The Time is Now - No More Looking Back

Six years ago this week, my life turned upside down.  The church I had spent more than a third of my life serving had asked me to leave.  The people I had thought were friends and ministry partners turned against me.  Relationships I had spent years cultivating, fighting for, were suddenly over.  True feelings and thoughts spilled on to social media, and I watched from afar as people blamed me in part for so many of the horrible things that week.  I simply couldn’t fathom that after so many years and so much sacrifice, that was the way it ended.  The aftermath of that week lasted longer than I had ever dreaded, so much so that every year at this time, I get a little sick to my stomach and every emotion is amplified; and not always in a good way.


But to say that everything has been tough these past six years would be me saying that God isn’t still good and that he doesn’t have a wider plan.  Of course, that isn’t true.  Did I ever seek to be a lead pastor?  No way.  I thought I would never leave music ministry; music was the only thing I was ever even remotely good at.  I didn’t feel called into teaching ministry; I had never attended a single Theology course.  How would anyone ever think I could lead a church?  Somehow, we have managed to learn along the way and pick ourselves up every time we stumble.


Foothill Bible Church, the church I currently lead, just celebrated it’s fifth anniversary, and I somehow don’t feel any better equipped to lead today than when this journey began six years ago.  I fail. A lot.  I have made so many mistakes over the past five years, I lost count years ago.  I stopped counting, really.


And at the beginning of next month, we will turn another brave page in the story.  After five years at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist facility, Foothill begins a new chapter with the people of New Life Christian Fellowship.  It’s not going to be easy, but I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead.  We have all experienced some of the worst of what the Christian life can bring, and through it all, we will encourage each other and strengthen each other.  Some say what we are going to try to do is impossible, and that somehow it isn’t worth even trying.  I believe God is up to something bigger, and I want to see what it is.  I anticipate some bumps and bruises; we know what it’s like to recover from some broken bones – metaphorically speaking.


So for the next day or so, I intend to live through the painful experiences once again; to feel the emotions for the first time, all over again.  But, then it will be time to move on.  I have waited for the moment when I will stop looking back and so vividly see the hurts and mistakes of the past, and truly look forward to what God has in store…for the next five years, and beyond.


That time is now.  No more looking back.

10 Drills to Become a Better Christian Athlete

10 Drills to Become a Better Christian Athlete

1.      Spend time with God by praying daily. Daniel did it every day. Daniel 6:10

2.      Hear from God every day by reading the Bible. Joshua 1:8

3.      Get involved in a church. Hebrews 10:24-25

4.      Plug into a small group. Jesus knew the power of a team. Mark 6:30-32

5.      Find an accountability partner. Proverbs 27:17

6.      Give. 2 Corinthians 8:7-9

7.      Find a place to serve.  1 Corinthians 12:12-31

8.      Be a good example.  Stay out of trouble. Matthew 5:16

9.      Be a good student.  2 Timothy 2:15

Let it Rain

I have started to track the weather from the app on my laptop, and recently I noticed there is a stat page. And on it, one of the stats it tracks is rain history. It tells you for a certain day how many times in the past 30 years it has rained on that date. And for this date in Decemeber (3rd), It has only rained 5 times. Someone actually tracked that.

 

I have a pastor friend whose daughter is a self proclaimed pluviophile. 

Urban Dictionary: pluviophile www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pluviophile (n) a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days. Yep, I had to google it. She texted a screen grab of the weather forecast to her dad, to let him know that her favorite time was in the forecast.  I think I might be one, too. A pluviophile, that is.  We all know that with the drought we are going through, the rain is an absolute necessity. And I have seen the destructive power of too much rain at one time. This past summer was a reminder that I can leave my house in the morning to not a cloud in the sky, and when I return home in the afternoon, there could be a tree on my roof. I'm also in a place right now where my family is somewhat stranded when it rains. Our car has a little problem, in that when the rain splashes up into the undercarriage, the drive belt comes off and we end up stranded. We've kind of dreaded rain for months. So it's a little more than inconvenient for us right now.  But there is an up side! When rain is in the forecast, we stock up on supplies and hunker down at the house. We build a fire. I work in my jammies. We spend a bit more time together as a family. But I really like being able to sit in my room and hear the sounds of rain all around me.  There is the rain that falls directly on my roof. There is the sound of the rain coming off the tires of passing cars. I can hear the creek rushing in my front yard. I can hear it hitting the sheet metal fixture from the chimney through the fireplace. It has such a calming effect. So I see rain as a metaphor for all the different ways that God can bless me and my family. Certainly there are times when the rains come in our lives, and our perseverance is put to the absolute test. Sometimes you have to wade through the mud to get to the safety of the house. Sometimes the rain keeps you from getting home. Other times you can see the rain coming and prepare for it. You can actually plan around it and make some great memories as a result. Either way, I have to remember that the rain is essential. We simply can't live without it. And when I think of the fact that the day after the rain you can see for miles and there is a freshness to the air, I can put up with it. Besides, the sun will come out...tomorrow. God showers his blessings on all of us. He fills up our rain gauges and waters the plants. He is in control, and knows when we really need it. He knows when our souls need refreshment. And sometimes he waits to send it....until we ask. Someone apparently asked this week... So I say let it rain. Sure, the streets are slick and it can be dangerous. And sometimes the rhythm of the falling rain tells us what fools we've been. But listen carefully and you will hear Jesus reminding you that He gonna take care of everything. One drop at a time.

 

What a week! (again)

The past eight days have been pretty nice.  No, really nice. For the past 10 years or so, I have tried to make sure and gear down during Thanksgiving week.  I've tried to make sure and focus on my family and make them feel as special as possible.  The reason is that for the next 4 weeks, my attention and time and energy will be focused on getting things ready for the Christmas holiday season.  In the past there has been the tree lighting event (which I withdrew from this year), and then there are all of the year end programs and choir musical and all of the pomp and circumstance that comes with this time of year.

And as much as I have tried to simplify my life a bit, there are some really amazing things that are running pretty quick.  Quicker than I ever thought possible.

But I have really stopped down this past week to be with my family.  And for the first time in many years, Jess and I have been able to say this has been a REALLY GREAT WEEK. There hasn't been the pressures that we have faced in past years.  We've been able to share meals together.  We went to the movies as a family - something that we just haven't been able to do.  We actually got the Christmas lights up on the OUTSIDE of the house! That doesn't always get accomplished. But its VERY important, so our neighbors know we celebrate!  We got most of the shopping done for Christmas and can just (hopefully) focus on the things that are really important for the next 4 weeks.  Because its gonna fly by.

There is such a difference in my heart this year.  I have always acknowledged that there is a "tempo" to this time of year.  Its allegro - for my musically challenged friends, that's quick and lively. And although I will miss some of the things that have been tradition in the past, I look forward to beginning some new ones this year.

So the reminder for myself and you guys, my family, is to make sure and remind you of the things that so easily get lost this time of year.  KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS. In a world that is steadily pushing Him aside, make sure and say it over and over - as graciously and lovingly as you can...Merry Christmas.

It's His time of year.

So as we officially kick off the Christmas season, make sure to set aside some time to do nothing.  Snuggle up with the family, a blanket and a good Christmas special. Maybe a parade.  But whatever you do, don't let the world swallow you up. Remember that it was a CHILD that set this whole thing in motion.

See you Sunday.

I Am Not a Victim

I refuse to be called a victim.  I am not a victim.

I have seen some pretty horrific things in the name of the "church" over the years.  I have had some unusual things happen to me.  I have also made mistakes over the years and ended up hurting people I cared about.  I've always heard two things; one, that if you are looking for a perfect church, don't go inside, because you'll ruin it.  And two, the church is made up of humans - fallible creations fashioned by a perfect God.  We all make mistakes.  We all stumble along the way.  The beautiful thing about it is God still loves you.  He still loves me. He still loves us.  Very much.

I've learned some pretty valuable lessons over the time I have served in full time ministry, and the truth is I'm still learning.  I am a tremendous Monday morning quarterback, always second guessing that I did the right thing - always wondering if the voice I heard was really God's.  I have done the worst kind of thing, too:  I've asked how could two people who serve the same God have such different views on some things.

But that's where it ends.  Because when I start to play someone against God in favor of my approach, not only do I lose, but I (try to) put God in a box.  So with that in mind, I say it again:

I am not a victim.

What I am is a conqueror.  Why do I say that? Romans 8:37.  Go read it.  I'll wait.  Read the entire chapter...

Okay, now we got that straight, here is the bottom line: There are folks out there who want to say nasty, horrible things about me and my family.  Let them.  God will sort out truth in HIS time.  But the truth is, there are people out there who pray and support each other (and I am one of them, and so are you), and I want to be one of them.

So because of this conqueror status, I will not fight.  I will not argue.  And I will not defend myself. 

My life verse has become one that few I know share with me.  It's Exodus 14:14.  Go look THAT one up.  My job as a conqueror is simple - to share God's love with others and to "always have an answer...for the hope that I have."

Don't get me wrong, I'm still human.  I sometimes want to go and poke someone's eye out.  But that doesn't point others toward Christ.

This past week, I was reminded of a valuable lesson.  It's from the movie Frozen. It's the song every 7 year old can sing from memory.  They actually have sing-alongs in the play-yard at school. Yep, it's "Let it Go."  My counselor repeatedly told me that, many years before the movie came out.  He would say, "I am going to encourage you to let that go."  I always hated that.  I REALLY hated when he'd say that.  Because that meant I would lose.  But I tell you the truth - every time I listen to his advise.  I win. And most (all) of the time, the enemy is Satan.  Everytime I ignore him, I win.  He loses. GOD WINS.

That's what a conqueror is.  You can be one, too.  Go read Romans 8 again when you need the reminder.

Be encouraged.

A new found appreciation

This has been one amazing week.

God certainly didn't wait to put my resolve as a new lead pastor to the test.  There have been some tremendous victories.  There have been some serious challenges.  But it has given me serious appreciation for the pastors who have served so faithfully over the year.

An associate pastor I used to work with once told me that the lead pastorship wasn't for dads of young kids.  He told me that there were so many issues that would tear me from my family.  He warned me about what we all know to be true about any kind of ministry; most people go home after a long day and can eat a meal, unwind and take in some television - not a lead pastor.  Especially in a church where the birthing process is still in full effect.  It seems like it is all I can think about from the moment I wake up until when my head hits the pillow at night.

But its a good thing.

It may be time for a part time secretary.  Or maybe 2 or 3 full time ones.  There is a lot to do!! I am a bit of a control freak, and it has been kind of difficult to delegate certain tasks.  There are a bunch of folks who have mentioned they would be willing to help.  Now I have to figure out how to farm out some of the duties. 

I think its hard when you don't have an office that you can work out of, so I can't just call a secretary in to look over my shoulder and let me explain what I am looking for.  I think that will get better as I DECIDE WHAT I WANT TO SEE.

So I guess it comes down to becoming comfortable in one's skin. But I definitely have a new appreciation for all those who have come before.

A New Week. New Challenges.

I love Mondays.

It's been a long time since I've been able to say that and mean it. Mondays used to be staff meeting day, and that was never really one of the highlights of my week. But now, Mondays signal the beginning of a new week of fresh challenges - and it's really quite exciting.

I love the people that I work with and I really love the people that I serve.  How else could I show up at a restaurant, set up a little office and have people actually sit down and do some business?  Come to think about it, I set up my portable office in no less than 5 different spots today.

But enough about you, let's talk about me. (Seriously in the last paragraph I typed I no less than six times....sorry.)

Anyhow, I think I achieved all of my objectives for today...except for one.  I didn't get the dishes done. I guess that's why God invented tomorrow.

I have realized that just like in each of the past 13 years, I have overbooked myself for the month of November-December, but it is outstanding. I plan to balance it out with family time, and especially some well placed date nights, but am really looking forward to the next 38 days. And I love the fact that a few people have pointed out to me that there maybe a few more dates on the calendar than are manageable.  That means that I have surrounded myself with people who will both assist me and hold me accountable.  Again...beautiful.

And as for the business of a church "being birthed", the structures are beginning to take shape, and I am starting to whittle down the list of names that are coming in as possibilities.  I still really like "the Refuge", but there are quite a few of those in the area....oh well. There are a lot of churches with similar names.

So Monday is done, and Tuesday is mere hours away. I'm looking forward to what Jesus is going to show all of us then....