Defining Moments

2010-08-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

UNASHAMED!

The other morning I was waiting for my coffee and breakfast burrito at a local coffee shop and over-heard a conversation between two customers. The guy was telling his tale of woe concerning his ex-wife, custody of his kids, going to court, conflict over schools, etc. I wondered if when he first decided to venture down the path of marital bliss he envisioned having those kinds of conversations, out loud for all to hear, with an acquaintance in a coffee shop. Of course not…they never do. Change the names and a few mi-nor circumstances and it’s a conversation repeated thousands of times daily, by the massive community of those trying to deal with the ravages of divorce and broken families.

Although I would never be this bold—bordering on rude—I imagined saying, “Doin’ life without Jesus? How’s that workin’ for ya so far?” Hopefully, I wouldn’t say it out of pride or an attempt to shame him, but he was a young guy; his kids were obviously young and I thought, “This is just the beginning of his problems. How different would his life be now and in the future if he and his “ex” had chosen to be obedient to God rather than going down the path prescribed all-too-often by our culture? His story is repeated over and over again and if the kids turn out okay, it is only by the grace of God.

“Doin’ life without Jesus? How’s that workin’ for ya so far?” Would such a question be totally out of line to ask of someone who shamelessly airs his dirty laundry before unsuspecting coffee consumers like me? Would it really be inappropriate to ask of a person try-ing hopelessly to navigate through the consequences of their poor decisions apart from Christ? If you really believed that what you could offer would really help, would it be wrong to ask?

The reason I’m not ashamed of the gospel is not because it gives me a sense of superiority when I en-counter these situations, but that I know it is truly their only hope. But, if I know they are lost without embracing the gospel, why do I so often stay silent when I should speak up?

I must admit, the coffee shop scenario is not my “cup of tea” when it comes to extolling the benefits of a life lived with Jesus at the helm. I’d much rather stand before a huge crowd of supportive congregants and spout off about what those who don’t know Christ are missing, than offer one stranger the healing power he really needs, while awaiting my cup of java. But, if he’s not ashamed to announce the failure of his marriage and its painful consequences, dare I be too ashamed to speak up? Really, I can’t lose. Even if he rudely rebuffed me, I’d get a good sermon illustration out of it. But, still I’m silent as I stir in my cream and sugarless sweetener.

Being unashamed to share what only God can of-fer has stood between the extinction and the ad-vancement of the gospel for centuries. A few simple words, or a well-placed question has made all the dif-ference, thousands of times. So it is no surprise that the New Testament repeatedly emphasizes not al-ways keeping our mouths shut.

Jesus warned that if we confess Him before men He will confess us before the Father. But, if we deny Him, He will deny us. Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel,” and “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,” and “I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed” (Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim 1:8, 12). Peter wrote, “Do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled” (2 Peter 3:14).

So, I ask you and me: Are you ignoring what the Bi-ble says? How’s that workin’ for ya so far?

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory”

—LUKE 9:26 NASB

2010-03-12T09:29:00.001-08:00

The truth and the Truth…

Is it possible that the One Who referred to Himself as “the Truth” was less-than-honest about Himself? You would be hard-pressed to find someone that would call Jesus a liar. Usually, people acknowledge Him as God-made-flesh; the Savior of the world, or as a good guy who taught people about great things like love and peace, or they deny His existence altogether. But, few—if any—accuse Jesus of intentionally trying to hoodwink people.

I can only think of one example of where someone actually referred to Jesus as a liar. In Matthew’s gospel, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’…” (Matt. 27:63, emphasis added). Of course, after three days He DID rise, disproving the deceiver theory.

People may use His name in vain; they may misuse it as an expletive, but it is an extreme rarity for anyone to call Jesus a fraud, fake, pretender, imposter or phony. They won’t say it, but by the way they—and I’m even talking about Christians—relate to Him, they scream it.

In his classic book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis put forth his famous “Trilemma,” (since unlike a dilemma there are three options, not two) arguing that either Jesus was Lord (and God) as He claimed, or He was a liar, or a lunatic. Lewis wrote:

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

The skeptics will say that this is a “false dilemma” since there may be other choices besides Lord, liar, or lunatic or, as some put it, “Bad, Mad, or God.” The skeptics are wrong, in my semi-humble opinion. The bottom line is that you cannot say that Jesus was a good, admirable person and at the same time say He wasn’t Lord and God, as He claimed.

All other choices fit into the general categories of Jesus being intentionally dishonest about who He was or being Himself deluded about His true identity. Other than these options, the skeptics must try to disassemble Scripture and discount the fact that Jesus ever made the claims. And of course, they try. But, the Bible is just too historically reliable for these attempts at erasing Jesus’ words to stand.

The best argument…in favor of, or…against Christ being Who He claimed to be is your life. People are watching you to see if you believe strongly that He is actually Lord and God. If you can’t demonstrate by the way you live that you believe His claims, why should they believe His claims?

“He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son” —1 JOHN 5:10 NKJV

2010-02-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Test the Spirits…

In 1 John, the Apostle mentions two opposing entities called the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 John 4:6). He encourages discernment when it comes to telling them apart. From the looks of many churches, some calling themselves “evangelical”, there’s a severe discernment deficiency out there.

I ran across an article online about a church in Denver, Colorado. The headline read, Evangelical Church Opens Door Fully to Gays. My first assumption was that this was a church welcoming homosexuals seeking to find help and hope in Christ, and that the church would lovingly lead them toward the truth concerning the biblical view of homosexuality and then encourage change. Never assume.

The article described a church and pastor that had simply set aside the Bible on this controversial topic. At best, they rejected and/or reinterpreted certain passages completely, for the sake of not appearing judgmental about this particular in-vogue abomination. The article described this so-called church as a…

…church guided both by the Apostle's Creed and the belief that gay people can embrace their sexual orientation as God-given and seek fulfillment in committed same-sex relationships.

[The Pastor] said [the church] is not a one-issue church but one committed to social justice. He describes it as "radically inclusive but still rooted in the essentials of the Gospel." The church discourages promiscuity and encourages healthy lifelong relationships.

[He] said he supports gay marriage and would perform same-sex blessings if asked. A gay man in a committed relationship sits on the church's board of trustees.

"Our position is not one of lenience, but a matter of justice," said [the Pastor], a married father of five. "It's not that we don't acknowledge the reality of sin. It's not a sin to be gay or act in accordance with your nature."

Really? It’s not a sin to “act in accordance with your nature”? Where did he get that? This is a PASTOR? Did he miss what Paul said in Ephesians 2:3—that we were once “by nature children of wrath”? Just because we are a certain way by nature, doesn’t mean that we should stay that way.

One way to discern that there is a spirit of error present is when clergy or others claiming to represent the church begin parroting the culturally popular, politically correct view though it stands in direct opposition to the biblical view. Their motives have nothing to do with defending the Truth and everything to do with sounding acceptable in the world’s eyes. Instead of promoting the gospel, they begin promoting nebulous, secular concepts like, “social justice.” Most can’t even tell you what they mean by that, but it sounds so hip!

Some might accuse you of living in the Dark Ages if you hold too tenaciously to biblical moral standards. They may consider themselves enlightened and you, intolerant and ignorant. In fact, if you boldly confront the spirit of error, expect to hear those labels—and worse (bigoted, closed-minded, judgmental, etc.)—hurled in your direction. That’s okay. You’re in good company, “for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12).

Never embrace the spirit of error for popularity’s sake. Never deny the spirit of truth for fear it might turn someone off or even away from church. If the prophets before you had done that, there would be no true church from which to turn away.
“They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them." —1 JOHN 4:5 NKJV

2010-02-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

I Love What?

Since Valentine’s Day 2010 is upon us, let’s talk
about love. Do cards, candy, flowers, jewelry, pajamas,
teddy bears or candle-lit dinners really prove
one’s love for another? All-too-often, those expressions
of “love” are little more than guilt-inspired attempts
to fulfill what many feel is our forced obligation
to participate in another Hallmark holiday. Real
love involves commitment, regardless of the accompanying
trinkets or the date on the calendar.

You make your strongest commitments to that
which you love most. You can say you love something
or some one, but your level of commitment to
that entity will speak much louder than words.

For example, last week we (most of us) watched
the Super Bowl. How can you tell when a person
loves her team? Well, what commitments
is she willing to set aside in order
to express her love?

Christianity Today, in an online article
entitled, Sports Fanatics—How
Christians have succumbed to the sports
culture—and what might be done about
it, told the following story”

“In Warren St. John's Rammer Jammer
Yellow Hammer—a fascinating account
of the lunacy that is University of Alabama football—
the reporter recounts a conversation with a
Mr. and Mrs. Reese in their $300,000 motor
home, purchased exclusively to travel to Crimson
Tide games. The couple, it turns out, had missed
their daughter's wedding because it fell on the
same day as the Alabama-Tennessee game. They
said they had managed to make the reception, and
noted that they had asked their daughter not to
schedule the wedding so as to conflict with the big
game. Asked why he did it, Mr. Reese could only
shake his head and respond: ‘I just love Alabama
football, is all I can think of.’"

Don’t get me started on the love of sports supplanting
faith commitments like attending church,
serving the body of Christ and committing resources
to accomplish His work. Please don’t get me going
on the “Church of AYSO” with open-air services and
throngs of congregants on any given Sunday.

It was obvious I loved basketball from the beginning
of high school, on through college. How could
you tell? I was committed—committed to long practices,
challenging seasons, hours-on-end practicing
lay-ups, rebounding and hook-shots in my backyard
and even inside my garage (when it rained). I actually
received the award for “Gym Rat” on my high school
team because of countless hours voluntarily spent on
the hardwood. Was that wrong? Not necessarily, but
things I loved less (dances; dates) were sacrificed for
my love of basketball. (Okay, terminal shyness
had something to do with that too).

So, as a Christian, can you honestly
say—not with words but with what you’re
willing to sacrifice—that you love Jesus
most? If not, may I repeat something with
which I challenged the LOCC flock in my
most recent sermon? “Make doing His will
the most satisfying thing in your life; the
thing you love most.”

Oddly enough, the hungrier I’ve become
for doing God’s will, the more my appetite for
things like basketball, temporal pursuits and
worldly recognition has diminished. I’m not saying
one must abandon all recreation, hobbies and pleasure
to truly commit to God. But, unless those things
take a distant second by word and deed, we might
well imagine Jesus asking us what He asked Peter:
“Do you love Me?” (John 21:15, 16, 17).

“My little children, let us not love in word
or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
—1 JOHN 3:18 NKJV

2010-02-05T01:25:00.001-08:00

Praising or Pouting?

In the gospel of Luke, there is a story about some very unthankful guys (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus heals them of a deadly, debilitating disease and they simply go on their merry, healthy way. Are we sometimes guilty of going on our merry way through life, forgetting the Life Giver Himself?

To illustrate how we often fail to give God the thanks he deserves, Chuck Swindoll told the following story of a man he visited in a dismal veteran’s hospital:

“The day I arrived to visit, I saw a touching scene. This man had a young son, and during his confinement in the hospital, he had made a little wooden truck for his boy. Since the boy was not allowed to go into the ward and visit his father, an orderly had brought the gift down to the child, who was waiting in front of the hospital with his mother. The father was looking out of a fifth-floor window, watching his son unwrap the gift.

The little boy opened the package, and his eyes got wide when he saw that wonderful little truck. He hugged it to his chest.

Meanwhile, the father was walking back and forth waving his arms behind the windowpane, trying to get his son's attention.

The little boy put the truck down and reached up and hugged the orderly and thanked him for the truck. And all the while the frustrated father was going through these dramatic gestures, trying to say, ‘It's me, son. I made the truck for you. I gave that to you. Look up here!’ I could almost read his lips.

Finally the mother and the orderly turned the boy's attention up to that fifth-floor window. It was then the boy cried, “Daddy! Oh, thank you! I miss you, Daddy! Come home, Daddy. Thank you for my truck.” And the father stood in the window with tears pouring down his cheeks. How much like that child we are.”

Have you ever prayed fervently for something and then received the exact answer you wanted, only to be so excited about the outcome that you forgot to thank God? “Oh please Lord, let me do well on this test!” Then you score an “A+” and realize that you’ve told everyone you could possibly tell before you remember the One to whom you prayed! Been there; done that.

Then there are those who not only forget to thank God, they complain about nearly everything. It’s not unlike what Pastor John Beukema of Illinois experienced:

“One spring afternoon, an older couple came to the church looking for a handout. They were ragged, dirty, and claiming to be homeless. They said they didn't want money, just some food.

I took them across the street to ‘Chateau 7-Eleven.’ While they waited outside, I bought them each a sub sandwich, chips, and a Coke. I watched as they ravenously attacked the food. The man took a big gulp of his drink and made a face. From his seat on the pavement of the 7-Eleven he looked up at me and said, ‘What is this? Diet?’

I laughed right out loud because I immediately saw myself. How often I react that way, even to the gifts of God.”

The Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Have you taken stock of the many gifts with which you have been blessed? How about that breath you just took or the meals you’ve had this week? Gratitude starts with the seemingly small and insignificant things.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” —Psalm 136:1 NKJV

2010-01-29T09:20:00.001-08:00

Unmistakable Love

How do you know when somebody really loves you? Sadly, some people go through life without ever feeling loved. This is no surprise since Jesus made it clear that in the last days, “the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). Have you seen that played out in our culture?

In the news we often hear stories that remind us of Jesus’ prophecy about love growing cold. One I heard was about a little girl was beaten to death by her stepfather, evidently for taking a cup of yogurt from the refrigerator. Another, two teens beat a homeless man to death with a baseball bat, apparently just for fun. What would lead people to do such cold, heartless things to other human beings? I don’t know, but somewhere in their twisted psyche is a lack of love. Perhaps they either didn’t feel loved or they truly weren’t loved in a way that would allow them to love others.

Love is the most potent tool God has given us for the healing and shaping of people’s hearts. His love is so powerful that the Apostle John reminds us, “God is love” (1 John 4:16). He doesn’t say, “God is logic,” or “God is speaking ability,” or “God is persuasiveness.” But many believers work much harder sharpening their skills in those areas, in hopes of winning souls to Christ, that they do honing their ability to demonstrate God’s love.

The power of God’s love is proved unequivocally in the story behind a movie that came out a few years ago called “End of the Spear.” I remember being part of an audience back in 1979 when Elisabeth Elliot shared the story of her husband, Jim Elliot, and four other young missionaries who were brutally speared to death by a band of young, primitive Waodani (formerly known as Auca) tribesmen in a remote area of the Amazon River in South America. All that the young missionaries were trying to do was share the love of Christ with them. They literally showered the tribe with gifts and supplies from their small plane in an attempt to establish contact before approaching them. Their acts of love were ignored and their young, twenty-something lives were snuffed out by the savages. Satan no doubt took momentary delight in the seeming defeat of God’s most powerful tool: His love.

As the movie evidently aptly shows, the story didn’t end there. It was only the beginning. Family members of the slain missionaries, including Elisabeth Elliot and her young daughter, actually went to live with their loved ones’ killers, translating the Scriptures into their previously unwritten language, demonstrating the love of God and leading many, including the leader of the murderous band of Waodanis, to Christ.

How do you know when somebody really loves you? Jesus gave us the answer by dying on the Cross for us. It is the unmistakable message behind the story upon which “End of the Spear” is based. When someone is willing to die for you, the power of that kind of love is undeniable. That love changes things. As for the Waodanis, it changed murderers into missionaries! It has likely changed you too.

In Luke 13, we see Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem and His longing for His people to receive His love. He may have shed tears over Israel’s failure to acknowledge His love but He’s coming back triumphantly, to gather those who allowed themselves to receive and experience that love.

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” —Colossians 1:13 NKJV

2010-01-14T22:28:00.000-08:00

Travel Light!

Its pitch dark and you are trying to make your way through a room with obstacles on the floor that you can’t see; no flashlight, not even the glow from your cell phone to help guide you. How do you feel? Or, you’re walking along a very dark street, alone. In the open space to your right, you can faintly see grave stones, making you aware that you’re passing a cemetery, when you’re startled by a strange sound. Suddenly you realize you’re not quite as alone as you thought. What’s going on inside you?

Experiencing fear, uncertainty, insecurity, even terror under such circumstances would not be un-natural. If fact, it would be quite natural. So, what one component could change everything? It’s simple and you’ve likely guessed it: light.

Without light, you would not only be justified in the feelings you experience, but a stilted or cautious stride would be understandable. Introduce light into those circumstances and it would allow you to walk differently than when you were hoping to avoid ob-stacles you couldn’t see, or briskly make it past an intimidating scenario, like a cemetery at night.

Light changes everything. It exposes hidden things. It helps define visible things. Light can help things grow. It can even disinfect. The dark does none of that.

So, if light can be so good and dark so bad, why do so many stay in the dark spiritually, by choice? Spiritual darkness can lead to many of the same is-sues presented by physical darkness: fear, uncer-tainty, insecurity, even terror. Then, how can some living in the dark appear so confident? Let’s just say they’re whistling past the graveyard. They may ap-pear to have it together, but ultimately they must face the reality of their hopelessness.

There is only one Light that can dispel spiritual darkness. The same One that said, “Let there be light” and there was light. God is light. People will attempt to stay in the dark, living in the shadows, trying to hide from God. Even Christians convince themselves that God can’t see in the dark. But, Light can always see in the dark.

So, if we say we’re in the light and walk in the dark, we’re only fooling ourselves; we’re only hurt-ing ourselves; we’re only lying to ourselves while thinking we’re faking out God. And worst of all, we lose the fellowship we could be having with God. Plus, we have to question whether or not we’re in Christ, because “in Him there is no darkness at all.” But, thankfully we are given the opportunity to erase the darkness and restore that fellowship. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

What is it in your life that you believe God can’t see? Is there something you keep in the dark, or a dark place you go to hide from God? Expose it to the light. Agree with God about that thing and regain the courage, certainty, security and joy God intended for you.

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”

—1 JOHN 1:5 NKJV

2010-01-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Fellowship

Friends and followers are terms that have taken on new meaning with the proliferation of Facebook and Twitter. In a way, the terms have been cheapened a bit since social networking sets the bar so low to qualify as a friend or follower. Masses of people who have little in common, except being formerly acquainted or loosely related to people you actually know, can now call themselves your “friend” or, “follower.” Many, you wouldn’t walk across the street to greet. And having lots of them tends to give some a false sense of importance, no matter how remotely connected they may be to those on their particular lists.

I read an article about a guy who quickly gained 700 friends on Facebook. He decided to invite them all to join him at a local bar for a drink. 60 said they might be there. Sadly, just one—who actually turned out to be a friend of a “friend”—showed up. She soon left and he ended his article with this forlorn conclusion: “700 friends, and I was drinking alone.”

So, what was missing? My guess it that there is a lack of true fellowship in these cyber-communities. Simply having certain things in common with other humans does not produce fellowship. True fellowship stems from things like common commitments; common goals; a common mission; a common vision.

Those are the same things that make a church a fellowship; those things that serve as unique burdens on the hearts of church members. What is it that we believe God has affirmed in us concerning that which sets us apart from other churches? Why become a part of this body of believers rather than the one around the corner or down the street? Is it something more than the preaching preferences, the musical style and the general feeling that this is home? I think that people choose to be a part of a particular church because they are on the same page concerning things that go beyond those first-impression-type issues. I believe it has to do with fellowship.

One kind of fellowship of believers transcends and crosses over lines between individual churches. Simply being a Christian makes one a part of that fellowship. But, within each church, a special kind of fellowship is built around a common mission and vision to which that local church has committed. How would you describe ours?

This Sunday, I want to talk about fellowship; the fellowship we share as believers in Christ and the fellowship we uniquely share as part of the church we call Living Oaks. As we launch our new series called Light for the Darkest Darkness (a study of 1 John) and as we embark upon a New Year, what better time to peer into the future and catch a glimpse of the direction we believe God is affirming for Living Oaks. What better time to confirm those things that make us a fellowship?

(Also, this Sunday, you’ll be treated to a virtual tour of our new Youth and Children’s Center and our Expanded Celebration Center!)

Oh, and HAPPY 2010!

“That which we have seen and heard we
declare to you, that you also may have fellowship
with us; and truly our fellowship is
with the Father and with His Son Jesus
Christ.” 1 JOHN 1:3 NKJV

2009-11-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Rubbing the Christmas Lamp…

Black Friday. It’s an ominous name given to the day that retailers hope will turn things around for the better; the day holiday shoppers are supposed to rescue stores from the sea of red ink into which they’ve been sinking for the last year. If you asked a retailer for his Christmas wish, it would no doubt be “record-breaking sales!” We all want a hearty bottom line for our economy this Christmas season, but aside from the hope for an economic comeback, what wishes do you have?

Ask people on the street what they would wish for if offered three wishes and I assure you that ranking high among them would be peace and prosperity. Things like happiness, good health and success get high marks in the wish category too, but peace and prosperity summarize the majority of the wishers wishes.

The irony reflected in those being in the top three wishes is that few really know what they’re asking for. They sound good, but what are people expecting when they wish for them? Afterall, if you asked ten people what it meant to be prosperous, you might get ten different answers. And peace? What’s that? The mere absence of conflict?

Here in the U.S. and around the world, the masses tend to treat their governments like a colossal genie; the only one truly capable of granting their wishes. If they just rub the lamp in the right way—install the right candidates; pass the right laws; push the right bills, then they have hope of their wishes becoming reality. But, most learn that government lacks the magic they need.
2,000 years ago, in the Roman Empire, the Jews had all-but given up on wishing for peace and prosperity. It became painfully obvious that their government certainly wasn’t going to provide those things for them. There was a form of peace, the Pax Romana or Roman Peace, stricktly—and sometimes brutally—enforced by the Emperor’s military machine.

Financial prosperity was mostly an illusive concept for a Jew who refused to play by the Roman rules, including hailing Ceasar as a god. Only the corrupt; those willing to sell out, were able to line their pockets with filthy lucre. As most could see, their government was not going to provide the peace or prosperity for which they wished.

So, the natural thing to do is to add to the first two wishes, a third wish. Peace and prosperity would not be possible without this third addition to the wishlist. They believed they needed a savior. They wished for a messiah.

Although wishing for such a liberator would be the natural thing to do under their circumstances, what they really needed was anything but natural. Only a supernatural Messiah would actually have the power to grant the peace and prosperity they truly need. A natural rescuer would serve no better purpose than the holiday shoppers who temporarily rescue the sinking merchant.
In the same way, people are looking for natural messiahs today. They have unfulfilled wishes and believe that the human mind; a human relationship; a human politician; a man-made solution of some kind is going to prove to be their redeemer. Wishful thinking.

What kind of peace do we receive from the supernatural Messiah? What does it mean to prosper in God’s economy? We’ll explore these questions and more through God’s Word in our 2009 Christmas sermon series: Three Christmas Wishes, beginning December 13 and concluding on Christmas Eve.

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming…”
Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” —JOHN 4:25

2009-11-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

Yes God Can!

In a recent national political race, one candidate used Yes We Can as a campaign slogan and battle cry for his myriads of adoring supporters. Those three words were no doubt meant to engender a sense of power to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The objective in their case was winning an election; a noble cause, but a human-sized task. As we have passed milestones and accomplished God-sized tasks here at Living Oaks Community Church, we are reminded—Yes GOD can! And only God can. Let’s never forget that.

If you have been a recent addition to the Living Oaks family, it might be hard for you to imagine that we are just five-years-old as a church. It could be easy to assume we’ve been established for quite some time and now we’ve attained a level of completion; comfortable with where we are; content to cruise along with the current ministries, staff and facilities. You may (mistakenly) believe that we are only focused only on the day-to-day/week-to-week needs of the flock, like so many other churches. If that’s what you think, you would be incorrect.

We don’t believe our church was established in order to stagnate. There is really no such thing as staying in one place as a church. You are either moving ahead or sliding back. We either gain ground or lose ground. We cannot simply hold our ground. Our church must constantly be ministering with an eye toward the future and plans to do greater things; to reach more people, meet more needs, spread more hope.

The evidence of what happens when churches stagnate is all around. Many of the beautiful cathedrals in Europe have been virtually empty on Sundays, for decades. Several have been converted into museums; places where people literally do nothing but come and look, often at things that have nothing to do with the intent of the original structure. That didn’t happen over night. Long ago, people with a vision put their blood, sweat, tears and dreams into establishing a house of God that would carry out effective ministry with a passion. But the vision died, faith waned, people stopped investing and the work ceased.

At some point along the way, people forgot what God had done in the past. Their faith in the power to create greater days evaporated and they saw obstacles as insurmountable; challenges as reasons to quit. God had not changed, but their faith had. They saw today’s trials as unique and failed to tap into the knowledge of what God had done in days gone by. They lacked crucial reminders.

Through our study in Esther, we have seen how people who commit and take risks are literally able to alter history. God does astounding things through those who hear God say “Jump!” and respond, “How high?!” Those astounding things must not be forgotten. But, alas, we do forget. So, we need reminders. God knows that.
The Bible itself is full of reminders of what God has done. Through His Word we are provided with the knowledge that fuels success in sticking with a vision and accomplishing more. He’s done it before so we should be convinced, He can do it again.

We need reminders today. Living Oaks is a monument to the faithfulness of God and the commitment of people willing to risk for our vision. But if we forget how we got here, we will shrink at the new tests of faith that will inevitably come. Without fueling our faith with memories of God’s faithfulness, we’ll soon be running on empty and sputter to a stop.

As we conclude Esther this Sunday, we’ll see that they intentionally put reminders in place, so they wouldn’t forget what God had done. This not only gave them strength but an attitude of gratitude.

Be reminded of what God has done for His people. Be empowered for the next victory. And be thankful. This Sunday we’ll do some remembering and some thanking.
Happy Thanksgiving!

“Remember His marvelous works which He has done…” PSALM 105:5 NKJV

2009-11-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

A Call to Commitment

When we planted this church we call Living Oaks five years ago, we adopted as our purpose statement the 4 “Cs” that had formed the purpose for our mother church, Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, since the mid-1970s: Celebrate (worship), Cultivate (discipleship), Care (fellowship) and Communicate (evangelism). Most churches include those elements in their purpose, although they may use different words. However, we added a “C”—Commit (stewardship).

Our leadership agreed that along with the initial 4 “Cs” we were called to commit everything with which we have been entrusted to accomplish His work. We are called to be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure; which means that we invest those things in carrying out God’s plan on earth through the church. And, as we have seen in our study of the book of Esther, there are risks and rewards associated with commitment.

These are challenging times for just about every ministry I know of out there. Large churches, small churches, radio and television ministries and para-church organizations are all feeling the crunch of the economic downturn. During lean times people either can’t, or are reluctant to give. Our church is no exception. But, thankfully, so far, we have been far less affected than many churches and Christian ministries. For that, I thank God and those of you who have given; some very generously and sacrificially.

So, what about our vision for ministry? What about our plans, including expansion of our facilities? Well, let me share something with you that I wrote during a recent trip to Hume Lake Christian Camp, unable to sleep, praying for our church, at 3:30 a.m.:

God has been known to speak on the mountain top. At least His voice seems to stand out. From Moses to the countless decisions made for Christ at Christian Camps, often the voice of God is heard more clearly when we get away to a serene place in nature, above the din and the pressures of everyday life.

I awoke early this morning, unable to sleep-in on my first day of vacation at Hume Lake. I tossed and turned, thinking about Living Oaks Community Church. We are at a crossroads. We are on the brink of taking on challenging financial commitments at a time when giving is down and the general economy is bad. Added facilities and staff are presenting costs that exceed our current patterns of income by considerable amounts. We simply can’t afford to do what we have planned unless something changes and soon.

I’m convinced that God desires that we expand our facility and ability to meet the needs of the adults and children of our church, including those God will add to our number. I believe our plan for this phase of growth is sound and necessary. I believe that we have a healthy number of staff for our current size and enough to care for people as our numbers begin to grow again. I don’t believe we should change our plans or reduce our staff for financial reasons.

What needs to change? With a united voice and passion, we must call our people to a higher level of commitment. I feel strongly that this is the reason God directed me to teach Esther: “The Risks and Rewards of Commitment” this fall. We must embrace and communicate a specific theme in the coming days, weeks and months: A Call to Commit. God is calling each and every one of us to move to the next level of commitment.

There is no reason that we cannot claim the vision God has given us; there is no deficit in His account. God is allowing us to face a challenge. Will we take the risk or back down and settle for what is comfortable, safe and devoid of reward?

Living Oaks is in a unique and exciting place right now—a place unlike ever before. But God’s miracu lous power—the power that built our church—is still in full force. Pray we don’t let it pass us by.

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”—Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

2009-11-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Would You Recognize Him?

The headline of the supermarket checkout stand rag might read: “Jesus Returns; Spotted at Gas Station!” Similar headlines have graced their front pages. However, when Jesus returns, there will be no mistaking that it’s Him. He won’t be the focus of fuzzy photos on tabloid covers taken during pur ported convenience store sightings, like Elvis. An Elvis sighting might be possible. But, such a Jesus sighting is not.

Simply happening upon Christ after He comes back is not an option. The Bible says that His appearance will be nothing subtle. The Apostle John writes, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him” (Rev. 1:7). But, what if He did sneak in and mingle among us for a while? Would you recognize Him?

In the gospel of Luke, we see such a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus; rather subtle and practically incognito. Two men, on the road to a village called Emmaus, don’t immediately recognize that it is the Lord who has joined them on their jaunt. It got me to think—if Jesus did appear in a non-spectacular way, based upon those who claim to represent Him today, would anyone recognize Him? I have a feeling it would be tough.

The only image of Christ many people have is that which they see in you and me. The chances of their opening the Scriptures are slim. Bible knowledge is on the decline (if one can decline from abysmal). So, excluding His Second Coming, the options for someone to see Jesus become either theophany (a supernatural appearance of God to man) or those of us who claim to be “little Christs” (Christians). Unfortunately, they might see a political Jesus, or a legalistic Jesus, or a hypocritical Jesus, or an uncaring Jesus, or a preoccupied-with-more-important-things Jesus, or a religious Jesus, or a condemning Jesus, etc.

On an episode of The O’Reilly Factor, Bill Maher—the comedian-turned-atheistic, self-styled social commentator and former host of “Politically Incorrect”—had a rare moment of astuteness. Even though he deplores religion and the very idea of faith in God (e.g., he called religion “a mass psychosis”), he claimed that he respected Jesus as a philosopher. He pointed out that the problem with Christians is that they don’t act like Christ. He suggested that we should consider calling ourselves “Christ-like-ians” as a reminder that we should act more like Him. Despite his vitriol toward people of faith, he had a point; an astute point.

Bill Maher’s idea of acting like Christ may differ from yours, mine and the Bible’s version of Christ-likeness, but he’s right about the fact that many Christians have strayed from the true expectations of Jesus. Some of us have come to despise the very people whom God has called us to help. Others hide Jesus behind the American flag and equate their patriotism with godliness. Still others practice such extreme weirdness in the name of Christ that their warped theology should exclude them from being designated as “Christian.”

The goal should be to help people view Jesus in such a way that when they do see Him, they not only recognize Him, but celebrate Him. If we do that, the tabloids just might have a legitimate sighting of Jesus, in you and me.

“We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2

2009-10-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween Perspective
Guest eSermonator:
Executive Pastor, Dan Miller

Even though my kids are grown and gone now, I have found myself in several conversations lately, with people about Halloween, and their plans for observing—or not observing—the holiday. So here are some thoughts of my own on the subject. They may not align with prevailing thought (which means my email inbox will be full of responses from many of you in the coming few days), but I will throw them out there for your consideration nonetheless.

When I was a kid growing up in a small town in Western New York, Halloween was the most unique of days. Besides being able to hang out way past dark with our friends, we were afforded the challenge of canvassing for as much behavior altering sugar as our little bodies could carry. Gathering in packs of 6 or 8, we’d start early, fill up a pillowcase, take it home and dump it out on our bed, and head out for more. The air was cool and crisp, and we’d shuffle through the fallen leaves up one block and down another. Always finishing our scavenging at “old-lady Wilson’s house” because she would invite us in and serve us all the apple cider and homemade doughnuts we could eat and drink.

Now I’m not so naïve to suggest that such a benign Norman Rockwell-like scenario still exists. In spite of the fact that we live in one of America’s safest cities, we know that times have changed. But Halloween can still be a fun night of make believe for our kids, and a marvelous time to connect and build bridges to your neighbors and community around you.

Many Christians in our community will choose to have no part in the traditional activities of Halloween. I certainly understand and respect those choices. And I am not trying to diminish the very real nature of spiritual warfare. But let me suggest to you that if Satan is busy on October 31st, he doesn’t take a vacation on the other 364 days of the year. The spiritual battle on the last day of October is no greater than it is any other day on the calendar. And yes, I realize that Halloween has its roots in pagan holidays. For that matter, so do Christmas and Easter.

What I am suggesting is that this is the one day of the year, when the community comes knocking on my door. Can we not find a better way to take advantage of that phenomenon than to turn off the lights and leave a dark empty house while we’re off at our “alternative” party? Is this what we want to be known for in our neighborhoods—a dark house on the one night that you can be guaranteed the neighbors will visit? Are we not called to be salt and light to the culture around us? What better place to start than on our own block? I fear that Satan stands to gain more from the dark, unwelcoming homes of believers, than from the dress up silliness of the day, however macabre it sometimes gets.

Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy: “God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love…” (2 Tim 1:7). So on Friday night, I for one, will be home with the lights on warmly welcoming the trick-or-treaters to my door with the hope that if there is going to be darkness on Halloween night, at least I can be sure that it won’t be found on my block, at my house.

“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake”
—1 Corinthians 9:22, 23 NKJV

2009-10-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Preserving Knowledge

A gentleman in our church invited Wendi and me to join him and a couple from Germany for lunch this week. The German couple has served in the church (Lutheran, of course) for 30+ years; the husband, Barnhart, is a pastor from a long line of pastors. He said they have basically two kinds of people there, Lutherans and atheists.

I was intrigued with the description of his ministry—part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany and quite literally evangelical; bringing people to Christ. He sees his work as that of a missionary there. The camps he oversees are bringing kids to Christ. The newer of the two church buildings with which they’re affiliated dates back to 1847—relatively new by German church standards.

They grew up behind the “Iron Curtain.” I asked what that was like for someone of faith. Barnhart struggled with his self-taught English to describe to us some of the discrimination against his family as pastors during the communist rule. Religious leaders were often rounded up and sent off to special camps. Though the Lord spared them that experience, he later learned that his family made the list of those targeted to go.

Coincidence? It is an amazing thought to consider how God protects His people and furthers His plan in the world, despite man’s inhumanity to man and full-on assault against Him. I remember growing up with the Iron Curtain as a normative element of the world’s situation. East and West Germany were part and parcel of the geography of Europe. It seemed a permanent symbol of the battle between freedom and religious/governmental oppression. Yet, there we sat with a pastor and his wife, talking to us about an opportunity to partner in a camping ministry in eastern Germany, bringing young people into relationship with Christ, in the once-behind the Iron Curtain.

There are situations that seem hopeless in today’s world. Some have existed much longer than the 28 years of the Berlin Wall. They constitute walls of resistance to the propagation of the gospel. I’m not talking about Islamic nations or communist China.

The walls most resistant to the penetration of the good news of Jesus Christ aren’t made of cement, spikes and barbed wire. They are ideological; philosophical; moral and theological. In short, the most effective walls are not physical; they are constructed from knowledge, or the lack thereof.

The physical walls did not block the beliefs of Christians like Barnhart and his wife while languishing under communist rule. It may have limited the exercise of those beliefs but, once set free, lives are being changed for Christ as they never could have been before the wall came down. This can be attributed to the fact that the necessary knowledge did not die.

But, as our featured speaker Wednesday night, Dallas Willard, noted—essential (moral) knowledge can disappear within the span of a generation. The strategy of tyrants seeking to snuff out belief in God is to wait long enough for their godless policies to obliterate belief. So far, it hasn’t worked.

A better strategy seems to have been to consign faith to its own category, separate from knowledge. Science becomes the bastion of truth and faith is relegated to the realm of disproven superstition.

But, try as the might, faith is alive and truth is passed on from generation to generation. Coincidence? No, just as God preserved Christianity behind the Iron Curtain, He keeps faith alive in seemingly hopeless circumstances.

This Sunday, you’ll see how God turned the tables on a shameful attempt to obliterate God’s people. It seemed hopeless, but God was at work, preserving His people and the knowledge essential to the passing on of faith from generation to generation. He’s still at work.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 nkjv

2009-10-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Don’t be Shy!

Sometimes it’s risky to speak your mind, especially if you have a mind dedicated to the cause of Christ. Although we live in a country that prides itself on “free speech,” certain biblical speech is being labeled “hate speech” and here in California, a bill is being pushed that would outlaw the public mention of the notorious passages of Scripture.

So, the day may come (as it has in some other countries) when a pastor faces stiff fines and/or jail time for teaching the full counsel of God’s Word. Those attempting to gag Christians when it comes to speech with which they disagree are unfortunately making headway. But, for now, our penalty for speaking the truth is more subtle, administered by angry anti-God and anti-Christian zealots rather than by the government. Regrettably, many of these “zealots” would not stand out in line at the grocery store or at a meeting of the PTA.

Today, it seems that a growing number of common folk are becoming bold about their disdain for people of faith—especially the Christian faith. Some hide behind the anonymity of the internet as they spew vitriol over simple God-related comments made by the likes of me. Though I shouldn’t be surprised anymore, it still sends a shock up my spine when I see myself described in very uncharitable terms by someone I don’t know who didn’t like my expression of biblical truth. One recently accused me of taking the title “Pastor” so that I could “brainwash my flock.” He called me a “right-wing Bible-thumper” and—I guess just for good measure—a “racist!”
My speaking up for Jesus over the years has garnered the ire of everyone from teens to little old ladies. I once engaged in a debate with a couple of atheists in front of an audience of over 100 “Free Thinkers” (a group of atheists who limit their free thinking to exactly what their fellow free thinkers tell them to think). I’ll never forget the face of the kindly-looking, elderly lady in the front row, transforming to a steely glare only a disgusted grandmother could give, when I defended biblical morality and moral absolutes. She just hated the idea that not she, but God, is the transcendent Law Giver of the Universe.

You’ll find that when you’re not shy about what you believe, most opponents will not enter into a civilized dialogue—willing to discuss the finer points of their disagreement. They will simply get angry and launch ad hominem attacks against you. That’s what people do when they don’t have an argument. Name-calling evidently makes them feel better about being wrong.

Sadly, fear of unflattering labels or being disliked is enough to lead many Christians to clam up about what should be the most important aspect of their lives. Some very talkative believers, who wax eloquent on important topics like favorite foods or football, go mute when it comes to controversial, spiritual things. Would Christianity have survived two millennia if our predecessors practiced such timidity? It doesn’t seem so. But, knowing God, He would have found a way.

The Bible contains a number of examples of individual cases that—had the protagonist kept quiet or denied the Truth—logically could have resulted in history not allowing for the continued existence of our faith as we know it. But, again, God would have found another way. We might never have known the name of the person who didn’t speak up, but another name would have been there in its place.

One person not forgotten is Queen Esther. When her time came to speak, her wise cousin Mordecai assured her: “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place…” (Esther 4:14 emphasis added). But Esther would have not only lost the personal the benefits of speaking up; she would have suffered the consequences as well.

God’s plan will be carried out and He gives you opportunities, nearly every day, to play a role in accomplishing it. Don’t be shy! You may be insulted or worse, but as Mordecai went on to remind Esther: “…who knows whether you have come… for such a time as this?” (ibid.). This could be your time!

“Do not be afraid but speak and do not keep silent; for I am with you”
─Acts 18:9,10 nkjv

2009-10-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Coincidence or God’s Sovereignty?

In February, a holiday celebration takes place with which you are probably unfamiliar, unless you come from a Jewish background. Most everyone is familiar with Hanukkah (mainly because of its association with the Christmas season), a Jewish celebration—by the way—that does not have roots in Scripture—history, yes; Scripture, no. But, this other holiday gets far less press.

This relatively little known (at least amongst us gentiles) Jewish holiday was not prescribed by Moses, nor can it be found in the Law, but comes directly from—and only from—the story of Esther. It is the celebration of Purim. Purim commemorates a sort of drawing of straws or casting of lots (the Pur) that, had God not intervened through Queen Esther, would most certainly have set the date for the annihilation of the remnant of Jews left in Persia after their countrymen had returned to Israel from the Babylonian captivity.

Purim celebrates another example of God’s protection of His people, Israel. Today, gifts are exchanged, the story of Esther is recited and when the name of the villain, Haman, is mentioned, people (and the kids love this part) spin and rattle their noisemakers to “blot out the name of evil.” Alas, as with most religiously-based holidays, the accouterments; the gifts, costumes and food tend to overshadow the focus on God’s goodness, protection and provision.

As we’ll see in the book of Esther, if not for one little “coincidence” here and there, the Jews in Persia would have been wiped out. Coincidence or providence of God?

The story of Esther is just one example of a reason to believe that God is sovereign over everything; the little, the good, the big and bad things in your life. Esther was born, lost both parents, raised by her cousin, won the title of “Miss Persia” and selected as Queen, all culminating in the incredible salvation of her people, celebrated on Purim. I believe that the events of Esther’s life were orchestrated by God “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Some people waste precious time and energy, wasting their lives lamenting over a circumstance or choice that took life a direction they weren’t planning to go. But maybe, just maybe, God’s sovereign plan included using that hurtful circumstance to accomplish something greater than could have been accomplished had it not happened.

For example, when I was about 13, I met my friend’s uncle who had been crippled because of a shattered hip he suffered as a result of a fall from a tree as a young child. Decades later I saw what the accident had done to him. Besides having a devastatingly obvious limp, his demeanor was sour, angry and depressed. Regularly he grieved aloud about his childhood decision. “If only I hadn’t climbed that tree” he would say. And my friend’s dad would sternly rebuke his brother for living in the past and not accepting that he can’t change it. But, regret consumed him.

By contrast, this week we hosted Joni Eareckson Tada. She too made a regrettable choice as a kid. She dove into water much too shallow for diving. It rendered her a quadriplegic. The difference between her and my friend’s uncle (despite the fact that he was much more able-bodied than she) is that you get the impression that her saying, “If only I hadn’t…” would amount to an expression of what she might have missed if not for her injury, not a lament about “what might have been.”

Would she have traveled to 52 countries, become a best-selling author, a renowned artist, sought-after speaker, holding multiple honorary doctorates, helping millions of the disabled, head of her own non-profit corporation, etc., had she never had her accident? Probably not, but she would likely have succeeded in other ways.

Would my friend’s uncle have been a depressed grumbler had he never had his accident? Odds are, yes. Because people who see God working in the circumstances—good or bad—don’t rely on circumstances to pursue joy or success. Those who will only accept good circumstances, dismissing God’s sovereignty, will always have something to be disappointed and depressed about. What about you?

“He will do no unrighteousness…He never fails” Zephaniah 3:5 nkjv

Our 5th Year Anniversary!

2009-10-01T14:55:00.001-07:00

Our Kindergartener Church

Five years is a milestone, no matter what you’re measuring—a marriage, a job, a relationship. When a child turns five, the average parent begins entrusting him to a teacher for a significant part of the day. It’s definitely different than pre-school. No, now the child has arrived—it’s not pre-school—it’s school-school!

By five, kids have lived long enough to acquire certain skills that allow them to begin to tackle the real stuff—the three “Rs”. They start them earlier than they did when I was in Kindergarten. My Kindergarten teacher, Miss DeAlesandro (we can all remember our Kindergarten teacher’s name, right?), was more a glorified babysitter than a champion of academic achievement.

Now, kids seem to be ready for more, sooner. I’ve noticed the same thing with churches these days. It seems that if a new church-plant survives, it is often able to achieve more in five years than many churches used to achieve in ten, or more. It’s still fairly rare, but churches like ours can grow to over 1,000 in average attendance—unheard of for “kindergarten-aged” churches only a decade or so ago.

Five years ago, we set out with a vision of a church that would be…
· “A solid, Bible-teaching church, producing “Oaks of Righteousness” to display the splendor of the Lord in the Conejo Valley and beyond. People not ashamed to be “salt and light,” PRODUCING DISCIPLES, NOT CONSUMERS!
· A church to reach the hundreds of families, new to the Conejo Valley (e.g., Dos Vientos and Rancho Conejo).
· [A church with] a variety of ministries for all ages, equipping people for ministry and serving the needs of the LOCC body and the community.
(June 6, 2004)
And our goal was to see that kind of a church within the first year of birth! Sure, it might have sounded crazy, but many of you caught that vision and that was the church God created: Living Oaks Community Church!

For a few months we talked about what our church-plant might look like. We took some necessary steps hoping to conceive this new work for the Lord. Then, the conception happened on June 6, 2004. We gathered at the Borchard Community Center for the first time. There was no turning back!

After a few months of gestation and growth, Living Oaks was officially born on October 3, 2004. Now, five years later, just look what God has done!
-Then, we had 3 staff members and a 900 sq. ft. office space on T.O. Boulevard.
-Now we have 23 full and part-time staff in a 9,700 sq. ft. wonderful administrative space, packed to the gills, on Business Center Circle!
-Then we settled into an average Sunday attendance of about 200 and a handful of very dedicated volunteers.
-Now 1,000± enter our doors each Sunday (with no room to grow) and hundreds of very dedicated volunteers!
-Then we transported our chairs, AV equipment, banners and instruments to and from the gym every Sunday morning for worship and kids programming.
-Now we enjoy a beautiful 18,000 sq. ft. Celebration Center, with overflowing classrooms and auditorium Sundays and midweek where lives are changed!
-Then we were able to reach and spiritually nurture whoever happened to make it to the gym on Sunday.
-Now we reach and help to nurture thousands around the world in Russia, India, Mexico, Brazil...
Not bad for a kindergartner. And we’ve just begun!
This Sunday we celebrate our 5th anniversary. Please help us thank God for the privilege of being a part of what He has done through Living Oaks!

“Be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done marvelous things!” Joel 2:21 nkjv

2009-09-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous to God

How much emphasis do you place on appearance? How about your own appearance? Do you tend to determine your personal worth or value based on how good-looking you think you are? How about the value of others?
I must confess, I have always been self-conscious about my physical appearance. Of course, I had some help with that. A lot of kids think they have big ears, but simply have slightly larger or moderately more protruding ears that average; ears they will easily grow into. My ears set the standard for big ears. They were not only remarkably huge in comparison to my head; they stuck out at perfect right angles to my skull, like handles on a periscope. Or—as one girl cleverly pointed out in sixth grade—like handles on a sugar bowl. The cruel and frequent reminders of my auricular anomaly gave me a keen awareness of—and hyper-sensitivity to—how I looked.
In addition to the ear thing, I was incredibly skinny. Imagine entering high school at 5’ 10” and 110 lbs! Runway models are accused of being anorexic with that ratio of height to weight, yet I couldn’t seem to gain no matter how many protein shakes and peanut butter-banana sandwiches I wolfed down between meals. Of course, the stick-like frame didn’t do much to camouflage the radar dishes that appeared to have attached themselves to the sides of my head.
I literally used to pray that I would grow to at least 6’ 5” in height. That was partially to have a body that was on par with the massive scale of my ears. Thankfully, God answers our prayers, sometimes “over abundantly above all we ask or imagine” and I grew to 6’ 8”!
Though the long chapter of ear-related self-consciousness is behind me, I still have a residue overemphasis about what’s in the mirror; always aware of the flaws. Nonetheless, I see a culture around me that has far surpassed my obsession with the outside.
James Dobson, in his book Hide or Seek, identified physical appearance as the “gold coin” of human worth in our society. Good looking people get more breaks and undeserved preference than their less attractive neighbors as early as nursery school. “Cute little 3-year-olds enjoy greater popularity among their peers.” And the emphasis on looks grows with age.
Oddly enough, some of the best looking people are the most insecure about themselves. Perhaps they lack what Dobson says society treats as the “silver coin” of human worth: intelligence. Or, their looks have caused a burden they can’t handle. Or, they don’t see themselves as other do. The bottom line is that whether it’s our own looks or the outward appearance of others, ultimately it is literally a facade for the real person; the one God sees and values.
You probably know the story of Samuel, the prophet, tasked with selecting a king for Israel. He saw potential in several of the sons of Jesse because they were strapping, handsome guys. God directed him to the scrawny, “ruddy” son, David, tending sheep. Why? “…the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7).
In Scripture, we see God utilizing man’s inordinate obsession with outward appearance to accomplish His plans. This should not be confused with God favoring the pretty over the plain. He still looks at the heart. Even Queen Esther, elevated to royal status in Persia only because of her beauty in man’s eyes, was selected by God for her courage and commitment.
If only we would spend as much time working on those qualities as we do primping for our next public appearance, the world might be enticed to look past the exterior and be attracted to what really matters about us.

“…let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” ─1 Peter 3:4 nkjv

Can We Predict the...

2009-09-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

To assume that we can predict the future and then believe that we can craft the present to fulfill that idealized assumption…is to ignore the clear and repeated examples of Scripture.
Bet you thought I was going to say…“future?” Well, I wasn’t. So, we’ve established that you can’t! I was going to say, “…how we might best be used to accomplish God’s will?” We can’t predict that either. We like to think we can peer past the present and foretell the impact of the circumstances at hand, but we’d be mostly wrong.
Nonetheless, humanity continues to limit its future potential by eliminating wrongly perceived threats to its ideal vision of what’s to come. For example, in our vast wisdom, our laws allow for the taking of an unborn child’s life. Most “sensible” pro-choice people see the bane of birth defects as a perfectly acceptable excuse for a mother choosing to terminate her pregnancy. Yet, our church recently hosted Nick Vujicic—a young man born without arms or legs. 26+ years ago, in Australia, his mother evidently didn’t have access to the hi-tech, inner-womb imaging tools we have today. The doctors totally missed the not-so-minor detail of Nick’s lack of limbs.
Today, the average expectant parent would have aborted a child like Nick for the general excuse: It’s best. It’s best not to have to deal with an extremely physically challenged child. It’s best for the child not to have to grow up that way. It’s best not to put the burden of yet another disabled person on society. Well, tell that to the 250,000 people now on a path to heaven, plus nearly 100 from our church (who made decisions for Christ that Sunday) because of Nick’s ministry. For those people, it’s best that Nick is here.
We are woefully bad at accurately deciding what reality in the future will be. In too many cases, it is one’s own life that he or she decides has no worthy future. Some become so hopeless that they wrongly convince themselves it would be best to end it all. I’m no prophet, but I can safely say they’re wrong. Where there’s life, there’s hope.
I don’t believe that anyone is here by mere coincidence. I believe God intends for each of us to have a purpose; to be a part of His plan. We all have a choice as to which side of His plan; His sovereign will, we will live on. The bleakest of circumstances can ultimately fulfill His plan. But, if we decide ahead of time that nothing good can come of such circumstances, we can end up aborting what could have been a good thing.
To assume that we can predict the future and then believe that we can craft the present—even if it means violating God’s commands—to fulfill that idealized assumption is to ignore the clear and repeated examples of Scripture.
One example is a young, beautiful girl who lost both of her parents. She would have been totally orphaned and quite possibly abandoned had her cousin not stepped in to raise her. She was part of a despised minority in her culture. Her presence in that place was the result of a mass kidnapping that had taken place over 70 years earlier. She may have been a native of Babylon or Persia, but her true homeland was Israel and most of her countrymen had returned there.
Does that sound like the makings of a queen? Would you peg that young lady as the courageous rescuer of her people? Human wisdom might have counseled God to go another direction. But we don’t get to counsel God and He uses whom He chooses to use; even if it’s someone like Esther. He chooses; even if it’s someone like you.

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ─Esther 4:14b nkjv

Stand Up; Speak Up!

2009-09-10T23:38:00.001-07:00

Stand Up; Speak Up!

I could feel the blood pulsing in my cheeks as my face turned red with a combination of anger and embarrassment. I had just officiated a memorial service for a family from our church. I stood with them in the small chapel of the local funeral home and sought to give them pastoral comfort and care as they continued to express their grief over the loss of their dearly departed loved one.

A seemingly harmless little old lady approached me with “questions” concerning what I had said about the current state of the deceased relative—the fact that this believer had gone to be with the Lord. At first I thought she had honest questions for which she was truly seeking answers. I politely began to answer. It soon became apparent that she had another agenda. She blindsided me with an attack on my doctrine.

I found myself—right there in the funeral home chapel—in a heated dispute as this woman confronted me over what I had said in a memorial message! It was the wrong context for a debate, but, having been ambushed, there I was, struggling to defend my theology concerning life-after-death. The grieving family looked on.

It became apparent that the little old lady was prepared for a fight. I wasn’t—not with a little old lady at a funeral! I was torn between politely telling her to shut up (after all, she was being totally inappropriate) and defending what I believed. I was thrown off-balance and she took advantage of that fact! She let go with both barrels! She pummeled me with verse-after-verse (out of context, of course) supporting her view.

In my anger and shock, I found it almost impossible to respond, much less fire back with biblical support for my perspective. I knew the Scriptures backed me up but I just couldn’t seem to bring the verses to my lips. By now several family members had encircled us, uncomfortably awaiting my awkward response. Red-faced, I simply said something like, “Lady, you don’t want answers. You think you have them all!” Boy, I showed her! Then, I left. Not quite the decisive, crowd-pleasing, defeating blow I needed.

I can’t remember a time in my life when Christianity has been so blatantly and publicly questioned and criticized as it is today. Several high-profile atheists have bestselling books out, bashing God, religion and especially Christianity. Talk show hosts have no qualms about trying to embarrass interviewees that may be people of faith, specifically—Christians. From the military to the classroom to the courtroom and the workplace, Jesus is being derided and even banned. And this, in a country which was founded on Judeo-Christian faith and principles.

However, before you get dismayed, realize that this may be great news! In reality, secularism is on its deathbed and is gasping for air. Atheism simply doesn’t work or make sense. Cults are withering under the bright light of truth. That’s why the proponents of these doomed philosophies are going on the offensive. They’re desperate!

Interestingly, around the world, faith in the supernatural is exploding. As Christian apologist, Dinesh D’Souza writes, there is a, “global revival of religion.” He points out that “secularism is increasingly unimportant as a global phenomenon.” He states that the most modern countries are experiencing a kind of religious revival; mainly Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. People need hope, so they’re turning in droves to the spiritual. Atheistic secularism provides no hope. Other religions provide false hope. When people go searching for God, they may not find Him. Instead, they might end up believing in a counterfeit.

Will you be ready when people ask—even confront—you about your faith? Can you help them (including hostile little old ladies) understand that in Christ and Christ alone, we have “the knowledge of the mystery of God” (Colossians 2:2)? You and I get to show the world what real hope looks like; living and breathing hope. Let’s prepare ourselves to stand up and speak up! After all, we have exactly what they really need and most don’t yet know it. You can change that.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth” ─Ephesians 6:14 NKJV

Worst Best Sellers

2009-09-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

Worst Best Sellers

Following a debate with a couple of atheists one evening, I found myself surrounded by a crowd of unbelievers from the audience. Many of them made comments, asked questions and generally tried to push their points of view. Some made no effort to hide their disdain for the faith I represented. Bottom line: they just didn’t seem like happy people.
If you hang out with a crowd of atheists, one thing becomes apparent—especially if you’re used to hanging around with Christians—atheists are not only generally gloomy, but they are angry about something. I’m convinced that if you were to probe deeply into the psyche of your average, avowed non-believer, without exception you would find not disbelief in God, but a profound disappointment related to God. Their embracing of a life of disbelief is not based on rationale, but on rebellion.
When I have asked people who reject God about what led to their skepticism, they usually point to a person, people or incident(s) that triggered a disdain for the Divine. For one person it was the cold, irrelevant religiosity of the church of his or her youth. For another it was the hypocrisy—and even abuse—coming from parents professing to be believers. Still others were abused or let down by the clergy. A significant percentage of those rejecting God will point to a painful, life-altering incident such as the death of a friend or loved one. A much smaller percentage has simply adopted the atheism of their parents.
I haven’t met, nor can I imagine, an atheist that was raised in a loving Christian home, was taught sound biblical truth, and had good Christian role models along with a healthy, evangelical church experience. Most atheists are annoyed with something concerning God and religion, or something unrelated, which they then blame on God.
Nowhere is the annoyance of the atheist more apparent than in the authors of several anti-God bestselling books to hit the market in recent months. Their smiling publicity photos on the book jackets belie the antagonism that fueled the success of their chartbusters.
Richard Dawkins has been at it for a while. His Darwinian evolutionary writings have long served as a comfort to the doubter. But his opposition to the Creator goes far beyond any scientific beef he may have with the Bible. His latest books make it clear that for him, this is personal. He so obviously hates the God in whom he says he doesn’t believe that the pages of his recent work, The God Delusion reek with revulsion toward his Maker. Here’s a partial example of his no-doubt measured and thoughtful, scientific estimation of the Almighty:
“a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist,…capriciously malevolent bully.”
(Richard Dawkins, quoted in WORLD Magazine, June 30, 2007)
Calling God names is hardly an argument against His existence. But evidently, the way such books are selling, many, many people today are seeking emotional (albeit, irrational) support for their unbelief. Sadly, authors like Dawkins (and Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, & etc.) are raking in the cash by raking God and Christianity over the coals.
Sadder still is the realization that there is a significant, growing audience here in our country for this stuff. Fewer and fewer people can say that they were raised in the afore-mentioned loving Christian home, taught sound biblical truth and had good Christian role models along with a healthy, evangelical church experience. So, an increasing number of Americans are developing atheistic anger and buying the books.
More than ever, we—the church—have our work cut out for us. We’re the literary agents (representing the Author) for the bestselling Book in history. And most importantly, in contrast to the angry ramblings of the atheists, our Book is true. Is there anything in your life that might keep someone who’s observing you from “buying” the real, best Bestseller?

“And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true” ─2 Samuel 7:28 nkjv

Expectations

2009-08-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

Expectations

A group of us, Wendi and I and another couple, were our way to visit some friends in another town when we decided to pop in on some other friends unexpectedly along the way. We spoke to the wife via cell phone to let her know we were coming, but we didn’t tell her that we were actually in their driveway. We approached the house to find the front door open. Without knocking, we entered the house and watched our friend frantically vacuuming the living room for several minutes before she saw us standing there. Her red-faced befuddlement made it obvious that she was nowhere near being ready for us to drop in and that we had probably done a dumb thing.

Except for the most extreme (perhaps neurotic) over-achievers, few families keep their homes in guest-ready condition twenty-four-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. The vast majority of us would have some (perhaps much) tidying to do if we were expecting guests. When company arrives, normal life gets disrupted. But, if we are expecting visitors, we can prepare, thus saving ourselves some red-faced befuddlement of our own.

Well, it’s time to tidy up; a Visitor is on His way. In fact, for all we know, He’s just outside, about to make a surprise entrance. However, He called ahead a long time ago, through the pages of the Bible, to let us know He is coming. We just don’t know exactly what day or hour. So, how much clean-up might you need before He comes?

This Sunday we will look at Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question about “when the kingdom of God would come” (Luke 17:20). He doesn’t point it out on the calendar, but the conditions He describes as being present just prior to His arrival need our careful attention. Are the necessary conditions in place for His return today, or tomorrow? Well, here’s what to look for based on Luke 17…

A general indifference to God and the things of God.
A society that does not take seriously the moral depravity of its time and even accommodates sin.
Immorality saturating the culture.
People more focused on prospering than pleasing God.
Rampant self-centeredness and personal—rather than divine—kingdom building.

Sound familiar? Of course these apply to our American society, but obviously Jesus wasn’t only talking about America. We see these conditions all over the world and in many cases they are far worse than what we have here. Add to these things like the worship of false Gods, false Christs, and increases in earthquakes, strange weather patterns, wars and rumors of war, etc., and you can almost hear the footsteps of Jesus coming up the path for a final visit! Are you living in expectation of that visit?

Christians’ lives should be characterized by expectation. Let’s face it, when you expect company, you prepare for their arrival. When you expect Jesus, you prepare for His arrival. What does that mean to you? What kind of tidying up would you like to do before you see Him?

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” —Matthew 24:44 NKJV

Satisfy Your Truth Tooth

2009-08-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Satisfy Your Truth Tooth

Radio talk show host Frank Pastore interviewed me a few years ago on Christian station, KKLA. What an honor! It was part of LOCC being selected as “KKLA Church of the Week.” One question was about my take on culture and what I see happening in the world. Part of my response had to do with a trend I see in people—young and old: they’re hungry for the undisguised, unrepackaged, Word of God. People want to hear the Truth, presented in love. I believe that the growth of Living Oaks is, in part, a reflection of that real, not just felt, need out there.

The closing that I’ve used in much of my written correspondence over the past couple of years is “Advancing Truth in Love.” In a recent discussion with an advertising consultant, I was asked about a tag line or motto that encapsulated our image as a church; like KKLA’s catchphrase: “The Intersection of Faith and Reason.” She is a member of LOCC and pointed out that my line “Advancing Truth in Love” is really what we’re all about. She’s right. We have our mission and purpose statements, but I think those four words actually summarize what kind of church God has called us to be.

C.S. Lewis, (who also gained renown through radio J), wrote in his book, God in the Dock:
“One of the great difficulties is to keep before the audience’s mind the question of Truth. They always think you are recommending Christianity not because it is true but because it is good...You have to keep forcing them back, and again back, to the real point.”

Yes, what we have to offer as a church is good, it is helpful, it is comforting, etc., but many organizations, products and services can claim those very same benefits. The unique purview of the church is that we offer Truth; and not just any truth—the Truth.

Truth is like food. As with any good meal, a constant diet of one dish, no matter how tasty or nourishing, is not necessarily a good thing. The presentation of the food is important too. Even Truth, repeated in predictable, bland ways can become unpalatable and some well-meaning churches slipped into that very thing.

As a reaction to the bland presentation of Truth and boredom with the same old menu came what I call “The Burger King Church” (Burger King’s slogan was “Have it your way”). Utilizing demographic studies, surveys and questionnaires, church leaders found out what prospective attendees wanted to see on the menu. Truth didn’t seem to be high on their wish list. Instead, if people were going to consider attending church they wanted things like entertaining services, shorter sermons, no collection plates and casual attire. Rather than scripture, they wanted stories. Instead of theology, they wanted theatre. And the services needed to be offered at times convenient to the consumer.

In many ways, Living Oaks is the beneficiary of the effective aspects of the “Burger King” approach to doing church. Regardless of our commitment to presenting Truth, there is no denying that gauging the Christian “marketplace” has affected the way we do things. We have been influenced by those who sought to counteract the growing cultural irrelevance of the church. But the pendulum may have swung too far toward relevance and away from revelation, in many churches.

Now the pendulum is swinging back toward God’s revealed Truth. For many, their felt need is truly their real need: Truth. In a hyper-entertained, handheld hi-tech, sensory-overloaded culture, the church can’t compete for attention with bigger, better, louder, brighter and faster methods, nor should they try. Instead, let’s practice advancing Truth—not just teaching it, but living it—in love and with excellence; “forcing” people, as C.S. Lewis said, “back, and again back, to the real point.”

“I am…the truth”
─John 14:6 NKJV

God’s End Game...

2009-08-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

God’s End Game...

How important is it to you to know the details and the sequence of events leading up to Christ’s return? Could you explain what Christ said about His Second Coming, if someone asked? How about tying current events to the prophecies in Scripture? Could you do it? Is it important to you?

Jesus gives the clearest description of His second advent yet recorded by Luke. If you have any question concerning the potential of Jesus’ soon arrival, then see what Jesus said would precede His next, imminent earthly appearance. You’ll be convinced that we live in a unique time.
Jesus is in the last day of His earthly ministry and He obviously considers the topic of His Second Coming to be of paramount importance. It is one of the last teachings He leaves with His disciples. How important is it to you?

Many Christians today would rather learn about how they can successfully conquer the frustrations of every-day living; get along with their bosses; improve their love-lives; make more money, or move to the next level of earthly achievement, than focus on the reality—rather than the entertainment value—of Jesus’ Second Coming. Christian books promoting self-serving, self-help topics fly off the shelves. Preachers who dispense such ear-tickling drivel pack over-sized, mega-churches with surprising regularity today.

So, why did Jesus use some of His final, precious words to convey what to look for preceding His return, rather than how to merely cope with life on this planet? Why? Because it was of utmost importance! All the principles, steps, guidelines, and helpful hints concerning this life cannot compare to the motivating reality of the undeniable fact that Jesus will shortly show up to complete the redemption of all believers and establish His Kingdom on earth.

After Peter described the catastrophic culmination of the history of our planet as we know it, his next question demonstrates the real perspective that God desires for us: “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11- 12). All the self-help sermons in the world will have little effect apart from a true realization that we could well be part of God’s “end game” for planet earth; unless we truly believe that “all these things will be dissolved.”

Jesus knew that His earthly ministry was about to conclude. Very real and graphic mental images of His own suffering likely dominated many of His thoughts at that point. The emotional stress would result in His sweating drops of blood in the garden. Yet, His message to His disciples was “take heed…lest your hearts be weighed down with…cares of this life, and that Day come upon you unexpectedly” (Luke 21:34).

An abundant life in Christ can only be lived while basking in the light of the truth that He could come back today. Anyone can tell you how to improve your relationships, move ahead in your job, adjust your attitude and feel better about yourself. But those things are vanity if not pursued while enveloped in expectancy about Christ’s return.

Boost your expectancy index and live life to the full. Take every opportunity to learn about eschatology [the study of last things]. Sure, there’s more to the Christian life than studying end times prophecy, but the reality of coming events; a palpable expectancy, must provide much of the motivation and framework for your fruitful walk.

Don’t let that Day come upon you unexpectedly. Join us this Sunday as we consider what Jesus had to say about His Second Coming.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works...and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” ─Hebrews 10:24-25

Christ's Coming and Commands

2009-07-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

Christ’s Coming and Commands

If last year is any indication, 2009 promises to be an intriguing year for those of us who are tuned in to biblical prophecy and are eagerly awaiting Christ’s return. When you see what’s happening in the news, you can’t help but wonder, “How long, oh Lord?”

You can hardly turn on the History Channel, National Geographic Channel or pick up a news magazine without seeing a documentary or story on the claims of the Bible in relation to world events. The Bible makes more sense, even to the naysayers, with each year that passes. The potential of the real, literal fulfillment of predictions concerning the end of time as we know it becomes more plausible with every major political event, catastrophic disaster and technological advance.

What John experiences is not unlike what we can expect with the sudden, abrupt snatching away of the church from planet earth. It’s commonly known as “The Rapture,” though you won’t find that term in the Bible. Rest assured; it is going to happen. On second thought, don’t rest. Resolve to make a difference for Christ by preparing the way for His return! Live your life like He could come today. While you have time to make a difference, make a difference.

Jesus never told us when He is coming, but He spends much of His Word telling us what kind of people we ought to be in the meantime. Our lives must be lived in a balance between the reality of His return and the possibility that we have plenty of time to accomplish His work on earth.

Those who focus too much on His return tend not to be as effective in carrying out humanitarian efforts that demonstrate care for “the least of these,” as Jesus commanded. However, discounting or ignoring the imminent return of Christ can lead to “Christian” institutions and individuals that become totally absorbed with social needs and issues. They become man-centered rather than God-centered. Healthy churches and healthy Christians have this dual focus: His coming and His commands.

So, we resolve as a church to seek to strike that important balance. We will talk, teach, pray and warn about Jesus’ return, but we will also seek to reach out, meet needs and provide help in Jesus’ name and in very tangible ways, Lord willing (and I believe He is!).

It is an exciting time to be a servant of Christ on planet earth. It’s a thrilling time to be a part of Living Oaks Community Church. If you haven’t done so already, resolve to check out our many LOCC programs and resources for children and adults.

This Sunday we being our 5-week study in 2 Peter. Fallen angels, false teachers, flagrant immorality and faithless scoffers; Sound a bit like what’s out there today? These were rampant in Peter’s day and he saw them as reminders of the last days. One commentator put it this way: “within the epistle [Peter] focused primarily on how to live when surrounded by the problems and perplexities of the end time.”

August 1: Faith to Face Last Things (Part 1—Obtaining the Faith) 1:1-4
August 8: Faith to Face Last Things (Part 2—Growing in the Faith) 1:5-15
August 15: Faith to See Last Things 1:16-21
August 22: Fake Faith and Last Things Chap. 2
August 29: Last Things and You Chap. 3

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise…but is…not willing that any should perish.” ─2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

The God-Guided Life

2009-07-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

The God-Guided Life…

Hey, that sounds like a good title for a book: The God-Guided Life. I’ve got dibs on it. Based on my googling of that title, it’s still virtually unused. (I thought of one called “The Purpose-Driven Life,” but it appears someone else has just barely beaten me to the punch on that one).

Seriously though, other than the small percentage of people who proclaim themselves to be atheists, I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to learn to live a God-guided life. With God as your Guide, you can’t lose. Anyone who actually believes in God (which is anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of people, depending upon how you ask the question) would have to see God as the best of all possible guides.

It is puzzling then, that so many do not turn to God for guidance. For most, when they do, it is usually under duress. We often spend our lives being guided by everything other than God until we have no where else to turn. This foxhole-faith usually lasts as long as the current crisis and then it’s back to leaning on people and things; anything but God.

In Genesis 24 we find something that is remarkable in its profound simplicity. This is a snapshot in Scripture of what embracing guidance from God can look like. It is part of a rather obscure story that involves an even more obscure character: Eliezer, the head servant in Abraham’s household.

Eliezer is tasked with finding a wife for Abraham and Sarah’s son, Isaac. Sarah had passed away years earlier and Abraham was too old to make the journey back to Mesopotamia, the land of his kin. So, Eliezer is sent 400-500 miles to select a wife for Isaac on behalf of his master. Abraham is intent on Isaac, now 40-years-old, staying in the Promised Land, so the job falls to Eliezer. It turns out to be a God-sized task.

The amazing part of the story is how thoroughly Eliezer leans upon God in order to accomplish the mission. The story seems to indicate that before this incident, God was Abraham’s God, but not Eliezer’s. Despite this, Eliezer finds himself in a situation where he must completely lean upon Him.

Through Abraham, Eliezer had a relationship with God and is obedient to Him. That’s where receiving God’s guidance begins: a relationship characterized by obedience. Then, he did 5 things in pursuing God’s guidance:

First, Eliezer took responsibility. He recognized that this undertaking was a team effort between him and God and that he had an important part to play in this partnership. Do you look for guidance from God and then expect Him to do everything? Take responsibility for your part.

Next, Eliezer trusted in the Lord. He had seen what God did for Abraham and exhibited great faith in God’s ability to provide. That is essential to receiving God’s guidance. It hadn’t been written yet, but Eliezer got the gist of Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

This is all graphically demonstrated when Eliezer talked to the Lord. His prayer was very specific and Eliezer wasn’t afraid to ask. God wants us to ask, and to be specific when seeking His guidance.

Eliezer also thought of a plan. It was a plan that seemed impossible apart from God. Why seek God’s guidance for things we can easily accomplish ourselves? Eliezer’s plan appeared so outlandish that when he told some pagans in the story about his success, one declared, “The thing comes from the Lord” (Genesis 24:50). When we truly allow God to guide us, it glorifies Him and some unbelievers will even take notice.

Finally, Eliezer thanked God. So often we call upon God for guidance (or protection in the foxhole) and then forget to thank Him when He comes through. You might want to start there. If you are seeking God’s guidance, start with thanking Him for the good things He’s done to get you this far.

“You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
Lead me and guide me” ─Psalm 31:3 nkjv

Life in the Pagan Pit

2009-07-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

Life in the Pagan Pit

Imagine living in a place that Jesus identified as being “where Satan’s throne is” (Rev. 2:13). That’s how he referred to the ancient city of Pergamum (or Pergamos) in Asia Minor. We can probably think of some places we might describe the same way today. Not to mention that here in America, every survey seems to indicate that, despite the best efforts of the church, our culture and society are slipping deeper into the pit of paganism. Satan must be comfortable here, too.

Notwithstanding its unsavory reputation, there was actually a church in Pergamum. While idolatry, paganism, occultism and sexual perversion swirled around them, a group of believers gathered to worship the only true God. It wasn’t easy. In fact, Jesus commends them for not letting go of Him despite what must have been severe opposition and downright persecution.

A recent Harris poll indicates that 42% of Americans aren’t convinced there is a God. Does it seem obvious that people who aren’t sure there’s a God, would not make decisions and choices that take into account the existence of a transcendent, eternal, moral being? In other words, those people would appeal to their own flesh, the crowd, or personal preferences as the ultimate authority in their lives. Combine them with those who say they’re sure there’s a God yet ignore Him altogether and you see why paganism is pervasive.

So how does a believer keep from slipping when it seems like the world is sliding away? It is by realizing that you are a mighty force of one. What you do as a Christian makes a difference for this and the next generation and for eternity. What matters is not where the culture is going, but where you are despite what we might call “the satanic slide.” No matter how bad certain segments of society may seem, you have hope to deliver to them. That hope can make a mighty difference.

For example, in A.D. 793, English scholar, Alcuin wrote, "Never before has such terror appeared in Britain as we have now suffered from a pagan race." He was referring to the fierce marauding of the Norsemen or Vikings. These pagan Scandinavians attacked Christian settlements for the next 200 years from Ireland to the Mediterranean. But, somehow, by 1200, the same countries that produced these merciless evildoers were entirely Christian.

According to author George Beaverson, much of the change had to do with “day-to-day witnessing by common people” ("The Fury of the Northmen," Christian History, issue 60, no. 4, p.41). In other words, “the mighty force of one” made the difference. Without the commitment of individuals who took a stand for Christ in the face of paganism, today we might all be speaking Swedish and worshipping Thor, the god of thunder, instead of the God of the Bible.

We have a habit of bemoaning the loss of our Christian roots as a nation. We pine for the days when America seemed more godly. We idealize the past and assume people were more committed to Christian belief and practice back in the day. However, had more of them done their job individually; if they hadn’t dropped the ball and sent it bouncing toward the pagan pit, we might truly be able to call ourselves a Christian nation.

Let’s not assume that the right politicians, propositions, laws and/or institutions are going to rescue us from the satanic slide. Be involved in influencing those things. When you vote, vote for righteousness. Focus on your influence for Christ as an individual, too.

The Scandinavian countries have again slipped into a general disregard for the things of God. Religion became institutionalized and depersonalized and true commitment to Christ evaporated. Your vote and your witness count—so, do both. If someone is going to be unseated, let’s make it the dethroning of Satan, one conversion at-a-time.

“... In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” ─Philippians 2:15 NKJV

Watering Down Wickedness

2009-07-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Watering Down Wickedness

“Wicked” is a descriptive word that you don’t hear used much anymore; at least not in its originally intended sense. Currently there’s a popular play out there by that name, but we don’t really identify people as wicked these days, as in “the wicked witch of the west.”

The term—like many others—has been hijacked as slang, to refer to something appealing, cool or impressive. In fact, the word wicked now includes such a definition in the dictionary. The example “He plays a wicked game of tennis” is used to help define the term in the Encarta Dictionary. Ironically, the word righteous is used in a similar way. The end result is that the gap between wickedness and righteousness has been reduced in people’s minds and wicked no longer carries the gravity it carries in the biblical sense.

Proverbs distinguishes the foolish from the wise, but it also draws a clear line between the righteous and the wicked. The book is full of comparisons and contrasts between the two. In fact, when you consider these comparisons, it becomes painfully clear that we all may have some wickedness in us. Some of that stuff looks familiar. I’ve seen it in me! But does that make me a wicked person?

At what point does one cross over the line from having some wickedness in his or her life to being truly wicked? Well, apart from Christ, we’re all wicked. But, today it’s hard to tell who is in Christ since virtually everything that defines a wicked person is acceptable behavior in our culture. Add to that the fact that the worst thing you can do is call anything “wicked” (even though God calls it “wicked”), unless you want to be labeled judgmental. And being judgmental carries a far higher “scorn factor” from the general public than being wicked today.

Proverbs seems to specifically caution our culture when Solomon writes, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 17:15).

People like Hugh Hefner, the founder of the Playboy soft-porn empire, are treated as cultural icons, and celebrated as heroes in our morally up-side-down society. Television shows in prime time, that promote topics once considered shameful to even mention, garner millions of viewers. Some award-winning shows today would have once been hits only in Sodom. At the same time, with rare exception, outspoken Christian leaders who have the audacity to promote biblical truth and morality are denounced and treated with contempt in the media. The Christian Right is a label that has become nearly universally negative in the minds of average Americans, even many Christians.

The first time we see the term wicked in Scripture is in reference to the men of Sodom. And God destroyed Sodom. From that point forward there’s no denying that being wicked is a serious thing. It is also a disappointingly common thing, appearing 348 times in the New King James Version of the Bible.

The final time we see the term wicked in the Bible serves to summarize the situation: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). Though the world may water down wickedness, the distinction between the righteous and the wicked remains to the end.

Is the distinction obvious in your life? Though God has and will punish wickedness, He does not call you and me to go out and eradicate wickedness from the world. The weight of wickedness on our planet would be greatly reduced if Christians would stop taking wickedness lightly by supporting the kinds of entertainment, media and ideas that can only be described as, you guessed it, wicked. Let’s take it seriously and remember that “He who justifies the wicked [is] an abomination to the Lord.”

“The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness” ─Proverbs 15:9 nkjv

2009-07-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Join us at the Conejo Creek North Park this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for our annual Celebration and Picnic in the Park. Enjoy the teaching, great music, sumptuous food, games, fellowship and more!

That Will be the Day

In Luke chapter 21, the Disciples ask the questions we would all like answered: “When will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” (Luke 21:7). The “things” are the events of the last days; the apocalypse.

Jesus proceeds to give the Disciples several indicators of history winding down and His imminent return. Do you find it coincidental that most of these indicators are present today? Or, that the vast majority of TV minutes and the paper and ink dedicated to news concern the very place where the disciples asked their questions? Is it mere coincidence that the ground upon which they were standing would be the focus of the world, 2,000 years later? Is it just coincidental that the same place Jesus pegged as being crucial to the events of the last days is center-stage on the world scene today? Coincidence? Not!

There are many end times scenarios which appear in various faiths and in different cultures. But there is none that so closely matches the actual current events and other factors we find as part of contemporary life. No account of last things can compare to that recorded in Scripture. We live in exciting times!

With the current heating up of strife in the Middle East, we’re reminded to be aware of Christ’s coming. It might be soon and definitely sooner than most people think! But that awareness is not simply for curiosity’s sake. Millions of books on the subject are purchased by the curious. What are all those people doing about what they’re reading?

Jesus encourages action in light of His coming re-entry and touch-down on planet earth. He doesn’t share the facts surrounding His second coming for entertainment purposes only. As goose-bump-producing as the information may be, end times teaching is not simply presented for the sake of drawing a crowd. Jesus intended that those of us who may very well be the generation to which He referred; the generation that would produce the final harvest of souls before the rapture of the church, would get busy. In other words, talk fast; He’s coming!

One of the most fascinating elements surrounding Christ’s return is the fact that Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple, yet there must be a temple standing in Jerusalem when the events Jesus describes take place in the end. Since the Temple was destroyed and the Jews were scattered from their land in A.D. 70, there could have been no rebuilding in the first century. Nothing had changed by the second century, or third, or fourth, or fifth…or nineteenth! Then suddenly, during or just prior to our lifetimes, in 1948, everything changed! The Jews returned to their land and subsequently, Israel was recognized as a nation again. The countdown began in earnest!

That makes us the first generation since Christ’s earthly ministry that could possibly see His predictions fulfilled. Talk about goose-bumps! Wow!

As Jesus described the last days to His disciples, it sounded scary. It sounds scary today. However, Jesus assured them (and us): “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony” (Luke 21:13). Do you take advantage of the opportunity?

Who needs to hear your testimony in light of the fact that it may be your last chance to share it? If Jesus were to snatch the church away today, who would you be wishing you had told? Well, what’s stopping you? Get past the goose-bumps and get busy! Talk fast—real fast; He’s coming soon—real soon! Bring someone to LOCC who needs to hear this important message this Sunday.

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” ─2 Peter 3:13

2009-06-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Health, Wealth and Wisdom

Most of the prayer requests that come to us here at Living Oaks have to do with issues concerning health or financial needs. That’s the case in most any church. When you listen to political candidates debating the major issues for our country, the bulk of it has to do with healthcare and the economy. Voters care about those things. If we could solve health and wealth concerns on a personal and national level, it seems that it would make life much easier, doesn’t it? Imagine a world without poverty, sickness or disease.

Along with the ever-present worries about physical and financial wellbeing come the opportunists; those who offer shortcuts and miraculous remedies for both areas of concern. Cable channels are replete with infomercials about how you can become rich with very little effort, or investment of time. (Of course, you’re expected to invest some money to learn their secrets, but it’s broken down into several easy, affordable payments of something ending in $...99!)

Everything from exercise contraptions to juice machines to vitamins and elixirs are available to strengthen your run-down body, help you lose weight and guarantee bolstered energy and general health. After all, what good is all that easy money from your no-down-payment properties, new at-home business or glorified pyramid scheme, if you’re too sick, weak or out of shape to spend it?

If a candidate for office could promise—if elected, of course—health and wealth for everyone, he or she would be a shoe-in. By the same token any product that could guarantee to remedy all financial and/or medical woes would enjoy a limitless market. So, then doesn’t it make sense that if you are trying to sell religion, you offer the same benefits?

If your only exposure to Christianity was what can be seen most hours of the day on the most prominent Christian TV channels, you would have to conclude that the message of the Bible amounts to one big infomercial, offering health, wealth and the positive mental attitude you need to make you a good candidate for receiving those things.

The Bible does have much to say about physical health and financial wealth. But those are not even close to the most important topics in Scripture. The true message of Christianity has little to do with having material affluence or being devoid of disease. But you wouldn’t know that if your only exposure to Christianity was TV and some of the bestselling books by Christian authors.

In his book Christianity in Crisis, Hank Hanegraaff, “The Bible Answer Man” (who will be joining us to speak at our Get a Clue conference in September) writes, “We must shift from perceiving God as a means to an end to recognizing that He is the end. We must shift from a theology based on temporary perspectives to one based on eternal perspectives.” That’s very true; but what about those temporary things? Do they matter at all? Of course they do.

God cares about your health and your financial situation. He cares enough to give us sound biblical principles to live life with a healthy balance in those areas. Does the Bible teach, as one preacher claims, that “…if the Word of God is in our life, there will be health, there will be healing… There will be no sickness for the saint of God”? Or as another asserts, Jesus “wore designer clothes”? Not quite.

“By humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches and honor and life”
─Proverbs 22:4 nkjv

Fathers, Pray!

2009-06-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Fathers, Pray!

This Sunday we celebrate the day dedicated to showing gratitude to our paternal parent. It’s Father’s Day. Of course, it’s a little different than Mother’s Day.

Mothers don’t share their holiday with anyone. Nothing else happens on, or near, their Sunday in May. However, the timing of Father’s Day links it inextricably with graduations; the merchandisers aim their ads at dads and grads. Not only is our “gift-take” generally lower in value than that received by moms on their day, but we split the attention and spoils with “grads.” Normally (as you can tell) I’m a little resentful about having to share my holiday, but not this year—I’ve got another grad!

Our son, Spencer, has made that significant transition: high school graduation. Then, he’ll be off to college, which absolutely doesn’t seem possible. His sister, Brooke, is already a junior at the university. Kindergarten seems like yesterday!

How did we get here so fast? Suddenly we have another kid leaving the nest for a far off land! (Actually it’s just Moorpark for now). We’ve prayed over the years in expectation of milestones like this, but when they come, it always seems too soon. But this is what we have prayed for and God has been faithful.

Whether or not you are still raising your kids, you have hopes and prayers for them. How have you prayed for your children? What have you truly hoped for in their lives? Success? Happiness? How about godliness?

I remember seeing a reality TV show where a mother was dragging her daughter (who appeared to be about 8) to an expensive, high-end, Beverly Hills tanning salon. According to the mother, the purpose for the visit to assure that the little girl would be, “The prettiest girl in her class” for her school photo. The mother was so intent on this lofty goal that she ignored the objections of her anxious youngster and proceeded to shell out $1,400 for a deluxe, fake, very temporary “tan.”

I don’t know if the mom in that story prays, but imagine her prayers for her little girl?! By contrast, Former U.S. Attorney General and deeply committed Christian, John Ashcroft, shares the following recollection:

Many kids wake up to the smell of coffee brewing or the sound of a rooster crowing. My wake-up call was my father's passionate praying filtering through the house. Sometimes I'd ease downstairs and join him. One knee was usually raised, so I'd slip in underneath, shielded by his body as he pleaded for my soul.

I never caught Dad praying for our happiness. He realized that the pursuit of happiness for its own sake is a frustrating, disillusioning, often futile effort. Happiness usually hides from those addicted to its sugar, while it chases after those caught up in something more lasting than momentary excitement.

I never heard him pray for a bigger house, car, or bank account. Instead, he prayed that our hearts would be ignited and inspired to do things of eternal consequence. "Turn our eyes from the temporal, the physical, and the menial," he prayed, "and toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the noble."

God answers prayer. God answers the prayers of dads and moms. I confess that my wife has probably prayed—like most moms—much more than I have for our kids. And since the Bible says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16, NLT, emphasis added), it’s obviously Wendi’s prayers that have produced the bulk of the results we see in our kids. And so far, I like the results. My kids are on the right track. It inspires me to pray more.

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands
on them and pray” ─Matthew 19:13 nkjv

Cycle of Going and Growing

2009-06-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

Cycle of Going and Growing

Can you identify times in your life when you experienced a spiritual “growth spurt?” Do you recall the circumstances that led to that growth? Think about it, was it a time of comfortable complacency or were you outside your comfort zone? Did the growth come painlessly or was there emotional, spiritual, or even physical hurt associated with it?

It’s likely that by choice, or by chance, you faced a challenge of some kind that acted as a hammer and chisel, used by God, to shape you spiritually. It may have been the loss of a job, a relationship, a loved one or your health. Perhaps the challenge came voluntarily—a risk you chose to take that stretched you. When was the last time you took a growth-producing risk?
Our natural bent is to stick with the comfy; the familiar; the predictable. Every-so-often I run into people who can’t stand predictability and thrive on risk. They’re the exception. For them, choosing the mundane may actually be a growth experience. But for the rest of us, we tend to go to great lengths not to upset the apple cart, rock the boat or mess with the status quo. We shelter ourselves from the angst of the unknown. Nevertheless, I can think of very few times in my own life when I was forced to leave the familiar that did not result in growth.

In high school I left the familiarity of my childhood, mainline church denomination, became a born again Christian and began to grow spiritually. At 19, I left the comfort of home for a summer in Europe on a basketball/missions trip. That produced a quantum leap in my faith journey. I attended a Bible college knowing virtually nothing about the Bible or the school. God used it to enhance my spiritual formation. With fear and trembling, I taught my first Bible study to a group of Jr. High kids in 1976. To my surprise, a teaching and preaching ministry I could never have imagined was born.

That was just the beginning. As we get older, the list of potential growth-producing challenges lengthens. There’s marriage and kids and career and aging parents and in-laws and kids and added responsibilities and health issues and did I mention, kids? Of course, eventually there are the grandkids. With each added challenge, God gives us the choice to go and grow or stay and stagnate.

The cycle of going and growing is the process God uses to move you ahead in your walk with Him. To go means to face the challenge head-on; to set aside your fear of the unknown and be willing to venture out into the realm of faith. Every hero of faith in the Bible faced the challenge to go.

The classic example is Abram. In Genesis chapter 12 (later he becomes Abraham), God tells him to go “to a land that I will show you” (Gen. 12:1). Not even a name, address or zip to enter into MapQuest; just “a land.” Abram is 75 years old! He is no doubt hoping for the kind of predictability and comfort that many today seek in retirement at his age. His roots and relationships were established. Then God asks him to leave family and all that is familiar, “get out” and go. He was about to begin an epic cycle of going and growing. Where would our faith be if Abe had said “No!”? His faith and yours are inextricably linked.

Not only is he the “father” of believers (Romans 4:11-16), but just like Abram, as you grow in Christ God will tell you to go. As you choose to go, you will grow. And the cycle repeats. Is it happening in your life? If not, God hasn’t stopped it, have you? God will do His part as you and I choose to do ours. If they cycle has stopped, look back and identify the point at which you refused to go. When did you say, “No Lord, that’s simply too challenging; too painful; too uncomfortable; too inconvenient for me.”?

When missionaries visit our church we are exposed to people who did what Abram did. God said to them, “Go”—for some to a place, a culture and people unknown to them—and they went. We are inspired by their stories. We enjoy the festive décor and music, but most importantly, we are challenged to get going to get growing.

“‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
─Isaiah 6:8 NKJV

2009-05-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Legalistically Blind

Legalism is not one of those things of which you want to be accused of suffering. Being illegal is also not a label anyone wants. Most would choose to fall within the realm of “legal,” without il added to the front or ism added to the back.

When Christians are accused of being “legalistic,” it usually comes from people who believe there is either an overemphasis upon certain rules they’d rather not always keep, or, the accuser sees the legalistic person as keeping rules that shouldn’t even be rules. In short, some believe there should be flexibility on certain rules and others don’t believe in the rules at all.

Granted, some rules are ridiculous. Many of them stem from the overly litigious society in which we live. That is clearly and humorously illustrated by this story:
For the last 11 years, an anti-lawsuit group from Michigan has held "The Wacky Warning Label Contest" to show the effects of lawsuits on warning labels. A warning sticker on a small tractor that reads "Danger: Avoid Death" took home the top prize in 2007. Kevin Soave, a resident of the Detroit suburb Farmington Hills, submitted the winning label. Carrianne, Jacob, and Robby Turin of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, won second place—and a $250 prize—for a label they found on an iron-on T-shirt transfer that warns: "Do not iron while wearing shirt." Richard Goodnow of Lancaster, Massachusetts, earned the $100 third-place prize for a label on a baby stroller that featured a small storage pouch that warns: "Do not put child in bag."
Ron Vample, "'Avoid Death' is wacky warning winner," USA Today (12-13-07)

God didn’t write His laws to help people create or avoid frivolous lawsuits. All of what God commanded is to be taken seriously. We are not to simply turn a blind eye to God’s laws. So, how do we put them in perspective; how we avoid the extremes of legalism and license?

Legalism might be characterized as “Do’s-and-don’t-ism…

“Do's-and-don'ts-ism has the advantage that you don't need wisdom. You don't have to think subtly or make hard choices. You don't have to relate personally to a demanding and loving Lord.”

Robert C. Roberts in The Reformed Journal (Feb. 1987). Christianity Today, Vol. 31, no. 9.

Legalism, in other words, is spiritual laziness. But, does that mean that we should let the pendulum swing to the opposite extreme? Is there some virtue then in ignoring biblical tenets? Should we substitute license for legalism? As Paul would say, “Certainly not!” (Romans 6:15).

One commentator put it well when he wrote, “The life under grace does not belittle the ethical demands of the law” (Zondervan Reference Software, EBCNT, Romans 7:1) Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law. He did not abolish it as a standard. But, He declared all foods clean for eating. And the ceremonial law (festivals, cleansings, etc.) existed to point us to Him. So since He’s come, moral law now takes center stage (not lying, stealing, committing adultery, coveting, etc.). But, we must be real about those too. Nobody’s perfect and even outward perfection can’t give us the ultimate “in” with God.

To avoid the extremes of legalism and license, think of yourself as a legal citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20), only because of what Christ has done. Then, do what any good citizen would do. As a citizen of heaven, you haven’t been called to be a cop or a criminal. It’s not your job to enforce the rules and of course, you want to avoid breaking them. You love the King; the King loves you. This might help too: He’s always watching.

“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” —Galatians 3:24 NKJV

Is That Broccoli in Your Teeth?

2009-05-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Is That Broccoli in Your Teeth?

On a Barbara Walters TV special about Heaven, the renowned interviewer asked a nationally known pastor the following question: “If a person does not accept Jesus Christ as his savior, does he go to Hell?” How would you answer that question? How uncomfortable would you feel answering it, especially on national TV?

Well, this pastor gave the right answer: “Yes.” He, along with all evangelical Christians, was immediately accused by Barbara of being “judgmental.” Interestingly, an Islamic suicide-bomber had told her on the same show that only Muslims—only those who accept the teachings of Mohammad—go to heaven. Somehow he escaped the “judgmental” label!

No one wants to be called “judgmental.” But think for a moment about the fallacy in Barbara’s logic. For her, it’s OK to call someone judgmental if you disagree with what they believe. But she obviously doesn’t think she is judging all Christians who believe that Christ is the only way to heaven when she calls them judgmental. The common term for one who judges another in the process of pointing out how judgmental they are would be “hypocrite.” But, of course, I wouldn’t call Barbara a hypocrite; that would be judgmental.

Now, let’s get back to the issue of your comfort level over answering Barbara’s question. Anyone who cares even a little bit about what other people think would be uncomfortable telling them that without Jesus, they’re going to hell. If you happen to be speaking to millions of people at-a-time, it’s even more uncomfortable. But, it is much more comfortable if you really believe that it is true.

If, when Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), He was actually telling the truth, then the discomfort level over saying that those apart from Christ go to hell should diminish greatly. If a person on the receiving end of that news wasn’t judging you, but rather seeing you as one honestly sharing a sincerely held belief, then they should thank you, unlike Barbara Walters who instead got a bit indignant.

Imagine if someone with whom you were talking had an embarrassing chunk of broccoli stuck in his teeth. Would you have a twinge of embarrassment or discomfort bringing that fact to his attention, especially if you didn’t know him well? Most would. But if you cared at all for the person’s well-being, you would tell him. Then, he could make one of several choices: He could get indignant and call you judgmental for pointing it out. He could thank you for caring and then choose to do nothing about it. Or, he may thank you and do what is necessary to remedy the situation.

When it comes to pointing out a person’s need for Christ, that person doesn’t have to agree with you. But, they should at least thank you for reaching past your discomfort to warn them about something eternally important and as far as you know, true. They should also thank you that unlike the suicide-bomber, if they don’t agree with you, you are under no obligation to blow them up! In fact, you’re still obligated to love them.

Jesus gives one of His politically incorrect statements about who is worthy of heaven and who isn’t. In essence, He says you’re either sold out for Him or shut out from Heaven. Too judgmental? When you’re actually the Judge, it’s impossible to be judgmental.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”—John 6:51 NKJV

A Preferred Problem

2009-05-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

A Preferred Problem

Almost five years? Is that possible? Well, I checked my sermon notes. The date on the file for the first sermon I preached at Living Oaks, back in the Borchard Community Center gym, was on June 6, 2004. Not that I didn’t remember that date, but the past five years have flown by at such dizzying speed, I just needed a little extra confirming. (Kind of like Wendi’s and my 25th anniversary happening last summer. Calendars don’t lie. I checked—it really was the summer of 1983!). Well, just three more weeks and it will be June 6, 2009!

That first Sunday, the message (which, unlike the date, I really can’t remember), according to my notes, was an introduction to the then upcoming, first historic, sermon series for LOCC. It was called Why Church? Though I don’t claim the gift of prophecy—as in foretelling the future—some of the words in those notes do seem somewhat prophetic.

For example, my notes read,
“Living Oaks Community Church will reflect a balance of truth and love. Through our worship services, small groups, programs and various ministries, these two essential principles of a healthy church (and healthy individuals) will be constantly taught, pursued and demonstrated. For a healthy balance to be reached truth must always be surrounded by love. We will engage and confront our culture with that balance. What the casual observer must first see in us as believers is love. We speak, live and demonstrate truth IN love. (Truth must be at the core, surrounded by love—not anger or arrogance).”

I hope that if you’ve been around Living Oaks at all, you’ve recognized the fulfillment of that part of the vision firsthand. I’m so thankful for the way God has helped us to stay true to the unvarnished truth of His Word while loving people in a way that encourages people to give us the privilege of playing a part in their and their families’ spiritual formation. That sense of truth, wrapped in love, has led many newcomers to repeat what has almost become a motto for LOCC: “This just feels like home.”

We referred to that first gathering in June of ’04 as our “soft launch.” Ironically, it soon proved to be a blessedly solid, not-so-soft, platform from which we blasted off into an incredible future so far. And it seems like we’ve just begun. Honestly, the big problem for our young church right now is not the kind of crises too many churches (especially newly planted ones) seem to experience. Our “problem” is how to avoid dampening the momentum of a church that has grown to over 1,000 Sunday attendees in such a short span time. Not to mention over 1,000 more who call Living Oaks their church home. With seating for only 370 worshippers per service, the challenge is obvious. But, it’s a good challenge; a preferred problem!

We’ve stated from the beginning that our focus is not to simply attract a crowd so we can become a mega church. But we want to be faithful stewards, able to accommodate the needs of each person that God draws to our fellowship, whether that leads to modest, or, mega numbers.
As we celebrate our official five year anniversary, October 11, we look forward to communicating the vision, opportunities and plans that we trust God is providing to help us make room for the increase that He has and—we believe—will provide. God has given us some creative ideas to allow us to say, “Welcome home” instead of, in effect, “Go home.”

“‘And in this place I will give peace,’
says the Lord of hosts.” –HAGGAI 2:9 NKJV

Family Dedication

2009-05-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

Family Dedication

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. He established the day as a time for "public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country." Don’t forget to revere Mom this Sunday. (That’s a heads-up for those of you who still need to hit the gift shop and/or make the brunch reservations.

Remember, Mother’s Day is just like Father’s Day only more expensive).
Historically, Mother’s Day is one of the best attended services of the year. This Sunday should be especially well attended due to the fact that we are including a special Dedication of Children as part of the service. Hopefully we’ll be able to welcome many guests from the extended families of those little ones being dedicated.

In Luke chapter 2 we see Joseph and Mary taking the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to be dedicated in the Temple. Also, much later, Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto Me” (Luke 18:16), as people brought infants to be touched by Him. So, the dedication of children is a biblical pattern that we at Living Oaks gladly follow. However, we hope that it is more than a mere formality.

Scores of children have been baptized, dedicated and otherwise officially committed to God by their parents in churches over the centuries. However, for too many the ceremony has been nothing more than that: a ceremony; a ritual; a mere formality. Somehow they falsely believe that they’re pleasing God by going through the motions or, worse yet, they’re simply trying to please relatives that have a strong expectation concerning the maintenance of the custom.

This Mother’s Day I’m very thankful to have my mother; healthy and as active as ever. My dad is in heaven, but because of the faithfulness of my parents, I have the hope of seeing him again. They had us four Posey kids baptized as infants according to their Lutheran tradition, but it was more than a ritual. They followed through with consistency; raising their children to fear God and attend church regularly. Mom now drives herself from Wood Ranch in Simi to LOCC in Newbury Park every Sunday. She still demonstrates that consistency we saw as kids (and is probably there each week partially for the purpose of making sure I’m where I’m supposed to be on Sunday morning). Sunday morning is for church. At least it always was for the Poseys.

If you are in the congregation at Living Oaks this Sunday, pray for each of the children that are being dedicated. But, pray especially for the parent or parents who bring them. Pray that they will not see our Dedication of Children ceremony as mere religious rite. Pray by name for each child and each parent. Write them down and continue to pray.
The Dedication of Children is also a dedication of the parents and the church family. The adults dedicate themselves to be a resource for those directly raising the children. It doesn’t necessarily take a village as someone once said, but sometimes it takes a church.
Happy Mother’s Day from Living Oaks!

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord,
she shall be praised.
─Proverbs 31:30

Growing Pains

2009-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Growing Pains

You would think that a guy who is 6’ 8” could relate to growing pains. However, when people ask me if I had them as I grew up (usually after they ask that creative and original question: How’s the weather up there?); they’re often surprised to hear that I didn’t. I can’t relate to growing pains. Some just assume that growing—especially rapid, abundant growth—should hurt. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t. It didn’t for me; even though I grew from 5’ 10” to 6’ 7” during my high school years.

I’ve been reminded about growing pains with the rapid and abundant growth of Living Oaks. God has blessed us with many new individuals and families over the past almost five years. So many new faces! But, to the surprise of many of my fellow pastors, it has not been painful.

How did that happen? Isn’t such growth supposed to hurt? What has made the difference for us? I can’t take the credit any more than I can claim responsibility for my height! God brought the right factors together to cause the growth. My job has been to be careful not to do anything unhealthy; anything that might stunt the growth. And God causes the increase.

First and foremost, He gets the credit. I make sure to acknowledge that when explaining the LOCC phenomenon. But as my fellow pastors and others ask me why we’ve grown so rapidly, I tell them that we had some unique circumstances; a perfect storm of people and events that converged to make Living Oaks Community Church a reality.
Factors include: our historical roots in the Conejo, an unusually unified and capable board, a uniquely gifted and committed staff, unpaid helpers who have unselfishly labored from the beginning, and a very generous congregation. These have allowed us to become one of the largest churches in the Conejo Valley in only five years. To God be the glory; great things He has done!

However, with this growth comes a caution for us as members of LOCC. The tendency would be to assume too much, become complacent and cause the work to flounder. It is not unlike the child who grows rapidly, looks mature, and is assumed to be equipped to perform tasks far beyond his developmental stage. Unless he continues to receive the nurturing he needs, he could begin to slip in his progress. He has grown rapidly and looks mature, but it doesn’t mean that he’s ready to be on his own.

In the same way, people may assume we don’t need much help at Living Oaks. Since everything appears to be developing so well, some might be reluctant to volunteer for ministry, falsely presuming we have all we need. When people see our beautiful facility, there may be a mistaken assumption that we must be financially flush and in no real need of people to give sacrificially. If this happens, the growing pains will become a reality. But, they will more likely be the aches that signal a slowing of healthy growth; the twinges of a disease that disables the significant work God is doing. May that never be!

It is important to note that since we opened the doors to our new home, specific giving to the building fund has dropped to nearly zero. Could this be due to a false conclusion that since it looks finished, it’s completely paid for? Are we assuming there is no need? Could this happen in other areas because God has done so much so soon? I hope not.

The preventative medicine for such growing pains includes each of us not assuming that the work is in any way complete. We have passed major milestones, but the journey has just begun! No time for simply basking in the successes of the past. We celebrate and thank God for the successes, but it’s unhealthy to stay there. We must continue to commit everything with which we have been entrusted—our time, talent and treasure—to accomplish the ongoing mission and growing work of Living Oaks Community Church.

As we celebrate our volunteers this weekend, we want to say thanks to those of you who continue to serve and give to God in our new church. If you want to find your PLACE in LOCC this year, let us help!

“…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find Out What it Means to God

2009-04-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find Out What it Means to God

Often people will ask me, “What do you prefer to be called: ‘Minister;’ ‘Pastor;’ ‘Reverend?’” Sometimes I respond, “‘Your Holiness’ has a nice ring to it!” Just kidding of course; nevertheless, titles can be a dubious way of trying to garner respect. Human beings should be treated with respect, but not everyone deserves it. There is One who has many titles and always deserves our unequivocal respect. His most widely used title is “God.”

How do you show respect for God and how many chances do you think He’ll give you to do it? God is a God of many chances, but not unlimited chances. I believe that as long as we have breath, He gives us opportunities to respond to Him with respect.

Since the beginning of time God has used a multitude of means to let mankind know that our lives only really make sense when we live in ways that demonstrate a belief in—and a true respect for—Him. For the past 2,000 years He has left no doubt that the way to show respect for God is to follow Jesus, our Savior, the Messiah, Christ, Lord. Only He deserves those titles and He deserves our respect.

Our view of the world, and therefore our respect for God, got seriously messed up (to use a profound theological term) through the sin in the garden. The primary problem has been man’s inability to keep God at the center of his worldview. Man keeps trying to put himself there. So, like a misaligned wheel, he rides rough, wears down too soon and goes off track. Mankind is in need of a major realignment.

If Christians don’t lead the way in realigning people toward respect for God, who will? No one else can because no one else has the one Truth that brings people into right relationship with God and properly puts Him at the center of our worldview. That’s why it is so important that we concern ourselves with advancing that Truth.

But to advance Truth, you must be convinced of it yourself. None of us is naturally convinced; we’re born with warped minds. Actually, we’re born with minds that naturally conform to the views of the world—which are warped views, from God’s perspective. That has to change. God tells us directly to enter into that mind-changing process in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Only with a mind in the process of renewal can one have a renewed worldview. But, it doesn’t stop with simply having the new worldview.

Most of us know what we believe well enough to live our lives without being pestered by the nagging questions that have plagued mankind for centuries: Why am I here; what is the meaning of life? But, are we able to articulate those beliefs to those who either still ask those questions or have embraced false answers to them? Do we really care enough to learn to do it?

Does what you believe matter enough to you that it regularly becomes a topic of conversation? Does it matter enough to truly change your choices on a daily basis? Is it actually the filter through which you view life? Thanks to Aretha Franklin, we can all spell “respect.” Now, let’s learn how to fully express it toward the One who deserves it most.

“In that day a man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.” ─Isaiah 17:7

Misunderstood Love

2009-04-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Misunderstood Love

What is the opposite of love? As many have aptly observed, it’s not hate, but apathy. Just not caring at all about people is worse in some ways than feeling hatred toward them. One must care on a certain level in order to hate. Not caring at all can be, and often is, worse.

That may explain why love is sometimes misinterpreted as hatred. It sheds light on how a person can see a loving act as a hateful one. Because love and hate are so closely related, we can begin to understand why people were threatened by Christ, to the point of trying to get rid of Him. His care for them was what got Him into trouble. If only He hadn’t cared so much. Apathy might have kept Him from the cross.

Indeed, God’s immeasurable love for mankind caused Him to send His only begotten Son to face a cruel death on our behalf. But that love can also be seen in the fact that God has revealed Himself and His plan for man’s salvation through the pages of His written Word, the Bible. Yet, as loving as that is, today the Bible is being labeled “hate speech” by some, while laws are being written to silence those who teach and preach it. It’s another irony of misunderstood love. If only the Bible were a neutral, benign, self-help manual that Oprah could push on her show and kids could freely study in school, more people might be willing to read it.

Wait a minute, if apathy is the opposite of love, then not caring enough to include important information about morality and eternal life in the Bible would have been a worse-than-hateful thing to do. Yet, it gets people “outraged.” In fact, that’s how one morning TV talk show host recently characterized some people’s response to the fact that the Bible teaches that those apart from Christ won’t go to heaven. They get outraged when we tell them the truth. If we could just keep our mouths shut about that stuff, more people might like us. If only we didn’t care so much.

The problem is that we actually believe what Christ said and did. And if it is true; if you truly believe, there’s no room for apathy. Imagine if you knew for a fact that your neighbor’s house was about to explode. Not caring enough to tell him to get out would be worse than hateful.

Regardless of his response, you must tell him. So, he gets outraged; big deal. Just let him know that you didn’t hate him enough to not tell him. Maybe it was even love that drove you. Whatever your motivation for sharing the truth, outrage seems an odd response.

Let’s take the explosive house analogy a little further. Let’s say your neighbor doesn’t believe you. Maybe he suspects you of having questionable motives for trying to get him to believe his home is about to blow up. Perhaps he thinks you plan to steal something or get him out of the house so you can watch his new 103” plasma TV. So, now you’re forced to prove you know what you’re talking about. You need to provide evidence that you’re actually there to save him.

“See that dead plant in the corner?” you ask. “Of course,” replies your neighbor, “I haven’t watered that one in months.” Then you say, “Watch this…” and with a wave of your hand the plant springs to life, lush, green and obviously healthy. How fast would that former skeptic vacate the premises? He’d be gone in a flash and he’d be eternally grateful for your loving act, especially after the house goes ka-boom!

God tells us about heaven and warns about hell because He loves us. He’s not apathetic or deterred if people get outraged. For the skeptics, He proves He knows what He’s talking about. In effect, He says, “See my dead Son over there? Watch this…”

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” ─Romans 10:9 NKJV

Rise and Live

2009-04-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Rise and Live

“Ahhh, this is the life!” I remember my wife and me agreeing on that declaration, as we reclined poolside at a Maui resort, within earshot of the waves softly slapping the beach. Cool beverages and satisfying meals—delivered-to-order—without taking so much as a step away from our towel-draped lounge chairs. As far as worldly beauty and total relaxation goes, that experience rates high on the “heaven-on-earth” scale.

While traversing the island on a quest for fun and recreation, we met people so smitten by the tropical lifestyle that they had pulled up their roots on the mainland to pursue “the life,” full-time. Some seemed happier than others, but none appeared to have discovered a life that maintained or even matched that fleeting feeling Wendi and I gleefully referred to as the life.

Most seemed to have adapted to the beauty of their new surroundings and while they still had an appreciation for that, it was apparent that their lives had interrupted the life they sought. They had to earn a living, deal with family issues and wrestle with some of the same old problems. There was an obvious emptiness still not filled; even in an earthly paradise.

Fast-forward 25 years…”Ahhh, this is the life!” There we were, back in paradise. This time it was the island of Kauai. We were celebrating 25 years of marriage. A family at church had graciously given us their condo to use to commemorate our silver anniversary.

As we awaited our short flight from Honolulu to Kauai, we struck up a conversation with an attractive, professional-looking lady who managed to tell us nearly her whole life-story in that brief time.

She and her husband lived on the island (just up the street from actor, Pierce Brosnan). Parts of the story were familiar. They fell in love with the tropical climate and lush beauty and decided to experience it full-time. But most of her tale sounded like a soap opera.

Part of it had to do with her father winning millions in the lottery and the grief that has caused in her family. It was forcing a move back to the mainland to share in the winnings. It involved a battle with her brother and on and on. (So, I decided, “There are two things I can cross off my list of what might help one qualify as living the life: dwelling in one of the most beautiful places on earth and winning the lottery!”)

The truth is that nothing this world has to offer can assure us of a permanent, dream existence. Just when you think you’ve attained it, something dies: the dream career; the perfect marriage; the stellar health; the rising bank account; a loved one; the hope of a new beginning in a new place. Ultimately, hope in those things is simply misplaced hope. Each misplaced hope initiates a dying process. It’s only a matter of time.

There’s nothing wrong with attaining the good things this world has to offer. But, if your hope is placed in those things, you die along with them. And some people literally, physically die from misplaced hope.

If you’re feeling dead inside, it could be related to the things you thought would give you the life, but have now sadly died. Your only hope is resurrection. You need a miracle. It’s not merely a replacement for the dead things; it is the infusion of new life—the life—into you.

Dead things can never give you life. In fact, the life is not an “it;” it’s a Who. The One who conquered death can resurrect any life. He only requires one thing: your life in exchange for the life. Only through Him can you rise and live!

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” –John 11:25

Triumphant Again

2009-04-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Triumphant Again

We call this coming Sunday “Palm Sunday,” which, by the way, has been around a lot longer than the handheld PDA with a similar name. Some youngsters may not know that a palm is not just an electronic device for keeping contacts and calendars. It’s a tree, the branches of which were used to celebrate the arrival of the Messiah in Jerusalem as the throngs waived its fronds. Palms in that day were used to welcome kings and not as personal organizers. However, there is a connection between those palms and the calendar.

Over 500 years earlier, Daniel (of “lion’s den” fame) was given a glimpse into the future. In Daniel chapter 9, God’s messenger, the angel Gabriel, urged him to “consider the matter, and understand the vision” (Daniel 9:23). What matter? What vision? The matter had to do with the timing of the unveiling of the Messiah in Jerusalem and the vision provided a calendar of sorts.
Gabriel laid out a 490-year timeline that included the rebuilding of Jerusalem (in ruins during Daniel’s time), the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), His crucifixion, the introduction of the antichrist and the final period of seven years before Christ’s return.
According to Daniel’s vision, the waiving of palms welcomed Jesus at exactly the day predicted by Daniel. That completed 483 of the 490 years predicted. So, seven years of that prophecy still remain to wrap up history. When do they start?

What is the significance of Jesus’ first Triumphal Entry as compared to His second. What happened 2,000 years ago was a precursor to His ultimate re-entry. How will the two differ? What does the Bible say?

The story behind Palm Sunday is a study in the fickleness of people. Some of the very same folks who had welcomed Jesus with Palm fronds on Sunday were calling for His crucifixion by Friday. Sunday’s Savior had become Friday’s felon. For many, in both cases their response was nothing more that a reflection of the group dynamic taking place on those days. They seemed to conform to the tenor of the moment. Do we ever do that?

We may marvel at how the crowd could have changed so much, but in a way it happens every week. Thousands of people, singing the praises of God on Sunday, often demonstrate less-than-worshipful attitudes during the week. Then, the next Sunday, they’re back to praising Jesus. The Holy Week was simply a preview of the vacillating nature of people’s attitudes toward Jesus. Without crying out “crucify Him,” they nonetheless turn their backs on Him as a weekly pattern.

We don’t have to wait for Christ’s return in order for there to be another Triumphal Entry for Jesus. If all believers would simply live out during the week what they profess to believe on Sunday, our culture would have to stand up and take notice. It would make what happened in Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday look small by comparison. Just imagine if “hypocrite” was the last word people would use to describe churchgoers?

There would always be detractors, but millions would likely come to Christ just because they finally understood what real life-change looked like!

“‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’Hosanna in the highest!”
—Matthew 21:9 NKJV

Tenuous about Truth

2009-03-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Tenuous about Truth

If the views of some pastors and various denominational leaders had dominated the thinking of the first Christians, Christianity would not have made it out of the First Century. So fearful of offending anyone, many have redefined Jesus and watered-down the gospel so thoroughly as to render both virtually meaningless.

It’s hard to say if it’s just laziness or ignorance or both, but some who call themselves Christians have caved under the pressure produced by the natural human desire to place man at the pinnacle of importance and demote or completely disregard God and His message in the process. Call it humanism, rationalism or relativism, but don’t call it Christianity. Perhaps it’s just fear of rejection.

An article by a mainline denominational pastor that recently appeared in our local newspaper illustrates how desperate some are to make it appear that Christianity is totally inclusive. First, he related an old joke about how some Christians tend to be so naïve as to believe that Christians will be the only ones in Heaven. Then, he stated that it is not “the Christian's job to condemn or to deny the legitimacy of the other paths our God might have provided to the people of the world.” He’s half-right; it is not our job to condemn, but we can’t tell the truth about the gospel without denying the “legitimacy of other paths.”

How many ways can Jesus’ words, “No one comes to the Father except by Me” (John 14:6) be understood? Imagine if the only way to rescue humanity were to sacrifice yourself. You might consider it. But, if that was one of 3 or 4 or 20 ways that humanity could be saved, you would do everything in your power to guide people to the other cures that were already available, wouldn’t you? Well, if Jesus is just one of the “paths,” then it makes His sacrifice completely meaningless. Doesn’t it? I don’t think I could even trust a guy who would willingly die when there were so many other options!

Why is it that we can no longer believe, much less say, that we’re right and someone else is wrong without being accused of judging or condemning the other person or group? The afore-mentioned pastor wants people to think that those of his ilk are more kind and loving; more Christ-like, by declaring that there are many right paths—Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, etc. But the most basic human logic won’t allow for that. Either all paths are wrong, or, only one is right. But it is impossible, logically, for even two to be right paths, much less all of them.

What sets each religion apart as a separate faith is its belief system. The beliefs of each oppose the beliefs of the other. So, either they are all wrong, or, one is right and the rest are wrong. But it is a logical impossibility for all of them to be right. In fact, at the risk of sounding judgmental, that’s just dumb.

So, it is not about condemning, but lovingly demonstrating the importance of the truth of what we believe. If I say, “Two plus two is four” and you say, “Two plus two is six,” then, would it be the kindest and most loving thing for me to simply agree; or say, “We’re both right”? After all, that kind of math could conceivably have dire implications for your well-being!

How much more important is it that we are unafraid to share what we know to be true about life and death and eternal matters? Thankfully, we still live in a country where we get to share that important stuff. And we’re still allowed to disagree with others without being fined or jailed for hate speech; at least for now.

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you’” 
─John 12:35

Surviving Babylonian Captivity

2009-03-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Surviving Babylonian Captivity

Children raised in First Century Jewish families would have been very familiar with the story of Daniel and the conquest of Israel by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, “Babylon” became synonymous with oppression, idolatry and general sin. Modern-day writers (some seriously and some not-so-seriously) have even used the term to describe the rank immorality in our culture today. The Apostle John used it in a similar way nearly 2,000 years ago.

In the book of Revelation, John uses Babylon as the label for all that goes wrong with the world in the last days, under the Antichrist. “Babylon” stands for the corrupt political/governmental, economic and religious systems that are doomed to fall in the end. But in the meantime, they exist. And few would argue that “Babylon” describes today’s afore-mentioned systems well. So, the question for the Christian is, how do we exist in a culture that seems to be getting more Babylonian by the minute?

As Christians, we walk a sort of tightrope. Many of us grew up with this admonition: “Be in the world but not of the world” (which is not actually a Bible verse, by the way). Nonetheless, we’re faced daily with whether or not to bow the knee to the contemporary idols in society. Can you stay faithful with such pressure all around? Well, there are basically three ways to respond while in “Babylonian captivity”—separate, succumb, or stand.

First, there are those who separate in response to Babylonian influences. They identify those things that are associated with a corrupt, sinful culture and then set up rules and systems of accountability—some biblical; some not—to “protect” them and fellow believers from being tainted. As a result we have everything from the Amish to the ultra-conservative, fundamentalist Christians. Attempting to avoid the Babylonian stigma, they are instead seen as hyper-legalistic and ultimately are not taken seriously by those who need the good news of Jesus. In essence, they have created a subculture that is self-limiting in its potential effect for the gospel.

In response to the ineffectiveness of those who legalistically separate themselves, some swing to the other end of the spectrum and succumb to questionable aspects of the culture. Their goal is to avoid the stereotype of dogmatic, legalistic Christians and blend with society, like stealth followers of Jesus. Since legalism is an obstacle to bringing people to Christ, license is sometimes treated as a good thing.

For example, a Christian men’s movement, exemplified by author Paul Coughlin’s book, No More Christian Nice Guy, which ostensibly encourages men to return to a “biblical model” of manhood, complete with swearing! Much of the book and the movement associated with it may be helpful to some, but the pendulum swings too far when using foul language is encouraged as part of true manliness. The Bible is clear concerning the tongue and “unwholesome talk” (Eph. 4:29 NIV). But, when the need to conform to some preconceived, cultural notion of masculinity is more important than clear biblical standards, a line can get crossed; Christians can often succumb.

The third option is to simply stand. Daniel is an example of one who was able to stand, despite pressure from the culture and those who disagreed with his faith. He was balanced. Daniel was liked and respected by most, but he knew where to draw the line when pressured to violate his relationship with God. He knew the Word well and was not simply going through the motions of attempting to appear spiritual. He was not legalistic, but he was not lax when it came to obedience to God.

For now, you are captive in Babylon. How will you survive? Will you separate, succumb or stand? Be like Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Do the best you can with what God has entrusted to you, but refuse to bow to the American idols like power, popularity and prosperity.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”
─1 Corinthians 6:13 NKJV

An Inconvenience Truth

2009-03-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

An Inconvenience Truth

Nobody likes inconvenient, unplanned, unexpected things thrown into their schedule. We like to be able to—to a certain degree—predict what we’re going to be doing in any given week and not have events we don’t want, or ask for, thrust upon us; like jury duty!

I must confess that as a pastor, I’ve always felt safe reporting for jury duty, assuming that my vocation would serve as an automatic disqualifier in most cases. After all, the attorneys don’t want someone who makes his living having a distinctly biblical worldview judging the guilt or innocence of their client, right? Wrong! In this case, it didn’t matter. As jury selection dragged on and I could tell I wasn’t going anywhere, I began to feel a little less self-righteous about those I’ve discovered recently who simply throw their summons in the trash. I won’t mention any names.

But, I’m sure that if it were completely convenient to drop everything for a day, or possibly days or weeks, they’d happily respond, return their form and fulfill their civic responsibility. In fact, other than being inconvenient, jury trials can actually be entertaining, educational and useful to the Kingdom.

Yes, I said useful to the Kingdom. My current jury stint has opened doors for discussion about faith and church with people I likely otherwise would never have rubbed elbows. One day I had lunch with a young juror in the midst of finalizing a divorce. Over our sandwiches I was able to put on my pastoral hat and share with him God’s view of the topic along with some biblical advice concerning his situation.

That opportunity led me to reconsider my frustration over being inconvenienced by being seated on that jury. Could it be that God actually uses unplanned, inconvenient situations to open doors to ministry that He planned, without our knowing? Is it possible that God is not limited to my calendar and plans? What a concept! Instead of grousing about that disruption in my schedule, maybe I should rejoice for what may very well be an unexpected opportunity. Rejoice may be too strong a word. Let’s say, I should adjust my attitude and be open to the possibility of God using me in unexpected ways.

At Living Oaks, we’ve identified 2009 as “A Year to Help.” We have embraced a focus on getting outside our walls and making a tangible difference in the community for Christ. I believe now that God simply had a funny way of bumping me out of my cushy LOCC office and plunging me into the community. He cleverly moved me into the midst of people who may never darken the doorway of our church. He had a plan I hadn’t planned upon.

Estimates are that a week remains before a verdict in this trial. Once again, I’m watching my calendar get bowled over by my duty as a citizen to play my part in the justice system. But, now I’m looking for opportunities to redeem the time for the Kingdom’s sake.The truth about inconvenience is that it’s inconvenient. But it is also true that inconvenience can produce fruit that could never be conveniently produced. Nearly everything great that happened in Scripture flowed out of someone’s inconvenient— sometimes very inconvenient—circumstances from Job to Abraham to Moses to David to Paul; up to and including Jesus and His most inconvenient death on a cross

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” –Colossians 4:5

It Only Seems Impossible!

2009-03-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

It Only Seems Impossible!

How many times have you seen God do the impossible? Really, think about it. Have you ever said, “It won’t happen; it can’t happen,” only to be surprised when what you hoped would happen does happen? Well, if that has ever happened to you, then why do you begin to doubt when you’re faced with a seeming obstacle?

Every time I look at the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, or their cycle of doubt and belief in the book of Judges, I’m reminded how much like them I can be. Despite the fact that I see God do miraculous things (practically on a weekly basis) I still tend to get nervous when things become uncertain. Why is that?

You would be amazed to see a list of the things that God has done through LOCC—the lives He has touched; His miraculous provision; His answers to prayer; the divine appointments He has arranged, just since we started Living Oaks Community Church four years ago! Looking back, I see that He has gone beyond my puny hopes and has often provided more and in better ways than I could have imagined. Yet, I still get a case of the willies when a new challenge arises. Why is that?!!

I think I have at least part of the answer figured out: We think we need to be in control and tend to be more comfortable when we think we are. I truly believe that many people would be willing to settle for the fulfillment of their puny hopes; the ones that lie completely within their grasp, rather than entrusting things to God. And, if you tried to help them exchange their small, self-reliant hopes and dreams for some God-sized ones, they would protect them with the ferocity of a cornered pit bull. Why is that?!!!

Well, the other part of the answer is simply pride. We tend to want to take the credit—due or undue—for our accomplishments. We’ll often settle for the insignificant and unimportant, simply for the right to say, “I did it.”

The need to do it ourselves is a natural and normal part of our fallen human state. Any of us that have had experience with toddlers know that reliance on Mom and Dad is not a quality to which these tots assign much value. In fact, if Mom or Dad tries to assist the youngster in certain tasks, they will be roundly rebuffed with a no-nonsense, “I DO IT!” And of course, no matter the inconvenience, we let them.

If we insist on doing things ourselves; settling only for what is humanly possible, God will let us. He doesn’t push His ways on us. In His grace, He lets us know that there is a better way. He offers His assistance. But, ultimately it is up to us to release our grip and allow Him to be God.

In Luke, we see the story of the rich young ruler. Note that in the title we have assigned to that story, we’ve captured the most sought-after qualities in our culture: money (rich), youth (young), and power (ruler). This guy had it all and he led a pretty righteous life too! He said he kept all the commandments. What more could he possibly need? If this guy wasn’t a prime candidate for heaven, then who could be? It must be impossible to be good enough!
Well, it only seems impossible.

The next time you encounter the “impossible,” remember Jesus said,
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” –Luke 18:27

Mind Over Matter!

2009-02-27T08:02:00.000-08:00

You don’t have to look too far to find books and sermons about how to get everything you want in life by simply thinking the right thoughts and/or speaking the right words. The philosophies of Positive and Possibility Thinking, Positive Imaging, Word of Faith, the “Law of Attraction” (from The Secret) and even The Little Engine that Could have become extremely popular in the last fifty years. In some cases, everything from getting that special mate, job, car or house to overcoming depression can be attained through your rightly focused thoughts, words and endeavors. Basically it all boils down to applying just a little more personal, human effort.

There may be some validity to some aspects of those things; some may have been helped (at least temporarily) by that stuff. Success stories garner loyal legions. Hey, if you can have everything you want by simply thinking good thoughts, speaking the right words, or practicing a better attitude, most would say, “Sign me up!” And many, even Christians, do indeed sign up.

Some gigantic churches today are filled each Sunday with those who have made God little more than their “Aladdin.” As long as they can be convinced that their wishes are within reach, they’ll show up to rub the lamp, again and again. The mere suggestion from the “preacher” that material blessings are about to be unleashed by a slight tweaking of their attitudes, brings frequent applause from the salivating crowd.

Don’t fall for that stuff. It is pervasive today. Sadly, you can hardly watch Christian TV without seeing some form of these philosophies, wrapped in spiritual terms. I heard one popular preacher recently assert, “I believe God Himself will anoint you to reap a mighty harvest of your physical, spiritual and financial needs.” How? Just order one of his specially “anointed prayer cloths.” Do they still do that? Yes, they do. Do people fall for it? Absolutely.

Insinuating that everything is supposed to be peachy for the Christian that thinks and speaks rightly is not quite biblical. As much as the hucksters would like to (and do) twist the Scriptures to support their pop-psych version of God and faith, examples to the contrary abound. The Apostle Paul had at least one major physical ailment and at times he was likely flat broke. Where were those anointed prayer cloths when Paul needed them?

And what about King David; was he just a faithless whiner? Talk about problems! Among his enemies was his own son! Some kids rebel by getting a tattoo. Absalom led a coup d’état, against his dad! Nonetheless, David never relies upon, “I think I can…I think I can…” nor does he pine for a Barnes & Noble in order to bone up on how to turn his wishes into reality through sheer optimism. Instead, he describes his circumstances realistically—they’re bad!

It would be nice if by thinking happy thoughts all our troubles would go away. But, that would fly in the face of one of Jesus’ less popular promises: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV). After that statement, Jesus doesn’t go on to give seven steps to avoiding trouble. He doesn’t blame the listeners’ deficient faith or lack of positive declarations for the troubles they have. He states it as a fact; a fact followed by another all-important, indispensible fact: “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (ibid.).
David lived 1,000 years before Christ became flesh and dwelt among us, but he seemed to get Jesus’ point anyway. David obviously felt overcome by his circumstances at times (e.g., Psalm 13:1-4). Then he uses that word; a word that Jesus used. It’s the word in Scripture that so often delineates the difference between our woes and God’s wonders. It is a word of transition, translated into English as “but.” “But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5 NKJV, emphasis added).
So, when circumstances seem to pile up against you, who ya gonna trust—your thoughts, or the Creator of your brain? There is nothing wrong with “choosing to look on the bright side.” However, sometimes even the bright side looks dark. In the end, there’s only one true Source of Light. Ultimately, life only makes sense when we realize that He is the bright side.

“ Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” ─Habakkuk 3:18

2009-02-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

Got Help?

It seems that from the time we are born, we strive to overcome the feeling (and reality) of being helpless. Infants cry mostly because they are completely unable to help themselves. From the moment they can ambulate in any fashion (roll, crawl, or toddle), babies tend to push the limits of their helplessness. We parents learn to constantly curb our little ones’ thirst for perilously exploring the boundaries.

"I do it!” is one of the very first complete sentences to cross the lips of still-teething human offspring. They will try and fail, but insist—on no uncertain terms—that they give it a full, tedious effort before they begrudgingly allow an adult to intercede. This process, of course, is not all bad; it’s how we learn. But, at a certain point, the pattern of not accepting help when totally helpless becomes a liability. God calls it “pride.” Face it, we humans have our limits.

One prominent synonym for God in Scripture is “our help,” or “helper.” Just as a parent loves to help his child, God—our Abba Father—loves to help His children in their weaknesses; and our weaknesses are legion. But, sometimes because of pride, even we Christians are a little slow in acknowledging our need for divine assistance.

Philosopher, J.P. Moreland (who spoke recently at our church) wrote of an experience he had which illustrates how sometimes we simply overlook God’s desire to help. It happened on a Sunday, the day before his main day of teaching at Biola University. He also had a lecture at a local church that coming Tuesday.

His throat was raw and sore; the worst case of laryngitis he had contracted in 35 years. He said his throat “felt as if it had broken glass in it.” The doctor gave him the bad news that it was a virus and the laryngitis would last 7 to 10 days. Although he had already missed his limit of classes for that semester, there would be no lecturing for him the next day, or week, or more, or so he thought.

Dr. Moreland had accepted the fact that he would have to call his secretary and cancel his classes for the week. As he was leaving church that evening, on his way to make the call, one elder yelled, “Hey, J. P, you can't leave yet. Hope (J.P.’s wife) just told us you have laryngitis, and we can't let you get outta here without loving on you a bit and praying for your throat!” But, the laryngitis seemed like a done deal. J.P. hadn’t even considered having the elders pray. Dr. Moreland described it this way:

“To be honest, I wasn't listening to a word they said. I had already left the church emotionally and wanted to get home to make my phone call. But something happened. As the two men prayed gently for me, I began to feel heat pour into my throat and chest from one elder's hand. After two or three minutes of prayer, I was completely and irreversibly healed! I started talking to the brothers normally with no pain, no effort, no trace that anything had been wrong. I never had to make that call to my secretary. The laryngitis never returned.”

Sometimes it’s as simple as asking for God’s help. But, asking for help isn’t always that simple. Often, we don’t have a clue as to what, or how to ask. Well, guess what; God is there to help with that too!

As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8: 26—
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
So, no matter what the weakness, when it comes to needing help, you can choose to humbly ask God, or default to your inner child and keep stubbornly insisting, “I do it!”

“Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” ─Psalm 30:10 nkjv

2009-02-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

Grasp the Truth of the Bible

In our pluralistic world, many simply assume that there is a variety of valid “bibles.” They believe that every religion has its bible and one is as legitimate as the other. In the name of tolerance, they say, we should have equal respect for the “scriptures” of all faiths. Some even go so far as to suppose that God is behind all of them; that He simply spoke to different people groups in different ways. There’s a theological term for such thinking: hogwash!

God does not contradict Himself. One proof of that is the Bible, the real Bible, the only Bible. He used 40+ writers on 3 different continents over a period of about 1,400 years to prove that no single human came up with this most amazing of books. No supposed prophet single-handedly interpreted God’s plan for mankind. With the Bible, no sole individual put forth his personal take on God and labeled it “thus saith the Lord.” No power-hungry neurotic (or worse) decided he had finally discovered God’s true will for mankind and then penned our Holy Scriptures. No, instead, God used many people, over a long period of time, from all walks of life and arranged for them to all agree on the most controversial of topics, resulting in our Bible, without contradiction. No other religion can claim that kind of validation for its book. They may have a book, but it’s no Bible, not even close.

By contrast, virtually every other major religion and popular cult today relies on the imaginings of some single individual for their foundational faith and doctrine (Islam, Mormonism, Scientology, to name a few). We know that the resulting books can’t be true or just as valid as the Bible because they disagree with the Bible. So, somebody is right and somebody is wrong. They can’t all be right. Shouldn’t that clue in the “cum-by-yah” pluralists that God did not inspire all of these writings? Do they see Him as some capricious deity playing games with mankind, ordaining one truth one day and another the next?

No, there is only one Bible; only one book through which God has revealed His will to mankind. The single written revelation of God is our own Holy Bible. Though it consists of 66 books combined between two covers, it is the only book that rises to the level of qualifying as the bona fide Word of God. All others are mere pretenders.

But, which translation of our Bible is best? Why do we use the New King James Version (NKJV) at Living Oaks? Many of you have asked me that question, so I’ll take a shot at an answer:
I selected the NKJV because of its accurate, literal translation combined with readability and devotional quality. Plus, there is trust in the tradition of the King James name. The scholars that did the translating sought to produce a literal translation through a method called equivalence. It may make some phrases a little awkward to the reader, but it closely reflects what was written in the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic languages of the Bible.

Some other popular translations use a method of translation called dynamic equivalence. It may be slightly more readable in some cases, but leaves more to the interpretation of the translator, thus risking a departure from the intent of the writer and the Author (God). But generally, modern English translations are good for personal reading and devotion.
The fact that we have so many variations reminds us that the Word of God is living (Hebrews 4:12). Though the original biblical languages are dead languages and thus the meanings of the words will never change, we can update the English Bibles to speak ever more clearly to us in our own living language.

So, put more Bible, the real Bible; the only Bible in your diet, regardless of what flavor you choose!

“I will not forget Your word.”
─Psalm 119:16 NKJV

A Different Kind of God

2009-02-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Last night at our “Get a Grip—Grasp the Truth” gathering, Dr. Craig Hazen, Chairman of Biola University’s Apologetics department, shared about Christ in a World of Religions. He contrasted Jesus and Christianity with other religions and repeatedly reminded us that “we’ve got the goods” when it comes to having a rational, believable faith. Great stuff!

It made me think of one of the ways in particular that we Christians “have the goods” compared to other religions. We simply have the best God. Our God is completely different from other gods. Other religions tend to view their god(s) as simply waiting to “flick” them from this existence—like flicking an annoying fly from your forearm—for the slightest infraction. Adherents to these religions never know if they’ve been good enough or religious enough to stay on the good side of their god.

Back during two memorable summers, when I was 13 and 14 years old, one of my brothers and I spent several weeks at ranch owned by my aunt, uncle and two cousins, whose ages corresponded to my brother and me. Those two summers hold some great memories of wildly riding their horses through the forests, exploring the Verde River, feeding the chickens and slopping the pigs. Awesome experiences for young boys. The only thing that tainted our time (besides taking a pick-up truck on a joy ride—my 14-year-old cousin behind the wheel—and slamming into a tree; but, that’s another story) was the fear we had of my uncle.

What made the weeks so idyllic was the fact that Uncle Larry worked for the City, far away. He headed down the mountain each Monday and didn’t return until Friday. Then, I remember my mood changing—stomach churning and palms sweating—when I’d see his yellow pick-up in the distance, trailed by a plume of dust as it headed toward the ranch on Friday afternoons. Most of our fun would soon be replaced by projects performed under his watchful eye. Even the rare, fun excursion on weekends carried the burden of not wanting to upset my uncle. (You can imagine how we felt after our ill-advised joy ride, but, that’s another story). We usually tried to be on our best behavior to avoid the wrath of Uncle Larry. But oddly, my cousin seemed to have a death-wish at times as he recklessly pulled stunts (like the joy ride) sure to bring a string of expletives, followed by a whack, or worse: a kick from my uncle’s lethally pointy cowboy boots! My goal was just to smile and stay out of Uncle Larry’s way. I noticed that even the animals on the ranch exhibited similar caution. They knew those boots too.

Sadly, other religions have mostly created Uncle Larry sorts of gods. One false move and whack! Or, kick! Life becomes a process of vainly trying to please them, or stay out of their way. Some have been misled into believing that our God is that like that. On the contrary, the Apostle Paul wrote, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:14, 15)

“Abba” is the Aramaic word for father, usually used in ancient culture by small children. The term denotes a trusting, intimate relationship between a child and his/her daddy. No other religion has a daddy as their god; far from it! It sounds worlds away from Uncle Larry, or the cruel parochial school nun, or any number of abusive authority figures that have tainted people’s true biblical view of God and caused them to lump Him in with those other, phony gods.
He’s our Daddy. If you’re part of His family, there’s no need to be afraid; no need to worry about Him looking over your shoulder; no need to stay out of His way. In fact, that’s right where He wants you: in His way.

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'”
─Proverbs 19:23 nkjv

OUTFIT YOURSELF WITH SPIRITUAL ARMOR!

2009-02-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” –ROMANS 13:12

READ: Ephesians 6:10-18. Christ has won the war against the powers of darkness: Satan and his demons. However, we still battle against them daily. You wouldn’t go out in the rain without an umbrella or into the freezing cold without a jacket. Why then do so many Christians enter the battle field without putting on the “full armor of God” (vs. 11)? We protect our flesh from the elements but often neglect to outfit ourselves for spiritual protection. Take a close look at each element of the armor of God described in today’s reading. Is there a “chink in the armor” somewhere in you? If so, let God fill in the gaps today.

PRAY: Lord, make each part of Your armor strong in my life. Show me any weaknesses that I might submit them to You for repair. Amen.

Get Wise from the Get-Go

2009-01-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

I was sixteen-years-old; it was very late on a warm, moonlit summer night and I was trying to make my way back from Tujunga to Thousand Oaks. This was 1971, long before MapQuest, GPS devices or cell phones. Driving an old Chevy Corvair, I entered the 405 Freeway. I had thirty-six cents in my pocket. Cruising confidently through the dark with my newly acquired driver’s license, it didn’t take long before I realized I was totally lost!

It felt like I was the only one on the road, in the middle of nowhere, low on gas and clueless as to what to do next. This was my first driving venture to the far end of the San Fernando Valley. I had no map. I might as well have been on another planet. I felt paralyzed by fear. I literally cried out to God for help. I ended up on a back road, traveling though unfamiliar hills and desolate, shadowy terrain, finally making my way to a city I recognized: Ventura.

It all began with one wrong turn and became the most circuitous route from Tujunga to Thousand Oaks you can imagine. But, after putting my last thirty-six cents into my gas tank (the price of one gallon back then); I made it from Ventura home.

The moral of the story? Usually, the way you begin a journey makes all the difference in how the journey goes. My big mistake was heading North on the 405 instead of South as I began my trek home that night. If you start in the wrong direction, at best you end up taking a very circuitous route home.

Wisdom tells us that the starting line in a successful life journey is “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10). Both knowledge and wisdom—necessary components for a successful life journey— begin with a healthy fear of the Lord. If you don’t fear (respect) the Lord, you have good reason to fear (be afraid of) the Lord.

There are basically two reasons why people don’t fear the Lord and therefore get going the wrong way in life: (1 they simply don’t believe that He really exists and (2 if they do believe, they don’t take Him seriously.

Many Christians fall into that second category. Though they may give mental assent to the existence of God, their lives demonstrate that they don’t truly fear Him. That’s not wise. In fact, that brand of unwise Christianity may be more dangerous to the survival of the church than atheism. As Saadi, a Persian poet wrote, “I fear God, and next to God I chiefly fear him who fears Him not.”

Until we learn what the fear of the Lord really is, we aren’t even at the starting line of a life characterized by wisdom.

Someone wrote, “There are four great impelling motives that move men to action: Fear, Hope, Faith, and Love these four, but the greatest of these is Fear. Fear is first in order, first in force, first in fruit. Indeed, fear is ‘the beginning of wisdom.’ Scripture summarizes the chief cause of sin and crime: ‘There is no fear of God before their eyes’ (Psalm 36:1).” In other words, they don’t take God seriously. Where are you going and did your trip begin with a healthy respect for God? How have you demonstrated that respect so far today?“

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction.” ─PROVERBS 19:23 NKJV

Practice God's Presence

2009-01-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

Practicing God's presence makes you less likely to give in to sin.

READ: Galatians 5:13-17. What does it mean to “live by the Spirit?” Picture yourself doing everything you do with Jesus at your side. He's actually in your heart, but picture Him at your side. When you go to the movies, He's sitting next to you. When you talk with friends, He's in on the conversation. When you read, He's looking over your shoulder. When you're driving, He's the passenger. Wouldn't that affect your choices and general behavior? Sometimes we're most tempted when we think no one's watching. However, the next time you think no one's watching, think again.

PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to practice Your presence today. Amen.

Don't Leave A Forwarding Address!

2009-01-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most practical ways of resisting temptation is to flee or run away from it. And remember, don't leave a forwarding address!

READ: Genesis 39:2-12. Joseph had been sold into slavery as a teen, spent some time in jail, and had begun to serve in Potiphar's house, all without any mention offemale companionship. Can you imagine how a lesser man might have rationalized a way beginning a tryst with Potiphar's wife? After all, these were his “peak years!” He had needs! However, Joseph was faithful. What might have been shadowy, darkened areas of another man's life were filled with and enlightened by Joseph's faith in God. He didn't wait to consider the possibilities—he ran! When you find yourself in a potentially sinful situation, get out. The Bible says, “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (1 Tim. 2:22). By contrast, the world seems to pursue “evil desires.” I think they've confused the terms “flee from” and “flock to.” Today, don't make the same mistake!

PRAY: Father, give me the strength to flee from sin and pursue You; not the reverse. Keep me faithful as I follow You. Amen.