New Series: Journey

Everyone probably remembers the 70's - 80's rock band "Journey." Their song, "Don't Stop Believing" is the number one downloaded song of all time on iTunes. For the next four weeks, we are going to use four of the band's greatest hits as backdrops to a new series called Journey.

The word journey- is defined as traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time, or a passage or progress from one stage to another: the journey to success.

You may not know it, but you are on a journey. And your journey is taking you to a particular destination. Do you know where you’re going? And equally important, do you know where you
are going to end up?

I Peter 1:18-21 (msg) says: Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

Be here at Faith Chapel the next four Sundays for Journey: Where Are You Going?

4/19- "Faithfully"

4/26- "Don’t Stop Believing"

5/3- "Open Arms"

5/10- "Separate Ways"

Five Things a Church can Learn from Opening Day at the Ballpark

Baseball's opening day for most teams is tomorrow, and that got me thinking about the feeling and excitement of the stadium on opening day. I recently did a small teaching with the entire pastoral/support staff here at Faith Chapel using this example.

Opening day is so exciting. There's a spark in the air and anticipation fills the voices of fans. There's a unity in the stadium unlike any other day. Everyone is rooting for the home team to win. Fans can be seen giving "high fives" to people they don't know as a player delivers a big hit or a pitcher strikes out the opposition.

Everything is clean and freshly painted. It's like the entire stadium is inviting you to enter and be a part of the big event. Workers are energized and freshly trained. Even the players are more willing to mingle with fans and accommodate their requests.

This sounds a lot like church. In fact, every day should be "OPENING DAY" at church! We should carry that friendly smile and greet everyone with warmth and acceptance. They should also be willing to accommodate their reasonable requests. The church should be clean and fresh.

The unity produced by sincere community gives way to excitement and celebration. When this is directed to the Lord, the church is filled with a Spirit of anticipation and faith. Why don't we make everyday OPENING DAY?

Here are my five take-a-ways:
1. Unity- everyone on the same team
2. Clean and inviting conditions- you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression
3. Hospitable and friendly customer service- everyone one should feel welcome
4. Excitement gives way to Celebration- it's contagious and we should express ourselves openly with great joy.
5. Staff/Ministry leaders are well trained-

{look up Col. 3:23; 1 Cor. 14:12; 2 Cor. 8:7}

The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story

Yesterday, Jennifer and I went to see the new film "The Cross: the Arthur Blessitt Story." I hadn't read any reviews and wasn't quite sure what to expect.

The story is well done--documentary style--by producer Matt Crouch. The Katinas music is an added bonus.

In the film, we follow Arthur as he begins on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood and carries a wooden cross all over the world for 40 years. It's the story of one man's life, completely surrendered in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Arthur Blessitt's only desire is to serve the Lord by sharing God's love with anyone who will listen.

As I sat there in that theater I was challenged to cultivate an even deeper relationship with Christ. Arthur Blessitt's story will cause you to take a look too. His struggles and challenges, which he calls opportunities, give way for God to do miracles. And God wants to do miracles through your life too.

One of the greatest truths of the movie was the reminder of how simple and powerful the Cross really is. It is a message of God's love to everyone, regardless of race, location, or status. And the Cross is still powerful enough to draw men and women together from every walk of life. It's power is unparalleled and on display as Blessitt walks through wars, jungles, poverty and more. May God bless people like Arthur Blessitt who live a life worth following. This movie should be seen by everyone who calls themselves a believer.

Click here to find a theater showing "The Cross"

Chase The Lion Series

Over the past few days I have been settling into a new house, new church and a new routine. Along with that is trying to find my way around a new city. I have a GPS system, but turn it off on return trips to see if I can find my way back. So far it's about 50/50.

The house is right beside the church which allows me easy access to work. Without my family being here, it is also tempting for me to work more than I should. There is a lot going on and I feel the need to get a handle on things quickly.

Right now I'm in a series of messages based on the book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. Mark and I went to college together and he was nice enough to send a short promo video for the start of the series (watch it below). Chase The Lion had a great impact at my former church and I felt it would be a great series leading up to Easter at Faith Chapel. You can listen to part 1- "Defying Odds" here.

The book contains a Lion Chaser's Manifesto, and one part says something similar to, "don't let the bad in you keep you from worshiping the good in Him."

I think that's powerful! Far too many people focus on their shortcomings instead of directing their attention to "the author and perfecter of our faith." What would happen if we focused on God's example instead of our failures? How would that change us? How would that change what we attempted for God?

Go West - Day 3, Phoenix 1st Prayer Pavilion

Go West - Day 2

Go West Young Man

We are heading west! This morning I am leaving home in a moving truck headed for San Diego. With me to help drive is Tony Orlando, youth pastor at Faith Chapel. I am going to try to post some video blogs of our journey, so check back this week to hear more about our trip. I'm also posting on Facebook some photos of my day yesterday as we packed and had a nice BBQ dinner.

Snow Day in KC

I was getting all choked up about leaving KC and then .... I found myself shoving the driveway and freezing. San Diego looks better all the time.

No seriously, I love the snow and will miss it. It is always so beautiful and reminds me of God's grace which covers our sins and makes us white as snow.

Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

Welcome!

I am glad you found us here on our new blog. As you know, I am now the senior pastor of Faith Chapel Assembly of God in Spring Valley, California. We are leaving Englewood Assembly in Independence, Missouri after 17 years. It's hard to believe sometimes, but God is truly calling us to move out of our comfort zone and into a brand new area of ministry. That is exciting!

We had a warm and gracious send-off from Englewood. We will forever treasure our memories, friendships, and growth there. We will continually pray for this church and anticipate God doing some awesome things through new leadership.

Jennifer, Joe, Brian, Braeden at Englewood going-away reception

The past couple of weeks have been extremely busy. Flying back and forth between San Diego and Kansas City has made things a little crazy. I find myself looking forward to the time when I get to SD on a full-time basis.

Things are off to a good start at Faith Chapel, but there is still a lot for a new guy to learn and catch up on. The people have been amazingly friendly and kind. It feels like home already. I hope to start posting on a more regular basis during the week of March 9th, so check back. You'll hear all about what God is up to with me personally, at Faith Chapel, and in our family. Also, you can follow me on Facebook. It's going to be fun!

Five Keys to a Better Fast

For those of you on the Daniel Fast with us, by now you should be done with the headaches and ready to really start focusing in on the Lord. You might be asking yourself, "What is the purpose of fasting, anyway?"

Fasting is a spiritual act of worship, directed to the Lord. And like any act of true worship, the action changes us and enables us to be empowered. Here are five keys to consider during your fast:

1. Be specific about why you are fasting-
2. Make a spiritual commitment, not a physical one-
3. The outer discipline should reflect an inner desire-
4. It is a statement of faith for others-
5. Yield the results to God-

These 5 keys are also very applicable for those of you medically unable to particpate in the Daniel Fast, but are "fasting" something else in your life.

I am believing with everyone, that God will move mightily in your lives and meet all of your "needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus."

Don't forget to share your best Daniel Fast recipes with everyone by leaving them in the comment section. Also, if you're on Facebook, check out the group What I Ate On The Daniel Fast for encouragement, meal ideas, etc.

Daniel Fast Begins

We begin our 21 day Daniel Fast today. I hope you and your family are joining with Jennifer and I on the spiritual quest. Fasting when combined with prayer brings new power, destroys the enemies strongholds and allows us to enter into a deeper walk with God.

God has certain expectations of us as believers. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus names three areas that every Christian should do: "When you give (v. 2),... When you pray (v. 5), and ... When you fast (v. 16). He did not say "if" you do these, but "when you do."

So I am asking everyone to be involved in this years Daniel Fast. Don't forget to check the daily Scriptures on the side bar for inspiration and encouragement.

And The People's Choice Award Goes To...

...Barabbas! Rome's Bad Boy. Mr. Rebellious. Did time in the 'pen. Probably had tatoos, a few piercings and rode a Harley. Think Oakland Raiders fan. An overall scary dude.

In John chapter 18, we witness Barabbas win The People's Choice Award, the King of the Jews being the only other nominee. The award presenter is none other than Pontius Pilate. Think spineless schmuck.

Jesus got the shaft.

The Jewish crowd chose Barabbas out of pure rebellion. It wasn't so much that they wanted Barabbas; but their hatred of Jesus had grown to such a level that they would have cried for anyone else to be released.

The crowd wanted no part of Jesus' teachings and claims. They had no intention of following a man who convicted them of sin. They took matters into their own hands.

This is the deceptiveness of sin. By rejecting the convictions of God in our lives, we deceive ourselves. We make Satan's job easy. When "we the people" ignore the Word, isolate ourselves from worship, and refuse to involve God in our choices, then just like the crowd that day, we are making The People's Choice not The Lord's Choice for our lives.

Stop living your life for YOU and choose to live it for the One who created you. It comes with a great award!

The Power of We

Throughout Scripture, we see multipled power in unity. When God's people come together and work for Kingdom causes (with Kingdom attitudes!), great things take place. This is the power of "we". This past Sunday our topic was, "What if we..."

1. ...Prayed every day?

2. ...Fasted once a week?

3. ...Tithed a tenth of our income?

4. ...Became involved in personal evangelism?

5. ...Attended church every week?

If everyone of us would personalize these five points, I believe we could see the power of God manifest in a powerful way in our church, and in our lives. These simple- but key- disciplines unlock the doorway to knowing God and hearing from Him. And when we know God's voice we can experience not only the joy of knowing Him, but the fruit of the obedient life.

Isn't it time to live God's way? To stay faithful in the small things? To strive towards a Kingdom Unity? It's through our faithfulness in these simple disciplines that we begin to see God's favor multiply our harvest. As we start this new year, let's focus on the Power of We.

Sensational Christmas

We love this time of year. Spending time together, all the homemade goodies & great food, seeing extended family, etc. Of course, the kids can't wait for the presents!

Years ago, when I gave my heart to Jesus, Christmas began to take on a deeper meaning. And it's that Spirit that always seems to be present during our recent "Carols, Candles, and Communion" service.

As we celebrated Christ's birth as a church family, the entire experience was especially meaningful as we pulled up to the table of the Lord and remembered His birth, life and death for us. The message leading into communion was from 1 John 1:1-9.

The passage starts by addressing the senses, "which we have heard...seen...and our hands have touched." And that's exactly what Christmas does for me and so many others. It touches our senses. The lights, food, carols and family time all bring our senses to alert and draw us into the holiday. But the most moving expression isn't from festivities or family; but from the "life that appeared" on that first Christmas day in the form of a baby.

And the Apostle John reminds us that this is to make our "joy complete." Even the angel heralded the same message to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Lk. 2:10)."

How about you? Do you have the joy of Christmas this season? Or have the distractions of Christmas kept you from experiencing the real joy, Emmanuel- God with Us. I pray that you have a sensational Christmas by being able to sense the presence and experience the joy of Jesus.

A Friend Loves at All Times

This week while I was praying, a familiar passage of Scripture came to mind found in Proverbs 17:17 which says, "A friend loves at all times." It caused me to take a moment to reflect about God's love for me, and His friendship.

First, the simple fact that God would call me friend still blows me away. Words cannot express how unbelievable it is to have the unchanging, sovereign God say, "I'm your friend."

Secondly, He even shows us what true friendship is all about: unselfish love. A love that doesn't think about self first, but rather makes the other person the object of friendship and love.

And lastly, His love is constant. It doesn't fluctuate. We don't find it only when we are doing well and are lovable. No, His love is there even when we are unlovable.

And isn't this the litmus test for our all of our relationships? Do we love selflessly at all times? Or do we allow the down times to pull us away from our friends? I believe the true test of one's character is found in their ability to love people at all times. Even when people are unlovable or have done something that causes us to lose trust in them. For a "friend loves at all times."

Christmas Toy Giveaway

Sunday was a fantastic day for Englewood. It was our annual Christmas outreach where we invite families from the community to join with our church family to experience the Christmas message and a toy giveaway. Both services were packed and I couldn't be more proud of the staff pastors and tons of volunteers who made this day possible. You continue to amaze me with your love and devotion for our community and the Lord. I pray God will reward you for your service to Him and the Kingdom.

The children's program, "Angel Alert" was great, as usual. The kids looked so cute and they did a wonderful job ministering through song, scripture and drama. I love watching them smile after they "nail" their line or song. But the absolute best part were the numerous people who raised their hands to accept Christ after both presentations. Our children, ministering to the families of the community--Awesome!

After the invitation for salvation, we passed out gifts to every child in the building. It was so much fun sensing the anticipation in their faces and seeing them reach out to receive their gift. What joy comes in giving. This marks the ninth year in a row that we have blessed the community and our children with gifts on Christmas. Ministry can be so much fun when you are serving others!

4 Principles of Pearl Harbor

This past Sunday (Dec. 7, 2008) my message was entitled, "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy." The title, of course, comes from the well known speech given by Franklin D. Roosevelt the day after Japanese aircraft bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

In 2007, our family was able to take our first trip to Hawaii (hopefully not our last!). Without a doubt, one of the major highlights was touring the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. Very humbling to experience a place where so much pain and suffering happened. It is an important and interesting part of American history, and simply fascinating to go there.

On the USS Arizona Memorial and checking out the ship below with Braeden

On that day in American history, 2,280 military personnel lost their lives, 1,109 were wounded and 68 civilians also died. The sad thing about that day is that it didn't have to happen. Or at the very least, the results of the attacks could have been less damaging.

Consider this...

• Intelligence department intercepted messages about the coming attack, but didn't forward the entirety of the messages to the commanding officers in Oahu, Hawaii.
• There were warnings of Japanese spies in Hawaii, but they weren't found or captured.
• The morning of Dec. 7, military personnel manning the sonar saw a massive amount of aircraft coming toward them, but it was considered U. S. B-17's coming from the mainland.
• And finally, a sub periscope was seen in the harbor before the attack. Despite this, there was no alert given.

Here are 4 Principles of Pearl Harbor that we can learn from...

1. Pearl Harbor's Pride- They thought they were untouchable. Nothing could happen. Read Pro. 16:18; Ps. 10:4; Lk 18:11-16; and James 4:6.

2. Pearl Harbor's Warning- listed above were all the warning signs that were given. Because God loves us, He gives us many warning signs as well to make us change course. Many times we don't see and hear them because we aren't paying attention.

3. Pearl Harbor's Price- The price that was paid for having too much pride and not listening to the warning signs were great. On top of the men and women who lost their lives, nearly every aircraft was destroyed or damaged, 8 battleships were sunk or destroyed, 2 destroyers were sunk and several other warships. The price is great if we don't examine ourselves for weaknesses (see 2 Cor. 13:5; Mt. 7:22,23; Mt. 7:13,14).

4. Pearl Harbor's Power- There was an incredible display of Japanese power that day. But there was also a tremendous display of U.S. power and resolve. As believers, we have power that is beyond our strength (see 1 Jn. 4:4; 2 Cor. 10:3-6; Ps. 91:11; Ps. 68:1).

Are you listening to the warning signs God is placing in your life? Are they quiet, gentle warnings or have they become obvious and loud? Swallow your pride, heed the warning signs, count the cost, and lean on God's power. He cares for you, loves you, and wants what's best for you.

Snow Day & Spiritual Endorphins

Two of the greatest words in the English language: "No School"!

We actually got our kids back out of bed last night to come and hear it on the news. No school in Independence today. SNOW DAY! There was fist pumping, jumping, high-fiving, lots of "Wooo baby!", etc.

Wonder if anybody has ever done a study on the amount of endorphins released in children upon hearing the phrase "No School"? I still kinda get pumped up myself! It's a definite euphoria trigger.

I'm very thankful that I can be at home with my boys. We slept in, I made a big breakfast, and we're going to chill out today; maybe catch a movie and wait for church tonight.

You know, I've just had a stirring in my spirit and an excitement about the service tonight. I don't know why; for all intents and purposes it's a normal Wed. night. But God has been saying to me, "Are you excited to enter my presence? I have something for you and I'll meet you there."

Does being in God's presence to wait upon Him, worship Him, and hear His Word excite you? Does it release some spiritual endorphins in you? Does it trigger a joy and a hunger for God in you? It can and it will. Read Psalm 16:11

Bull Riding Video

Below is a short video used as support for the Live Like You Were Dying message series. Okay, Brian did a little indoor rock climbing instead of "Rocky mountain climbing", but that's a real 600+ lb. Brahma bull he rides for 2.1 seconds. The guy said 2.1 is actually very good for a first timer. Trust me when I say it has been 3 weeks since that ride, and Brian's backside is still very bruised and sore!

Overall, we received a lot of great testimonies about the series and we hope people were challenged. Here's the video:

I almost forgot-- one of the coolest things that we were able to do for the series was to hand out these LLYWD bracelets. God put it on the heart of a guy in our church, so he had them made and donated them to us. It reminds us all that God gives us just one life. We must love deeper, speak sweeter, forgive others, and live with a sense of eternity- Psalm 90:12.

Elements of a Close Friendship

We are currently going through the Beth Moore DVD bible study series, "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place" during our women's Connect Class on Sunday mornings. FYI- Connect Class is our attempt at a trendy name for Sunday School! Hey, there's a "cool" name for everything now.

The study has been truly awesome. I look forward to watching Beth teach every week. This week's lesson was out of Exodus 33 and examines the presence of God. As Beth taught, she compared God's presence to a close friendship. I really liked what she had to say, so I'm sharing it here as well.

Elements of a Close Friendship:

1. Secrets- When you have a close friendship, you know personal things that aren't publicly known about that person. On the contrary, when you have to say to someone, "It's none of your business!", what you are saying is 'you and I are not that close'. Our heavenly Father will never say that to us. Read John 15:13-15

2. Small Talk- Close friends are able to talk about the ridiculous stuff. The trivial. (For me, Jennifer, the Twitter-able). There are no awkward moments of silence. We are experiencing the close presence of God when everything we say to Him does not have to be so profound. Just talking to Him. Like the old song says, 'He's as close as the mention of His name'.

There are friendships and then there are close friendships. There is God and then there is the presence of God. We all need friends, but we are sharpened and changed by close friendships. And we surely must try to learn as much as possible about our loving God, but NOTHING is as important as experiencing His presence continually in our lives.