we open ourselves up to God ... to his love. Surrender is an opening ... a vulnerable opening to God that only comes because we are first loved by God. - This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10) No person can fill this void – Only God’s love can warm our hearts to surrender to Him.

We will talk more about this tomorrow. If your heart is not fully open and possessed by God’s love – you will always struggle with surrender. Pray this prayer with me: Father, today – show me the full extent of your love for me. Fill my heart and mind with your love until I know I am your child. Amen!

Have a great day.
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony

2-4-08 Monday

2008-02-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-04-08

As I prepared for Sunday’s sermon last week, it seemed like God was continually directing me back to the subject of SURRENDER. Through all the events of the week, discussions that I had, and in prayer – Surrender kept popping up. But it wasn’t the wrestling aspect but a different and challenging perspective.

Surrender: The Journey from My Way to God’s Will.
An inquiring mind came to me after we spoke of surrender with the observation: “Jesus never said the word Surrender.” That is true, but Jesus gave us possibly the most vivid description of surrender in the Bible when he said: If anyone would come after me (a journey – following Jesus is a journey), he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24) In the mind of Jesus, following Him is a journey and this verse makes it clear that you cannot follow Jesus without SURRENDER.

Surrender isn’t the goal of Christianity or Spirituality – It is the vehicle that gets you to the destination – Surrender is a journey! Jesus is talking about a struggle that happens in the life of a Christian – a follower of Jesus – DAILY... for his whole life on earth. Before we are born again, we are in one of two states: (this is tough to recognize when you are born into a Christian family – it is still happening – you just don’t realize it). You either are warring against God or you are simply ignoring Him – living life according to your kingdom. But after we become believers – all that must change. That is the struggle Jesus is referring to here – the struggle to relinquish our will to for God’s.
You can live a seemingly Christian life as a Self-centered person. But you will always be the story of your life. Jesus invites us out of our story – into his story for our life. It is almost like the scene in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. When the four unsuspecting children walked into that huge wardrobe closet – they had no idea they were stepping out of their world and into a whole new existence, a whole new reality – a whole new world. That is what Jesus is inviting us to do every day. He is inviting us to step out of our story riddled with pain, the past, sin, and failure – and He invites us to step into God’s Will. But there’s only one way to step out of this deadly trap of self-centeredness: SURRENDER
Surrender is the fuel that drives this journey. It is both the essence of the Christian life and the greatest difficulty of following Jesus. It is the soul’s journey from My Way to God’s Will.
It seems as though our whole Christian culture is talking about “finding your identity” or “the Best YOU now.” But look at the biblical invitation for our lives. God created us in His Image – to be filled with His Spirit - to do His Will. It seems to me that God is directing us to find Him through the many trials of our life.– and that only comes through surrender. Your life will ether make you Self-Centered or God-Centered. And this is determined by your ability to SURRENDER.

That brings us to the LIFE OF JOSEPH ... Last week, we talked about the wrestlemania episode between God and Jacob. This week, we see a more positive example of Surrender in the life of the Old Testament character: Joseph. Read these two portions of scripture.

Gen 37:3-5: Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. 4When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. 5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.

Gen 45:4-8: Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.

How does someone like Joseph go from the young man in Chapter 37 who is an obnoxious, talented, show-off, dreaming type of kid that you want to strangle... to end up in Chapter 45 as a seasoned leader who God used to save his family, Egypt, and the world? There is one main reason: SURRENDER
How did Jospeh go from being sold into slavery; betrayed by his brothers, dragged to Egypt; imprisoned, seduced and lied about; imprisoned again, forgotten and left to rot – All without a heart of BITTERNESS? SURRENDER.
What kind of heart cannot only survive – but emerge as God’s leader filled with Gods character? A SURRENDERED HEART.
You see, surrender is not an action or a goal. Surrender is a journey; it is the vehicle that brings you from a self-centered heart to God’s Will. Surrender makes God an active player in your life and in the circumstances of your life – no matter what they are. This week, let’s look at this journey of SURRENDER in Joseph’s Life – it is truly remarkable.

Have a great day! Passionately Following Jesus!
Pastor Tony
(PS - Pastor wrote, "How about those Giants?" at the end of his blog, but I'm not going to put it up here.)

Friday 2-1-08

2008-02-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

i-first

02-01-08
I have heard from many of your about what we have been talking about this week: SURRENDER. We all have to admit that surrender doesn’t come naturally for any of us – but it is something that leads to true spiritual victory.

After Jacob’s marathon wrestling match that left him limping, injured and exhausted; he begged this man of God for a blessing. Something happened inside of Jacob – He realized by some revelation that he was wrestling God. He felt he needed something more from God. Why? Because whenever you wrestle with God – you deplete many areas of your life – you drain yourself of the joy, peace, and love that only comes through completely following God. Surrender fills your life with God – stubbornness fills your life with yourself. Surrender brings fullness and stubbornness brings famine. It is your choice.

After he was done wrestling and he surrendered, Jacob was Face to Face with God. There he was injured with a limp – exhausted and alone – Jacob came face to face with God. What do you do, when life has drained you of all your strength? Are there any answers to a life trashed by emotional wrestling? You surrender! We often elevate our emotions and feelings to become god of our life. God is the only answer to your limp and to your struggle. People ask: how do I forgive? .... You have to see God face to face. They ask: How can I go on with life? You have to see God. And surrender is the only way for that to happen.

Worship is surrender in its purest form. Because you surrender all that you are to focus upon all that He is. Seeing God face to face is an essential result of surrender. When you see God – your only response is complete; total; unwavering Surrender.

You will never surrender fully until you get a good glimpse of God. You will never change until you become consumed with Who God is - not with Who you aren’t. Who is the who in your life? Is the who - you in your life or is it God? As long as the who in your life that has all your attention is you – you will not have the security to surrender to God. (I am sounding a little like Dr. Suess here). Your insecurity will hold you captive from being filled with God’s wonderful glory. But surrender usually yields a wonderful and glorious view of God.

So, what have we learned about Surrender this week:

1. The only way to wrestle with God and live is to SURRENDER.
Even when you are the victim or when you’re right-wrestling is always WRONG.
When we make the wrong thing the issue – we lose and we die. You are not
wrestling with other people; with your leaders or boss; or with your circumstances or past – you are wrestling with God – plain and simple. The real issue is your will is and your nature is.

2. Wrestling can often bring a permanent weakness that forces you to depend on God and to walk differently. There can be permanent consequences to your struggle. A physical limp is visible and easily detectable. The worse consequences are the ones that paralyze a part of your heart or emotions. An un-surrendered is a dangerous and damaging spiritual disease that even after repentance leaves lifelong scars.

3. Surrender can result in seeing the face of God. Jacob named the impromptu wrestling arena “Peniel” meaning “he Saw the Face of God.” You will never see the face of God until you lay down your will for His.

4. You will never surrender to God until you are more captivated with WHO God is more than WHO you aren’t or WHAT has happened to you. You get to choose what will be magnified in your life – and that choice will shape your will forever.

Having young children (13, 9, 5) wrestling is a big recreation in our home. My wife, June, is always warning me that I weigh in at several times more than their weight. So, acting as a remote referee in the kitchen she hands down a ruling from afar: “Give them a chance to get free when they want.” We use the common and well known word: Uncle. As soon as any one of them cries Uncle – I let them go (fairly soon).

My oldest daughter is getting pretty strong as she is becoming a great swimmer (but I can still take her on most days – when I am not recovering from back surgery) – but she never fights fair. When I get close to winning, she will cry out: UNCLE – UNCLE. So, I will let her go ... but as soon as I let her go – she jumps right back on me to try to knock me down or gain position.

We often do that with God – we cry UNCLE ... in spiritual language: we cry I surrender. But as soon as we get FREE – we are right back at our wrestling ways. Today, surrender is not the way to get our way – it is the only way to follow Jesus and fulfill His Will. Get the white flag out today – a wave it to the God who is willing to get on your level to lead you to His best for you.

Have a great day and see you this Sunday!
Passionately Following Jesus ...
Pastor Tony

Thursday 1-31-2008

2008-01-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

i-first

01-31-08

SURRENDER: How to wrestle with God and live! We have been talking this week about the spiritual attribute of “Surrender.” Surrender usually happens once someone realizes that God is God and that they are not.

Bruce Almighty is a movie about a self-centered man named Bruce Noland. Bruce lived as though the world revolved around him. His life dream is to be promoted to the anchor position at a local Buffalo news station. Unfortunately, nothing goes right for Bruce. He doesn't get the anchor job, and his girlfriend dumps him.

After complaining loudly about the way God runs the universe, God meets with Bruce and gives him the opportunity to run the universe for one week. By the end of the week, Bruce has made a mess of things and has had it trying to be God. In the short time Bruce was in charge, he made a mess of the world and his life.

One rainy night, Bruce is walking down the middle of the road crying. His clothes are soaked by the torrent of rain, and he is weary. He finally drops to his knees on the asphalt in the middle of a busy highway and cries out, "God, I'm tired of being God! I don't want to run my life any more! I surrender ...!"

Until we all come to this place in relationship with God – we will always be vying for rule and reign of our life. Surrender is a position of the heart and of our will. It is also an essential ingredient in our character if we ever expect to follow God and be changed by God.

We have been taking a close look at a wrestling match in Genesis 32 that far outweighed anything “Wrestlemania” ever produced. It was a wrestling match between God (a man of heavenly origin) and the schemer Jacob. After they wrestled until daybreak – Jacob still outdistanced the man of God. As we discovered yesterday, an un-surrendered Will can overpower even God’s Will in our life. Today we look at the extent that God had to take to bring Jacob to a place of surrender.

After God wrestled with Jacob until daybreak, He Injured Jacob’s Hip.
Verse 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.

God has to do something radical to bring Him to the place of surrender. God had to change the nature of the struggle. So (in East Coast Italian), God whacked Jacob’s hip socket. It was something that knocked the props out from under you and left him incapacitated. Jacob was left with an undeniable limp for the rest of his life.

If you have ever been injured in your leg or back, you know exactly what it is to limp. It impairs how you move, how you rest, and how you operate. Limping involves pain and injury. In this case, it became an unchangeable condition and an Un-heal-able ailment. Wrestling often brings permanent consequences – it is a most severe price to pay.

As I see Jacob laying there injured, incapacitated, and now an invalid – I wrestle myself – because I have been in Jacob’s place. I cry out “God aren’t you the one who is supposed to heal ailments like this?” But in Genesis 32, with Jacob, God uses an ailment like this limp – and He uses yours and mine.

You get to the place where you say: God, I can’t fight you. I can’t wrestle. Take my word – You want to wrestle when you have a limp ... But you have to say: God, I need you. I can’t walk without you. I can’t talk without you. I can’t run my life or raise my children without you. God Brought Jacob to a place of TOTAL SURRENDER.

Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t limp. Don’t work with someone who doesn’t limp. Anyone who thinks they can make it on their own is a dangerous person. Any church that thinks they can make it on their intelligence is in a dangerous place because they don’t think they need to SURRENDER.

As I look back, it seems like there has always been a series of limps in my life. Was life falling apart? No – God was leading me to surrender. Whether it was being confined to a wheelchair as a teenager; facing my father’s amputation; my mother’s cancer or my sister’s bout with cancer; Annabella’s long and life-threatening infancy in which she was born 1 pound 10 ounces and had two surgeries ... and most recently with my back surgery – it seems like God is always bringing my life into a limping position.

When the surgeon informed me in October that I would be facing an immediate surgery – I wept as I saw so many immediate dreams slipping out of my hand ... they usually do when you are limping. Surrender is a costly proposition. God knows where to whack you - to bring you to a place where you need Him most - But too many are still wrestling.

When you limp - you worship God when others are done. When you limp, you are passionate about God because He is why you are alive today. Everything beyond this limp is God. When you are limping, you can’t afford to go through a dry service. If you don’t NEED JESUS desperately today - you will never understand someone with a limp. But take my word, there is coming a day … when you are alone … and I have only one piece of advice, don’t wait until daybreak to surrender.

Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus ...
Pastor Tony

Wednesday, Jan 30th

2008-01-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

i-first

01-30-08

We have been talking about the Spiritual Attribute of “Surrender” this week from the poignant story in which Jacob wrestles with a heavenly being in Genesis 32. Genesis 32:24 … and a man wrestled with him till daybreak … 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.

We have a Wrestling God - we teach about a Blessing God; a Healing God; a Delivering God and a Miracle-working God. He is all of that. But He is also a WRESTLING GOD. He works with you until you become what He wants you to be. God Wrestles – He gets on our level –rolls up his sleeve – gets on the carpet and wrestles. I don’t have evidence that wrestling is in God’s nature – but one thing is for certain, wrestling is in our nature.

God did 4 things to Jacob after wrestling with him until daybreak-today, we will talk about two of them.

First- God asked, "Let me go" (Verse 26) - Are you willing to let it go?
He was asking, “Jacob, are you willing to Surrender?” Are you willing to surrender the results to me? And He still asks the same question to us: Is your struggling over? Are you done struggling with God? Are you done struggling with Yourself?

Here is the amazing truth-the Man (a manifestation of God-more than an angel) realized that He would not overpower Jacob. Was this an issue of strength or Will? Was it because Jacob was a strong man or because Jacob was a strong- willed man? What does it mean to have an un-surrendered will? Get ready for this truth: We can overpower God’s will for our life with a strong un-surrendered will.

But Jacob would not let the man go unless he received a blessing "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (v 25) He was making a deal. It is the story of his life-he was forever looking for the next blessing. Somewhere in Jacob’s heart was a black hole that refused to be satisfied and demanded more and more.

An un-surrendered will and a want to be blessed is a dangerous combination. It leads to confusion as a believer. God’s blessing often prevents people from changing and surrendering to Him.

I have realized in my life, that when my heart is filled with God’s peace-I desire fewer blessings. When my heart is filled with God’s love-I desire fewer blessings from God. God’s richest blessings are His peace, joy, grace, and love filling our heart.

Secondly, God asked Jacob, "What is your name?" (verse 27)
Now God knew who Jacob was. The question was: What is your character? Are you still a grabber? Have you wrestled all night and not changed? The man of God then gave Jacob a different name: “Israel” meaning Struggles with God.

Jacob was always wrestling with Who He wasn’t … He always wanted what he didn’t have. (Read Genesis 25:27 or 27:11 Jacob was always insecure about his brother Esau. Esau was a man of the open country, a great and skillful hunter, and a HE-man that was covered with hair. Jacob was a quiet man that loved refined and domestic things. In that culture-he didn’t fit. So, he was always insecure.) Jacob was always wrestling with all that he was not.

You will never change until you become consumed with Who God is-not with who you aren’t. Your insecurity will hold you captive from being filled with God’s wonderful glory. So, Jacob wrestled all night-and God was forced to change his identity. Today, let God change your name and charactier - if not the struggle is not over. Did Jacob wrestle and win? No-he wrestled and didn’t give up.

Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus ...
Pastor Tony

You've Got Mail

2008-01-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been receiving the "iFirst" emails from Pastor Tony. This is the new blog for 2008. Pastor will be writing two per week, and I will also post it here. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send a note to

Paula@VenturaFirst.com

and we will add you to the growing list.

I will post the archives here as well - soon - so you can catch up or read any you may miss.

Chas

Bible Journal - Chas

2008-01-12T06:59:00.001-08:00

Ps. 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

Powerful words - if they are true.

The number of people in the world who can't legally obtain and keep a Bible continues to drop, but there are still parts of the world where that simple freedom is denied. And in America, most of us own more than one Bible. Not more than one Bible per household, but more than one Bible per person. And most likely those Bibles are more than one version, and plenty of them have studies guides and notes built in.

So why then are we, as a nation moving away from God?

Because God's people just don't seem to be people of the word any more. I read a simple statement once, and it has changed my daily walk for the past couple of decades. It describes two types of Christians:
If you only spend time in the word you risk becoming legalistic.
If you only spend time in worship you risk becoming emotional.

I hope I don't need to say that if you don't spend time in either, you risk becoming a non-christian.

Join us as we renew our reading list, and launch into a new year. Pastor Tony has committed to blog once a week. We will also invite guest bloggers, and you - dear reader - are also invited to contribute. Add comments, argue, discuss, or even submit entire articles or blogs of your own. Send submissions here.

But by all means, be in the word and in worship every day.

Exam time - Chas

2008-01-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

I once had a job at a Sauna factory. I worked in the electrical shop assembling the control systems, but it was just a couple of steps from the main wood shop where the wood was cut and sanded and assembled into saunas.

As weeks went by, I began to have minor health issues. Nothing big, but several small, irritating things began to go wrong. Most of them had to do with my nose and throat. But by about the end of the first month, my lungs got into the act, and I went to the doctor. He checked me over and suggested I quit my job. I am, it turns out, allergic to dust, particularly redwood sawdust. Oh, did I mention that these saunas were made out of redwood? I was breathing the dust all day, and didn't even realize that it was making me sick. The dust was not visible in the shop where I worked, it was not something I was aware I was even breathing. But there was no way to avoid it.

Attitudes can work on us the same way. We can go along thinking that we are doing fine in all respects, and yet we are getting sick in our spiritual life. And we can't figure out why. There are reasons for this - for one thing we tend to judge ourselves and others quite differently. Now, even the best person on the planet does this, and I don't mean to say that we establish a double standard. No, the problem is this: we judge others by their behavior. We have to: it's all we can judge.

But, we judge ourselves by our motives. So even if something comes out wrong, we will tend to judge ourselves by how we meant it to come out. What a huge difference, and yet we don't even see it happening.

When Paul says, "let a man examine himself," I believe we need to step away from looking into our heart for a moment. I believe we need to take a moment and look at our personal history. Are people drawn to us or do they tend to avoid us? What kind of people? Am I serving in the church - or do I expect the church to serve me? Do I have a 'problem' with leadership or do I find people naturally following me? Do I start things - grand and exciting things - and then end them before completing them? Even if there are 'reasons?'

Long ago, I had a conversation with a man about an argument he was having with his wife. She was upset with the way they were spending money as a couple. I asked him to show me his check book and his credit card statement. To show you how long ago this was, the couple only had ONE credit card and there were no such things as automated tellers at the time! He covered over the balance. I asked him why - he said he didn't think I needed to know. I was fine with that - what I wanted to see was not how much he had, but how much had him. Where was he spending their money. And it was very telling. He was indulgent and self-absorbed. But you can't really tell a person that, not and expect them to agree and/or change. So I simply took a red pencil and underlined all the things which were purchased to bless him, and skipped the ones which were purchased to bless the couple and/or his young bride.

It was amazing. I didn't have to say anything, it was quite obvious that though this man was married, he was spending like a single person. But he had not seen it because he was judging himself by his motives, not his actions. Once we took a hard look at his actions, the truth became obvious.

So - count your blessings. And count your curses. Look at the recurring problems in your life and try to establish the one thing which was the same in all of them. It might just be you.

Chas' big toe

2008-01-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

I injured my back last September. I had surgery last December to fix it, and everything went amazingly well. Except for one little thing. My right big toe is still numb and my foot is weak. I was so glad to be out of pain and able to get up and about again, that I felt it was close to being ungrateful to complain about my toe.

As my back gets stronger and stronger, I am able to do more and more. And as the memory of the pain of the back injury fades, I begin to focus on this one remaining little hassle.

It's not a big deal, it doesn't keep me from doing anything I need to do. But it does keep me from doing some of the things I want to do.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:12 (New International Version)12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

And again in 1 Corinthians 12:22 (New International Version)Paul says, "22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,"

Our big toes are important in balance, and walking/running. Since I can't feel mine, I walk funny. I have to concentrate on walking smoothly without a sort of lope. Not quite a limp, but not a smooth walk either.

There are parts of the Body of Christ which are like the big toe. They are not right out there for all to see, and their weakness or even lack does not keep the Church from doing what it needs to do. But if those parts of the Body of Christ are not doing their jobs, the body cannot function as smoothly - or as fully - as God intends.

Don't think of this as a joke - but are you one of those toes? Or some other part of the Body of Christ which needs to be doing it's job so that every thing can go exactly the way it is supposed to? Perhaps your role in the Body of Christ has seemed so insignificant to you that you may even have considered giving it up. Or you think it so unimportant that you don't give it a real effort.

I don't want to limit this by suggesting areas of service or naming ministries in the church. If I started to mention the hundreds of services to God which make up the Body of Christ I would leave one out, or risk making somebody feel unimportant. Just the opposite is true. Ask God to show you what part you play in the Body. And then ask Him to show you if you are helping or hindering.

And then, if God challenges you to improve or make other changes - go for it. But most importantly: remember that the God who calls you to make these changes will also empower you to be able to do so.

And don't long to be some other more glamorous part of the Body. Right now, I would be very happy if one small, seemingly insignificant part of my physical body would do it's stinkin' job! Let's not give God the same feeling when it comes to the Body of Christ.

James 1-5 - Chas

2007-12-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

James 1-5

Rich teaching.

These passages of scripture form the basis of a Christian walk. You could study these chapters and verses for months, and as you begin to apply them to your life you would be assured of seeing amazing growth. Do I overstate? Are there those of you reading this who either think that you are already mature enough in your Christian walk - or perhaps you can think of others around you who have arrived at a place where all of this is already in place?

I get that way from time to time. I think that my life under Christ is settled, and I have only to do the daily things which find their way onto my schedule and the Kingdom will be blessed by my efforts. But that is not so. I must continue to grow in Christ, or I will begin to die. There is no 'autopilot' mode, no 'park' mode. There is growth, or stagnation. Life, or death.

And I get that point driven home all the more when I read these chapters. Starting with a quick lesson when I read something like this:

James 1

"1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,"

This was James the brother of Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man who could brag about his connection,this would be the man. But he identifies himself as a servant, both of God and his very special brother. And then he proceeds to give us some of the most amazing teaching about being humble, secure in our place in God even if we are poor, much more careful about how we treat others if we are rich, and on and on.

And it takes me to task: Do I consider myself more than I ought? Do I find my identity in who I am, or who I am in Christ?

OK - that is the first verse. Now, if you haven't read today's chapters, set aside some time. And no matter how familiar you are with these passages, do the work: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal new truth to you, or reveal the same truth in new ways. And if I may be so bold as to say this: there are truths here which can not only apply, but should begin to change every person who calls themselves a Christian.

Update - Chas

2007-12-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm laying here in a hospital bed. What a blessing to not be in pain anymore! The surgery went fine, only took about an hour and a half. Recovery was actually a breeze - the waking up from the anesthesia has been the worst part for me in the past, but this time it was fine.

I got into a room by 5:30 or so, and had a real good dinner. I know! Who would have believed that?!

I'm not on any pain meds and I am scheduled to go home tomorrow. I don't know how it could have gone any better- and I am especially grateful to those of you who prayed. You really came through for me, and God really came through for us.

Please forgive me if I sound shocked or amazed, after all this is exactly what we prayed for.

Thanks so much.

Life comes at you hard - Chas

2007-12-03T04:49:00.000-08:00

I go in for back surgery tomorrow, Tuesday. I have just about gone nuts with not being able to be at church, being alone all the time, not being able to do so many things that we all take for granted. I endeavor to keep smiling - it's not fair to make this a burden on my family after all - and they are taking on so much as it is. But humor helps. Just last night my daughter came in and stood next to me chatting. She dropped her keys or something, and without a thought she bent over and picked them up off the floor. I looked at her and said, "show off!"

But there have been many things which I have learned already from this experience, one is that my reaction to life is far more important than how many things go 'right' in my life. I could write a comedy sketch about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Could you just imagine our Lord complaining about all the hassles of His life up to that point? There could be a long list, starting with the amazing drop in status of becoming human and then being a Jew in a Roman world, being single, having uneducated followers, bad transportation systems, deodorant had not been invented yet, no cell phones, dust everywhere, hot climate, the religious leaders always hassling him, yadda yadda yadda.

Right now, I could list a bunch of things which seem to be piling up in my life. I don't want to. It would make as much sense as Jesus complaining on the eve of going to do the very thing He came to earth to do. OK - I'll give you one - I started a remodel on our hall bathroom just before I hurt my back. After close to four months without that bathroom, I finally hired three contractors to come finish it. They are doing the work, but I have to constantly get up and go answer questions, write checks, choose colors, open doors, close doors, turn off the heat, and so forth. I have decided that in the future, I will not injure myself if there is any construction going on in our home.

But life doesn't always allow for that type of 'planning,' does it?

And how many people in the world would love to have indoor plumbing in the first place...

OK - I have wandered off the point, and now you see why I haven't tried to blog lately. But let me just conclude by saying that how we react to the things God allows into our lives has value on many levels. Another way of saying what I am struggling to say is this - trials do more good than harm. Here are a few good things which trouble in our life can do for us:

It reveals our level of trust and/or faith in God.
It reveals the above to us, and those around us.
It reveals our value system, as the important things become the only things.
It distills us.
It focuses us.
It shows us who our friends truly are.
It gives us the time we need to slow down and be with God.

Isn't that amazing? I look forward to looking back on this time in my life, and seeing all the good that has and will come of it.

In the Fire - Pastor Tony

2007-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

I read a story that brought a great deal of meaning to this verse. A group of believers that gathered weekly for a Bible Study read this verse from Malachi 3. They wondered what the image of a refiner truly showed us about the character and nature of God. One of the more inquisitive members of this group offered to investigate. That week, he located a silversmith to visit and watch him at work. This craft is a skill from the past – but is still practiced is many places.

As he visited the silversmith, this craftsman held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the piece of metal in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities.

The investigator thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then he thought again about the verse: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." He asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined!

The silversmith answered, “I not only have to hold onto the silver during the whole process - I have to keep my eyes on the silver the entire time it is in the fire. If the silver is left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.” The person from the Bible Study was silent for a moment, and then he asked, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" The silversmith smiled at him and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. If today you are feeling the heat of fire in your life; remember that God has hold of you and has his eye on you ... and will keep watching over you until He sees His image in you.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

Here we are, entering the 'Holiday Season.' Wow time is flying now!

Have you stopped to give thanks? I have much to be thankful for, I could write a novel about God's provision and his blessing. The very short version would include the following:

I have a couple of great kids, one wonderful wife, a home, a couple of businesses, toys, a church which seems to be very interested in growing and changing into something new and exciting, and even though I can't move at the moment because of a back injury, it looks like there is light at the end of that tunnel as well.

In fact, I want to publicly say something which I just had the chance to say privately the other day:

I have a Pastor who is committed enough that he went through back surgery ahead of me so he could guide me through the whole process. That is true commitment!

OK - so he didn't do it just for me - but I don't love him any less, and I wrote this craziness mainly to remind us of two simple things:

Be thankful
Be in prayer

Thanks - Chas

Weekend - November10,11

2007-11-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm sorry I haven't been able to sit long enough to blog. After close to two months, I had to break down and start taking pain medication. That also makes it hard to concentrate, though I tend to laugh more. I have been out and about a little bit, I spent yesterday at work, went to part of rehearsal last night, and that keeps my family and I from going nuts. But the best part of all of this is that I have started to pray. I have to say that I pray pretty regularly - or I did.

When I injured my back September the eighth - yes that's my birthday for those of you keeping track of such things - and then had to spend the next month flat on my back, I would have thought that I would have just enjoyed a super time of prayer. I mean, what else was there to do besides stare at the ceiling?

Well, it has taken two months, but I finally am doing what I should have been doing before. And in three days, I have had more precious times with Jesus than I have in many many months. I promised Pastor Tony I would pray for him and his back - and I have been. And it has been some of the most amazing time in the presence of the Lord. I got a tiny little sense of what Pastor Tony faces - just a taste - and it was an eye opener.

So - thanks for your continued prayer, and I apologize to any of you to whom I have been less than polite in conversation at church, but I don't handle this as well as I wish I could.

I will take any leftovers you have, gladly, but I have a long list of people around the globe who I have praying for. Please, if you are going to pray, pray for Pastor Tony first. We don't want him to have any complications from the surgery, we want him to relax and recoup as fast as possible, but we don't want him to try to get back to work sooner than he should.

Here is a note he asked me to post updating us on his condition:

Pastor Tony is still recovering from back surgery - the pain in the back and leg still persists and can be quite severe at times. He is also facing a few complications. The doctors are trying to decide whether these complications are a result of the operation or represents another problem in the back that has been revealed by the operation. Thank you for your prayers and for continuing to pray for Pastor Tony and his family. At the present time - Pastor Tony expects to return to our services on November 18th.

Monday - Chas

2007-11-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hope Wolf, Guest Blogger

Job 28,29 Galatians 1,2

Galatians 1:1-12 "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers with me,
To the churches in Galatia:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."

There are a couple of things that struck me as I was reading the passage in Galatians this morning. The first has to do with Paul’s God-given authority and the second dealing with his Christ-centered message. Paul makes a point to the Galatians that God gave him revelation and that he was sent by God.

How many times have you wanted to receive God’s revelation for your life? Have you ever wanted someone speak a word of prophecy over you and yet you were not willing to spend time with God yourself to hear from him directly?

Paul speaks boldly to the Galatians to not be led astray by false doctrine. God’s challenge to me this morning was to continue to stay in his word, to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to my heart, to seek God’s direction and approval for my life. May we together challenge one another in our walks, living our lives in obedience to his call and direction. May we not be afraid of receive correction when we are being led astray by false doctrine. May we take these words that Paul spoke to the Galatians for ourselves in order to stay on track in our walk with God.

Sunday - Chas

2007-11-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Job 26,27 Mark 15,16

Reminder: We have a special day planned today. Special guest speaker, via video, then lunch on the patio - which the folks have been simmering and stewing for two or three days! Then our annual progress report. This meeting will focus on electing three board members.

Saturday - Chas

2007-11-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

Job 25; Mark 13,14

Mark 14: 3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for more than a year's wages[a] and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

6"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

The title of this passage in the NIV Bible is, "Jesus anointed at Bethany."

When the people around Him get upset at the 'waste' involved in this, Jesus explains that she has anointed Him for burial. This is a sign of the things to come in Jesus life. However, there is another sign here which is often overlooked. If we glance back at the old testament there are many kinds of offerings. One of them is a drink offering. Some of the offerings could be redeemed in some fashion. Thing were waved before God, other things were placed on the altar but were available to be sustenance for the priests. Still others were given to the temple in the form of gold and silver to be used in construction and so forth.

But the drink offering was poured out on the altar and the ground. That was it: once it was poured out, it was God's and there was really no way to redeem it or reclaim it. It was something which was just completely sacrificed, given, surrendered, ruined, handed over, relinquished, and released. You took something that was yours, and made it completely God's, with no chance of getting anything back directly.

So look at these two offerings: the woman who anointed Jesus had to break the jar to pour out the fragrant perfume. It was not a pop top. Once the jar was broken, it was smashed - ruined - and the contents were going to pretty much flow wherever gravity caused them to flow. And the woman certainly couldn't pour a portion out and keep the rest. It was all, or nothing.

Just like the drink offering in the OT.

And just as God is calling us to live for him: give Him all,

or nothing.

Friday - Chas

2007-11-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Friday November 2

Job 23,24 Mark 11,12

Sorry - I posted the wrong reading for yesterday. It was supposed to be:

Ps 121; Mark 9,10

Depending on which browser you use, it might be just below - notice I corrected my mistake.

Thursday - Chas

2007-11-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ps 121, Mark 8,9

Sorry, I have nothing to offer today. I did get some sleep last night - but I guess I must have overdone it at the "Trunk or Treat" event last night, and my back is truly upset. Sort of has a life of it's own at this point...

I did want to post the reading for the day, and encourage you all to not only keep up with the reading, but to encourage you to encourage others to do so. We are supposed to be doing this as a church, together, but we have a history of starting strong and fading a bit.

In reading today's scripture, you will read the narrative of the Transfiguration. I love the fact that Peter begins to babble. My mother never said, "If you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at all."

But I did learn the concept somewhere along the way. In this case, it might have been wise to amend the cliche' somewhat to say this, "If you don't have anything intelligent to say, then don't say anything at all."

And with that, I will sign off.

Chas

Halloween - Chas

2007-10-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 31

Job 22; Mark 7,8

Mark 8:34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life^[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

This is an interesting statement, especially since it is written in the gospel at a point just after the record of Jesus performing several miracles which included healing a deaf mute, and feeding untold thousands of people from small handfuls of food.

I think that one thing which is often overlooked in all of the miracles of Jesus is that each of us has had the greatest miracle of all performed in our very lives: the miracle of salvation. The miracle of a full belly, or even the more life-changing miracle of sight or hearing being restored, will still not assure a person eternity with God. But salvation - the act of saving a person from eternal separation from God and delivering them into a relationship with Jesus - that is truly a miracle of epic proportions.

Thank God if you know him - you have experienced the best miracle a person could ask for.

Tuesday - Chas

2007-10-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

Job 21; Mark 5,6

Mark 5:11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[c]how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Often, Jesus changes people's lives so that they can go into their world and spread the word. Other times, Jesus asks us to go on with the pain or troubles, realizing that God's grace is sufficient- and in that way spread the word.

Amazing how that works, isn't it? So - the challenge is to find the way to honor God and His kingdom in whatever comes into our lives.

I"m sure not saying that is easy, but it is what we are called to do. I have been dealing with a lot of pain lately - yet I feel God is asking me to step up. I feel that I am honoring this call if my family cannot tell if I am in lots of pain, or having a good day.

I'll let you know when I make it to that point.... or better yet, you could just ask them.

Monday- Kristen

2007-10-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Here’s the Scripture for today’s reading:
Job 20, and Mark 3-4

Hello world of blogging.

Let me start off by informing all of you that this is not Chas, nor is it Pastor, presenting today’s blog. This is Kristen, Chas’ daughter, for those who may not know me. I have been asked a few times by various members of my circle of friends and family when I was going to write one of these blogs for the church. I laughed about it then, but it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since Mr. Woertink put the idea in my head for the first time. My dad asked me if I wanted to post something for today’s blog, so here you have it.

I’ve somewhat avoided posting here, even though I have wanted to, because I felt that I had nothing to share. I still feel this way a little bit as I sit here trying to type and figure out what exactly God wants me to share with you all. I started by reading the above Scriptures and I suppose that that is where I’ll start-

Mark 4:35-41
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41 They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Whenever I think of the miracles of Jesus, I always think of him driving out demons and this story of him calming the storm at sea. I know I’ve heard more than one sermon or teaching on this particular passage of Scripture and I’m sure that you have as well. One thing, though, that struck me as I read the story this time was something new that I hadn’t noticed before. We all know about the fact that the disciples were scared and they came face to face with a situation that they knew they had no natural way out of.

I could easily tie this into what seems to be becoming a theme, I’ve noticed, and that is the issue of suffering. (I’m not saying that that is a problem, I’m just saying that Christ is our focus and the problems of this word should bring us closer to him and bring us to a place where we hear from him more, rather than bring us to a place where we simply wish to sit, have our needs met, and be encouraged by people saying “It’ll get better. God has a plan.”) Suffering is a very real thing and a very prevalent thing at this moment, especially among the leadership of our church and within our body. The disciples, in this place with nothing else to do but run to Jesus as he slept in the back of the boat, received yet another revelation of who Jesus was and his plan for their lives. Jesus challenged his disciples’ faith “He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus challenged the disciples’ faith and gave them the opportunity to see another part of his nature.

Part of me doesn’t understand how the disciples could have just finished watching Jesus heal and throw demons out of people, just a chapter before, and then sit there and be stunned to silence when they run to Jesus and he tells the wind to be quiet… and it obeys! I guess it must be part of our nature… We can see all these different things that God has done for others, but once it becomes something that effects us personally we find it so easy to let go of that faith. Sometimes we have to go through personal struggles to see that Jesus really does have the power to do miracles in our lives and not just the lives of others.

Jesus revealed to them the fact that he was personal to them. He revealed to them that he didn’t just have some miraculous “healing touch”, but that he truly was one who carried divine authority. He told the wind to be quiet and the sea to be still and they obeyed! A natural occurrence based on warm and cool air interacting in the atmosphere (wind) stopped when Jesus told it to. I think that he definitely got the disciples’ attention. He would have had mine!

Maybe Jesus needs to put us on a ship at sea with nothing but him and a crazy storm to reveal something about himself to us, or maybe he just needs to get our attention.

Father-
Please open my eyes to the places and times that I go through everyday when I don’t even realize that you are giving me the opportunity to run to you and invite you to reveal more of yourself to me. There is so much of your nature that I have yet to experience and I know that you want to lavish on me your love and to reveal more and more of your nature to me so that I can become that much more like you. Thank you, Father, that you care about your children enough to want to show us your nature and your love. Thank you that you will challenge our faith. Please, help our faith to grow as we draw closer to you in our lives everyday.
-Kristen

Be blessed today.

Note (If you are still reading...)
Please continue to lift up the upcoming Trunk or Treat event at our church in prayer.

Flashback - Chas

2007-10-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Job 19; Mark 1,2

It was almost exactly one year ago that I took my dad to the local ER. I never took him home. In the intervening twelve months, an amazing thing has happened- my memories of my father have changed, for the better.

I loved my daddy, we were good friends. We shared a love for working with our hands, music, helping people, and a bunch of other things I won't bore you with. And yet there were times when we didn't see eye to eye.

But as I sit here tapping this out, I have to work to call those memories to mind. The year has given me a different perspective. I am the same man, and dad is with Jesus, so its not as if he could have changed, yet I seem to have deleted all but the fondest memories. Until today.

Today I got a call from my mom's nurse. Many hours later, here I sit, tapping away on my phone as I sit next to mom in the ER. Same ER, same doctor, even one of the same nurses. And I am flooded with some of the bad memories of my dad's last days. Funny thing is, even those memories reveal only love for pop. The choices were tough, the times were tough because I didn't want to let him go. So even the "bad" memories have changed to reflect positively on my father. Funny how that works, isn't it?

Well, I know where we get it-we inherited this ability to see people through the eyes of love from our heavenly Father. In several Old Testament passages we see that God had very specific requirements for the animal which a Jew would offer as a sacrifice. The priest would look over the sacrifice carefully, and only accept it if it was perfect. Well, without visible blemishes or faults. But nowhere does it say that the priest even glanced at the person who brought the sacrifice.

Right now, if you ask the Lord to forgive you, He looks at the sacrifice you bring. If it is Jesus- and it can be if you simply ask Him - then God sees a perfect sacrifice. This may be a blow to an ego or two, but God doesn't see you. He sees you through Jesus, but let's face it, its a lot more important that He see Jesus than you.

Just as I am happy to remember only the fond things about my Dad, I am very glad to have God only see Jesus when He looks at me. What does God see when he looks at you?

Saturday - Chas

2007-10-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Job 18; Ps 114; Acts 27,28

I am out of town. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but one of us forgot to put my laptop computer in the car. D'oh! I'm so sorry, but this is the best I can do with my phone.

This chapter from Acts 27 details one of the many times Paul was in grave danger
during his ministry. I love how he says to the men, basically: "have courage, you'll need it."

Paul knew he had the trial of his life ahead of him, and some huge ship being wrecked out from under him wasn't going to stop anything.

I have done a lot of boating in my life, some of it sailing, but I have never survived a shipwreck. There were times I thought my life was going to end in utter shipwreck, but God always delivered me. Be sure of this- my salvation has been because of who God is, not who I am.

Facing wreckage? Have courage. Perhaps there may be some loss, but God will preserve what He deems worthy.

Friday - Chas

2007-10-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Friday October 26

Job 17; Acts 24,25,26

In the company of Kings and commoners

Acts 26: 28Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

29Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

Paul was a lot of things, some of them were things which would not make him welcome in polite company. He was outspoken, occasionally brash, even harsh. He was well educated, yet quite passionate. But he knew how to step out of the way and allow the Spirit of God to speak through him - notice here how he has the right words to say in front of first the Governor, and then the King. And both are affected.

I wrote the other day about changing cultures, specifically changing a culture from the bottom up - so to speak. Here is an example of shaking the foundation of a culture from the top down.

I have put God in a box just as often as anyone, I suppose. I can't imagine stepping into the court of a king and proclaiming the testimony of Jesus Christ as boldly as Paul has done here. But why not? Who am I afraid of? Perhaps I should be a bit more afraid of God. Perhaps I should fear not pleasing HIM. That might open up opportunities which only God could imagine, instead of limiting myself to opportunities which I can imagine.

Thursday - Chas

2007-10-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Job 16; Acts 21-23
Reminder- there is a new article by Pastor Tony on the Church Web Site

God's Plan

God has a plan. We have seen over the past few days how that plan concerns individuals, the church, and even whole societies or cultures. It is amazing how the changes God brought to the world during the first century seem to have been funneled through just a small number of people. Keep that in mind as we look at the working of God's plan in the life of Paul:

Acts 21: 10After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "

12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."

15After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

Paul trusted God. Paul knew that God had a plan, and was willing to let it unfold in his life, or even his death, if that is what was in store. Even the well-meaning friends who selfishly tried to dissuade Paul could not stop him from allowing God to be God.

And then later, as we read in Acts 21: 27When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28shouting, "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place." 29(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.)

And yet, even as the crowds roared and plotted, and went as far as to have Paul arrested, still he was not willing to abandon what God had in store for him. The riot got so nasty, that the Roman guards had to take Paul into the barracks to save him. But God's plan was still working. Look at Acts 23: 11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

These opportunities which Paul had to publicly present his testimony - and at the same time the Gospel of Jesus Christ - would never have been remotely possible if the plan of God had not worked out in excruciating detail.

But note that there were times when Paul's comfort and even his safety seemed to have been overlooked. Yet he persists in following God. We will watch the rest of this story unfold in coming days...

As we do, ask God to reveal to us the things which we might very well allow to push us out of the will of God. Or, perhaps He will show us things which have already done the job.

Wednesday - Chas

2007-10-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hey! Pastor Tony just wrote a great article -
It is posted on the Church Web Site - click here to read it.

Wednesday, October 24

Job 15; Acts 19,20

The beginning of the end.

I found this statement in a commentary dealing with today's passage: "At the very center of every culture is a religion, whether sacred or secular."

It struck me as true, and important for us to grasp. In every culture someone or something will be venerated, adored, honored or even worshiped. This religion or set of beliefs will form that culture's world view, which defines the culture. Paul's message begins to shake the existing culture to its very core by showing one of its religious power centers, the Artemis cult, for what it is, which is nothing. How often did Paul end up engaging in debates about letting go of the multiple gods and goddesses and proclaiming Jesus "Lord of lords."

Missionaries around the world will tell you that often getting people to accept the Gospel is not the battle. The battle lies in getting them to give Christ preeminence and release or even abandon the former godless things they have built their lives around. To begin to live differently.

You change enough people in this fashion, and it leads to major changes in the culture. Remember the Berlin wall? Remember the Soviet Union? These are small things to God - He desires a world change. Funny how little credit the church got for the changes we have seen in our lives, yet it can be proved.

The Riot in Ephesus

Acts 20:23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. 25He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. 26And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

This man had his finger on the change which God was bringing, even thought he didn't fully grasp the situation, nor did he understand just how much change Paul's message would in fact bring to the Roman Empire, and in fact the rest of the world. So what about us? We live in a culture which was based on Judeo-Christian ideas. We call ourselves a Christian nation, so do we have to worry about a major change or shift as we work to spread the Gospel? I would say, "yes."

Our nation has made a fundamental shift away from the Christian values and truths upon which it was founded. It is my considered opinion that we are a post-Christian culture. We struggle to embrace and include people from diverse cultural backgrounds and live up to the concept of being the world's melting pot. But that is far from Biblical.

No, the Word doesn't tell us to define a man or woman by race or skin color, or nation of origin. But we are called to a life which reflects the example of Jesus Christ, and that takes aim against the one god which our society rushes to embrace: Self.

Thanks to the media - wait. Stop. You expected me to say that, I bet. And I could make a case for placing the blame there. But I should lay the blame at our own feet first: We want to include Jesus into our society, but not reject the selfish, humanistic religion into which we have all bought.We want to be Christians, and yet keep our citizenship in the nation of secular humanists which we have become.

Once again we see that what we are reading is not a simple little story from the early chapters of the church: this is a call to action. A clarion call to a nation to make a change so fundamental that it must first destroy the very foundations of its existing culture. But - the call is every bit as applicable to our nation, today, as to the culture of the time. You see, the Gospel will change people. And people will change cultures, whole societies, the world.

Romans 10: 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

This is not just something which is supposed to happen in a pulpit inside a church. For this kind of change to take place, the best way for the Gospel to be faithfully preached is for it to be lived. By you and I.

Do you want to change the world? Start by changing us. Look at the anchors, the mores, the culture in which you exist. Is Christ the king of that kingdom? Do you need to do some foundation rattling so He can do some building?

Me too.

Tuesday - Chas

2007-10-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday October 23

Job 13,14; Acts 17,18

Three lefts make a right.

Look at this passage in Acts 14:5
"When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.^[a] 6But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." "

Look at the passage we read just a few days ago in Acts 16:
"6Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

God was steering the growth of the church and had specific designs on how and where it would grow. But that steering seemed to include plenty of twists and turns. Consider that if Paul had gone the way he intended before he received the vision, the East would be the seat of the Christian church, and we westerners would be the ones on the outside, with who-knows-what mixture of spiritualism and humanism, and multi-theistic "gods" and "goddesses."

OK, I realize that our nation has in fact embraced much of the godless ideas of the East in recent times, but the Church grew in western society and we have the blessing of being a Christian nation as a result.

What's the point? God's plan for the people of God includes the church. There was, and is, a definite plan for the first century church and how it grew. And that hasn't changed. I am not advocating a return to some High Church, nor a liturgical holy See or Papal deification. I do not think God intends us to worship the church. And I certainly wouldn't want to return to the first century church - we have enough division, dissension and disputes as it is, thank-you very much. And I think the first time somebody dropped dead as a result of lying about a donation we might find ourselves drawing some negative publicity.

But it is obvious that God has a plan for the church today. And that includes our church. I say "our church" only to identify it.as the local church which we call ours. Bear in mind that it is really His church. It is the Bride of Christ, the arm of Christ reaching out to a lost world. It is a place to serve God and man, it is a gathering of the believers, a repository for the Spiritual Gifts, and a place where true worship can take place on a corporate level. It is a place to find healing - IF the people are open to the move of the Spirit to allow that healing to flow through us. It is not a social club, and it does not exist to meet our needs. Nor should it appeal to only one demographic.

Sorry. Since God obviously has a plan for this amazing thing called the church, I think we need to get on board. And that may mean seeking God to the point that if He tells us to make a turn or change, we do so. Will you join us?

Monday - Chas

2007-10-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Monday October 21:
Job 11,12 and Acts 15,16

Acts 16:22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

There are all types of prisons. Physical prisons, mental prisons, spiritual prisons, prisons of limitations in mind and body, prisons of disability, prisons of dismay. Some prisons are prisons of our own making - when we allow the enemy to trap us by our own desires, or our own expectations of how God or the world should treat us.

Imagine the power that even a little complaining or bitterness would have had here in this situation. Look at how many people were saved because Paul and Silas saw the bigger picture - bigger than their pain and inconvenience. They may have been in prison - and in serious pain - in the physical, but their spirits soared above it all, and God was able to move.

Wow.

October 20th - Note from Pastor Tony

2007-10-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

When I am Weak!

When I am weak - He is strong ... His power is made perfect in my weaknesses. These phrases roll off our lips so easily when we are in full control of all our abilities. Then something happens and God’s truth comes into living color – High Definition Color.

Over the last few weeks, many of you know that I have been suffering great pain from what has been diagnosed as two ruptured/herniated discs in my lower back. After four painful weeks and an emergency surgery – I have found myself laid out in my bedroom ... still in a great deal of pain ... with little ability to move and forced to total bed rest.

For someone like me – this is a tough assignment ... it reminds me of a time of years gone by. But here I lay – I cannot preach; I cannot lead a meeting ... I have been able to do little more than PRAY.

Not that I immediately grasped that last fact. Last Monday as I was able to do little more than lay on my bed – I began to call out so many of your names – recalling your faces – I thanked God for you – I sang over you – I asked God for His Will in your life and his presence in our church and I cried out the names of everyone I could think of to God. And after a while, the time became sweet. That night, I cried out to God – “Lord, I feel like I have done so little today!” Much to my surprise came an answer: Son, you have done more today than you have done for a long while.

Wow! It hit me ... When I am strong – I attack my days like I am in charge – Lately, on these recovery days – when I am weak – I am very well aware – that I am not in charge of my days. And I understand much more clearly the role prayer has played. And I am afraid to ever get so strong again – that I become lord of my day! When I stop being lord – He can be Lord of my day, my life, my ministry, my world ... my time and my prayers.

And I understand a little more clearly why my weakness helps me enter into His strength!

Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts! And thank you for staying faithful in these times.

Free! - Chas

2007-10-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday October 20
Job 7,8,9; Acts 12

Have you ever thought about this: When Peter was released from prison by the angel, he could have gone anywhere. He could have gone back to fishing, assumed a new name, he could have repeated his act from the trial of Jesus and denied Christ. He could have gone back to the prison and turned himself in - they may have been impressed enough with what happened to let him go or it might have helped his case that he turned himself in. He could have done many things, gone many places. But he didn't.

He went right back to the church. To the very place where the Christians were gathered praying for him. To the very thing which had landed him in prison in the first place. Really, there was no other place he could go.

When you and I are released - perhaps not from such a dire situation as prison chained between two guards - but when we are free to do what we want, what do we do? Do we go on vacation, spiritually?

When we are faced with a free day, or even a free hour, what's the first thing we want to do with that time? Run away from everything? Or run to God? I would challenge us - as a church - to watch carefully for times when we are free. Free to run to God, or away.

Prejudice - Chas

2007-10-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

Friday October 19

Job 5, Ps 108, Acts 10,11

Today we read some very interesting passages. In Job, we see a man who is claiming to not only be Godly, but who attempts to speak on God's behalf. Yet Eliphaz' advice to Job does nothing to help. Oh, it is true in most respects: when in trouble, call on God and He will lift you up. And in normal circumstances, this would be true. But neither Job nor his 'friends' know the whole story of what is going on here. As a result, the advice is more torment than support. Note that regardless of what the conversation is, the plan of God goes ahead as He designed it. And in the end, Job gets back more material wealth and a larger family than he had before, God gets the glory, and we an amazing example to follow.

In Psalms today, we have this pair of verses:
12 Give us aid against the enemy,
for the help of man is worthless.

13 With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies.

which remind us that God is God, and we are not. David often repeats the idea that our help comes from the Lord, not the arm of man.

And finally in Acts, we see the foundation for the adoption or inclusion of the entire world into the plan of God for the salvation of mankind. Peter sees a mixture of clean and unclean animals in the vessel or sail lowered before him in his vision. That mixture is our example: Peter was to set aside his cultural prejudices and preach Jesus to the gentiles. In this chapter, I see three main points:

God prepares the way - note that at the time Peter is up on the roof having his vision, the men have already traveled the thirty or so miles to get to him. And as they all come together, Peter has been met by the Lord right at the root of his cultural bias. The man, Cornelius, has already built his life upon the Jewish fear and respect of God. He has been called by God out of the multi-theistic or even godless existence of those around him.
God sets aside our prejudices - I have been to lots and lots of churches in my life. Even some of the big cathedrals around the world. But I have only seen a few that seemed to really reach out to the sinner and welcome them. The most 'sinner friendly' place I recall was up in San Fransisco. It had ash trays in the lobby, made sterile needles available to keep drug users safe from AIDS, and fed the homeless one meal, seven days a week. It did not shine in the physical, but I bet it was a light in God's eyes.
And the pastor went into the worst parts of that city to save a particular class of citizen - a group of people who no longer even exist. These were called "Nellies," and they were young runaways. These were all boys, and they had hit bottom and sold themselves to the gay men for sex acts as the only way to survive on the streets. As a young man at the time, I had a normal reaction to these people - loathing. I wanted to see this pastor save them, but I didn't want to touch or be around them. But God had other plans. And time was of the essence: the AIDS epidemic was just taking off: these boys would all be dead in a few years if they were not saved. So we waded in. And amazingly, at the right time, God did the work in the hearts of the team - and in the hearts of the young boys - and many were saved.

God completes: The Old Testament served its purpose. It was not set aside by Christ because it was wrong or in error. It was designed to point us to Jesus, and when Jesus came on the scene, it was no longer needed to perform this task. But to the staunch religious Jew, this was unthinkable. And we look at the Jews today who reject Christ because of this same cultural tradition or bias, and we sadly shake our heads. But what about us? Are there people around us who need us to reach out to them? Ask God to complete you - set aside the habits, traditions and biases which we have grown comfortable with - and lead us to the people who's hearts He has prepared in advance to receive His message.

Update - Chas

2007-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Pastor is home, and dealing with post-operative pain. He is also dealing with the pain of not being able to be active and actively pursuing the thousands of things that he normally does in a day. Can you imagine our beloved Pastor not being able to be fully active? Pray for him, and pray for his family.

Prayer last night was a packed house, and I know we felt the Spirit of God move. Not only was it apparent by the response as we prayed, but many people came and said so afterwards. We have established a point - as in the point of a spear or the point of an armed attack. That means we will be moving forward, but it also means that the enemy knows where the main thrust of our attack on the darkness is. So, I would encourage us to continue to be faithful in our involvement on Wednesday nights, but also in personal prayer daily, or hour by hour. Will you join us? And drag a few others with you, please.

As to myself, I am planning to begin writing again. Yes, I can finally sit! My back has had me flat on my back for just about five weeks. I missed a full month of work, and gained ten pounds. But I had some amazing times with God. I'm not spiritual enough to actually say one of those things which people say at times like these, you know: "I wouldn't have traded it for...."

No, I would have gladly traded it for freedom from pain and the ability to walk normally, move about, drive, sit at my computer and so forth. But I would love to keep the precious moments when I know He was right by my side in the midst of it all. I bet that's not one of the choices, though, is it? God truly has been my constant companion these weeks.

I am going in for a MRI this morning. "Tunnel of Death" as Pastor describes it. I'm not claustrophobic, so the only fear I have is that the results may point towards surgery. Or worse: they may say it can't be fixed. They said that fifteen years ago when I first injured my back, and I have put up with this nonsense off and on ever since. I know, I know, call me a wimp.

So, pray. Not just for the many of us in our body who are dealing with physical problems - and isn't it amazing how many of us are? Back problems seem to be everywhere right now. Pray because it is the most important thing we do. The very most important. I am watching as my daughter comes to grips with the part of adulthood in which hard choices are made as to dividing up her time. And it is a not-so-gentle reminder that I have similar choices. Will I choose the best use of my time? Will I be an example to her, and a source of God's power in my home, my business and our church? Or will I simply pass time and eventually get to the end?

Personal Note from PT

2007-10-12T01:57:00.000-07:00

Surgery Morning Thoughts

I write this note only a few hours before I go to the hospital for an operation on my back.

I want to thank so many of your who have been so faithful in prayer, in love, and in support. You have carried us through this time of suffering.

As I go into the hospital today, a scripture keeps coming to my mind:
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. - Phil. 3:10-11

Suffering always changes us, but how it changes us is our choice. The same Boiling water that turns an egg hard will turn a potato soft. The difference is who or what you choose to experience in the midst of suffering. Suffering always has pain – but it can also carry the sweet presence of Jesus if you look for it. The issue is whether or not you decide to experience Jesus.

I can testify that God can take our PAIN and use it for amazing purposes; He does not waste our tears - but our suffering is not the focus -– experiencing His fellowship in the midst of suffering is the key.

So, as I go into the hospital this morning, I have one prayer: I want to know Christ ... for I know He will be with me each moment of today.

In the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Derek Redmond was favored to win the 400 meter hurdles. In the Semi-finals, the English runner started the race in a good pace - then in the middle of the home stretch - Redmond pulled his hamstring and fell to the ground in apparent great pain. The trainers immediately chased after him. But He fended them off as he got back to his feet.

Then out of the stands came a man in shorts and a T-Shirt - at first, Redmond also started to put him off - until he realized it was his father. As he recognized his father, Derek slumped into His father's arms, as the father and son made it to the finish line. I cannot remember who won the race that day – but I will never forget who came in last.

It is very humbling to know that I cannot cross this finish line in my own power today – However, I thank God for so many of you who have rallied to make sure that we will not only finish this race – but do it in the victory of our Lord. We are not at the finish line yet – But with your help – we will. And you have carried me - literally for the past few weeks - thank you. May God bless you today and thank you again for your help.

(Make sure you read the following blog about today's scripture - Acts 1 - you won't want to miss it.)

October 12th - Pastor Tony

2007-10-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah 7 and 8; Acts 1

Something Extraordinary is Coming

Acts 1:1, 8: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

As we begin to read the book of Acts, we must keep in mind that this book is more than a history of the Church. It is a chronicle of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of believers. It is how God the Spirit operates in the lives of His people who are poised to give birth to something super-natural. It could more appropriately be named Acts of the Holy Spirit and is written around the idea that the Holy Spirit was given to the church to fulfill and finish the work that Jesus began. Think of it – God gave you and me the Holy Spirit to fulfill the ministry that Jesus began when He was on earth. This notion begins in Luke’s very first verse of the book, “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.” (Acts 1:1)

Great writers usually begin their works of literature with a great phrase or thought. Their first words do more than leave a good first impression or catch the attention of the reader. In that first sentence, great writers set the tone for the work that follows. In the classic, The Tale of Two Cities, Dickens begins with his memorable phrase, “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” This principle is found to be true in the books of the bible. Some books of the Bible even derive their name from the first words of the book. The book of the beginning of our world and mankind, Genesis, is introduced with a one verse explanation of creation, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) The Apostle John delivered the same impact by writing a sequel to Moses’ introductory phrase, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) In these verses, the writers set the tone and focus of the work to follow.

Being an educated physician, Luke was probably exposed to the many great literary works of that time. And he followed suit in introducing his works with an eloquent and meaningful statement.

Luke introduces his second work, the book of Acts, with a seemingly simple explanation of the gospel account that bears his name. However, this explanation turns out to be more that a simple narrative, it has contained in its words an important foundational plot for the book of Acts and the life of the Church. “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.” (Acts 1:1) He begins with what seems to be a straightforward statement about his account of Jesus’ life and ministry. But Luke is saying much more than you may first notice if you take a closer look at this sentence. Luke states that his gospel contained an account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach.

As I read and re-read that verse – a question kept ringing in my mind ... all the Jesus began to do and teach? ... all that Jesus began to do and teach? ... all that Jesus began to do and teach? The word All (pantoon) is a word of totality, completion, and wholeness. It refers to the whole of something. The word Began does not carry that same broad scope that all carries, it is more focused. Began (archomai) is a word of beginning and incomplete works that are far from being finished. And it certainly is not a word of completion or fulfillment.

Then it hit me: The book of Luke is an account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach. Jesus’ life was only the beginning of all that He desires to accomplish. His ministry on the streets of Galilee and Jerusalem was only a foundation for what is yet to come. If the life of Jesus on earth is only what He began to do and to teach – there is much more to come. The ministry of Jesus Christ is not yet finished. All that Jesus came to do and teach has just begun ... and Acts was to show us how Jesus intended to complete it.

If Luke’s account of Jesus’ life is only what He began to do and to teach, then there are two essential questions that must be asked for the book of Acts: First, who is going to complete allbegan to do and to teach? that Jesus And secondly, how will they complete what even the Son of Man did not complete? Or by what means will they have the capacity to carry on the marvelous truths that Jesus taught and the miraculous things that Jesus did?

We are to bring to fulfillment ALL that Jesus BEGAN to DO and to Teach - THROUGH the Power of the Holy Spirit. And that is why God has CHOSEN US and has CALLED US. That is why he has gifted us with the Holy Spirit - but to bring to a completion all that Jesus began to do. And the book of Acts is an “Operations Manual” of how the Holy Spirit fulfills the ministry of Jesus Christ through His people- you and me.

A major part of your CALLING - is that you and I are chosen to do ALL that Jesus Began. He has called us to bring to FULL DIMENSION what Jesus LAID the ground work for … that is why Jesus is now introducing the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Several years ago, the movie A Beautiful Mind won the Academy award for Best Picture. It is a story of a Nobel Prize winner and Princeton professor whose mental problems became a debilitating force for him and his wife. The climax of the movie was an intense scene in which the professor (played by Russell Crow) is ready to give up his struggle to overcome. His wife grabs his hands and kneels before him in tears and delivers the best line of the move: “I have to believe that something extraordinary is possible.” It seems to be a sentiment that is written in the heart of most humans. As the actress powerfully delivered that line – something inside of me cried out with her and wanted to respond: YES! I have to believe that something extraordinary is possible. How much more as followers of Jesus, whose spirit lives in us, should our hearts be ringing: I have to believe that something supernatural is possible!

Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus claims that something extraordinary is coming and to be expected in the life of every believer. It is the only hope we have for today.

October 9th - Pastor Tony. Please read the personal note from Pastor Tony that follows this blog

2007-10-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

What can a Cupbearer do for God?

Nehemiah 1

I love to talk to small children. Maybe it is because I have three of my own. But their perspective of life is fascinating. One of the most fascinating questions to ask a child is: What do you want to do when you grow up? I have heard a lot of answers to that question – but I have never heard anyone say that they wanted to be a CUP-BEARER to the king. No one wants to grow up to be a cup-bearer. Can you name a famous cup-bearer? A cup-bearer to the king in Old Testament times is the person who sips the wine or drink before the king does to make sure it has no poison in it. There probably is not a long list of talents required to be a cup-bearer.

Why all the fuss about a cup bearer? - Because Nehemiah chapter 1 is one of the most poignant chapters in the bible. It is Nehemiah’s prayer that is offered up to God when he is weeping as he sees the destruction of Jerusalem. He is overcome with emotion when he observes Jerusalem after the Israelites' exile in Babylon for seventy years. It lays in ruins. He offers a heart wrenching prayer of repentance to God on behalf of all those who have turned their hearts from God in rebellion; He reminds God of His promise to gather His people back to this Promised Land; and he pleads for God's blessings, grace and strength to rebuild the city.

And there is one final phrase that is the epilogue of this chapter: I was cup-bearer to the King. Cup-bearer? I was expecting a General ... I would have settled for a Captain or even a chariot salesman ... but a Cup-bearer? But Nehemiah wasn’t just any cup-bearer – he was a cup-bearer that had a heart for God.

This chapter teaches me two great principles:

a. There is no person too small for God to use. If He could rebuild Jerusalem with a cup-bearer – what can He do with you.

b. There is no problem too big for God to solve. If He could rebuild Jerusalem after it has been totally destroyed – He can do anything. There is hope.

The rest of the book of Nehemiah tells the story of these two principles: There is no person too small for God to use and there is no problem too big for God to solve.

Personal Note from Pastor Tony

2007-10-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

I know this is not about today's reading - even though there is some fascinating truths in today's reading. But today I want to ask you the question:

Do You Believe In Miracles?

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me over the past few weeks. I have felt your prayers and your encouragement. I have also felt your faith. We are trusting God for a Miracle. Now, my condition has gotten worse. The physicians have cited several serious problems with my discs, spinal canal and vertebrae. Tomorrow I go to see one of the best surgeons in Southern California.

But as believers – how do we pray when we face situations like this? Do we pray for a miracle or do we just let modern medicine address us? Do miracles really happen to those who pray? The Bible says:

John 20:30-31 “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Do you believe in the SUPERNATURAL? Do you believe in miracles?

I have good news for you. There is nothing wrong with my life and your life that a miracle would not cure. Now, I believe in miracles. I really do. HOWEVER, I believe in Miracles because I believe in God. Remember the angel’s question to Abraham: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Gen. 18:14. Gabriel asked Mary: “Is anything impossible with the Lord?” These angels have a proper perspective. They understand and operate in a realm that we do not perceive – they fully know that God can do anything because they come from the presence of God.

It is impossible to believe in a sovereign God and not believe in miracles. Ignorance of God makes belief impossible, but knowing God makes unbelief impossible. I cannot believe in a supernatural God – a God who is eternal and all-powerful - and not believe that He can heal my back.

Those who have problems with the possibility of miracles really have difficulty with the whole idea of a supernatural God. If you can accept Genesis 1: 1 in the Bible, you should have little difficulty believing in the possibility of the miraculous. God spoke, and the universe sprang into existence. Billions of galaxies spread across the black velvet of space. Planet Earth swung into space and began to teem with life.

It is unthinkable that the Creator, having such incredible power, should subsequently be unable to move miraculously upon His own creation today. God is not a helpless onlooker to the work of His hands. “God is not a bewildered bellhop running up and down the corridors of the hotel He created trying to find the right key.” Our God is able.

Yes, I believe in miracles because I believe in God.

So, DO YOU believe in the SUPERNATURAL?

Do you believe the Supernatural should be a natural part of life for the Christian?

I believe that God still supernaturally heals the sick; I believe that God still supernaturally supplies our needs; I believe that God still moves in the affairs of people; I believe that God still supernaturally answers the prayers of His people; and I believe all this because I believe in Jesus. I believe in miracles because Jesus proves to me that God is not only powerful - He is also personal. It is one thing to believe that God is powerful enough to perform a miracle - it is another thing to believe that God is personal enough to perform a miracle FOR ME. Jesus proves to me that God is not only powerful - but that He is also personal.

I cannot explain why God does not heal every time we pray ... I am thankful for the times He does heal ... and will pray for every person I can. However, whatever the outcome of my current physical ailment – I will trust ... I will trust in His love because nothing can separate me from God’s love ... and I will always believe that God Rules; He Reigns; and His ways are right!

Reading list

2007-10-08T18:15:00.001-07:00

8: Ezra 9,10;Ps.131;Lk.21
9: Neh. 1,2; Ps.133,134;Lk.22
10: Neh. 3,4; Lk.23
11: Neh. 5,6; Ps.146;Lk.24
12: Neh. 7,8; Acts 1
13: Neh. 9,10;Acts 2
14: Neh.11,12:Ps.1;Acts 3

Reading list

2007-10-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Pastor Tony and I are both struggling with back issues - so sorry. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Chas

PS - Here is the reading list for this week, compliments of Ms. Campbell. I was able to make the links hot, so clicking on the reading for the day will take you to BibleGateway.com, NIV. I have also updated the reading list and links on the church web site.

1: Zech. 10-12;Ps.126;Lk.14
2: Zech. 13-14;Ps.147;Lk.15
3: Ezra 5,6; Ps138; Lk. 16
4: Est. 1,2; Ps.150;Lk. 17
5: Est. 3-8; Lk. 18
6: Est. 9,10: Lk. 19
7: Ezra 7,8: Lk. 20

Weekend - September 28-30

2007-09-28T00:24:00.000-07:00

Your Prayers Needed!

We are asking for special prayer for Pastor Tony this weekend. He has been suffering with excruciating pain in his back and right leg. He cannot stand for much longer than a minute before he is in great pain. His condition has increasingly gotten worse over the last week.

We are a congregation that believes in prayer and the supernatural power of God to heal. Please join us as we intercede for our Pastor.

Thursday, Sept 27th - Pastor Tony

2007-09-27T00:58:00.000-07:00

Haggai 1,2; Psalm 129; Luke 10

Hello Neighbor!

Whenever I read the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), I can’t help but to think of Mr. Rogers. He was the star of the classic television program for children: Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Dressed in his usual red sweater, he always addressed all of us who watched by the same name: Hello, NEIGHBOR. Jesus ends this story with a question: Of all three of the men in the story, who is the neighbor? There was a day that being a neighbor meant something. Friends from my neighborhood are life long friends. Not any more though – most people don’t even know the names of their neighbors. You only know them by the car they drive and the house they live in. We are truly isolated in today’s world. One author called our finely manicured lawns today’s version of the MOTE. It keeps people away. But Jesus calls us to break out into our world and show his love – at all costs. It will require a sacrifice – because kindness costs.

Do you remember the story of the Good Samaritan?
A man was hurt - beat up by robbers and left naked and half dead on the side of the road. A priest came along and looked at him and said: Oh, I don’t want to get near that guy. I will be defiled. Another religious leader came along later and walked right on past. Then a Samaritan came by. (The Jews considered the Samaritans to be an inferior race) This Samaritan bound up the man’s wounds, took him to the nearest Marriott and left his American Express Card with the innkeeper saying: Take care of him and I will pay it.

Yes, Kindness costs. But when the Samaritan saw the need, he didn’t even think twice. He dropped everything. No hesitation. Contrast the Samaritan to the cold, calculating priest and the religious leader, who were trying to figure how to avoid this confrontation. They didn’t have time or energy to reach out – after all, they were probably on their way to the synagogue to prayer. Little did they know that God wanted to meet them on the side of this road. I am sure the priest probably had plenty of excuses. Perhaps he thought, Hey, I did my duty at the temple. I am in a hurry to get home. He probably thought: If I stop by to help that guy - I may get robbed myself. I have got to think of my family.

The other priest probably thought: It is not my fault that he got hurt. He should have been more careful. Or maybe he vowed to himself: I will campaign for better police protection on the road to Jericho.

Here’s the point: Jesus told this story to remind us of all the people who are hurting around us. They are hurting in their marriages. They are hurting at work. They are hurting physically. And they are hurting emotionally and spiritually. The question that we must ask ourselves is: What is my excuse for not helping them? Why am I not a person who reaches out?

Maybe you do not help because you are hurting yourself. But is that a good enough reason not to reach out ... could healing be waiting for you in your next act of love? The number one enemy of kindness is busyness. I am just too busy. I don’t have time to get involved. It might mess up my schedule. I have my priorities and pressures to think about. I am too busy to fix a meal for the sick. I am too busy to help with outreach or Royal Rangers or Sunday School. I am too busy. And Sunday or Wednesday evening is MY TIME!!!

These were the feelings of everyone else in the story except for the Samaritan. The Robbers felt: What is yours is mine – and I’ll take it. The priest felt: What is mine is mine – and I will keep it. The Levite felt: What is mine must not be defiled – so, I’ll avoid all contact. But the Samaritan felt: What is mine is mine – but I will share it. So, it was the least religious person who shared ... what an indictment.

Your world is filled with people who need your love: at home; at work; in your neighborhood. Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind – and Love your NEIGHBOR as yourself. I heard someone say: I want to help humanity – it is just people that I don’t like. Somehow I feel that this person would have found the far side of the road to pass along with the priest and the Levite.

Wednesday, September 26 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

Ezra 4: Psalm 127; Luke 9

Basic Training

In Luke 9, Jesus is about to embark on His final “campaign” in Galilee before going to Jerusalem to die (see verse 51). How did Jesus respond to this challenge? He turned his attention to prepare his disciples. Even after supernatural results, Jesus had his doubts. In verse 41, Jesus spoke these words of exasperation: “How long shall I stay with you and put up with you?" Jesus had to get their attention off themselves and fixed on Him. They had to experience and be filled with Jesus’ authority, His identity, His humility, His humanity, and His loyalty to meet the challenges that await them in Jerusalem.

a. Jesus’ Authority – In the first section of this chapter, Jesus sent his disciples out. But before He sent them out, He gave them the equipment needed to get the job done, as well as the instructions to follow. He gave them power and authority. Power is the ability to accomplish a task and authority is the right to do it. They were able to cast out demons and heal the sick, but even more important – they preached the gospel of the kingdom of God.

b. Jesus’ Identity – Jesus then turned their attention to a topic that still rages one today: Who do the crowds say that I am? After the disciples gave Jesus their top ten list of potential candidates, Jesus asked: Who do YOU say that I am? This was the most important question. You will never know Jesus by what other people have experienced. Knowing Him is the core of the debated for these disciples. It is impossible to be wrong about Jesus and right with God.

c. Jesus’ Humanity – Jesus was not the kind of person who could teach the Word and then say to hungry people: “God bless you – Go in peace.” The disciples were eager to see the crowd leave. They had not yet caught the compassion and humanity of Jesus and the burden He had for the multitudes, but this day – they would learn.

d. Jesus’ Eternity – In verses 28 through 36, Jesus revealed to Peter, James, and John his eternal glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. This was proof that He was not only a man – He was also the God of Eternity.

e. Jesus’ Humility – Jesus continually prepared the disciples of the time that was to come when He would lay down His life ... and that He expected them to do the same. If they did not deny themselves and take up Jesus’ cross – they could not follow Him.

f. Jesus’ Loyalty – Twice in this chapter, Jesus calls the disciples to a total commitment. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24) This is a commitment that requires all – no excuses.

If the disciples could ever meet the challenge in Jerusalem, they had to pass the test in Galilee. Jesus was not preparing the disciple for today – He was preparing them for tomorrow. He does the same with us – He knows our future and Jesus is preparing you and me for today and tomorrow. It is time to follow.

Tuesday, Sept 25th - Pastor Tony

2007-09-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ezra 2 and 3; Luke 8

Future Shock

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. (Ezra 3:11-13)

These verses may be one of the most intriguing studies in the behavior of God’s people. Chapter 3 talks about the rebuilding of the Temple after the Israelites had been in captivity for seventy years in Babylon. Under the direction of Zerrubabel and Ezra – the walls of the city and the Temple were being rebuilt. At first it was a mess. There is never construction or reconstruction without a mess. But when things start to take shape and foundations are laid – it is impossible not to be excited about what is being erected. The future starts to take shape.

The FUTURE! It excites many people. Visionaries like to shape the future. Faith likes to trust God for the things that are unseen – things that only exist in the mind of God. For these people – the future brings joy. But for many – the future is intimidating and elicits fear. For others, the future will never be as sweet or as pleasant as the past.

So, when the foundation of the Temple was completed in Ezra 3 – the strangest things occurs. As all the people gave a great shout to the Lord in praise, many of the people shouted out in praise and joy. However, as many people wept out loud as they remembered the former temple. They remembered the temple – the way it was.

Ezra never tells us why they wept. Did they weep over the sweet memories that were associated with the former temple? Did they forget that the former Temple produced a people who would be led into captivity for seventy years? Or were they overcome with emotions and tears as they brought closure to the fierce captivity of the last seventy years. Others may be weeping just because it isn’t the past anymore. Whatever it was – these people did not join the joy and praise. Nonetheless, God was giving them a new start.

So, up rose the shouts that could be heard for miles – half praises of joy – half weeping over the past. Seizing the future is a messy and emotional job. We will not be able to shape the future without precipitating loud shouts from many people. Some will shout praises loudly – others may weep because it is not the past anymore. It is called “Future Shock” because the future forces us into that undeniable place of trusting in the Lord and facing a future that is different from anything we have yet to experience.

One thing is for certain – our world is not staying the same and the church will become our grave if we do not move into the future. God never gets stuck in the past. So much of the Bible is consumed with the future. A great percentage of the Bible is prophetic books ... which tells us that God is greatly concerned about the future.

Just as it is in Ezra 3, today is the day to lay the foundation upon which our future will rest. Whether there is a tear in your eye or a song in your heart – grab a shovel and help lay the foundation for the future. And as we do – we can praise our God because He is the same – yesterday, today, and forever.

Monday - Sept 24 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Are You the One?

Dealing with Discouragement! It is a tough job when God calls you to be His representative. No one can be all things to all people – like God. Even Jesus was confronted with this dilemma. In Luke 7, John the Baptist is disillusioned by what he sees. Why would John be so upset what he saw in Jesus' ministry? After all, verse 16 says: They (all the people ofIsrael) were all filled with awe and praised God.

Jesus’ ministry was causing a lot of heads to turn. People were filled with awe and praise – Most recognized that Jesus was more than a good teacher. But John the Baptist wanted more. He was calling people to repentance. He told them: if they did not repent – God would bring destruction.

So, John the Baptist is ready to look for another Messiah – change teams – change churches – follow someone else. Why? Because Jesus didn’t fill the Bill for John. How could Jesus not fit John's expectations? Because John expanded his job description with some of his own desires. God called John to be the forerunner of the Messiah – to prepare the way. The message of condemnation was his own special sauce or his favorite ingredients. Is it possible that even John the Baptist could get off on a tangent because of his own favorite pet peeves? In a word, the answer is “YES.”

So, Luke tells us that John sent a delegation to Jesus to say: "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'" (verse 20) Because of Jesus’ ministry, there were miracles – people were being transformed, the blind received their sight, deaf people heard, and the good news was being preached to the poor. But that still wasn’t good enough for John the Baptist – he wanted the Messiah to tear down the current established Jewish and Roman rulers ... And Jesus didn’t seem to be aimed in that direction. Even Jesus could not make all the people happy.

Jesus’ response was an very interesting set of thoughts. It showed a human side of our Messiah. He asked (in verse 24 and 25): What did you go out into the desert to see? He was asking: What are you looking for? A reed swaying? A reed was a long piece of grass-like vegetation that grew fairly tall by the Jordan River. When the wind blew – a reed would sway in the direction of the wind. In essence, Jesus was asking: Are you looking for the latest fad theology? The latest new revelations usually are out of date by the time the ink dries on the book the author is selling. A lot of people are chasing after the latest fad in the church. There are magazines and conferences dedicated to report all the "reeds swaying" in the church today.

Jesus went on to ask: Are you looking for “a man dressed in find clothes?” Is it a guru for which you are searching? Or is it an American Idol you want? Do you want the Messiah to entertain you and do whatever it is that makes you happy? Or is it a prophet for which you are looking? Is it really the truth that you seek? Or sweet words and stories that will make you laugh and sooth your soul? Is this what is called church growth or spiritual renewal today?

These are some of the most piercing questions that Jesus ever spoke. They are not pleasant thoughts. He is wrestling with his assignment to minister to people. He is wrestling with his mission on earth. It is almost impossible to please all humans. At times it seems impossible to please any of them. So, in exasperation, Jesus cries out: "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' (Luke 7:32) What else could Jesus do to make people accept him? The more He did - the more demanding they became.

The religious authorities wanted Jesus dead. Now, the people who were called to prepare the way for Him questioned whether or not He is the one. How did Jesus deal with this discouragement?

Serving people is a touch assignment. But we are not called to serve people. We are called to serve God. And God calls us to serve people. Every time you give someone a cup of water - whether they thank you or not - there is one in heaven that applauds you. Every time you encourage someone, even when they reject you - there is one in heaven that is smiling.

Weekend - September 22-23 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-22T00:26:00.001-07:00

Saturday - Daniel 9,10; Ps 123; Luke 5

Sunday - Daniel 11.12; Luke 6

Fishing For An Answer To God’s Call

Luke 5:1-11

Did you ever wonder: Out of everyone Jesus could have chosen - Why Peter? Why James and John? Why Paul? Why did God chose them? Out of all the millions alive - why did God chose them? When God measured Peter - what did He see that made him a candidate for greatness in God’s Kingdom?

I once saw a plaque: “Give God all your heart in every moment, for you can never tell when He may be measuring you for a Higher Calling.”

When Jesus stepped into his boat at the Sea of Galilee, Peter didn’t realize that he was about to be measured for the Call of God. But as we apply Luke 5 – we discover that in our everyday lives, we are being measured by the Lord. We must honestly answer at least four questions, and our answers will tell us how prepared we are to follow Jesus. In these verses, there are four life-measuring questions embedded that measured Peter for the call of God.

Question 1: How Do I Respond to Disappointment and Failure?
v. 5 "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything.”

Jesus Christ had been teaching and has become quite popular. In fact, in verse 1 the crowds are pressing around Him and they are intently listening to His words. They kept pushing in to the point of that something had to be done. So, in verse 2 - Jesus sees two boats. These boats were off to the side in the water and the owners were cleaning their nets. I am not a fisherman - but if I had spent all night fishing and caught nothing, I wouldn’t be preparing my nets - I’d be selling them. But true fishermen aren’t quitters - that may be one reason why Jesus had 7 of them as disciples.

Jesus sits down in the boat; Then Jesus tells Simon to move away from the shore - and continues his teaching. When Jesus finished teaching, he tells Simon to do something unusual: "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." (4) You have to understand what Jesus is doing. Jesus is not a fisherman - He is a carpenter. He knows how to cut and shape wood; miter a door and construct things. But he tells Peter to LAUNCH into the deep because Jesus wants Peter to make a great catch of fish.

It is in the middle of the day - sunrise was the time fish bite here - and Jesus tells Peter to go to the DEEP - when in this lake - that is not where you catch fish. The shallow water is where the fish congregate. It contradicted fisherman common sense. In verse 5, Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. Peter had doubt because he was fishing all night – and caught NOTHING. Disappointment and Failure was challenging His Faith. Would his disappointment and lack of success the night before keep him from responding to Jesus. How do you respond to disappointment and failure?

Question 2: How Do I Respond to Authority?
v. 5-6 “... But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

Peter says: we have worked all night - but at your word we will let down the nets. You see - Peter had two sides to him - He had the one side that said: Jesus this is not logical - it doesn’t make sense. But he had the other side of him that said: This is Jesus talking - I better listen.

Do you know why God used Peter? Even though Peter was a rascal - God saw something in Peter. He saw a man - who was willing to act on His Faith and belief in Jesus. The question is DOES JESUS HAVE THE AUTHORITY OVER YOUR LIFE? Not only does Jesus know what is … He knows what will be … and what He made you to be. Peter passed the second test: He submitted to Christ’s authority and obeyed Him. He acted upon Christ’s command.

Question 3: How Do I Respond to Success?
vs. 6-8 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"

Because Peter obeyed Jesus, they caught such a large number of fish – their nets began to break and they had to call other boats. And there were so many fish – both boats began to sink. What a catch! How did Peter respond to such remarkable success? To begin with, He Shared it with Others. God blesses us - so that we might be a blessing to others.

The Second response from Peter: He was Humbled.

Verse 8: When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Peter could have stood and said to all the astonished people on shore - “Look at me - I am successful.” Instead, he fell on his knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”

Question 4: How Do I Respond to Christ’s Higher Calling?

Why did Jesus perform this miracle? He gives miracles to teach you something about Him and His purpose for you – to prepare you for greater work. Jesus revealed his greater purpose in v. 10: Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”

Jesus was saying: I wanted to teach you that I control what you catch. Now, I want to send you to catch something more significant than fish. I want you to catch men. What did they do? They took God’s command seriously. V. 11 -So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. They gave up everything because they were not dealing with the natural - Jesus was not leading them into an ordinary life. So they left everything behind because you cannot go to a higher level without leaving something behind.

God calls each of us – but in life we answer these four questions that determine our destiny.

Friday, September 21st - Pastor Tony

2007-09-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Daniel 7 and 8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

IN THE LINE OF FIRE

Luke 4:13 - "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."

Any student of war will tell you that timing is everything. Paramount to the success of any military invasion is the element of surprise. The enemy must be caught off-guard. The moment has to be opportune. The conditions must be favorable and the timing must be right. When the allied forces attacked the German army, the Nazis had just steamrolled its way through Europe, stockpiling nations as it went. France had crumbled under Hitler’s cruel tyranny and England was certain to be his next prey.

Hitler’s generals were ordered to turn their attention to the eastern front in Russia for a few days before they advanced over the English Channel. There was a short window that the allied forces had before the full fury of the blitzkrieg war machine came rolling into the British Isles. The few days that Hitler’s commanders concentrated on Russia gave the U.S. forces an opportune moment to attack.

So it is in spiritual warfare. As the Enemy schemes his invasions against our souls, timing is everything. Two thousand years ago one of the most monumental battles of all time occurred. This battle did not occur on the sandy beaches of Normandy, France but in the bloody trenches of the Judean wilderness. In Satan’s estimation, these forty days were the most opportune time to attack our Lord. By his calculations, the battle conditions were most favorable. So, in these temptations, Jesus stepped into “the line of fire.”

From this war in the wilderness, we gain timeless insights into Satan’s battle tactics and strategies that will be surely used against us as well. The opportune time for the Devil’s attack is the same today. By looking at the timing of Satan’s attack against Jesus, we can anticipate when he will ambush our souls.

“An opportune time” means a moment in which the conditions are most favorable for Satan to attack. The temptation of Christ in the wilderness was an opportune time in which the enemy felt that he could win a victory. When are we most at risk? What were some of the characteristics that made the wilderness experience an opportune time for Satan to attack Jesus?

Danger Zone 1: AFTER A SPIRITUAL VICTORY.

Jesus had just had a wonderful spiritual victory at his baptism in the Jordan River. Look at the glorious scene in Luke 3:21-22. The Holy Spirit as a dove descended upon Jesus and God the Father’s voice announced: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." After such a victory, we are often susceptible to defeat – because after a spiritual victory we least feel our need to be dependent upon the Lord.

Danger Zone 2: WHEN YOU ARE ALL ALONE

Luke 4:1 tells us that Jesus was led alone into the wilderness. For forty days, Jesus was isolated. We need each other to stand with us, support us, and to keep us accountable. Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one ... for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” This is why Jesus sent his disciples out – two by two. We are vulnerable when we are by ourselves.

Danger Zone 3: WHEN YOU ARE PHYSICALLY DRAINED

Luke 4:2-4 tells us that Jesus ate nothing for forty days while he was in the arid desert wilderness. He must have been drained of all physical strength. He became physically weak; emotionally drained; nutritionally famished; and spiritually stretched. It is clear – our physical condition affects our spiritual condition. When we are weak physically, we are often down spiritually – and Satan knows it. That is why he saw this as an opportune time for his attack on Jesus. When we are physically drained, our spiritual resistance is down also. We are too tired to pray – too drained to focus on God – too exhausted to put on the full armor of God – too fatigued to lift up our heart to heaven. It is at this time of weariness that Satan often moves in to clobber us.

Danger Zone 4 - WHEN YOU ARE WAITING ON GOD

Jesus had yet to begin his ministry ... He was thirty years old ... at the age of twelve, Jesus had a grasp of His destiny as He spoke to the leaders at the temple at Passover ... this picture is eighteen years later. Few times are more opportune for Satan to attack us than when we have to wait on God for something. Few things are more difficult that waiting – we’d settle for anything but waiting.

So what did Satan offer? All the kingdoms of this world – NOW! What a temptation – no waiting. Satan still uses our impatience to attack us when we are waiting on God.

Danger Zone 5- WHEN YOU’RE STARTING SOMETHING GREAT FOR GOD

Right after these temptations, Jesus began His earthly ministry. When any great work for God is about to begin, Satan will be there to stop it before it can get off the ground. He will try to derail the train before it can pull out of the station. He knew that Jesus would heal the sick; raise the dead; die for the sins of all mankind; reveal the love of God to all generations to follow; He knew that Jesus was the Word in the flesh. And he wanted to do anything to stop it.

You may wonder why Satan would attack you ... Satan attacks you to stop you from becoming all the God intends for you to be. Satan has you in his cross-hairs – he’s looking for an opportune time to pull the trigger. But if you keep your eyes on Jesus; Keep your love for Him on fire; Stay filled with the Spirit; Keep doing His will and keep your life from sin – you will rest in the shelter of the almighty God.

Wednesday, September 19th - Pastor Tony

2007-09-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2

If you were there?

Luke 2:21 - 33

Today's reading gives us a little bit of the Christmas story in September. But as I read it: I keep asking the question: If I were in Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born, where would I have been? Would you have been near a stable, in a field, or in front of a TV, or at work? Where would you have been? If you were in Bethlehem that fate-filled night -What would you have heard? Would you have heard the angels praising the Lord, or would you have heard the cries of the Israelites fearing the Roman census? If you were in that City of David the night that God was born, what would you have seen? Would you have seen the Star, the angels, or would you have been engrossed in the Roman Soldiers? If you would have been around 2007 years ago, who would you be worshipping? Would you have moved with the wise men or stayed with the crowd?

It is easy with history recorded in our minds- to rush to a conclusion that we would certainly have been part of the Christmas story, but IF you did not have that advantage ... where would you have been?

Oh you say, but they had angels announcing the event. Even a shepherd could understand that. The Wise Men could easily be wise if they saw a celestial miracle - that STAR. If we had those theophanies, we would have been right there. These are tough questions that we may never truly know the answer.

But one question you can answer is this: what are you seeing and hearing from God today? If you are not hearing from God today, you may have not realized that God was born that night in Bethlehem.

Today’s reading discusses someone who did not see an angel, but still knew that God was born. He did not see a star, but he still was confident that EMMANUEL - God was with them. His name was Simeon and he was a part of the supernatural story of Christmas. What was it about Simeon that made him recognize the Christ Child?

a. He Was LOOKING for Jesus. vs. 25

It says that “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The word ‘waiting’ actually means: LOOKING WITH GREAT ANTICIPATION or LOOKING WITH INTENT. It is not a casual scanning or observance.

It is not the kind of waiting, thinking that something might come into your sight. This word means that Simeon was intently searching for the Christ child. He was looking for the Messiah. Those who look for Jesus will find Him. Whether during Simeon’s lifetime 2000 years ago or here in Ventura on this September morning, those who look for Jesus will find HIM.

b. His Assurance Came Before the Answer. vs. 26

With God there are times when we know something is going to happen before we see the answer in our life. That happened to Simeon.

Simeon’s assurance came to him even before he held the Baby Jesus in his arms. Look at verse 26, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

Have you ever had the assurance that something was going to happen before it happened? Have you ever just known, even though you couldn’t prove it yet, that something was going to happen in your life? For Simeon, the circumstances were not good, in fact they were just the opposite. Things were getting worse with Rome. The Roman Census only meant that Roman was taking over. But he was assured of God’s answer.

c. He Was Willing to be MOVED. vs. 27

Luke said that Simeon was: “MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Simeon was MOVABLE. How about you? The Bible is filled with people who were willing to be Moved- MOVED off of their plans - Moved OUT of their comfort Zones ...Moved out of their world and into God’s . Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit.

If Jesus were here today, this morning, would you see Him?
IF Jesus were speaking to you today, would you hear Him?
If Jesus was coming into your world - would YOU HAVE ROOM for HIM?

Ministry Fair Thanks

2007-09-16T04:54:00.001-07:00

Today was the "Ministry Fair."

One combined service at 10 o'clock am - and we had a full house!

Lunch by Presto Pasta was great. We had some leftover - I suppose that's better than sending people away hungry though.

Booths set up by each of the many ministries of Ventura First. And all were filled with excited people who truly seem to have a servant's heart and a real enthusiasm for the ministry they are involved with. I had to chuckle when Pastor Tony excused those who were in charge of Ministries to go tend their booths and the place just about emptied out! I couldn't count that fast, but I bet it was more than half the people got up and went out to get ready.

Comments?

Thursday - Blog team

2007-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday through Saturday -

September 13 - 15

Rocky Mountain High

Please pray for our pastor as he is away in the Rocky Mountains speaking at the Rocky Mountain District's Men's Retreat - Pray that God will bless the men and sustain our pastor with revelation and strength. He will fly back on Saturday evening to be with us at Church on Sunday Morning. Please pray that God will give him strength, protection, and rest.

Also, pray for our Ministry Fair that is occurring this Sunday Morning - it is going to be a great time of celebration, information, and impartation. Lunch for the adults will be from Presto Pasta. We will hear a great message from Pastor Tony: "Developing a Servant's Heart." We will celebrate all the opportunities you have to serve the Lord and reach our world right here in Ventura - and we will have a great morning of worship. Please take a moment right now to pray for our services and our Ministry Fair - and plan to attend.

Special note - we will combine both services into one service at 10:00 am.

Wednesday, Sept 12 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

Daniel 3-4; Revelation17

To Bow or Burn – Daniel 3

All of God’s people will be tested. This is a principle for which I don’t particularly care – But it is true. We are tested in many ways – but no test is more purifying or dangerous then being tested by fire. Here in Daniel 3, faced with a choice of bowing to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image or burning in his fiery furnace – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to in a test of literal fire. The King was to learn that these saints would not BEND; … they would not BOW; … and They would not BURN.

1. The CHALLENGE They Faced

King Nebuchadnezzar made a 90 foot high golden image or replica of an image he saw in a dream that disturbed him. Set on the plains of DURAH - all subjects of his kingdom were commanded to be present at the dedication as Nebuchadnezzar presented this image. It was a High Affair of State. And at a particular time, they were commanded to BOW down and worship the image when they heard the music - it was well orchestrated.

Certain death in the furnace was the penalty for failure to comply with the edict. IMAGINE the scene - Pomp and Ceremony - There were probably speeches made with bands playing music. When they unveiled the statue, all loyal subjects fell on command. All the obedient citizens bowed - all but 3. They stood as though they failed to hear the music - As though their Ears were deaf and Eyes couldn’t see the crowd - Thousands were bowing. What backbone it took to stand up to the pressure.

What a scene. If these three men looked around – all they could see would have been thousands bowing. But if they would look up – I am sure they would have seen a different scene. They would have seen that heaven was standing!!

I would imagine that these three good Hebrew men knew what the Torah stated: Exodus 20:3-5 "You shall have no other gods before me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything (especially one that is 90 feet tall) … 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,” Their challenge was to conform to the World or conform to God’s Word.

If you never take a stand in life or a stand in faith – there is nothing in your life to challenge. Without taking a stand, without stepping out - you don’t have anything to compromise. But once you take a stand for faith – it is highly likely you will face a challenge. Too many Christians want an unchallenged life ... there is only one way for that to happen, look at the crowd and bow with them.

2. The Confidence They Possessed

v. 17-18 - Shadrach, Meshachand Abednego replied to the king, "O King Neb, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

The God we serve is ABLE! They had confidence in God. The God of the 3 Hebrew men is seen here in contrast to Nebuchadnezzar’s ridiculous 90 foot god of gaudiness. This god that everyone bowed to was not able – it wasn’t even disabled – because it was never enabled. It was powerless. Do you know how many powerless things we bow to? Everyday we bow to powerless gods to give joy, love, and peace.

These men confidently stated: OUR GOD IS ABLE - But if not ... Was this a Weakening of their Faith? But if not ... was this a faltering? It was not a weakening; they had confidence not only in God’s POWER - but also God’s PURPOSE AND PRUDENCE.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not experience a weakened faith But a Wakened Faith. It was a faith they didn’t even know they had themselves - until they faced the furnace.

Tuesday - Chas

2007-09-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Daniel 1,2; Revelation 16

Pastor Tony is out of town and Chas' back is out but here is the reading. Please make your comments regarding the reading.

Please pray for them. Thank you!

Monday, Sept 10 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

GOD’S JUSTICE

After chapters of warfare, conflict, and judgment – both in Revelation and the Old Testament Prophets – I have heard many people begin to wonder if all this judgment is a broken record. Chapter 15 of Revelation is God's preparation of the angels that will dispense the final judgment that is contained in seven bowls. Is God stuck on the Judgment of humanity? After all those chapters in Ezekiel when God pronounced judgment on seemingly every people group and nation … at times he didn’t miss a one. Chapter after chapter we faced JUDGMENT. Why does the judgment of God play such a large role in the scriptures we have been reading lately (they are both in the New and Old Testament)?

Judgment in the Bible has such a large part of the biblical record because the sin of people on earth is so great. Man has bought into Satan’s plan of spiritual rebellion – they have made a covenant with God and then have not fulfilled it. They have turned their back on God’s ways and his Son. And in this chapter in Revelation -the judgment of God comes to a climax. God does not revel in His justice. His justice is great because the sin of humanity is great - the evil one is great.

Satan has rallied one third of all spiritual beings that God created to worship Him and do His Will. Now they live to rebel against God as demons. Man’s rejection of God is great. If it seems that so much of the Bible centers on judgment for your liking – you probably need a new and realistic reminder of how gross and great our rebellion against God has been. Look around in today’s world … God has been rejected and eliminated from all public life. We have sayings about Him that we don’t really mean (like: In God We Trust – I wish that it was true – but it isn’t). Grace doesn’t take away the reality of sin – Grace means that God has taken our sin – and if you are uncomfortable with the great mass of Judgment that we read in the Bible – look once again at what a sinless lamb, the son of God, the Prince of Peace did to pay sin’s price.

When Pastor Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate in 1996, everyone was expecting the usual generalities and passionless prayers to which we have grown accustom. But this pastor from Wichita stirred up and angered people from all across the country. Senators walked out that day in protest; columnists complained in papers throughout our nation; many legal advocates claimed that people's rights were violated … what could cause such a stir? This prayer:

Heavenly Father, We come before You today to ask Your Forgiveness and seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ''Woe to those who call evil good,'' but that's exactly what we have done. We have lost our Spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that; we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism; We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism; We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle; We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery; We have neglected the needy and called it self preservation; We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare; We have killed our unborn and called it choice; We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable; We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem; We have abused power and called it political savvy; We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition; We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression; We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of this state and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state of Kansas. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your Will. I ask in in the name of your Son, The Living Savior, Jesus Christ.

The response was immediate. And it was intense ... The judgment of God is not out of proportion in the Bible – the sinful state of our world is. The hardness of our heart that doesn't even recognize the greatness of our sin against God. The bowls of judgment in Revelation or the Judgment in Ezekiel never surprise me … what overwhelms me is how far humanity can turn away from God and not repent. God have mercy on us!

Exerpt from Pastor Tony's Sermon - Sept 9

2007-09-09T04:15:00.000-07:00

Keeping FIRST LOVE in FAST TIMES

We talk a lot around First Assembly about having a PASSION for Jesus. Our Vision Statement is Developing Passionate Followers of Jesus Christ. This is a vision that doesn’t come from our personality; it doesn’t come from our doctrinal statement or being Pentecostal; I believe it is a mandate that came from our Lord – God wants passionate followers.

When asked the greatest commandment - Without hesitation - Jesus raised up one Commandment over all of them: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matt 22:37 I believe God made us to be passionate about Him - He longs for us to be passionate for Him.

In Revelation, there are 7 letters to churches that represent the Modern Church. I want to look at the first One and Last one:
· Rev 2:2-5: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance... 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. ... If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

This church @ Ephesus, had worked hard, persevered, held their doctrine and beliefs; ousted false apostles; and have not grown weary in well doing over time ... but one thing grieved Jesus: They had FORSAKEN their FIRST LOVE. In all their busyness, in all their work, in all their years – they didn’t keep one thing sustained – their FIRST LOVE – It is so disturbing to Jesus – if they didn’t repent – he would remove them.

· Rev. 3:15-16: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Jesus said - that He despised lukewarm believers so much that - He would spit them out of His mouth. Picture three cups on a table at our local “Starbucks”: Cup #1 is a hot Cafe Latte; Cup #2 is Cold – it is a Frappucino; Cup #3 is lifeless and lukewarm. It is a cup of something that once was a Latte but it has been sitting there for four hours. Which one would you take. Jesus is clear what he desires for our heart.

In the midst of the Great Awakening, one of its greatest voices - Jonathan Edwards - President of Princeton University - who preached: Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God; wrote:

“One of the chief works of Satan is to propagate and establish a persuasion that all affections and passions in things of God are not to be regarded, but rather to be avoided and carefully guarded against. This he knows is the way to bring all religion to a mere lifeless formality, and effectively shut out the power of godliness, and everything which is spiritual … As there is no true religion where there is nothing else but passion and affection, so there is no true religion where there is no great passion for our God … for this is the greatest threat to this Great Awakening … If the great things of God are rightly understood, they must affect our heart; If the greatness of our Savior is to be grasped - it must affect our passions … This matter of slighting all religious passions because of a stoic personality is the way to harden the hearts of man, and will result in a state of spiritual stupor and senselessness. Arise oh men of God - let your heart be fully alive or we will die.”

A Passionless religion is what killed the Great Awakening in the US. In my opinion, the greatest danger facing the church today doesn’t come from outside the Church – but from within. It is the lack of a passionate love for God within the hearts of its people. Our Lukewarm-ness cripples us.

A Lukewarm – watered-down – Loveless version of Christianity may succeed in drawing crowds - but it will never transform the lives of a dying world and it will never challenge the hearts of a younger generation.

Is this a realistic goal or is it just wishful thinking? Too many have an unspoken assumption that is dangerous – they believe that in the beginning of our relationship with God it is normal to have passion for him; however, after a relatively short time - it is as normal to have that passion dissolve into a gnawing and reliable sense of duty and discipline.

We must understand - Biblically - it is not NORMAL to live the Christian Life without Passion for God. No matter how long you have followed Jesus – It is God’s deepest desire and it is the Prayer of Jesus that you be passionate for Him ...

Saturday, September 8 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 42,43,44; Ps 48; Revelation 13

OVERCOMERS!

If you have been following our chapter by chapter journey through the drama of the book of Revelation, today’s chapter (13) brings a whole new dimension to the drama that will lead up to the end of the world. Yesterday, we read how the Dragon (Satan) was defeated in the heavens.

It is much easier if you read the whole chapter (13) before you try any detailed study. The general meaning is this. Satan, cast out of heaven down to earth, knows that his time is short and is determined to do as much damage as he can to all that is precious to God – His people and His Son. To cause that damage on earth, Satan delegates his power and authority to TWO BEASTS – who are central figures in this chapter.

Many years ago, I was invited to go hunting with some seasoned and expert sportsmen. We were hunting large animal - beasts (this trip was for Elk). I only went along for the ride - but what a ride is was. On the third morning, I saw a huge animal come charging in a rage - he had been shot - he was in pain and injured and he was fierce. A hunter from another party had mistakenly shot a bear - and afterwards I could not help but to think of the beasts of Revelation n13.

These beasts in Revelation know that their time is short and their power is waning because their source - Satan is defeated. So like that wounded bear- they are in a rage. Even when Satan gives them great power - they are still marked beasts destined for defeat.

Power – That’s right, Satan has great power – power to heal, power to destroy, power to deceive, power to disguise, and power in the natural realm. To sway all humanity, he gives these powers to his instruments – the two beasts. When you bring this to today’s world, a comment that I hear from many young believers arises: This must be God – someone was healed ... this must be God – look at the miracle. Not every supernatural occurrence is from God. And something that has supernatural power doesn’t automatically qualify it as being something from God. Satan’s forces will masquerade as godly characters because of supernatural power.

These satanic emissaries appear as beasts to John (one that rises out of the sea and one that rises out of the Earth) with many characteristics that match the beasts of Daniel and other biblical writings. But even though John sees them as beasts – they probably will not automatically appear evil to those who occupy the Earth at that time. On the contrary, the supernatural powers they shall possess will convince many that they are godly, moral, and upright beings that have supernatural abilities. That is why the world will worship them and ultimately worship Satan at this time.

Spirituality without God leaves people with an empty, self-absorbed form that lacks a source of power. So, they can be swayed by almost anything. That is what we see happening at this time of history. I believe that people on Earth will have a false sense of spirituality – with no knowledge that they have become pawns of the Evil One himself. The occupants of earth will be so much Satan’s pawn – that the end of Chapter 13 tells us that only those with his MARK (of the beast) will be able to buy or sell anything.

Hatred for God – These beasts and the Dragon have such a hatred for God and a consuming desire to destroy anything and everyone that is special to God – that whenever the beast of the sea opens his mouth – blasphemous and slanderous words continually flow out of his mouth. Verse 7 tells us that the beasts were not only given power to sway all living creatures on earth to worship Satan but also to make war against all the saints.

What do we do as saints? John tells us in verse 10 and 18: This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints ... this calls for wisdom (insight and discernment). Throughout the book of Revelation, one phrase is repeated: To him/her who overcomes ... God is calling us to be OVERCOMERS. No matter how much power the beast may have ... no matter how dark the clouds on earth may get – greater is He that is IN us, than he that is in the world. Our enemy knows that he is defeated – and we know that we are victorious. God’s deliverance will come to those who are faithful, to those who are obedient, to those who are patient and wise - for we know the source of our power and He lives within us!

Invite that power into your life today. Let God fill you with the power of His Spirit.

Friday, September 7 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

2Kings 25; 2Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40, 41; Revelation 12

IN THE END – JESUS WINS!!!

Rev 12:10-12: Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."

If I could draw a picture of paradise, it would be an existence without meetings. Meetings, endless meetings, a week of meetings – can kill the passion in anyone. One of my favorite titles is the book: Death By Meetings. Yesterday was a day filled with meetings for me (and next week will be worse for me). So, I recorded the Dodger game yesterday so that I could later enjoy the “men in blue” in their race for the pennant. I couldn’t watch it live because – I had a meeting.

Late last night as I drove home, my car’s radio was set to Sports Talk Radio – and as I started the car, the first words on the radio was a recap of the Dodger game which I had waiting for me at home to watch. The announcer told of how the Dodgers came back from a 4-2 deficit in the ninth inning with two homeruns by Matt Kemp and Andre Eithier to win this important game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

When I got home, I turned my recording of the game on to watch it. However, something was different. Knowing the outcome and the way that the Dodgers won the game changed the way I watched the game. When they blew a 2-1 lead, it didn’t bother me at all – because I realized: IN THE END – THE DODGERS WIN. No matter how many home runs Alfonzo Soriano hit – IN THE END – THE DODGERS WIN. It actually became an adventure. I watched with great anticipation at every batter, to see if this would be the one who would stage the come back. Who would hit the game winning run? It changed everything to know the outcome. IN THE END – THE DODGERS WON.

We must learn to live our present day lives in the light of the assurance we have that IN THE END – JESUS WINS. And Revelation 12 reveals the great battle in the heavens that defeats the Dragon (Satan). Jesus is the dragon-slayer. This chapter is filled with high drama. It reinforces the fact that God will, through His people, confront and defeat the world’s hostility and rebellion.

There are many images that have great meaning in this reading – but the greatest message of all is that: IN THE END – JESUS WINS. This unchanging fact changes the way we live our lives. 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. This verse is filled with the simple word “THEY.” That means that God’s people – like you and me – are the ones who defeat the great dragon, Satan. We know who wins and how we win – its now time to fight the battle knowing: IN THE END – JESUS WINS.

Thursday, September 6 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday - Ezekiel 29,30,31,32; Revelation 11

The Beginning of the End

As you approach Revelation 11, let me encourage all of you who are being faithful to your daily reading. It is in parts of the Bible, like today’s passage, that many bog down because of its difficulty – and give up on an intentional plan of Bible reading whispering to themselves: “This just is way over my head.” Take courage, this chapter is way over everyone’s head. Chapter 11 is not only the most difficult chapter in Revelation to interpret – it may be the most difficult chapter in the entire Bible to interpret. Every possible interpretation of this chapter has its shortcomings. So, I encourage you to approach these readings with a mindset that does not feel the pressure to grasp every detail or conquer the whole picture – enjoy the various things that cannot be missed in this chapter.

Having acknowledged the difficulty of this chapter, there are many great elements that makes me feel like a kid with a gift card at “Toys R Us.” Here are a few:

· THE TEMPLE –

This chapter begins with the seer (John) measuring the Temple. The picture of measuring is common in the prophets of the Old Testament (Ezekiel 40:3, 6; Zechariah 2:1; and Amos 7:7-9). It is used in preparation for constructing, restoring, sealing, preserving, or even destroying a building. In this case, the building is the Temple (literal or figurative?) and the measuring is a sign of protection and preservation of God’s faithful ones – the body of Christ and Israel - in light of what is about to happen.

· THE TWO WITNESSES, TWO LAMPSTANDS, and TWO OLIVE TREES –

This is where it begins to get difficult to interpret. But let me give you a hand. Set aside the identity of the “two witnesses” for a second. The image of lampstand is used throughout the book of Revelation as a symbol for the Church – it is the instrument of the Holy Spirit to reach the world and protect the saints. The olive tree is the source of the oil that anoints the servant of God or witness. These images strongly suggest the intense work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the two witnesses.

There have been many books written discussing the identity of these two witnesses. Some suggest that it is Joshua and Zerubabbel (the people who oversaw the reconstruction of the second Temple); others maintain that it was Moses and Elijah (Old Testament greats); while others suggest that it is Elijah and Enoch (two individuals who never actually died); and those who have a more New Testament view suggest that they are Peter and Paul. All of these assume that the two witnesses represent individuals. Perhaps the strongest arguments are with those who maintain that the two witnesses represent the prophetic witness of the church.

As you can read in this passage, the witnesses will have the power of God that manifests itself in miracles, signs, and wonders. Today’s Western church rarely experiences miracles. Indeed, even those parts of the church that believe in miracles rarely can testify of miracles on the scale on which they appear in the biblical ministries of Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, or Paul. This passage proves that the Bible assumes the continuance of supernatural gifts until the end of the age. Whatever the explanation or reason for the lack of miracles in today’s church, miracles occur far more when believers are breaking new ground with the gospel than when we have become self-absorbed with our own comfort this side of paradise. Only when the church becomes prepared to challenge the idols of society with the claims of Christ, as the two witnesses do in our text, will we witness God’s power in biblical fullness.

· MARTYRDOM –

The two witnesses are such an opposition to the spirit of this age, they are killed by its leaders and lie dead in the street for three and a half days while this world’s leaders celebrate. No one can harm the witnesses until God allows their martyrdom (11:5). This reminds us that God is sovereign not only over nature but even over our enemies’ attempts to destroy us; truly not a hair of our heads will fall apart from our Father’s will (Matt 10:29-30).

But the text also reveals that God’s servants who proclaims the Word in the world cannot always expect deliverance; Revelation calls us to prepare ourselves as a martyr church. The moment we become Christ’s followers, we forfeit our lives for the work of the kingdom; yet for the most part we have failed to prepare ourselves for this calling. Our culture insulates us better than most from most confrontations with “natural” death; it certainly does not prepare us for martyrdom. Yet if we believe our Lord’s teaching, we must work to get the church ready for suffering, even martyrdom, if that becomes the necessary price of our witness to those who do not wish to hear (Rev 2:10; John 12:25-26; 15:18-21).

· DIVINE VINDICATION -

In the end, God vindicates his servants in the sight of the very ones who ridiculed them. God actually brings them back to life. If the witnesses is the “Church” – all those who write of its demise in today’s emerging culture – will witness that God’s spirit will raise up the church in the same manner that Jesus rose from the dead.

With the sounding of the seventh Trumpet comes God’s final judgment. Loud voices in heave shout (I love this part): “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” Say that loudly five times – and its victory will seep into your heart. Its victory shows that the kingdoms of this world will all come under God’s reign. God will take supreme authority over every stubborn and rebellious spirit that stands up against God.

As you read this passage, do not be weighed down by all the images you do not fully understand - let the reality of God's future raise you to the victory God has for you. And may we press forward to God's Call for our lives - we all are part of the faithful witnesses that are part of God's plan for history. YES, you and I are in the book of Revelation - we are all part of the two witnesses - because the same power that will work in them abides in you today.

Wednesday, September 5 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday - Ezek 25,26,27,28; Rev 10

Angel Wars

In Revelation 10 and most of chapter11 (all but the last verse of chapter 11) – John the Revelator takes an interlude between the sounding of the sixth and the seventh trumpet (which doesn’t sound until 11:15). Since chapter eight, there have been seven angels – each with a trumpet. These angels, known as the angels of the presence, were the same as the archangels. According to Jewish literature, their names were Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, and Remiel. There are two reasons why they are called the angels of God’s presence … First, they had special honor because they first and foremost ministered in direct presence of God. Secondly, since they were in the presence of God – they were also the first and most ready to be dispatched by God.

The seven angels had seven trumpets. In the vision of the Old and New Testaments, the "trumpet" is always the symbol of the intervention of God in history. These images all go back to Mount Sinai, where the law was given to the people. On that mountain were thunder and lightning and thick clouds – out of this scene was a very loud trumpet sound. It signified the Day of the Lord. The trumpet sound consistently ushered in the ways of God. Even Paul used this image when he claimed that the trumpet of the Lord will precipitate the “Rapture.” A trumpet is an alarm; it is also an announcement of the arrival of royalty; and lastly, it is a summons to battle. In Revelation, the trumpet of the Lord signifies the reality of all three.

The mighty angel in this passage has come straight from the presence of God and the Risen Christ. He is dressed in clouds (Psalms 104:3 - He makes the clouds his chariot). He has a rainbow on his head - for the rainbow was Ezekiel’s description of the presence and glory of God (Ezekiel 1:28). Like the face of Jesus in chapter one and Matthew 17, the angel’s face shines like the sun. This rainbow is caused by the brilliance of the angel’s face shining through the cloud. His voice was like the voice of a lion (often used by the minor prophets of the Old Testament – Joel, Hosea, and Amos). Clearly this angel not only comes from the presence of God – he reflects the presence and glory of God.

The angel has one foot on the sea and one on the land – testifying of his immense size and power. In his hand, the angel has a “little scroll”- unrolled and open. This symbolizes that he is giving John a limited revelation about a limited period of time. When the angel speaks, seven thunders sound (most likely the seven voices of God in Psalm 29).

John apparently went to make a record of this revelation – but the angel forbids him from doing so. What does this mean? The angel is giving John a revelation that he is not to pass on – it is a needed perspective for John to be able to complete his assignment. What was the revelation? “There will be no more delay” – literally, he said, “Time will be no more.” Time, as we know it – will cease to be; all must change. Eternity is at hand.

Whatever the meaning of this phrase – the message was: The Anti-Christ was about to invade the earth and the scene is being set for the final conquest. Throughout all this imagery and drama – the message is clear: History is moving towards the inevitable triumph of God – though evil may flourish for a while, it cannot in the end be triumphant. Sound the trumpet.

This is the second time that John is asked to taste and eat the roll/scroll. As the psalmist claimed, it is “sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.” But it also was bitter to the stomach. It was sweet because it is a wonderful thing to hear from God and be chosen by God – but was bitter because of the sad reality that the message contained – even if triumph awaits at the end.

Throughout the whole tome of Revelation; the imagery of angels, seals, trumpets, beasts, and elders keep pressing a single message of two world. Even though the world is in turmoil and coming to a dramatic end - the only place to find peace, life, and security is in the presence of God. That is our destiny - to be in God's presence forever. Let the Trumpet sound - Eternity is at hand!

Tuesday - Chas

2007-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tuesday - Ezekiel 22,23,24 ; Revelation 9

Woe!

We read today about another mixture of "good and bad." At least, in our vernacular that is what we would call it. But in the economy of God, cleansing is always good.

I don't want to make light of any of this, but this is very difficult to convey without using elementary pictures and ideas. So try this one: a person who is obeying all the traffic laws doesn't have to fear having a police car following them. It may make you nervous, but if you are in compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations, you have nothing to fear.

Here, we read about people who had much to fear. And we see God doing much to cleanse. God is good, he detests evil. If we allow evil into our lives, we will be living in danger of God's cleansing.

OK, I admit it. That goes about as far at revealing the powerful truth behind today's reading as a match goes in heating a whole building, but it's a start. As you read these types of passages, where God is meting out judgment, keep in mind that He very much loves us and is acting on only the purest and highest of motives. We tend to bring Him to our level and put our limitations on Him, and that is something that clouds this type of revelation.

Look at the warnings in Ezekiel about the two prostitute sisters: they were turned over to the very men they cavorted with and yet reviled. And they lost children, they lost everything. Look at the chapter in Revelation: the seal is broken, and a third of humanity swept away.

Evil will out. If we entertain evil in our heart or allow it in our life, we may fool ourselves, but we will never fool God. And God may wait a season, but the correction or cleansing will come. Even if it doesn't come in the span of our life here, it will still come.

Are you living in accordance with the will of God? There is much to fear if you are not. Are you living in accordance with the will of God? There is nothing to fear if you are.

Monday - Chas

2007-09-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Monday, Labor Day, Ezek. 20,21; Ps 111; Rev 8

Justice and Mercy

This has been an exciting few days, hasn't it? We are getting some excellent teaching from the word, and from our Pastor. We wanted to give a chance for everyone to catch up. This is a group of very important passages, and we would love to have the whole church 'on the same page' so to speak.

So, if you are behind a day or two,here is your chance to dive into the word.

You know that 15-hour marathon of "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery channel - or whatever people do all day on Labor Day? Put some time into the word. If you have missed some of the blogs or the comments, give them a bit of time as well.

I only have one comment on today's reading, and I'll make it brief: The passage in Revelation chapter 8 which Pastor Tony referred to two days ago - starting with verse 3 says, " 3Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake."

This was some powerful combination: the smoke of the incense together with the prayers of the people. Quite a combo. But look at the location: the 'other' angel came and stood at the altar.

The altar.

In Jewish tradition Mercy and Justice are inextricably intertwined. They are basically one. We don't have that view - most of us consider mercy to be the opposite of justice, but study the word in greater depth and you will see the connection. God is doling out Justice and Mercy in one operation: it comes from the altar, the place generally connected with mercy, and yet it is very obviously justice. What do we take from this? Well I would pray that you would seek the Spirit on this, but to me, there are three points which ring out:

God's ways are not our ways. But His ways are the right ways.

God's justice is an act of kindness, not the kind of vicious attack we humans experience from each other.

Our prayers mingle with the incense to make powerful weapons - but these weapons are tools in the hands of a loving God. They are clarion calls to come running back to God. They are destructive, yes, but the destruction is rained upon the other structures and frameworks upon which man tends to try to depend when in fact we should be depending upon God. And that is the greatest kindness God could ever do for us: to allow us to reestablish a right relationship with Him.

Thanks Father.

Healing Today - Pastor Tony

2007-09-02T01:24:00.000-07:00

Healing Today

I am taking a day of rest from our reading in Revelation to reflect about today’s sermon on: HEALING. There is more about Healing - we do not know - than what we know. There is more about Healing - we do not understand - than what we understand. And there is more about healing - we have not experienced - than what we have experienced.

Jesus told us: “... these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues … they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (Mark 16:17) Healing must be more than a doctrine - it must be reality. The time has come for the church to retake its claim of being a vibrant, powerful body that offers spiritual and physical healing to a lost and hurting world. We have the commission, we have the power, and we have the heart. We know the HEALER. We must become people of Healing because people need healing.

And there’s a higher reason: It glorifies God. It glorifies God to see a stony heart turn into one that is alive. It glorifies God to see a life that is dead eternally become transformed by real life.

As you study the Bible, there are FOUR ASPECTS of HEALING that continually arise. The Four Aspects of Real Live Healing are:

a. The Process of Healing

For every person, God has a Plan. God said through Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you”. There is a PROCESS to your life and to your Healing. Healing is a process – Because God has more in store then to make you healed. He wants to make you WHOLE - it is a Process to Make you HIS.

b. The Person of Healing

So many people are trying to find the right person to pray for them – they are trying to find the right prayer. However, we are never changed in the presence of a person, we are only changed in the presence of God.

In the Old Testament, healing is not what God does - healing is who God is – He is Jehovah Rapha. To know God - you must know His HEALING - It is part of his character and his nature - Ex. 15:26: for I am the LORD, who heals you."

In the New Testament Jesus takes it even further, Jesus provides healing to all people through his sacrifice.

c. The Perplexity of Healing

Why am I not healed? Why aren’t we healed NOW? When will I be healed? How will I be healed? Why isn’t everyone Healed? Has God abandoned me? These are not just inquiries – they are Questions of Faith and Love; they are questions of LIFE – that can drain life from anyone.

Not seeing the Physical Healing is hard not to interpret as Failure or Rejection. So we wrestle because there are perplexities about healing – because God’s ways are not ours. Diseases are cruel and inhumane. And when we seek healing, there is much that we do not understand. It usually becomes an issue of FAITH and LOVE. An issue of WHO I AM (love) ... and an issue of WHO GOD IS (faith).

d. The Pain of Life.

Pain - it drives people to do and become someone they aren’t. It drives people to sin, people to drink, drugs, sex, lies, and dysfunction. People change faith, churches, anything ... because PAIN is a FORCE.

Physical pain and Emotional pain can cripple. We must learn to move from Pain to Healing. It is easy to go in the opposite direction of healing because there are few easy answers to PAIN.

My son Anthony moans every time we give him Tylenol. He wonders why it doesn’t work immediately. We often have the same feelings about faith, God, and prayer. Remember, God said: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

Jesus Christ changed the face of HEALING … And he now holds the power to heal the world. We need the Holy Spirit to convict us that WE NEED A HEALER and that WE HAVE A HEALER. His name is JESUS.

In what areas are you wrestling with the Plan of Healing that God is fulfilling in your life? Are you willing to take that journey in obedience? Are you wrestling with the Person of Healing? To whom are you truly looking for healing – God, your friends? With what perplexing questions do you wrestle when it comes to your healing? What is the great pain in your life? Take a risk and share your answers to these questions with someone today.

Saturday, September 1 - Pastor Tony

2007-09-01T02:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday - Ezekiel 15,16; PS 70; Revelation 6

THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Many years ago, the University of Notre Dame’s football team had four unstoppable players in their offensive backfield they labeled “the four horsemen.” Quarterback Harry Stuhldreher, left halfback Jim Crowley, right halfback Don Miller, and fullback Elmer Layden had run rampant through Irish opponents' defenses since coach Knute Rockne devised the lineup in 1922 during their sophomore season. They were so unstoppable – they led Notre Dame to several national championships. But these were not the most notable and fierce “four Horsemen” – for these were horsemen of sports. The “four Horsemen” that should have our true attention are found in Revelation six – they will carry a message of judgment to a godless world at the end of time.

Seals of Judgment and the four horsemen ... major players of the apocalypse fill the story line of chapter six. This is when the “end times” plot starts to thicken on earth. You see, there are three kingdoms that collide on earth at this time: The Kingdom of this world; the Kingdom of Evil and the Evil One; and the Kingdom of God. And the “end times” will be when God brings all kingdoms under His rule – but for that to happen – the story of the ages will unfold.

In Revelation six, the Judgment of God is laid out in the form of seven seals. The first four of these seals are in the form of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse – and it is amazing how they align with today’s newscasts. We love to picture God as being loving and gracious – meek and mild – kind and gentle. But the same God whose Son takes away the sins of the world – is also a God of justice and judgment.

John lays out the first seal (v. 2) with a “White Horse” (whose image is very similar to the one in Zechariah1:8-17; 6:1-8). The white is a symbol of conquest and a virtue for which a battle must be waged. The second horse (v. 4), a "fiery red one” symbolizing bloodshed and war – where people “slay each other.” War and terrorism certainly would be exactly what these first two horses symbolize. It is the number one concern of every American. It is not that God brings the violence about – as much as a society without God is bound for violence, bloodshed, and war. Part of God’s judgment is that he pulls his grace back – to let our world’s ways manifest itself. That in itself is great judgment.

The third seal (v. 5) reveals a “black horse” whose rider holds a pair of scales in his hand. It is a picture of famine and economic distress – the crashing of all the world’s financial systems. The fourth seal (v. 8) is the “pale horse” whose rider is “Death” and “Hades” was close behind. They have the power to kill over a fourth of the earth. We already live in a culture of death – with murder, war, violence, abortion, and abuse – life is not cherished as a gift from God.

These four horsemen seem to be “the four chief components of history.” Our world and history seem to be characterized by their hideous fingerprints.If John received his vision today, these terrifying symbols would be no different and would convey the same message as they did then. But greater than the perils of their judgment, this passage underlines the recognition that God is in control over history and the future. His will and His ways will prevail. Terrible things may happen that will seem beyond explanation, but in His way God is will use these forces to bring history to its climax. This text presents us not with a God who is far off and unengaged with humanity - it declares the true and living God who is active and relevant to our world. He clearly does not let all of humanity live in whatever way they desire – He is a God of holiness – and His way will not be mocked.

The modern experiment to overcome the need for God’s truth and God’s way will fail. The modern world’s values will prove inadequate to confront the threats and problems of our world: continuing wars, weapons of massive destruction, violence, terrorism, hatred, endless conflict, and a litany of plagues that await us in the future. All this judgment will hurl our world into an apocalyptic age – and our only hope will be God. We can cling to nothing other than trust in our sovereign God who rules history, for only one thing will remain certain – God is in control.

I First

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Wednesday, Jan 30th

You've Got Mail

Bible Journal - Chas

Exam time - Chas

Chas' big toe

James 1-5 - Chas

Update - Chas

Life comes at you hard - Chas

In the Fire - Pastor Tony

Thanksgiving

Weekend - November10,11

Monday - Chas

Galatians 1:1-12 "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers with me,To the churches in Galatia:

Sunday - Chas

Saturday - Chas

Friday - Chas

Thursday - Chas

Halloween - Chas

Tuesday - Chas

Monday- Kristen

Flashback - Chas

Saturday - Chas

Friday - Chas

Thursday - Chas

Wednesday - Chas

Tuesday - Chas

Monday - Chas

October 20th - Note from Pastor Tony

Free! - Chas

Prejudice - Chas

Update - Chas

Personal Note from PT

October 12th - Pastor Tony

October 9th - Pastor Tony. Please read the personal note from Pastor Tony that follows this blog

Personal Note from Pastor Tony

Reading list

Reading list

Weekend - September 28-30

Thursday, Sept 27th - Pastor Tony

Wednesday, September 26 - Pastor Tony

Tuesday, Sept 25th - Pastor Tony

Monday - Sept 24 - Pastor Tony

Weekend - September 22-23 - Pastor Tony

Friday, September 21st - Pastor Tony

Wednesday, September 19th - Pastor Tony

Ministry Fair Thanks

Thursday - Blog team

Thursday through Saturday -

September 13 - 15

Wednesday, Sept 12 - Pastor Tony

Tuesday - Chas

Monday, Sept 10 - Pastor Tony

Exerpt from Pastor Tony's Sermon - Sept 9

Galatians 1:1-12 "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers with me,
To the churches in Galatia: