Just Thinking Out Loud

What was the Question?

2012-02-28T18:01:00.007-08:00

Do you have a good memory? We remember things we want to, period. All too often we fall back on the excuse of a poor memory when confronted by someone whose name momentarily escapes us. I have to be honest; this was my excuse for years.

We have the ability to remember, but it seems we just don’t remember that many things anymore. I believe this memory non-use is not a matter of memory ability, but a matter of choice. How many times do you hear a song and you are able to sing along with the lyrics? How many things are in your memory? Passwords? Addresses? Your Social Security number, and your Driver’s License number? We choose to remember what is important to us, period. And when we don’t remember. we are basically saying it is not important enough to…or that something else is more important.

I am sure technology plays a part in this laziness. Seriously, why remember phone numbers when you can tell some phones to call “Dave” and they will recite back a list of numbers in your contact list with the first name “Dave” in them? Why bother, right? Have you ever really needed a phone number, and been without your cell phone with all of its contacts? Have you ever called or texted someone and they responded with “Who is this? Sorry, but I lost my cell that had all of my contacts”. It's like without caller ID, we haven’t a clue…

We need to get back to what is important, and start committing those things to memory. For example: Scripture. The Bible is chock-full of truth. Truth that is useful, inspiring, informing, and correcting. Look at this passage:

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)

Do we treat God’s Word like this? Or do we treat it like if we need it, we know where to find it? It's good to know where to look, but we react based on the information inside of us. And if you want to know what is inside of someone, just see how they respond under pressure, as that seems to bring out the best in us, right? By memorizing Scripture we accomplish two things: First, we are practicing a Spiritual Discipline and second, we are storing up stuff inside of us, preparing for the pressures to come.

It's like filling your internal toolbox with the best available tools for all of life’s potential ups, downs, and sideways! When you look at it that way, it doesn’t sound so awful.

So what do you say? Think it is important enough to try? Or maybe you were wondering what the question was again…

…just sayin’

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

So You Serve Much?

2012-02-21T13:26:00.001-08:00

I was studying for this weekend’s message when I had somewhat of an epiphany…an awakening about something if you will. I have been taught, and have taught that we as followers of Christ have been given Spiritual gifts upon our conversion to be used in support of the church (little “c”). These gifts are explained in Scripture and are to be used for the betterment of the whole church.

What this means is as believers, we have all been given the necessary resources to help and build up the church. The church being the opportune word here, and it means the Body of Christ – the believers, not the place we gather together at. Over the last almost two thousand years we have changed the “c” to “C” and made the formal distinction that the service we are to do is to the Church.

We as the Church have taught that everyone is called to ministry, and this is true, but we have also inferred that the place we do this is at the Church. Just seems somewhat self-serving don’t you think?

Jesus did not establish a club that needed to be joined, a school for special teaching, build a building or write books. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus served.

So the difference then is that we should not be simply serving the Church, but rather serving “as” the church – more specifically ‘as” His church. If we are supposed to be His Body, living out His will as His church, then we should be doing a lot more serving outside the Church than inside…seeing as that is where we spend most of our time. Don’t get me wrong, there is a need for serving at the Church to support the believers when they gather together, but we need to be examining the levels to which we go to do so. We need to make sure our focus on what matters most is really what matters most.

Not bagging on “Church” here…just want to clearly define the plan and purpose of our serving so as to avoid serving the wrong thing…

…just sayin’

I hope your week is spent considering whom you are serving…because you have a choice. Read this passage of Scripture in Joshua 24:13-15 where Joshua calls out all the tribes of Israel and asked them to choose whom they were going to serve.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

So What's Love Got To Do With It?

2012-02-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

There was a Tina Turner song with this title, and as I sit here writing, it is playing in my head. What a cool song, but the lyrics are kinda sad, and don't paint love in such a great picture. I think what she was referring to though, and maybe unintentionally, was the "feeling" of love. Somehow there is this "loving" feeling that we think is synonymous with love, and if it goes away then so does the love...how sad.

This loving "feeling" is a love based on feelings, and those are not the most historically trusted sources if you know what I mean. Seriously, how dependent are you on your feelings? Do they dictate everything you do? I would presume that they don't, after all do you know what they call an employee that only works when they "feel" like it? Unemployed...get it?

Feelings have become our priority. How we feel is what we say motivates and we use to make decisions. And we have become a culture that somehow believes this emotional love "feeling" is what love really is, and I do not agree so much. Ok, I do not agree at all! Love is a commitment that even encapsulates, propagates, and even seeks those loving feelings. Nevertheless the feelings are not the core, and not how one can sustain a relationship.

There is only one thing that can sustain love, and that is commitment = in other words, right priorities. In every wedding I do I always remind the love-struck couple that at some point these feelings will fail them, that love will not sustain their commitment, but that their commitment can and will sustain their love. Simply put - feelings come and go, but we can choose how to act. Sometimes we have to choose to be loving even when we don't feel like it, just like in the same way we can choose to go to work when we don't feel like it. We can do this if our priorities are right.

Right priorities? It's your life so you get to determine your priorities, right? How's that working out for you? It isn't until we get our priorities right that we can have "right priorities". In other words we need to recognize what is most important, what is most valuable, and then apply this to our lives. What is most valuable to you? Your stuff, your family, career, hobbies...what? What about the One who made life possible? What about making God the priority? Where then does love fit?

Look at this verse:

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8 NIV

If God is our priority, and God is love, then we live out God as our priority by being loving. Not the flowery pastel movie love, but true, unclouded, confident, and over-the-top love. Using the biblical, unconditional love of God as the model. This love is how we hold onto our commitments, and it is how we get "right priorities".

So what's love got to do with it? I venture to say only everything...

...just sayin'

In His Grip,
Pastor Pat

Love Wins?

2012-02-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

Is love in the race for something? I have a better one: Love Rules! Simple, direct, and no confusion, because it is true. Love does rule!

When it comes to any circumstance or situation or really anything, if there is love, then there is hope. Hope that things will work out, get better, or at the very least, to let us know that we are not alone in whatever it is we are going through.

Where do we find love and how do we get more of it? You simply have to go the source: God.

“⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.“ 1 John 4:8 (NIV)

God is love. So the reality is whatever it is you are going through, if love is there, then God wins. He designed it, He made it, and He desires we feel it. Probably why we crave it so much. Problem is, we love all kinds of things and people to fill this need. Unfortunately, until you fill this love need with God’s love, all others will, at some point, fall short…just sayin.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Forgiving...

2012-01-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been hurt? Are you quick to forgive, or do you hold a grudge? Most of the time how much forgiveness is given out, is directly proportionate to the amount of pain that was inflicted. When someone hurts us, we lose something; as a matter of fact it is more like they steal something from us. They steal joy, love, dignity, respect, or maybe some self worth. Whether it is directly through a divorce, abuse, cheating and the like, or maybe indirectly through backstabbing, gossip, or even neglect.

Whatever the pain, we believe that it creates a debt that they now owe us. And how much or even if we are willing to forgive depends mostly on the size of this debt we feel we are owed, right? I have heard it said some people are just “better” people and can be more forgiving…huh? If that is true, then forgiveness is an act of the will and the stronger your will power, the more you are able to forgive. Well, I think that is just what it sounds like – a load, and a load of something other than the truth.

I want you to consider something: forgiveness is not an act of the will, because forgiving is not based on us. To be perfectly honest, some things just seem to be unforgivable. All too often we look at forgiveness as some sort of release of responsibility to the offending party, and that the longer we go not forgiving them, the longer they will suffer…sorry, but that just is not true.

Forgiveness is not something that you give to someone else…like letting them off the hook for how they hurt you. Forgiveness is something that has its greatest impact on the one doing the forgiving. When we forgive we are the ones who are letting go of the anger to hurt the one who hurt us. Don’t race past this part…it is the key. When we forgive someone, we are the ones getting off the hook. It’s because that pain is a hook into our past that keeps on hurting only as long as we allow it, that keeps us looking back instead of moving forward, and it is a hook that has no hope for the future but only regret for the past.

How can we be more forgiving then? To keep it really simple, we can only give out forgiveness in the quantity to which we have experienced it. In other words you can’t give what you don’t have. God forgives us for all we have ever done or will ever do, and that is a powerful amount of forgiveness you need to experience. Look at what Paul told the church in Ephesus:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Stop holding on to these hurts so tightly, and let the experience of God’s forgiveness bring you to the place of being forgiving…it will change everything…

…just sayin’

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Is Your Light On...?

2012-01-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

There seems to be some confusion about darkness. Darkness is not a “thing”. It does not exist on its own. Funny thing is, darkness only happens when you take away the light. Think about it, we can only make a room dark by shutting out all opportunities for light to get in.

This is true with ourselves as well. Just as plants need light to grow, so do we. Light is a source of life, and without it, life is almost impossible. Forget the scientific aspects and consider how life would be without artificial light? What would happen in your world if after the sun went down there was no other source of light? Things would have to change, right? It would be incredibly difficult to live.

This is what happens to our spirit when there is a lack of light. Where does this light come from, and where is the source? Look at this passage:

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

The more God in your life, the more light there will be. And if you continue filling your life with God and His light, something amazing happens: you become a light for others. Go figure…when we start to focus inward and get all wrapped up in ourselves, the outside light has trouble getting in. But if you are able to look outside yourself there is hope and light enough to push and keep any and all darkness at bay. I guess it just depends on what you are looking at.

…just sayin’

In His Grip,
Pastor Pat

The Price for New...

2012-01-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

What are you willing to pay to have new things? Will you excuse, I mean justify spending considerably more on an item because "new" will last longer or not come "used". New is just better, right? To be honest, I think it is.

In the United States, we spend more than 8.4 billion dollars annually on cosmetic surgery, some necessarily of course, but primarily in an attempt to re-claim some level of "newer" or "newness". I am not anti cosmetic surgery, just a little bewildered by how much we will pay to try and appear new or different.

So we think we have got our physical heath covered, but what about the rest? Our mental health - knowledge? What about our Spiritual health - faith? How much do we invest in what you don't see? Seems like a fair question if you ask me.

So what are you willing to pay for new knowledge, or new faith growing opportunities? Or do you feel what you have is enough? Heck, it has gotten you this far, right? I believe this is the area that has the most value, and investing in growing your knowledge and your Spiritual health will have lasting effects far beyond this lifetime...nothing else can claim that.

We worry so much about what we have or how we look, and yet one day those things will go away, and that is a fact of life. So why all the worry? Scripture asks a powerful question:

"Who of you can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27.

That being said, what are you willing to pay for new? Maybe the question shouldn't be about what you are willing to pay for new, but what are you willing to invest in? You and your stuff, or something that will make an eternal difference...well?

...just askin'

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Running Towards or Running Away…

2012-01-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

I have found that running is a great analogy for life. As some of you may or may not know, I started to run this last year, something I swore I would never do. I also swore I could never run because of the condition of my knees. I was a baseball catcher that later turned to body building. Constant squatting and then pushing large amounts of weights with my legs was a recipe for knee damage, and mine hurt...a lot of the time.

Through the process of training for a half marathon (which is this weekend) I have become a runner, and that is a miracle in itself, but I will save that story for another time (I know, whew…). What I have noticed through this process is when you break it down, running is really just like life. First it’s the pace – we all want to run faster. We all want life to speed up so we can get to where we think we want (need) to be, right? But if you run like that, you only find out you can’t run very far at all, and you run out of gas.

Another part of running that is analogous with life is planning the route you will run. I have run less, more often times than I wanted to, because I miscalculated a route. Ever happen in life? Something I realized: we are all running in life, the question is only whether or not you realize it. Let me explain what I mean.

In life it would seem that we are either running away from something, or running towards something. We run away from things in our past we no longer want to be associated with, or we run towards a future where we have placed our belief that there is a destination ahead that will solve or change something.

Running away has no destination, and can leave us frustrated, confused, and eventually lost. Running towards “better” is a route without a destination, and will often leave us wanting as soon as we get to where we thought we wanted to be, right?

So what are we supposed to do? First, stop running from your past, just leave it where it is, and before you know it, you will be well beyond it. Second, is to do a route check: Where are you running to, and who are you running for? Are you running for a “better” life? More money? A bigger house? A better career? Who are you running for? These are powerful questions that need to be asked. The only question is, will you ask?

If you are running for you and towards your goals you may not get there or have the strength to finish the way you want to. So what and who do we run for? And what is the right goal?

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

The goal is eternal life with God in heaven, and we can run towards that as our goal. Then we can live for and experience the Kingdom of God now with Jesus in our hearts. This might sound simple, and it is, but it has proven successful over the last almost 2,000 years. You see, it is just like running…just choose to do it, put one foot in front of the other at a steady pace, and always be sure you know where you are going.

So where you running to? Just askin’…

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Sustainable

2012-01-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

What the heck does that mean? Everything we use comes in a limited supply, and over time we run out. We understand this, and know that nothing we have lasts forever. A sustainable resource is one that has just that – it has the ability to sustain – or in other words to keep going on its own.

When it comes to anything new, if it is not sustainable, it simply just becomes old. We are constantly trying and doing new things with the hope of changing the way things are…and then thinking maybe this time the “new” will stay. I believe a lot of this comes from a culture that insists more is better, and that one can never really have “enough”.

Realistically, there is nothing sustainable in this world. The second law of thermodynamics states clearly that everything is in a state of decay (entropy is the scientific word if you want to know). So then it might seem somewhat hopeless…Au contraire mon ami!!! Hopeless only if you were to bet that this world is all there is… Only God could possibly solve this dilemma.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

How about that? Instead of investing in things that will not last…things that we think we need or want that really will only become old, we can be transformed…interested? The by-product of this transformation is eternal life with Jesus, and that is the only new that lasts.

What will it be: A life of seeking anything new to help us feel new for some period of time, or a life transformed by the renewing of our minds that promises we can and will live on with Jesus after everything we know has gone away…well?

…just sayin’

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Getting Everything You Want

2011-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas or have you made trips back to the stores to ensure it...? What is the determining factor? Likes or dislikes change, and for some people they can change seemingly moment to moment. That being said, can you ever really get all that you want?

If you are like me it seems as soon as I have something, all I want is something more. I am not saying I don't appreciate gifts...I LOVE getting gifts, and appreciate them beyond measure. It is just that when I have something, I can now focus on what I don't have...just being honest.

Unchecked, this can lead to an endless spiral of unmet desires and empty possessions. Each having held the promise of being the "IT" that would be just what we wanted or thought we needed, and failed to be "IT" after all. So what can we do? Should we live life moving from one empty promise to the next...sounds depressingly hopeless, doesn't it? If that were all there was to life, then collectively we would agree that it seems pointless, but there is a point.

So what is the ultimate gift? Where can it be found? What can keep us from hopelessness? God's love. "What?" You say... That is it? Yep, that is it. God's love has a lifetime warranty, does not require batteries, has no strings attached, and is more than we deserve. That is why David wrote this in the the book of Psalms:

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." Psalm 13:5 NIV

Unfailing love, and the salvation He offers us...more than we could ask or imagine, more than we deserve,unbelievable, incomprehensible, and just plain awesome...period.

It is simply the only gift we will ever need, and it will keep on giving - no matter what. Now that should be everything you ever wanted.

In His Grip.

Pastor Pat

Greatest Gift...

2011-12-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

What makes a gift "Great"? We all love to give a gift, that when opened, the person we are giving it to, gasps with surprise and happiness. And there is nothing worse than putting time into a gift to then get the "Really?" look shot out to you when it is opened...not good. And if you have to explain it - even worse.

So what makes a gift good? Cost? Unusualness? I just read the Top 11 Gifts for 2011, where "money is no object" - HOLY CASHOLA!! Gifts so expensive and unrealistic it is unimaginable why they were even made in the first place. I know, it is because there is a market for it.

I am gonna go against the grain here and shake it up, like this is unusual. Who do we buy gifts for? We buy gifts for people who buy gifts for us. Let's be honest - for the most part we buy gifts because we are obligated to. Just being honest, but most gift giving is done out obligation.

Wanna know what the greatest gift is? There is a "perfect" gift. This gift comes without obligation, and we do not deserve it. Guess what? I don't think we can give a gift like this. Sorry, but a "perfect" gift could only come from a "perfect" giver - God.

Maybe this year we need to spend a little less time trying to find the right gift, and accept the gift that God has already given...just sayin'

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

SAVE ME!!!

2011-12-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

What can or will save you from where you are in life? Forget how you got here, but ask yourself if you are looking for something or someone to save you...well are you? Has life gotten so busy and/or out of control, you feel like you need saving? Do you stop to consider if or how any of what you are dealing with could possibly be part of God's plan for your life? Or do you feel that a big God doesn't have the time for your little issues? Things aren't so different now than they were 2,000 years ago.

Almost 2,000 years ago in the small nondescript town of Bethlehem, a child was born in the only place the parents could find for shelter: a manger where animals were kept. The world kept its pace and appointments and Jesus was born (aka Immanuel, which means "God with us"). This would seem to be a BIG deal...but in all the world we know only some shepherds and wise men came to visit and recognized God's gift to mankind.

The world at the time was too busy (no time), and the religious leaders too righteous (not their way), to recognize this event. And where are we today? Are we different? We seem more caught up in the political correctness of the name and who might be offended when we say Christmas to stop and consider the events that gave it its name in the first place. We are also so preoccupied about what we have to give and what we will get, that we are missing the gift God already gave us!

So if you are looking for a something or someone to save you - A new job? A promotion? A relationship? A new marriage? Or whatever. Maybe you are looking in all of the wrong places...try looking up and don't miss the saving miracle of Christmas.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 NIV.

People and things will only change the circumstances of your lifestyle. God gave us Jesus to change your life...forever. So accept His gift this year, whether for the first time or maybe you need to remember what it was like when you first opened it...either way works...and let Him be what saves you...just saying'

In Him,

Pastor Pat

What Path Are You On?

2011-12-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

Choices have consequences; everyone would probably agree this is true. The problem only happens when we start to qualify the types and severity of the consequences, because then the subjective “fairness” has to come into play. Everyone has his or her own version of fair. So what then does the determining factor need to be? Truth: not my truth or your truth, but the truth.

The debate whether or not a loving God would create a place of eternal punishment for a mere bad choice would seem like a convincing argument to have. Have it as you wish, but I am not going to go there right now. Let’s back it up just a bit.

Whatever you believe, let’s say that you believe it sincerely…with all your heart. You would even say that you are committed to your beliefs, and I would agree. I do not want to overly simplify, but humor me here for just a minute.

Let’s say that you believed with all your heart you could fly. Practically speaking, you made a large set of wings out of something and proceeded to the highest building, bridge, or cliff you could find. After throwing yourself off into the air you realize that gravity was true, more so than your beliefs (I am speaking beliefs here, and do not want to engage in scientific explanations for personal flight).

Gravity is true. You can’t choose to agree or disagree with that truth. In the same way, truth is not subjective to our convictions. Even though one sincerely believed that they could fly, they would actually just be sincerely wrong.

The Bible is true. The debates about which parts and who were the authors and the influence of men will continue, but the fact is this: nothing in the Bible has been proven inaccurate or false. Countless “un-proven” stories in the Bible have been proven true and historically accurate through archeological discoveries. This continues to be the case and shows no signs of stopping.

So why the fuss? Honestly, I do not know outside of pride. Think about this: If what the Bible says is truth, then following it or not has consequences, and if it turns out to be wrong…well then the consequences will be a life lived selflessly and for others, and that can’t be all bad, right? But if it is truth, then those who sincerely believe that it is not will simply be sincerely wrong, and the Bible says that will have consequences too…well let’s just say that it says there will be hell to pay.

…just saying’

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Need Directions?

2011-11-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Do you find it difficult or easy to ask for directions? Are you dependent on a GPS system for your route planning? What do you do to prepare when you are going somewhere you have never been before? What about when you are going to do something you have never done before? Or maybe assembling a new toy for the kids…do you use the directions?

So whatever your method of preparing, we would all agree that some is needed to avoid getting lost, doing it incorrectly, or miss-assembling something, right? OK, glad we can agree on that. But would you go a step further and agree that the problem is not so much in preparing but more in the application of these directions? We seem to think “using” directions is optional. We get an idea of where we need to be or what to do, and have some kind of research done and get just going, knowing we can just figure it out as we go.

Ever been lost because of this? Ever done something incorrectly…ever had to re-assemble something? Ever had a fight over directions? My name is Pat, and yes I have.

Why are we like this? I believe it is because the direction we are going is completely dependent on us. We either believe we are headed in a direction where we are confident we know where we are going or we are confident in the directions we have been given. The problem is most of the time we are either overconfident or over trusting.

No one has ever followed directions to the letter and gotten lost, done something incorrectly, or put together something wrong. I did not say well, that is subjective, right and wrong is not. Right and wrong are based on truth. Truth is just that – true, and is always right.

So when it comes to directions, what matters more than anything else is the source. Clear directions from a notable and trustworthy source are the key.

A mapped out (with current data) route will get you where you want to go, right? Following directions about how to ride a bike will get you riding(sooner or later), right? Reading instructions and following the step-by-step directions will enable correct assembly, right? Then why all the debate? Why do we make it so difficult? It is our nature…we want to trust ourselves and we want to be right.

What about your spiritual life? What are you using for directions? What or who are you trusting with your eternal destination? There is only one truth when it comes to God’s direction for your life, and that is His Word. So, where are you going and how do you plan to get there matters…what you choose to use, and who or what you trust to direct you will ultimately determine where you get to, right? So choose wisely, it will make an eternal difference…and eternity is forever.

So what Path are you on?

IN HIS GRIP,

Pastor Pat

On Assignment?

2011-11-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

So have you ever walked into a class of any kind and as you sit down and get ready for class, the teacher asks everyone to take out and pass in their previously assigned report or project? At that moment you realize you did not do it, and your mind starts to race with possible excuses the teacher might believe…know the feeling? Total shock, followed by total panic, and then the procession of excuses…to which the teacher either looks at you with disgust or ignores you all together…AAAAAAAAAAHH!!! So you’ve been there…

Scariest place on earth at that moment, that’s all I can say. Your hopes for freedom from being grounded, extra rules, less chores for the weekend, evaporating before your eyes…you are busted. NOW WHAT? You scramble for ways to keep your parents from finding out…but you know they will at some point. If I had spent one tenth the time doing the project as I did trying to figure out how not to get busted for not doing it...anyway.

Just to confess, I did spend considerable time trying to “make-up” missing assignments and hence a low grade. What a waste, huh? I tell my kids this all the time…and guess what? They have missing assignments. Why is this? Why is this habit so hard to break? It is our nature, that’s why.

We all think we can do whatever we want to do, and have the time to make up for it, correct it, seek forgiveness, and then get it right. I know it is how I lived for most of my life. And as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year we have a tendency to celebrate how much we have…because for a lot of folks our blessings are equal to our belongings.

Belongings will always go back to where they belong…here. Unfortunately, one day we will be here no more, just a fact, and what you have will no longer matter. We are blessed because we have a God who loves us beyond measure and gave us a Savior so that having Him is all we need to get to where we finally have all we ever needed.

God has given us all an assignment, and with no definite “real” due-date…just finish in your lifetime. This kind of assignment just happens to be our favorite kind. This is the kind of assignment we feel we can put off, that we will just get to it one day, so we don’t really have to worry about it now. And herein lays the problem. If we have all the time in the world to accomplish it, why hurry? Why is there any urgency at all? Actually, because we may not have as much time as we think. Tomorrow is not a promise, and when you die the assignment is due:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

It is a healthy reminder to us all that as believers we all are on assignment – an assignment from God for His purposes and His Kingdom. This assignment comes from and includes the greatest gift ever – a Savior. Accept it and make this Thanksgiving about WHOM you are most thankful for… So what are you gonna turn in when your name is called? Will you have your assignment done, or will you be panicking to figure out the best excuse to use? Just get it done now, accept your assignment and do it…your Kingdom Assignment.

Just sayin…

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Show Off!

2011-11-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

We are approaching Thanksgiving at amazing speed, and it seems that this year is speeding past faster than most, I want to slow us down a bit to reflect on this annual holiday. Most of us know the historical story of the Pilgrims and the Indians and how this holiday came to be. But I really am struggling with a couple of things: First, if there were no holiday, would we ever stop our lives to be thankful? And secondly, what about the second half of the word - "Giving"...how does this fit into our celebrations?

So first, we all love the national holiday...time off work, right? It also gives us an excuse to get together and even to do some things we like without having to apologize (overeat and watch football). It is a great time! Nothing wrong with this. Some families even have a tradition of going around the room and having everyone share something they are most thankful for over the past year. But what would happen if the nation decided it was no longer economically responsible to keep celebrating it and abolished the holiday? Would we protest because we demand a national holiday to recognize our thankfulness, or would we be up in arms because we lost a paid holiday from work? Think about it, and what I will say on this is, Thanksgiving needs to be more than a celebration about a day off work, that's all.

Next, what about the "Giving" part? When you think about it, giving is active, while the act of thanking can be passive - "I am thankful my team won the World Series, etc...". How do we take thanks to the next level? I believe we need to make it active and apply the giving part. Go out of your way with your thankfulness: make it a point to "show" those you are most thankful for how you feel, beyond just telling them. Offer to do things you would not normally do - around the house, for your spouse and kids, or around the office for your bosses or employees, and see what happens. Take this perspective:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

With this Scripture in mind, here is an idea - Take whatever your "Part" in whatever you do - husband, wife, mom, dad, sister, brother, friend, employee or employer and switch it up...do MORE than is expected. Then when you are asked why, simply respond with how you wanted to show them how thankful you are for that you get to do your "part" everyday. This practical, physical act of giving thanks might have a twofold effect. First, it might shock those around you and help them to realize how truly thankful they are, but more importantly it might help change you a little on the inside into becoming an active over passive "thanker"!

So this year, continue the tradition or start a new one where each person you are with shares what he or she is most thankful for...and as for you - be the thankfulness show-off!

Might change everything, just saying...

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Gratitude?

2011-11-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

How grateful are you?

What determines one's ability to be grateful? Is it the size of the gift or offering of kindness that creates a demand in us to respond in a kind or grateful manner? Is gratitude something we only use in response to something that happens to us? Like kind words, a thoughtful act, or a gift? What is it that determines the level of our gratitude?

I believe it's two things. First, it's our perspective. How you look at things. Do you look at things in this world by how they relate to you and your life primarily? I mean simply, are you your number one priority? Ouch...this is a daunting question, because if you aren't your number one priority, then who would make you theirs?

Next, I believe it's our attitude. Seriously, attitude is the determining factor to a whole lot more than we think. As a matter of fact, attitude pretty much has an effect on everything. A positive or negative attitude determines a person's demeanor, actions, reactions, and all-around temperament, agree?

So what to do? We need an Extreme Makeover: Perspective and Attitude edition. Just like most of the houses on the reality TV show of a similar name, you just can't fix them; they need to be torn down and a whole new one built. There is only One who can accomplish this task, and it is not Ty Pennington, it is Jesus.

'You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

There is no other way to make the change. We can't fix what has been broken for so long, we just need to be made new. The great thing about this...unlike Extreme Makeover which happens once, we can and should be made new in Christ over and over. Living each moment with that newness, and not being hindered or defined by a mistake or problem. Recognizing the direction you are headed and who you are following.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

To Be or Not To Be or Feelings?

2011-11-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Now that is a question! What's the difference? Well when it comes to being thankful I think it is as different as night and day.

Feeling thankful is based on emotion and can change depending on numerous factors including internal or external influences. Simply put, feeling thankful is based on how you feel at the moment.

Being thankful is an action, not a reaction to an emotional state. If you are thankful, you will act to express it either by word or deed. If you simply want to feel it, the goal is met when you feel it, and no further action is required.

Breaking it down a little further you could say that feeling thankful is about you and being thankful is not. Sad thing is feeling thankful to some is like feeling happy and some believe they are entitled to it. Which if you consider that for a moment would then mean that if you think you are entitled to feeling thankful, then you believe people need to do things for you so you are...kind of tough when its put that way, huh?

The key to becoming thankful is all about the object of the thanks. Think about it...wanting or trying to create the "feeling" of thankfulness is all about the person wanting to or trying to feel thankful, right? Makes sense. But if we are to "be" thankful, we are focused on something outside ourselves. The point is not to create a feeling, but to respond to something or someone.

Look at this verse:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1 NIV)

If we can focus our thanks on God, for how He loves us, we can escape the cycle of emotional ups and downs that come with trying to feel thankful. This might sound simple or even stupid to you, and I apologize if it does...ok I don't...I am not sorry. OK, I am sorry about that...yikes, that's enough of that.

Anyway..."being" thankful is accomplished when we stop thinking that thankful is a by-product of something that has to happen to or for us and we accept what God has already done. There is no way we can express human gratitude for the supernatural gifts God has given us, that a simple choice can be the difference-maker between heaven and hell.

That makes me thankful. As a matter of fact, it makes anything anyone might ever do for me or even to me pale in comparison. That being said, I can be in a state of thankfulness all the time, even when it would seem to the world I have nothing to be thankful for...so thanks Jesus!

Again...thank you Jesus...and let this year be a season of being over feeling.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

The Time Is Now...

2011-10-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

End times...eschatology is the church word for it. We seem to love to try and figure it out. Like it is the great end-of-the-world mystery and it is just waiting for us to solve it. Many have made predictions about it, and many have been wrong.

Jesus specifically tells us in Scripture that no one will know. So why so much time spent in the debate? I think it is because we are naturally curious (doubtful is a better word), and overtly prideful (we deserve an answer). That’s nice, but I don't seem to be able to find the part about deserving an answer anywhere in Scripture...weird? Or maybe it's the way it’s supposed to be?

Fact: the world will end. Fact: no one knows when. Problem: what are we supposed to do instead of trying to figure it all out? That is what is really at issue - what are we supposed to do? I am gonna go out on a limb here, but I think we are supposed to do what the rest of the Bible tells us to...just a hunch.

Maybe we need to spend more time trying to live our lives "FOR" our Creator instead of trying to figure out what He is going to do next. Seriously, if we would spend a lot less time worrying about what is next, we could spend more time experiencing what is now…the present.

So what is next? It is clear in Scripture that at the end there will be judgment. Something we all want to put off, and when it does happen we are hopefully thinking we might have an opportunity to explain. Unfortunately, explanations will not be necessary or even an option. At that moment there will be two things left - wrath or reward. Everything will be based on our lives and choices we have made. So how does one avoid this wrath? Assuming you want to.

What can satisfy God's wrath? What price must be paid? Problem is there is nothing we can do...we have made choices that have consequences. But, there is a choice we can make that changes everything...that will "save" us from His wrath...Jesus.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12 NIV)

So when the end comes doesn't really matter...WHO you choose does. You can choose yourself or Jesus. Your way, or God's way. God's wrath will not discriminate, and it will either fall on you or Jesus. Cool thing - you can choose now.

Who ya gonna call (on)?

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

What Am I Missing?

2011-10-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

We run through our days, going from one moment or event to the next as quickly as we can. This hurry is excused as a “lifestyle”. Most of us believe the lie that the more we do the better we will be. Yes, this is a lie. More is not always better, most of the time more is just more.

Although, there is a sense of accomplishment that comes with doing so much, but what is the cost? Stress levels are at an all time high, medical issues, and some all-important traditions are being dismissed due to scheduling conflicts – like family dinners, and divine appointments.

Gotta be honest here, not trying to do more is something I have to consciously be aware of. This morning I was contemplating putting off getting an over-due oil change, again, but I decided that with my gear and the ability to write on my iPad I could work while I waited. So I went.

Little did I know that God had put a woman and her daughter in the waiting room of this dealership that I needed to meet. I did not see this as I walked up…because I had plans to write – this blog post to be exact. The interruption that came next was nothing more than heaven sent. We had a brief discussion about the TV show that was on (Elmo’s something or other) and I asked how many kids she had. Three she said: Grace (who was there with her) and two sons – Jacob and Christian. OK…REALLY? I closed my back pack, sat back, and asked where they went to church.

The conversation that followed was both inspiring and humbling as she shared how God has and was working in their family’s life, and the miracles they have been recipients of. WOW…and I almost missed it! She told me that her and her husband have been praying for an answer to a conviction they felt God had put on their heart, and that she believed our conversation just might be the answer they were looking for. She also told me she too had tried getting out of going to the dealership this morning as well.

God is NOT a God of confusion, and the faster we move through this life the more confusing it becomes…

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)

This being the case, then how and what do we need to do? Funny…He tells us that too:

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10 (NIV)

Do you want to be in a position to seek out divine appointments and not end each day wondering if you missed any? Then SLOW DOWN. The question you should be asking is not: “What am I missing?”, but “OK God, what divine appointment is next?”

Think of the change in your perspective if you could start to look at everything and everyone in front of you as a divine appointment and not a speed bump or roadblock to your plans for the day…think about it.

Maybe you are where you are supposed to be for God and not just for you…just saying’…

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

COMMITTED!?

2011-10-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

So what does this mean? It’s just a word: three vowels and six consonants to be exact. It is a word that we use when we want to express to someone that we are really, really, “involved” with something or someone. For example: “I am in a committed relationship.” This statement carries the inference that person is only interested in the one they are currently dating. Or one might say: “I am committed to see this project through to the end.” This statement carries the inference that whatever the project at hand. will be kept as the number one priority until it is finished.

I have heard this about the word: Who is more committed to a breakfast of eggs and bacon, the chicken or the pig? Well? Seems like the chicken gave what she had, and the pig gave all that he had. That sums up committed.

When I do a wedding, and I have done a bunch, I always tell the bride and groom this: “Love will not sustain your commitment, but commitment can and will sustain your love.” The inference here is that a time will come when your “loving” feelings might not be as strong as they are today (really?), and if that is what is holding you together you just might be in trouble.

Sometimes we want use the word committed with exceptions: “I’m committed unless… or I’m committed until… or I’m committed if…” These exceptions can be spoken or non-spoken, but they are made to ensure something – maybe a way to break the commitment if needed. We are making the word subject to our personal definition as to how we really mean it in the current situation.

Let’s look at the definition of the word: to entrust, especially for safekeeping. Seems that if we put conditions on the commitment then we are no longer “committed”, it simply becomes a statement. If there is a “catch” then we are not really giving something away in trust are we? That’s fine not to, but then don’t commit, right?

How about in reference to one’s faith? “I have committed my life to Christ.” What is this all about? This sounds serious, like we are supposed to make Christ our number one priority. But what about my life? What about everything I have and my work and my family, and my friends, and my wife, and my…?

Well what about it? Do you know why we commit our lives to Christ? Because He committed His life for us, and gave everything He had…His life, for us, so that we may truly live. There is no wiggle room here, no exceptions, no what about? Jesus was committed.

We need to fix our commitment priorities. First, with our commitment to Christ: I believe that if we get this commitment right, all of our others will follow suit. We need to be a church committed. Committed to Jesus as He was committed to us, and using Him as our guide and model.

Look at this passage, and read it through several times:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

If this is how we work at everything, then it is Christ who you are committing to first when you commit to anything. It changes how we honor the commitment in our marriages and relationships. Heck, it should change how we honor all our commitments to anything or anyone for that matter.

So, you committed or what?

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Church Time

2011-10-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

So where are your priorities? We would all say that they change when our seasons change. We are born, we go to school, we get a job, then we get a career, get married, have kids, have grand-kids, retire, and then die. REALLY??!!

Is this ALL there is? People tell me all the time that God is their priority, heck I have said it a million times myself. But is He? Well? A priority is only a priority when we act on it. If we say being with our family is a priority then anything we do instead of becomes a higher priority, right?

I know…”But I have to work to survive!” Yes, we do. But we do not have to work to provide a certain “standard” of living. We set our own bar on this one. Like the old adage says: I owe, I owe, so it’s off to work I go…” The more we owe, the more we go…off to work that is. Our obligations become our priorities, and what were our priorities start to become just more obligations…crazy talk, I know, but true.

So how do we change this? Want a right life? Get your priorities right. Stop making excuses…like: I’m BUSY…there I said it. It is the common answer to explain why we do not do what we say is important to us: “I would have been, gone, done if I wasn’t so busy!” “I wish I weren’t so BUSY, then I could do what really matters…”

BUSY is not a reason…it is an excuse. If God doesn’t exist then really nothing matters. But, if God does exist, then nothing else matters. As professed believers we need to begin with the basics – Is God real? Am I willing? Will I act on it?

Making God “the” priority in life is not just left to the “pros”, like only those in full time ministry are responsible to God all of the time. Again – REALLY??!! It is everyone’s job…otherwise the Gospel – the Good News of Jesus Christ would never “go” anywhere. Churches would be circus tents with barkers outside shouting at people to come in and see what they have to offer…oh wait that sounds uncomfortably familiar.

Our “church time” is not the time we relegate to give to some institution on occasion to put us in better position with God. According to the Scripture, we ARE the church. Each a necessary part that makes up Christ’s Body here on earth. We are the chosen vehicle by which God wants to reach a broken world. The Gospel is not just for us to come and get…it is for us to take and go.

If we are the church, then all of our time is “church time”. When our day comes to meet our Creator, I am betting (and I am not a betting sort of guy, at all) that how much “church” we did will have less to do with how much “church” we lived.

God does not need to be our first priority, God needs to be first in all our priorities… Get this? It changes everything when you do…

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Bait and Switch

2011-09-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

Seems to me that every now and then we hear this grumbling in the church: “I came, I listened, I gave my life to Christ, now why hasn’t my life improved?” They have heard testimonies and faith stories of how God showed up and rescued people from impossible situations, nothing short of miraculous. Now these folks are left wondering: “But where is the miracle in my life…?”

These folks have come to churches looking for their miracle, their promises…and when they don’t happen they are rightfully perplexed. They came to church, they gave an offering, and they even served in a ministry…but still no miracle in their lives. So what’s the deal? Who can we blame for this? God is an easy target.

This has led some churches to teach a Gospel that feeds this false hope, and implies the idea that the “better” a Christian you are, the “better” God will bless you in this world. That is just false. God can and will bless us, but He is the one who defines it, not us. When we look for the miracle we want, we turn God into our own personal genie. That is not the God of the Bible, nor the God of history. We were made in God’s image to glorify Him. We are to make Him the object of our praise, and not the other way around.

God did not promise an easy life if we do what He says. God did promise a way out of this life through Jesus. Just as Jesus did not promise those who chose to follow Him an “easy” journeyand as a matter of fact, Jesus used some pretty harsh language describing the consequences of such a choice.

I do not want to go on about false teachings or false hopes. I want to go on about Jesus. He promises life-everlasting. Jesus promises abundant life…a life without the need for worry or anxiety, a life of hope and of promise. Not a promise of a comfortable lifestyle or worry-free living from the consequences of this world. If that were the case Paul should have had a palace and a retirement package for all of the Gospel spreading he did. Read his letters that he wrote…several were written while he was in prison to offer encouragement to a persecuted church.

Look at this verse from his letter to the Romans:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

The key to this passage is that Paul says “in all things God works for good” not “that all things are good”. Paul is saying that God can use anything or anyone to fulfill His purposes if we love Him and let Him.

When it comes to sharing the Gospel - the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, some people are willing to get people to church or to listen to them by any means possible. I love the intentions, but I am not so sure the end justifies the means. After all it implies that Jesus alone is not enough. That somehow the more we have to offer, the better chance of winning more people to the church…as if God needs our help. We are tempted to offer more and more, and then the possibility of a “Bait-N-Switch” becomes the reality.

There is only one way to heaven: Jesus, but there are many ways to get to Jesus. We need to stop worrying about how to “get” people to church with our new and exciting experiential services, or our new marketing campaign, and focus on helping people experience Jesus. We need less chatter and more of His Word, period. No baiting, no empty promises, just the Truth of His Word. Maybe we should take up the tag-line “Church – just because He said so”, instead of anything else.

There is a lot of “Bait-N-Switch” going on these days, and the greatest one is being done by the enemy – He wants us to believe we can save ourselves, grab as much as we can while we can, and then you will be happy. But then the “switch” happens…we are not so happy, and we just want more…

There is a hole inside of us all, and we want to desperately fill it. Unfortunately, it is not a hole that can be filled with feelings or stuff, and I can say this with some confidence because I have tried. It is a hole that is in the shape of a cross…and only the cross of Christ fits. Then He is in us, and we can live in Him. No promise of easy, but then again when has easy been the way to go to get what really matters most?

Maybe we should stop looking for easy and start looking for Jesus…just saying.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

What's Weighing You Down?

2011-09-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

What's weighing you down? Are there current things or things in your past that are keeping you from moving forward? We all have a past; I wasn't always a pastor ya know. But our problems and/or our past do not determine our future.

First, the past is the past, and there is nothing we can do to change it now. The past does not define or limit who we can be, only who we were. We allow it to define us only when we refuse to let go of it. Letting go of our past is nothing more than that. It is not a surrender to it or any acknowledgement that it is anything more than it was...our past.

Next, are there problems you are currently dealing with that have stopped your forward progress? These can be anything from the loss of a job to an illness in the family. Whatever it is, the mere presence of it has apparently stopped you in your tracks. You feel like if you can just get through it then...then you can what? Then it will all be OK? Wishful thinking, right? Because as soon as you get through one thing there is going to be a next one right around the corner.

This is not the way it is supposed to be. OK, you might be thinking "Great, now tell me to stop worrying...". Hold on a minute, that's not my plan. My plan is to talk about what we can do in "spite" of these situations or conditions...and it all comes down to perspective. Ask yourself this: "When things go wrong do I find myself often times wondering why is this happening to me(us)?". If you do, you are not alone; this is a common response.

If we view life as how it is supposed to be according to what works best for ourselves, then everything that happens is filtered through that "to me" filter. If we step back and consider God's plan, then we can respond to life as direction from a master craftsman. We start to see things as happening "for" us not just "to" us anymore. A hammer can't complain that it is not being used right, just like it can't take credit for the work it helps accomplish. So how do we change our perspective?

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 NIV)

The real answer is that we don't, He can. When we shift our vision from us to Him then we see things as He sees them. We then can start to be content where we are. After all, unless God is wrong, we are already where we are supposed to be. And what we are in control of is our next choice, not dependent on situations or circumstances, but dependent on Him. It is not where we are that matters, but where we are going...it is the first part of what Jesus taught us how we should pray:

"This, then, is how you should pray:

"'Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9,10)

Do you know where you are going? When you do, then everything that happens is for you, as part of God's plan to show people what a relationship with Jesus looks like, and then they might ask you why...and you can tell them.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

So How Much Ya Got?

2011-09-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well…we ask this about everything, don’t we? I mean it seems like this question gets asked an awful lot. Maybe it stems from the false belief that more is better…or maybe it is from curiosity that if someone has a bunch of something, then by asking how much he or she has we might infer “surplus”, wherein this person might be inclined to share some of the excess with someone who has none (wink)? Just saying…

So then what do we have or could have where how much of it, if any ,we have really matters?

This morning a friend sent me a text with this quote:

“To the one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To the one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Thomas Aquinas

This got me thinking…how much faith is enough? Or ample? Or sufficient? Is faith measurable?

The Bible says that “small” faith is powerful:

“…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

Faith seems to come in quantity then, right? I have heard statements like these:

“Wow, you must have a lot of faith to have done that.”

Or “That takes more faith than I have…”

OK, then are there levels of faith, like beginner, intermediate or advanced. I don’t believe so. I believe faith is just like a muscle - the more you work it out the stronger it becomes, or if you neglect it totally it might become so weak that it is useless. Quantity doesn’t seem as important as just having some…and if you have some you need to use it, otherwise how do you really know you have it, right? It is also not your only muscle...but it is an important one. Faith is a muscle for your Spirituality; kind of like the heart is a muscle for your body...you can't have spirituality without faith or a body without a heart. So how does one use or exercise one's faith? Glad you asked.

Using it then means acting on faith. The book of Hebrews offers a definition of faith in Chapter 11 verse 1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Are you certain of what you do not see? For the most part I would say, “I don’t feel certain…” But I am certain God can see it, so I accept He knows what He is doing and what is next whether or not I “feel” certain...and that gives me certain peace.

SO how much faith is enough? My answer is: “Any…”. Then I would say, “Now use it and see what happens”.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Are We There Yet?

2011-09-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Having just gotten back from a little time away that required just around 12 hours of driving, I was pondering something…and to my surprise the phrase “Are we there yet?” was actually not really used at all. I have been driving my four children around for over 15 years, and I have heard this phrase used on 20 minute trips to a friend’s house. But this trip was different, and yes, the kids did come.

When did the question stop? GPS…GPS stopped the question in its tracks. How you ask? Because the GPS says “when” we will be getting there down to the minute, As soon as we got it, as valuable as the calculated route was to my bride and I (HUGE value), my kids for the first time had their most desired information at the tip of their fingers so to speak – GPS answered the question “Are we there yet?”! …now this got me thinking.

How we get somewhere is important to some, while to others it is more about the how-long. Is this what matters most? Are “how” or “how-long” the keys to enjoying a journey? I think not…no, wait I KNOW they aren’t! The key is the destination, right? Both how and how-long are going to the same place! As believers we know the story and how it ends, and that we will ultimately be in heaven some day. But we still stress so much during the journey…(we need GPS for life…).

Because, that is our nature. We find some kind of purpose in being anxious about what is next, like that is what matters most. The key is not to be so driven that what is next is all that matters…when that happens we end up missing the gift of “now”. There is a reason it is called the “present” ya know…just saying. SO where is the GPS for life to answer the question “Are we there yet?”. It is in His Word (Greek=logos), and that is a name for Jesus.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:12-13 (NIV)

What is NEXT matters most when we are trying to get something or somewhere… But NOW matters most when Jesus is with you. Sound simple? That is because it is. We can find peace where we are when we are with Jesus. So instead of trying to get somewhere or feel better, just take Jesus with you. Enjoy the gift of now…after all it is exactly where you are supposed to be.

Bring Jesus wherever you are, and then you can enjoy the spot that you are in…

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

What Are You A Slave To?

2011-08-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

OH, so you’re thinking “This one’s not about me” are you? Guess what…we are ALL slaves to something. Still doubt? What factors in when you make a decision? Do you ever answer?

I can’t go; there is no cell or internet service there…SLAVE to technology?
I can’t afford to change jobs, I won’t make enough…SLAVE to debt?
I won’t, I can’t, I will not…whatever = SLAVE to self…number one…numero uno…ME!

Just saying…we are ALL slaves to something. We are slaves to what we choose to obey. It may even be an addiction, or a situation. It doesn’t really matter, we are enslaved. So the only question then is what are you going to choose to obey?

This dilemma…this crisis…this problem has a solution. Paul knew all about this, and he spoke directly to it to the church in Rome:

“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? “

As a slave to sin – operating just for “self” – righteous does not factor in. How something felt or what we could get out of the situation does. And so Paul simply asks the obvious hundred-dollar question: “So how is this working out for you?”

Before they have time to answer, Paul jumps back with one…

”Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23 (NIV)

So if we are going to be a slave to something or someone, and we can choose who we will be a slave to, wouldn’t it be better to be a slave to someone who has our best interest as His priority? In other words, we have a choice to be a slave to one who would benefit us. Not kidding here…

So who or what are you gonna choose?

Serving our Savior,

Pastor Pat

2011-08-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Cash or Credit when it comes to faith…

What does it mean to “live out” your faith? Is it T-shirts, bumper stickers, or the ever-popular verse tattoo if you are really serious…well?

My default definition of what I think it means to live out one’s faith is this: I hope I never have to prove that I have it…Please, just take my word for it God, you know my heart…PLEASE! Am I alone with this? Hello…can you hear me? Anyone out there?

OK, so you agree…but then something happens, as things always seem to, and our faith is put to the test. Don’t get me wrong – I DO NOT want my faith tested. I do not pray for more faith, and I hope that and pray that if God was to ask I would “want to” answer whatever the question may be this way: “Yes, Lord…”.

But what if God asked a really tough question? What if the question pertained to all your stuff? Or your career? Or your family? Or one of your children…..SCREEEEEECHH…STOP right there…where am I going with this?

Honestly, I pray that I “Never” have to prove it. Is this wrong? I don’t think so, but I do know that in order for people to know you have faith they need to “see” it in action. I may believe a lot I don’t see, but I believe all that I do…That said, read this:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 (NIV)

Otherwise how does anyone know you have it? I mean it would be nice to carry around my “Faith” card in my wallet like a Super Platinum Amex knowing I could use it anytime or anywhere I wanted to without question. Even so, no one would know I have it unless I used it once in a while. Oh yea, there is that.

Problem with this is that if I hold onto it, I run the risk that when I do need it, what if it is not accepted, or I forget where I left it…or heaven forbid didn’t realize I had lost it somewhere along the way…well?

So what to do about it? We learn the Word and gain confidence with what it says about everything, then act accordingly. Then our actions become “faith-based”. Sounds easy enough, right? Not so fast, but know this: sometimes there is faith in standing up to or for something, other times there is faith in the waiting…pray to recognize the difference.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat

Time For Change?

2011-08-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

When things are great we want to freeze time…when things are bad we want things to change as quickly as possible, right?

Seems that those great times never last as long as we want…but think about it: Could you really float down a river in a tube all the time? Or stand at the altar watching your bride walk towards you or as a bride walking towards your husband on your wedding day all the time? We would soon start to ask the question: “Is this as good as it gets?” or “So what is next…?” or “Now what…?” Right?

And in an opposite way, bad times seem to hang around like an unwelcome relative at a family party who just won’t leave. We want them to end, and we talk about the light at the end of the tunnel, but it sometimes feels like someone keeps moving the light…and we feel like it just will never end.

Getting what I am saying here? If left to our own feelings we just are never “exactly” where we want to be and are always looking for some new flavor or other kind of change. We want to go from bad to good, and then from good to better. WTH!!

Fact: Everything changes. There are actual scientific words and equations to explain this, but let’s not go there. Everything is in a state of decay (dispersing its stored energy). Simply put: change happens whether we want it to or not.

That being said, if we expected, anticipated, and accepted change, we could move along with much less stress, right? We need change, we want change, and we need to get along side of it…or we will be changed without input…"Light Bulb!?"

Get this – we will either embrace change, move with it, or we will be forced into change and be moved by it, period. Doubters out there you say? One word – AGE. That’s correct…try to fight that change. Death is coming - the mortality rate for a human being is 100% - 1 out of every 1 person will die. We are burying very well preserved people, but all the anti-aging cosmetic work in the world can’t prevent death.

So what are we supposed to do? Just hang on till we die? I think not:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)

Abundant life sound appealing to anyone? Change…it is all about who you are living for. A life lived for Jesus allows change to be part of the process, part of the journey, and not some road block to some destination known as the land we want to get to, known as “Better”.

So…time for a change or what?

Share Much?

2011-08-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Are you a good sharer? Do you think you are you generous? Is there a test for this? When put to the test our tendency is to fall back on our human nature. Example: put a toy in between a couple of two-year-olds and see human nature in their responses, right?

What’s mine is mine…and what I want is mine too.

If you are like me, I find myself wanting to share from my excess. I am willing to give or share some of my stuff as long as I have enough for myself. And what happens if I get more? Do I give or share more? Nope…I would just raise our standard of living. That’s fair isn’t it? I mean if I do not look after myself then who will?

As a believer or better, as a follower of Christ, we have the very words of God on how He will meet our needs – both spiritual as well as physical. Do you believe this? Do you believe that God can or will provide enough for you?

I pray for God’s provision, and so should you. But I have to admit that often times I find myself telling God how and what I need Him to provide for me. My prayers start sounding more like a shopping list than a conversation with my Creator. Like if I don’t tell God what I need then He won’t know. Like the God of the universe and author of life is so busy, I need to make sure He knows I am here and knows what I need…c’mon, really?

Want to try something crazy? Well do ya? Stop praying that God will provide for you…and start praying that what He has provided, you can and will, recognize as enough. Think about this…consider you already have enough.

Now listen to these words from the Book of Proverbs:

"Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV)

The author asked for TWO things from God:

First, to have lies kept away, and second to give him neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. He is asking for truth and just enough to live on. That is CRAZY! It sounds like he is asking to live paycheck to paycheck…no savings or 401K…because he says otherwise he might forget about God.

So hold on…this guy is an Old Testament Jew who would have been supporting himself and his family, the church (tithing), and giving to those he knew were in need, and he prayed that prayer? I KNOW IT’S CRAZY!! Who would do this…and why?

I believe the author is suggesting that if he were to recognize he had enough, he could live rejoicing each moment for what it is, and not be in a constant state of worry about what is to come…

So I dare you to try it…read Proverbs 30:7-9 and make that your prayer…

Just saying…

Serving our Savior,

Pastor Pat

Timing is Everything

2011-08-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Timing Is Everything!

How true this is, and I find myself always questioning the timing of things:

I need the food I ordered now…

My car repair should be done by now…

Why hasn’t he/she called me back?...

How long is this going to take to read?...

Why does this have to happen now?...

Why can’t you kids listen to me the first time I ask something?...

Why so much practice, I am ready to (play/do whatever) now?...

You wanna talk? How long is this gonna take?

Waiting bother you too, huh? I am glad to know I am not alone here. Why is it so hard to wait? We live at a time in history where we have access to almost any information at the click of a button. We have come to expect that if we want something, then we should be able to get it now…why not? A more honest question would be “Why?” Why do you need it right this minute?

Unless we are talking medical emergency what is going to happen if we had to wait more? Remember the Library? It is the place we used to go to when we wanted to get more information about a subject or topic before there was the internet. And when you had to invest time and energy in getting this information it seemed more valuable. Now we are but a click away from almost any information we want.

Do we REALLY need it this fast? I think that we have elevated our wants to the level of needs, and our time is so important we demand immediate attention when a “need” arises. This false urgency has bread a climate of entitlement. I heard a story of a business executive who while at his annual physical had to wait a slightly extended period of time in the Dr.’s waiting room. The executive was so put off by this that he sent the Dr. a bill for his time in the waiting room…REALLY!?

What would happen if we waited more? Maybe we could spend more time seeking conversation instead of seeking how to get it or get there faster. More time serving and less time waiting to be served? God is the author of life, and as one of His qualities is that He is perfect – so then by default so is His timing!

Maybe if we allowed a little more of His timing in our schedules we could and would be able to slow down…sound nice? Slowing down? It is an option these days, believe it or not.

With all of technology screaming faster…why not try to “OPT-IN” to God’s timing…it is only perfect…

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:14 (NIV)

He is there for us…waiting for us to recognize His hand is there for us to grab onto...to slow down and walk with...to experience ALL He has planned for us if we are willing to wait...

So what are you waiting for...

Recipe For Lasting Love

2011-07-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my bride and I celebrate our 15^th wedding anniversary…AMEN! I have said it before and I will say it again: My wife is my hero! It was not always so…and as I was sitting back reflecting on who we were, where we have been, and where we are now, I started to think…

What does it take to have, or create, or maintain the kind of love that will sustain a marriage or a relationship? Is there a special recipe that some people know about that others don’t? I think there is.

The key is not the amount of, or type of love that is used that keeps a relationship together. Nor is not how much you are willing to do for each other. These help, and are key…but not what keeps it together.

Anyone bake? Try mixing any amount or variety of “dry” ingredients together and what happens? You have a big bowl of stuff that won’t stick together…and is pretty much completely useless. There needs to be what chefs call a “binding agent”…something added to it that brings it all together…usually some liquid.

Love, affection, feelings, serving each other, making the other a priority – these are the dry ingredients. What makes it stick? One thing: Commitment. I have done more weddings than I can remember, and I say this each time: “Love will not sustain your commitment…BUT, commitment can and will sustain your love.”

I LOVE my bride. Besides how hot she is (any guys who noticed I kind of have a problem with that), and I love how she truly completes me. But that is not what has gotten us through those times when it seemed like we could not get along at all…

So what did? We are committed. Our model for commitment is not the world’s model, it’s Jesus. The binding ingredient that holds everything together in our life and in our marriage = Jesus Christ. Our commitment to each other is based first on Christ’s commitment to us – not what we have done or not done for each other lately. Jesus went all the way to the cross opening His arms and hanging on it until death so we could have a relationship with God…now that’s commitment.

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (NIV) This is how my bride and I love each other…just as He loved us- committed.

I love you Gina…thanks for saying yes when I asked you to be my bride.

Serving Our Savior,

Pastor Pat

Obedient or Obligated?

2011-07-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

An obligation is defined as a person or thing to which one is bound morally or legally. That just sounds crummy. Being obligated to do something sounds forced to me. Now it may be forced because of a choice we made – like a purchase, but it seems to have a negative connotation around it. To me the word “obligation” screams HAVE TO!

You can ask me for just about anything and I will try to do it or help you get it if possible, but “TELL” me to do something, and something weird happens. Even if I want to help or assist, I feel as though I am being obligated by someone else to do something, and I must decline – completely and maybe even loudly…that’s the truth…ok, I feel better.

What about obedience? To obey means to comply with or follow. That definition implies a choice. That is the difference – obeying is a choice, and obligation is a mandate (have-to). Children need to obey their parents; it is for their own good. Parents have a child’s best interest at heart, right?

It is no different with our Heavenly Father, and if you think God’s commands are there to keep you from having fun, and are obligations you have to follow, you are wrong. God’s command’s are for us, and as for me I have never followed one and wished I had done it some other way…not once. I more often chose not to follow them and then at some point ended up with a problem…anyone else there with me?

So what to do? Looking for His will? Go to His Word:

“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 1 John 5:3-4 (NLT)

Choose to obey and not feel obligated…and choose to try and obey them all, they are a package deal.

Serving Our Savior,
Pastor Pat

What Do You Depend On?

2011-07-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

What do you turn to when things go wrong? Do you depend on you most? Do you depend on things you have most? Things will not always go as we hope or plan for.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)

If you depend on you or your stuff, then how many resources do you really have? If you are anything like me you probably run out of resources really quickly. Then what?

We are experiencing a time in history when our entire financial system seems to be in some sort of trouble. Retirement plans have vanished, property values have dropped, and unemployment is at an all time high. So what do you do?

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20 NIV)

We will fail...and our stuff will go away. God is eternal, perfect, and has a plan for us to follow. He even provides the instructions in case we get hung up or distracted along the way. It is a pretty good read too...get into the Word, and let it get into you.

Depend on Him...

Serving our Savior,
Pastor Pat

It's None of your Business...

2011-07-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

What concerns you? I am asking you to consider what around you gives you concern? Outside of the obvious health, family, employment, and income, what bothers you enough to get concerned about it, what?

Consider these statements:

I don't know why they don't talk to anyone...
I don't like the way they talk to me...
I wish they were not so loud...
I can't believe they bought a new car...
I wish they would park their cars in their garage...
I wish they would keep their landscape nicer...
It would be nice if I could afford to remodel every year...

Ever said or thought things like this? We all have at some point looked out into out visible world and wished that something or someone were different. That is a natural thing to do, but it is not a Christian thing. What?? Throwing out the Christian card? Yep!

What would happen if you considered your neighbor first? What struggles they might have:
Maybe they don't talk because they don't feel welcome...
Maybe they talk harsh because they just received horrible family news...
Maybe they are loud unknowingly because no one let them know...
Maybe that is the first new car they ever bought and have been saving for years...
Maybe their garage is full of stuff they need and have no room for cars...
Maybe they are so tight with their finances gardening is the last thing on their list...
Maybe there was a problem and remodeling was a necessary thing...

What if? What if we stopped considering how things affect us first, and were to consider our neighbor first...? Even if their reason for whatever bugs you does not meet your standards...what if?

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?" (Luke 6:41 NLT)

Well, would that change things? Would it? It does for me...it changes everything. It takes a whole load off of me from wondering why someone is doing something that affects me, to wondering what might be going on in their lives. It takes me from the place of "They owe me..." to the place of "I wonder how I can pray for them..."

That changes everything.
Jesus told us what matters most - love. And most importantly showing it. When asked what the greatest commandment was Jesus responded with two - Love God and Love others. And He was very specific as to the how about both, but the about others is a really tough one:

"A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:39 NLT)

Do others really deserve to be loved like I do? If you're like me that question is always a tough one...an impossible one to say the least. But we are not the least, we are children of the Living God, the Creator of the universe and author of life. So maybe, just maybe, He knows a way that will lighten our load, set us free, and bring us peace...peace beyond our own understanding...

So waddaya think? Worth a shot isn't it? In these trying times are you wondering where God is? Why He is not more visible when we need Him the most? Maybe God is closer than you think...join us as we take a look at a book in the Bible (Esther) where God is not even mentioned but obviously apparent, and how maybe we are facing the same situation today.

Serving our Savior,
Pastor Pat

It's Not Fair!!!

2011-07-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

OK, it’s not. End of thought.

“He(Jesus) was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” Isaiah 53:9 (NIV)

Serving Our Savior,
Pastor Pat

Enough is Enough

2011-06-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

When do I just Give in or Give Up?

This is a tough question, and it is one of those questions that if you asked 10 different people you would get 10 different answers.

This would seem to be the $100 question, but is it really as subjective as it seems? Is there a way to see the difference more clearly than how you “feel” about the situation? I believe there is. I believe the difference is all in who benefits most from the answer. Let me explain.

When we consider “giving in” to someone or something, we need conditions: What’s in it for me? Otherwise, why give in? There needs to be a benefit to justify the reason to give in, or why bother, right?

What then about “giving up”? We “give up” when we “feel” we can do no more. We give up when we feel we have nothing left to give. Whether we have not gotten our share or enough, or we feel that we never will (like things will never change) then we can justify giving up.

Here is what I believe the real question is: “Who gets the glory if I give-in or give-up?” WHO? If I am the primary beneficiary – I no longer have to try so hard, I have no more left to give, I can’t see this ever changing…that is all about you. If God get’s the glory then neither happens.

We can fight for what IS right, and demand change. We are not supposed to fight to BE right to change someone or something else. Faith fights for what is right, feelings fight to be right. Knowing the difference changes everything.

End of Your Rope?

2011-06-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Do you feel sometimes (or all the time) like you just can’t go on any more? Like you have physically gotten to the end of your rope? Maybe you feel like Zacchaeus – you are just too short to fit in or get what you need. We have all probably felt this way at some point or another. Why?

Because we try to do too much, have too much, want too much, and we try to do it all alone. We want to be content but we just can’t find it. We don’t want to get complacent, but it seems hard to avoid it…AAAAUGHHH!!! Yea, me too!

The world says we can buy, find, or compete to get what we really want, and once we do we will have all we ever needed. Until we get there or get it ourselves, and then there is a newer model or a better version of what you just got. That is not fair!

Maybe you are using everything you think you have, and just don’t seem to be getting anywhere? Or have anything left? Maybe you are just using the wrong rope by which to get what you think you need? Wrong rope? Nice analogy pastor man…but I want you to think about this:

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

We were not designed to go it alone…we are really better together. Two people can get each other’s back by standing together, and add a third (maybe Jesus?) and the difficulty to break your rope becomes much harder! You were not designed just for you to get as much as you can and face all that comes at you alone. Relationships are the most valuable resource we have, and living them out in community is the purpose of the local church.

What is missing to keep you from running out of rope might not be that you need more of your own, but that you need to have others in your life that make your rope stronger...just saying.

Be Blessed

Are We There Yet?

2011-06-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

How long is this going to take? Is there a limit to how long we must wait? Patience is difficult to say the least. I mean seriously, who likes to wait?

We live in a time in history that we can get to anything almost instantaneously if we have access to a computer. Our need for speed is getting a little out of control, and waiting seems to be something we are trying to do away with. Why do you think waiting is so hard?

We want something, and we want it now! Waiting is what people have to do who want what we already have, right? Does this always work for you? Have you ever gotten what you thought you wanted and then realized that you needed more or something else instead of or in addition to? I really dislike that!

Is this actually a contentment thing? Are you content? Does waiting bother us so much because we think we know what we need to be “better” and the sooner we get it, the faster things will be or get “better”? Well does it all get better? Does it? Compared to what? Comparison is the enemy of contentment, so comparing to anything doesn’t matter or help.

What is the real problem?

Well, when we decide all of the “what” and “when” in our lives, we are playing God. We have superseded God’s will and timing with our own. He knows us best, and He knows when the best time for us to get something or have something happen will be, right? But know that God also does not say that if you wait you will get what you want - That just makes God a genie with bad timing. Look at this passage:

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalms 40:1-2 (NIV)

Notice the Psalmist states that he was struggling…but that with God’s help he was able to get through and get to a safe place. Trouble and trauma happen, they are part of life. But with God’s help and in His timing we can get through them. Often times we don’t know we need something until it happens…just saying.

So maybe waiting is not such a bad thing after all...just depends on who you are waiting for...make it Him.

Exclaiming?!

2011-05-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to exclaim? The Dictionary says: to cry out; say loudly or vehemently. And an exclamation is the act of exclaiming. When writing we use the exclamation point or mark after we make an exclamation.

So what are you exclaiming? What moves in you so much that you need to shout out about it? Anything? Is there anything you do or believe in that is followed by an “!”? Got a favorite team?

People through their very actions exclaim what matters most to them. For example have you ever been asked to stay late at work when you have a family dinner planned? Or maybe you have gotten a work call in the middle of dinner? And you stay late or you answer the call? You are exclaiming that work matters most (WORK!). Our actions say "Me!", "Myself!" and "I" matter most, and yet with our words we say our spouse, our family, and even our faith is our priority. Our actions do not always reflect what we often say our priorities are, I know mine don’t.

Consider this: everything we have – all of our time, all of our talents and all of our treasure comes from God. We are His priority, but is He ours? What happens is that we forget where it all comes from. We forget who made us and focus more on how we can make things happen (self-made man anyone?). We take all the credit and then want none of the blame. Problem is we have lost our priorities, we have lost our focus on what matters most. Then tragically what we say matters most gets damaged, broken, and even sometimes lost.

I believe we need to be living out our priorities as exclamations. If everything we have is from God, then it would seem fitting to put God first in everything we have…logical, right? That being said, if God were our first priority with our spouse, our family, our work, and everything else, then our lives would be exclaimed like this: CHRISTIAN! (Christ follower!)This priority shift puts things back in perspective, broken can be fixed, and lost can be found. Get it right, and things start to get right.

So what are you exclaiming?!

What Marks Your Life?

2011-05-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Punctuation: useful, confusing, important, and necessary!?

Definition: the practice or system of using certain conventional marks or characters in writing or printing in order to separate elements and make the meaning clear, as in ending a sentence or separating clauses.

So punctuation adds clarity to the written word and helps ensure what is meant to be said is. I get this as I spend a considerable amount of time writing. I know what I want to say, and I use punctuation to make sure anyone who might read it knows clearly what I mean. How we say something can be impactful, but it is impossible to see that “how” on a page of paper.

But does “how” we say and/or act always get across what we mean to say clearly? Have you ever said:”But that is not what I meant”? If you have then you probably get this. Know any fast talkers? Or do you text much? Emotions and what you meant “exactly” are hard to convey when you are in a hurry or have limited characters you can use. Punctuation helps.

How do we live out our lives as believers? As followers of Christ? Is your Christian walk defined by a question mark (Christian?), or an exclamation point (Christian!), a comma saying wait (Christian,), an ellipses suggesting something is missing (Christian…). Maybe it is the colon like there's an explanation coming (Christian:). Ultimately, what is being a Christian all about to you – what is your “asperand” (@)= what are you living for?

Look at all the parenthetical examples and ask yourself this: “When someone watches me they would say I am a Christian(? ! , … :) living for what? (your @).” How do you want this question answered about you?

In His service,
Pastor Pat

What is a calling?

2011-05-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Workmanship? What does that mean? Another translation might be “masterpiece”. We are God’s masterpiece, the pinnacle of His creation. So we are created by a great God to do great things, and no one is just supposed to “get by”…and if you are different than everybody else it is because you are supposed to be – you were designed that way!

We so often strive to be “normal”, and to “fit in”. I believe that normal and fitting-in are tools of the enemy to keep us from the greatness God designed us for. And I just happen to think that normal sucks. Sorry, I typed “stinks” but my abnormal computer spell-corrected it to that other word (JK – I like the other word better, sorry if it is offensive to any readers).

God is not “normal”, and Jesus was not just a “normal” guy. All throughout history there are records of abnormal people doing extraordinary things! Maybe being abnormal makes one extra-special…I am running with that. Moses stuttered and saw burning bushes that didn’t burn. Noah built an ark in the desert before it had ever rained. David went to battle with a sling shot. Paul was leading the charge to keep things normal and persecute new believers of Christ.

So often we hear it said: “So what difference can one person make?” Do you think Abraham Lincoln pondered that…? Do you think Dr. King wondered that? I know I do…do you? Maybe a better question is “Should you?” Absolutely NOT! Unless God made a mistake with you and you are the one He created and said whoops…really? Sorry, but one of God’s attributes is that He is perfect…no mistakes then.

Want to know God’s purpose for you? Maybe you are looking for change. Come and hang out with us this weekend as we finish the series called Identity Theft. I will be asking you four questions that if you are willing to deeply consider you can and will discover God’s purpose for you to help build His Kingdom!

We gather at Capo Valley High School (follow the signs) at 10am. So drop your kids in their age appropriate classes, grab some coffee and donuts, and hang out in our casual “come as you are” atmosphere. We have uplifting (rockin’) worship time and an inspiring message. And if you can't make it...please catch it on the media section of our website anytime after Sunday. So don’t let the enemy keep you from discovering your purpose, and don’t underestimate the difference you could make for His Kingdom!

Blessings,

pastor pat

ALTERED

2011-05-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

“To have been made different in some particular way”

I like change, and when I hear or think about this word it conjures up images of change: an old or new piece of clothing made to just right…a room or building made to fit a specific type of occupant or purpose…maybe a “makeover” creating a new look.

Whatever you think about, altered connotes change. It infers, suggests, and implies that something is different. As a believer we are promised this. We get to wash away all that we have done…we get to stop looking back and change our focus to what is ahead:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

I want this, and as a matter of fact I need this. These fresh mercies each day don’t mean that I live sinfully dependent on grace for forgiveness. This amount of grace that proceeds anything I do is a constant reminder to do everything in my power to avoid sin.

So I am altered in two ways. First, as a believer I am altered from the person I have made myself to be into a new creation. Scripture says I am made white as snow in God’s eyes – that is so cool. But I am also altered another way…I no longer want to live for myself, but for the God whose grace saves me, altering the choices I make, and ultimately the kind of person I am.

That is so stinking cool…I said I want and need this. I also want it for everyone I know. I especially want our younger generations to get this, to understand, appreciate, and acknowledge it! It is what we try to teach our youth. This is also why we are naming our brand new Jr./Sr. High School Ministry just that = Altered!

So why don’t you take this word and Jesus to heart and let Him ALTER you…you will never be the same again…

Yo Mama!!

2011-05-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yo Mama!

Sorry...I couldn't resist starting with that, it just makes me smile to say it. So as Mother's day approaches it got me thinking...how important are mom's? Well, the obvious is that none of us would be here without one. That being said, I want to address that question a little deeper.

Mom's have great influence in the life of a child. Some mom's treasure the gift of a child and act accordingly. Some mom's have circumstances beyond their control and things don't go as planned. And unfortunately some mom's are unprepared, and whether it is unplanned or an inconvenience, they choose to act in a way detrimental to the welfare of the child. Each of these responses comes with consequences...and some are painful, very painful.

Motherhood is a responsibility. Young girls grow up pretending to be one, and new wives often dream of the day they might become one. Then the reality sets in and the self talk starts: "Can I even have children?" and "What if I can't?". What if I had a teen pregnancy and aborted it...now what? Mom's are important to God, they made the top ten -Ten Commandments. Number 5 to be exact, and the first commandment regarding how we should treat each other. It states that we need to honor our father and mother. Please note that the honor is owed to those who act worthy of being honored as a mom or dad. It is not owed simply out of duty, honor is earned.

Mom's are moms in spite of themselves, and whatever kind of mom you had, it was the mom God designed for you. How you were mothered is far less important than how you responded to it. Maybe this Mother's Day you need to forgive your mom, and talk to her again regardless of what happened. Maybe you need to accept who she was or is and simply move on. Maybe your day is filled with fond memories of your mom who has passed. Maybe your mom rocks and you are planning the day together. Maybe you want to be a mom and can't, or maybe your a mom and wish you weren't. Whatever it is...maybe it is simply just that.

Take time this Mother's Day and accept the mom God gave to, and celebrate the gift of life that you would not have had without her. It might change everything...after all God did not blow it with what family He gave you to, and that is part of His plan too.

Serving our Savior,
Pastor Pat

Who am I?

2011-04-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Do you ever ask this question? Like what really defines you? I do, and I have to admit that without occasional personal evaluation, it would change. I can get distracted and change my focus fairly easily, and without checking on what is guiding me I can get off track.

I want to head in one direction: to be inside the will of God being used to my fullest potential and I want to do the most with the talents God has given me. OK, that sounds great…singularly focused and intentional, but to be completely honest, I struggle with this. “Is this God’s will? Or this? Or this?” I wonder from time to time if I am going in the right direction at all.

Am I alone in this? Sometimes you do not know you are heading in the wrong direction until you get to where you think you wanted to be…then it hits you: “This is not where I wanted to be…” “This is not the life I had planned?” “This is not…(you fill in the blank)”. Or maybe you have gotten to where you wanted to go and there seems to be something missing?

That is me…and I struggle with it all the time. The only difference is that now I am looking at a different map, and with a different purpose in mind. Look what Paul says our purpose is:

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

I want this…heck I need this, and I believe there is a way to get it, and it is never too late. The Enemy wants us to be distracted and too busy to focus on God, and then he wins by default. But that is not the life God desires for anyone. God has a plan for everyone, a plan to use us in ways we would never believe possible. You interested?

Then what are you willing to do about it? Proof is in what you do, not intended to or wanted to...

Are You a Fan or a Follower?

2011-04-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

A fan defined is "An enthusiastic admirer". I think that perfectly defined my relationship with Jesus. I admired who He was and what He did for me, but I never really thought I needed or had any part beyond that.

Scripture is clear on this...Jesus does not want fans, He wants followers. The difference is clear. Fans are close enough to experience the benefits without being so close to have to actually participate. Nothing is required of a fan, nothing at all. As a matter of fact the only real benefit is to the one being admired by the fans.

Jesus is everything to everyone, and He is in need of nothing. There is nothing any amount of fans could offer Him. Yet we seem to be building stadiums over sanctuaries, and judging a church by it's numbers over it's impact. Churches are becoming menu driven - and are competing with more and more to offer apparently hoping the best menu wins! Why is this happening?

I believe we have missed the point about what Jesus is offering us. He is not offering a free meal or a hand-out. Jesus wants to gives us what we could never get any where else...eternal life. But it seems we are so focused on the here and now we are missing this. Listen to Jesus the day after He miraculously fed thousands of people:

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw "miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.'" John 6:26

Are you looking for Jesus to see what He will give you next? Or are you willing to follow Him regardless of the cost? Jesus is asking, and you will either answer Him intentionally and actively or not...that is your call. I want to answer Him now, and I want my answer to be clear...how about you?

Celebrating and serving Him...
Pastor Pat

Don't Tell Me What To Do!

2011-04-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

How do you respond to demands over requests? If you are anything like me, then not well. I say I will consider anything that you ask me, but more than likely will resist anything you just "tell" me to do. Why is this?

I grew up with an ex-Naval officer dad whose life's philosophy was "His way or the highway...". Albeit strong as he and his philosophy seems to be, I could not help feeling bullied most of the time. As I grew in my independence it was common for me to do whatever he said not to, and the older I got the more of this behavior I practiced...even to my own harm at times.

Obedience wouldn't have hurt, but I felt my dad was more concerned about "his" way than me. So I focused on my way...just like he had his, how ironic. I spent many years arguing my position with him both in anger and in silence. Both ways were painful, and it took years to finally get along. When I became my dad's secondary care giver at the end of his life everything changed, and we finally got along. Looking back it still hurts thinking of all the time with him I threw away.

I think our relationship with God is very similar (mine is anyway). We know being obedient won't hurt, but we feel like God has some agenda for what He wants over what we want, and we think that God wants us to be prim and proper, and have no fun at all! That could not be further from the truth. Unfortunately it usually takes maturity and life events to realize that all this living our own way is not getting us to where we need to go, and then we turn to God.

God does not want you to toe some imaginary line or follow a whole bunch of rules and then He will bless you. God wants you to have life to the fullest! His Word is full of instruction, and if we choose to listen and obey blessings will follow. Just like when we obeyed our parents, even unwillingly, we often realized how they were right and we were better off because we had listened. Or worse when we are suffering some consequence and regret not having followed their instruction...

God is not looking down shamefully and angrily waiting for you obey Him. He is watching and hurting with you, hoping you will listen to His Word sooner than later so you can experience the blessings He has promised.

So why wait any longer?

God has a plan for your life, and wants nothing more for you than for you to experience an abundant life...

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Eph. 3:20.

The Easy Way...

2011-04-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

The easy way...wouldn't that just be easier? And according to the advice of Staples there should be a button for most of life's struggles...at least everything at Staple's is easy. But that is not what Scripture says -

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matt. 7:13-14

Sometimes we face hard choices like staying when leaving or just giving up would be easier. Or maybe leaving when staying comfortable would just be easier...both difficult decisions. Both have direction choices - both have a "path of least resistance" choice. Unfortunately, if you are anything like me, I often times can't resist choosing the easier path.

Like letting the kids "work it out" (when it is obvious they are not) instead of getting up and intervening. Or procrastinating something that I could do today...I am a pro at that. Anyone else struggle with this?

It is a choice...you have to choose, and not choosing is a choice too! This does not mean simply choose whatever is the hardest...but choose what is right over easy. You will know...and if you really are not sure, ask a friend who knows and cares about you.

We are at a time as a church when we have made one of those tough decisions. We are full on Sundays, and it is awesome, and it is also a comfortable feeling. So we have had to choose: stay and do two services, or find a larger place to meet. I have sought wise counsel, particularly the one who I believe God speaks to me the most through - my bride, and two services just did not seem to be the right choice.

Honestly, the thought of moving does not excite me to say the least. But through prayer I believe God has shown and given us a new place to gather...and it not only provides us with room to grow, but it is a theater style area that is off the charts perfect for our church. As a matter of fact it was previously home to a church for over 5 years, and now we will be gathering there!

This is such an answer to prayer, and I am I excited beyond measure for what God has in store next for Hope Crossing! It would have been easier to just stay, but we would have missed watching God work and provide a better opportunity for us going forward...sometimes easy isn't the best.

So if you are facing a decision or a choice that appears to have an "easier" way...proceed with caution...it might not be the best way to go. And it may seem easier not to decide (still a decision) and just avoid making the wrong choice and just stay where you are. Maybe staying where you are, like a marriage or an uncomfortable job, is the hard thing. Leaving situations that we don't "like" is easy...but what if staying is the right thing to do?

Ever made a decision and later looked back and realized that you made the right (or wrong) one? Practice praying, seeking counsel, and making decisions or choices to do the right thing over the easy thing...and see how God will bless it. He will amaze you.
In His service,
Pastor Pat

Where is God?

2011-03-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ever ask the question: "Where is God?" If you have you are not alone. I have asked it too. It is very easy with all that is going on in our lives that we feel an absence of the presence of God, and besides what is that supposed to feel like?

I wish I could tell you the "feeling" you get, or what happens when you feel God's presence...but it is different for each of us. I have heard all kinds of stories and experiences where people have felt and/or had an encounter with God. But most of the time I get asked questions like: "Why can't I feel or hear God right now?" or "If God is loving where is he in this horrible event?".

I answer both of those questions the same way - God does not move, because He is everywhere. He is next to you when you feel all alone, and He is with those suffering in or going through a tragedy. He is there even though you do not "feel" Him. Maybe the question is not "Where is God?" that should be asked, but rather "Where did I leave Him?".

"'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Matt. 15:8.

When we become believers, when we accept that we can not fill the void in our lives with anything other than the comfort that comes from connecting with our Creator by inviting Jesus to come into our hearts and lives, everything changes. We no longer have to carry every burden that comes our way. We no longer have to struggle with thinking we are not enough.

Jesus died for you so you could have a relationship with God without doing anything, period. That act alone tells you that you are important, valuable, and that God desires a relationship with you. And when we first invite Jesus into our lives we are on fire! That God would love us THAT much...then something happens called life. Life comes at us with ups and downs, happiness and sorrow...and busy. Busy says everything is urgent, and important will just have to wait. And slowly we get further and further away from God, until we simply don't "feel" Him anymore.

Life is fragile and all too short. Ask yourself this question: What matters most in life? Position? Reputation? Be honest with your answer. In all of God's creation the thing that matters most to Him is YOU. If you are wondering where God is I suggest two things - First, stop. Second, turn around...He has been right there the entire time. He is not there to "make" things better. He is there offering hope. Hope that will carry you through and light your path during your darkest times if you let Him. He is there to let you know that this is not all that there is. He is there.

Our personal experience with God is completely determined by us, because, you can't have a relationship with anyone you do not make the effort to. You can't put false expectations on God either...tell Him what to do to show you know He is there.

He is there. If you feel led here is a link to a passage to read and reflect on if you are feeling a distance between you and God...God is only as far away from you as you are from Him.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=40&t=ESV#28

May your week be filled with more of Him, and may you feel His presence in a new and fresh way.

Blessings,
pastor pat

ANXIETY!?

2011-03-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Even the word all by itself is somewhat nerve racking. It is one of the words that regardless of how it is used it offers feelings that are uncomfortable. Anxiety denotes fear, worry, and apprehension. If one has too much anxiety it can lead to all kinds of health issues – both physical and mental.

“An anxious heart weighs a man down...” Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

We all have wants and desires, and we know exactly when we think need them. We do not need to be told when we want something, we are well aware of it, and most of the time we want it now! But nothing seems to happen at the speed we need it to, and it drives us to anxiety. Seems kind of funny, but you can tell yourself to calm down as many times as you like, and then a situation pops up and the anxiety is back! So why is this? Is this a worry issue? I do not think so…I think it is a trust issue. It is all about where and in whom you are trusting.

Most people would say that they are trusting, and that they trust themselves above all else. That is ALOT of pressure! Too much pressure as a matter of fact and that is why we have the term “Breakdown”. This happens when we just can’t do any more, and we reach the end of ourselves and we “Break”.. Kind of feast or famine – we want to do it all, we can’t trust anyone else to care about or be as good at what we can do, and when it is too much we stop altogether. Where and how is one supposed to find balance? That is where trust comes in.

When we trust God, and I mean really trust God, we can get to that marvelous place called balance. First, we need to trust that He is in control not us. Then we need to trust that He has a better plan than the one I keep trying to force on every situation and circumstance we are going through. God wants a relationship with you, and He wants you to live a righteous and abundant life. So how do we do this? Jesus. When you identify with Jesus, accept who He is and what He did, your perspective changes. Jesus changes everything.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Trusting that you are where you are supposed to be, regardless of situation or circumstance, will change everything. It is positional – IN Christ is enough. We are not enough, and will never have enough on our own…but He is. When you figure this out…anxiety is just a word – a place to visit once in a while, but you no longer have to stay there.

Blessings,

pastor pat

Calling...what does this mean?

2011-03-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

I think the word "calling" is thrown around in Christian circles a little too much. It seems to me that it has developed some sort of connotation that certain people are mysteriously “called” by God to be professional ministers. I want to clear this up a little. Listen to what Paul says to the Church in Corinth:

“…so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NIV)

Ever heard the saying “all for one and one for all”? That is what Paul is saying to the group of like minded believers in this Church, telling them that they were all in it together. Every believer has is a valuable part of the body, and without the parts the body would cease to exist.

But who does what? There is a place of understanding about how God has uniquely designed you differently than anyone else, and how that design can and will fill a need in the church. Each person has different gifts, experiences, abilities and talents, and all have a purpose to make up the Church. When we become followers of Christ, we join the priesthood of believers, look at what 1 Peter says:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

You see all are called. All are invited to “Follow” Jesus, and collectively we make up the Church – the Body of Christ. The question a believer needs to ask and explore is not “Do I belong?” but “Where do I belong?”, and what part or role do I play in the body? We are not all supposed to do the same thing…but we are all supposed to do something. The church is not the place where we go to watch the “pros” do their thing. The church is supposed to be YOU, and not about a place at all. Church happens when we come together and worship our relationship with God, and find our place in His Kingdom work right now.

Where do you fit? What is your calling, and have you answered it? Pray, seek counsel, and there are even several free tools you can use to help you along the path. We are also starting a new series called “Time to Grow…”. This is a study on the book of James, and is all about Relationship Rescue. How do we grow or fix relationships that seem to be struggling or even dying? Come and hang out , or watch it online later to hear how Scripture can help us with these struggling relationships…

In His service,

Pastor Pat

Obedience and Submission

2011-03-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

These words scream there is a "Boss" that is telling you what to do. I do not like this at all. As a matter of record I used to be somewhat of an anti-authority guy, but not any more. The change happened when I stopped worrying so much about who was bossing me around and what truth I was going to follow.

You see rules work, and obeying them is the right thing to do. No one ever followed the posted speed signs and said: "That was a problem...". In the same way no one has ever taken a commandment of God and followed it and said "That didn't work out...". That is because truth works. We want everything to be subjective - I can drive as fast as I need to, speed limits are more like recommendations than absolutes... We treat God's Word the same way, as more of suggestions and guidelines than absolutes.

But God's Word is absolute truth, and if we would follow it as such it can, and will, change your life. For example God gave us the Ten Commandments not to regulate and keep us from having fun, but to enable us to connect with Him and each other harmoniously. Yet we want to follow or apply them when they suit us? We want to relegate them to the "religious" corner because we should not impose our religious beliefs on others? Kind of sounds like convenience more than conviction. Seriously, we are more about getting along than getting it right, or more about political correctness and being non-offensive than stating truth.

Sorry for the ranting, but there is truth, and there are absolutes. We have God's Word, and we need to listen to it. We have been examining the Scripture's direction on how to connect with God and with each other using God's Top Ten as the guide, and it has been enlightening and empowering. Come join us this weekend as we will be finishing the series "God's Top Ten - Living Out the Ten Commandments Today". We have age appropriate classes for your kids, so drop them off, grab a cup of coffee, something to snack on, and hang out with us. And please don't forget to stop and say hi to me!

In His service,
Pastor Pat

God's Will...Where Do I Find It?

2011-03-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

How do I find God’s will for my life? I don’t know why I am going through all this? WHY ME? Why can’t I hear God?

Ever felt like this? I have - sometimes I get thinking this way, and I need to change my thinking. Often times it seems easier to blame someone else for whatever is going on, than to take responsibility and focus on the next choice. If something bad is happening, or you are going through tough times, you have to choose – sit where you are and suffer…or move forward and live.

Where you are does not define you…it is simply where you are. What defines you is what you choose to do next. Perspective flip: What if you looked at where you are as if it were exactly where you are supposed to be?

Look at Jesus’ words from the garden:

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39 (NLT)

Without going through tough and trying times we would not be able to experience the power of faith…the power of hope. Faith and hope provide a perspective unmatched by anything. Some things just seem insurmountable…un-climbable…but with God we can find ourselves on the other side of the mountain without really knowing how we got there. But you need to choose to keep going.

You see God’s will is not a thing or a destination – but really all about how you respond to the things that happen -

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Whatever you are going through know this: God knows all about it, and is with you. Your part is to choose to move forward – to keep living. Experience power beyond measure: put your faith (all of it) in Jesus, and realize you are right where you are supposed to be…and live out loud for Him, then see what happens.