Route 66 - The Best of Both Worlds!

In less than three hours 2007 will be over! I am so excited about what's ahead for 2008!

I grew up a car guy, and while I have never driven the entire Route 66, I've been on parts of it and am keenly aware of the heritage it represents. I love cars, old and new, and a broad variety of styles. I like trucks too, especially old ones that have been restored. I love racing (most types), and used to race (primarily endurance Karts). I like working on cars, though there's not a lot a guy can do on a newer car. The boys and I just changed the brakes on Caleb's car and on Paige's car. So, I'm totally into the Route 66 theme that Palm Valley Church has chosen for our "Year of the Bible.

I totally love the Bible! I am amazed every day that God reveals something new to me that I can immediately apply to my life. The power of the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truth is a certain drawing card. Think of the Bible as a collection of mentors who have written for us to gain wisdom for life, to teach us about God, and to provide a road map for us to follow as we enter and grow in our relationship with Him. It is a living document, though the words do not change. Sixty-six books. The Route 66 wasn't named for the number of books in the Bible, but the journey is the same.

Beginning tomorrow morning, we begin our adventure. I hope you will join us! You can follow along by going to http://www.pvcroute66.com/ . I'll be blogging here as well about where we are in the Bible, and where we are on the old Route 66. Come enjoy the ride!

What an Amazing Christmas!

Here are some reflections from the past few days:

- I'm sure that it could have been better, but I'm not sure how! It all began with Christmas eve Services. We had 5 services and we saw life change at all of them. A total of 19 people made decisions for Christ and many of those were first time decisions to become followers of Christ!

- With all of the illnesses floating around it was God's provision that everything went as well as it did. Adrienne had no voice, and Greg's voice barely hung on until the end. I'm not sure of the final count, but my guess is around 3,000 people. The message was a clear presentation of the Good News of Christ. Anthony's testimony was powerful!

- We gave our families the NLT 1 year Bible and asked them all to read through it with us this next year. I can't wait to see what we all learn! As Palm Valley Church does this together, I can't wait to see what impact it has on our community.

- We were able to see nearly all the members of both families over the weekend. It was very cool to have 34 people at our home for dinner on Christmas. We really missed those who couldn't be here, especially my sister and brother in Colorado and their families.

- We had a great time launching rockets in the back yard. Not having neighbors made it a lot safer, though one did end up on the roof!

- It was crazy but fun in the office today. I had some great conversations with people today. There was also an opportunity to stretch my faith as well.

- Tomorrow I go in for my 2nd epidural injection. I'll be out most of the day. I'm nervous about this one since it will be the first time we have done it in my neck. I know that God is in control, it's just the not knowing how I will respond to the shot that has me a bit anxious.

I hope you had a great Christmas too!

"Fun" Day Off!

Friday is my day off. I typically plan some down time and a nap. For the next four Fridays (Beginning today), I'll really be getting some rest!

This morning I went in for an epidural shot in my lower back. I have a torn disc and the pressure and pain just gets overwhelming at times. The shots help for a while. I also have arthritis in my neck from a previous break. So, for four weeks in a row, on Friday mornings, I'll be going in for shots, alternating each week between my low back and my neck.

The shots are done with live X-ray and they put me out while they do it. I wasn't sure what to expect recovery wise today since it's been a couple of years since my last shots and I have a different Dr. doing them now. I figured that I would be sleepy for a while and a little sore, but I was wrong!

For most of the day I could barely make to the bathroom on my own. I was very weak and my legs were like Jell-O. This evening is better, but I am worn out after doing anything, and I'm having a hard time focusing and getting comfortable in any position. Somewhat frustrating, but it is what it is. Now that I know what to expect, I will be better mentally prepared for the next three weeks. Unfortunately there will only be bowl games for the next two!

Since my legs were so weak from the shot in my lower back, I wonder what it will be like after the shot in my neck. Maybe I won't be able to hold my head up. Have you ever seen a bobble-head pastor?

Thank you to those who knew what was happening and were praying!

What's Wrong With Christmas?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love Christmas. It would be so easy for me to over the top buying Christmas presents (OK, I do somewhat, especially for my buys and my wife Paige). For me, giving gifts at Christmas is a way to express my love. God gave us the greatest gift, Jesus. So what's wrong with Christmas? If you didn't know, several elements of the Christmas story as we typically celebrate it are not exactly as they originally happened. Here's a few:

- Jesus wasn't born on December 25th
- The wise men didn't come to the manger
- There was no little drummer boy
- Not a Christmas tree in sight

Does it really matter? If you're explaining the story from a Biblical perspective, it does. Read the story in Luke 2 and see what it actually says. That said, practically speaking, it doesn't matter! What matters is that we celebrate the greatest gift ever given!

Christmas is the day we choose to celebrate as the day Jesus was born. What matters is the event, not the date. The other details are secondary to the story. The focus is on the fact that God became man to live among us. He gave us an example to follow by His actions, then paid the price for our forgiveness so that we could reconnect with God. There is no greater gift that can be given! We give gifts to each other to commemorate this event.

The only day that should be a bigger party is Easter. So, party on, and give!

Question

Here's a question that I have been praying through.

When we begin equipping new believers,do we focus on the cost of discipleship, the benefits of discipleship, or a combination of both?

Of the limited material out their for discipling new believers, the vast majority focuses on one end of the spectrum or the other. There is little if any decent material available which takes a blended approach.

The cost approach focuses on what we give up to follow Christ. It focuses on "counting the cost" and on "carrying our cross" and on "denying ourself". These are all Biblical concepts, but do they scare people away? Some would argue that if someone is scared away, they didn't really believe to begin with.

The benefits approach focuses on the promise of heaven and eternal life. It acknowledges that we will struggle in this life, and that we must put Christ first, but focuses on "will not perish but have eternal life" and "my burden is light" and "cast your cares upon Him". Some would argue that this Utopian view of discipleship leaves people weak and without deep convictions leading to holiness.

Is it not possible to blend these two? If we teach people to love God and love others aren't we capturing both approaches? Loving God includes the cost and benefit teachings of Scripture. Loving others is the active side of our faith. It is practical holiness, what I believe Jesus modeled. Jesus lived the cost, but didn't dwell on it because He knew the benefit outweighed the cost. He was trying to show this as He ministered to people. His focus was on reconnecting people to God, which leads to holiness and therefore receives the benefits, and connecting people with community, which is holiness revealed to the world (see Matthew 5:16).

So what does a blended approach look like? How do we teach both at the same time? That's what I am working through. I would love your prayers and ideas!

Prayer Request

Please pray for me the next four Friday mornings at about 8:30. I'll be sleeping a lot on those Fridays! Actually, I am going in for epidural shots in my lower back and neck. I can't wait (both joking and serious)!

We don't know if the shots will work in my neck, but we are going to give it a try. Please pray that it is successful!

The hope and prayer is that I will get pain relief and gain function. They put me under in a surgical room to do it, then I sleep a lot in recovery.

Should be fun!

Two Minute Tuesday - Preference VS Purpose

Our purpose is very clear - To love God, and love others. The way we accomplish that, or live that out often is governed by our preferences. Some prefer to worship to a particular style of music, or to attend a service with a particular style. Over time, churches tend to develop a particular style. Just like people, churches develop personalities. The down side is that after some time has passed, it is often difficult to make necessary changes to reach a changing culture, or paradigm. The upside is comfort and stability.

One constant here at Palm Valley Church is change. Not change for change sake (though some may think that is the case), but change to make sure that we are doing everything we can to fulfill our purpose. Our Ministry to New Believers is no different. God has been speaking to me a lot lately about how we encourage new believers to take the next step in their spiritual journey. Shortly after the first of the year, I'll blog specifically about the journey and the changes that are coming. Right now, I'm asking you to pray for me. Over the past couple of months, God has been "disturbing" me, and challenging even some core methodologies that I was discipled with years ago. It's beginning to come together and I can't wait to see the finished product. I believe that it will shake things up, but that's a good thing! Stay tuned!

Guess Who's Coming for Christmas?!

I love Christmas. I love nearly everything about it. I mostly enjoy hanging out with family I don't always get a chance to see. This Christmas I'm going to get a lot of that :-)!

We typically alternate Thanksgiving and Christmas between the two families. This year is with Paige's side of the family, or at least that's what we were planning until...

Tonight was my niece Amanda's graduation! We are so proud of her. My sister and her husband are in town for the event and decided to take a golf vacation and stay until Christmas.

Of course my mom was coming over for the graduation, so we got her to stay for a few weeks, including Christmas.

When my oldest sister found out my sister from Texas was coming, she and her oldest daughter decided to come too.

Then my little sister called and said since everyone was coming, her family would be coming too.

Since most of the family was coming, I called my other sister and my brother to see if they could come too. Unfortunately, neither could, but there will be four of the six of us together for Christmas. That's pretty rare and I will take full advantage of the opportunity.

I know this threw a curve ball to Paige's family (Sorry!), but I can't pass up this opportunity to spend with my family. I can't wait to share what we are doing for everyone for Christmas!

So, along with Paige's family, and now mine, we're having over thirty people at the house for Christmas dinner. Eleven will be staying here.

My favorite Christmas tradition is getting up early to open presents. Before we start we read the Christmas story from Luke 2 in the Bible. We've done this since the boys were in pre-school. It gets us started right, focusing on Jesus - the reason for the season! What's your favorite tradition?

I can't wait!!! :-)

"I, the Lord, am your God!"

As I continue my journey through Leviticus (Chapters 18 & 19), the purpose of "the Law" becomes clearer and clearer. I know that the Law is our "Tutor" which points us to Christ, but sometimes I forget that it was meant to set God's people apart from the rest of the world. We are to be holy as God is holy. We aren't to live as the world lives and value what they value. God's people are to be different. We are to be set apart. Today, my prayer is that I would not only do holy things, but that I would be holy, as He has called me to be.

Feeding Others

Tis' the season. During this time of year we focus on those in need around us. We give food, we serve food, and we send money to purchase food. This is all good and it is desperately needed, but I want to talk for a moment about a different type of starvation.

People all around us are starving. Many don't even realize it. Many Christians don't even notice. I'm talking about those who accept Christ, and starve because no one will feed them. Now, understand what I am talking about here. I am a huge proponent in, and firmly believe, that we need to feed ourselves spiritually by maintaining good habits, or disciplines, such as prayer and Bible study. I truly believe that it is not the church's responsibility to feed mature Christians, but to equip them to feed themselves.

That said, my heart aches for those who are starving. I'm talking about those who have just accepted Christ, or have returned to Him after trying to live life on their own terms, discovering that it is Christ who brings "fullness" of life. These are spiritual infants who cannot yet feed themselves. We would never let a newborn starve to death, we would feed him/her. Why are spiritual newborns any different? Isn't our spiritual life as important as life itself?

Why then are so few Christians willing to feed others? Why don't we have a line of people begging to help new believers learn to feed themselves? I would think every mature believer would want to lead a home team, and serve in a ministry geared to new believers. I know that I am biased, but don't accuse me of tunnel vision here. I know the church has other needs. We need people to feed children, literally and spiritually, as well as other needs. What I am talking about here goes beyond program to lifestyle.

I think part of the problem is that many Christians don't consider themselves mature. This is sad in the church today, with all of the resources that are available, to have such immaturity. I think anyone who has been a believer long enough to be able to find things in the Bible and talk to God is mature enough to help feed infant believers.

The bottom line is that we need to raise the importance of feeding spiritual infants. We need to feed them until they are able to feed themselves. Just like babies, it doesn't take long, only a few months, but they need help until then. We need people to step up and feed the hungry!

Infamy

Today is another of our nation's memorial days. This one is unofficial, but like September 11th, it is no less significant than the official one we celebrate the last weekend of May. Today is the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It is the day that the USS Arizona sank, taking thousands to their deaths. It is also the day that pulled us full force into WWII.

For those who serve, served, or survive those who paid the ultimate price for others, I remember, and I say thank you for your sacrifice!

Sin - We Get Off Easy!

In my personal devotions I am reading through Leviticus (and Acts) right now. I usually avoid this book, but God was telling me that I needed to study it, so I am. One thing that struck me today is just how easy we have it when it comes to forgiveness of our sins. 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. A simple prayer and were done, or at least that's what we often reduce it to.

In the Law, receiving forgiveness was much more involved. It required a great cost and great effort. It also required time! I'm sure the Israelites took sin a lot more seriously than we do.

Now, I know that we are forgiven by the blood of Christ who became the one sacrifice for all. What I'm talking about is the fact that we don't always think about that cost when we ask God to forgive us, at least I don't. That's why I am wondering if, in some ways, forgiveness is too easy for us. We need something to remind us of the significance of our sin and the cost for it's forgiveness. What reminder do you use?

Two Minute Tuesday - Thursday already?!

Sunday night we had the Fresh Start Team over to our house for dinner and some equipping. After a great video from Pastor Greg, I shared some thoughts with the team. I challenged them to be in the Word of God every day. To focus on their relationship with Christ because it is out of that relationship comes our ability to care for new believers. If our tank is empty, how can we fill the tank of someone else?

At the end of our time together I saw our Ministry Coordinator Diane act on a prompting by the Holy Spirit to pray over each of the team and Paige and I. It was a powerful moment and it was awesome to see God use her this way. She is such an encouragement to me and to see her fulfilling what I was just talking about was great! It was obvious that she is walking with God because if you aren't, you won't hear His voice. She not only heard His voice, she acted and did what she was being led to do.

Thanks Diane for your example of love and obedience to Christ!

Sick and Tired!

The saying, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired" really applies today! I've been sick since last friday with an upper respiratory infection. It started as a sore throat, just some sinus drainage, or so I thought. By Sunday my throat was killing me and teaching the Fresh Start Class was really painfull. It was a great class though, and I'm glad God got me through it. It is such a blessing to see new believers who are eager to grow in their faith! Sunday night we had the Fresh Start Team over for dinner and some equipping. I'll post about something significant that happened :-). Monday I couldn't function. The only relief I could get was from taking some codein based caugh syrup. That stuff knocks me out (which is what I needed). Tuesday I was back at it, but not feeling well. I saw the Dr. in the morning and he put me on some horse pills that are just now starting to take effect. I still don't have a voice, but am beginning to feel human today. Usually when I am sick it is a one or two day thing. This has lasted far too long!

The thing that bothers me most about being sick like this is the pain that coughing causes. Because of the muscle disorder, every cough is like getting punched in the ribs. After a couple of days, I feel like I've gone a few rounds with a fighter. The fatigue factor because of the pain is tough, but God is good!

Yesterday I took a day for focused prayer and study. Even though I wasn't feeling well I wasn't about to miss this day to spend alone with God! It was still a great day. The last time I had a prayer day I ended with more questions than answers. This time I began getting some answers. I love hanging out with God and can't wait for the day that I can do it full time. As I wrote that I could hear myself saying that I can spend all day every day with Him now. This is true, but I'm talking about eternity apart from this world. I do however, need to focus more on Him in the small moments of the day.

I know this is random, blame it on the meds, but I wanted to get my brain going and these thoughts were there. Sometimes, you gotta go with the flow!