Gifted for Life

My wife, Sue, has an incredible gift. She is the most encouraging person I have ever met. When our children were in school, Sue always managed to enclose a cheery note in their lunch each day, reminding them how wonderful they were. I travel a lot, and almost always somewhere in my suitcase, Sue has included one or more little love notes with words of encouragement. I'll find them folded in my pajamas or rolled up in my socks, just when I need them.

Sue's gift of encouragement ripples far beyond our family. She never misses an opportunity to thank staff and members of the congregation for the contributions they make. She has an incredible eye for detail, providing praise to the efforts of our most junior members, the young children. Her thoughtfulness flows forth so consistently, and gives her so much joy, that I know it is truly a gift.

One of the things I have learned to appreciate as a pastor, is the various gifts that members of the church bring to each other. When a situation arises, it is wonderful to watch the way people respond with their “giftings.”

For example, if an unwed, pregnant teenager shows up, someone organizes a drive to outfit her with maternity clothes. A member who is a social worker locates free pregnancy services at a local clinic. Another member volunteers to drive her to her clinic appointments, while two members of the youth group offer to be her birth partners and attend Lamaze classes with her. And someone else, who is a vocational nurse, puts her self “on call” to answer any questions about pregnancy or childbirth the “mom to be” might have. A businessman hires her part time to work in his sandwich shop, and the youth group throws her a baby shower.

Each person is offering what comes naturally to them, and what they enjoy doing. Without realizing it, they are gifting this young woman by validating her worth, making her feel welcome and wanted, and including her in the life of the community.

We all have natural interests and abilities or “giftings” that come from God (Ephesians 4:8; James 1:7) We can consume and waste them in selfishness, which leaves us feeling empty and hollow inside, or we can use them to give life to others, and in so doing enhance our own life.

Have you ever noticed how wonderful you feel after you've done an act of kindness to someone in need, no matter how small it might be? Did you ever wonder why it feels so good? When we extend our gifts to meet the needs of others, we are actually offering them life, giving them hope, encouragement, and joy. We are affirming they are valuable to us. We probably aren't aware, but we are doing a priestly act.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a priest? Probably not. But a priest is someone who stands between God and a person, and represents God to them. When we use our gifts to extend life to others, we are representing God to them. By offering life to others, we are actually giving our gift to God, and He shares His joy with us.

Be a priest today! Use your “giftings” to extend life to someone and reap the gift of joy in your own life!

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Our special guest speaker, prophet and seer, James Goll, will discuss how we live our lives as priests of God in his message titled, “You Were Meant for Ministry: Every Believer of Priest.”

Destined for the Throne?

We are currently in that wonderful time that happens every 4 years, the Summer Olympics, when we get to enjoy fantastic athletics for 2 weeks straight! And every Olympics produces a new set of Olympic royalty, athletes who are thrust into the spotlight and admired around the world. This summer, American Olympic royalty includes familiar names such as Michael Phelps, Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor, and new names like Gabby Douglas, Missy Franklin, and Allyson Felix.

In fact, the gold medal women's gymnastics team is already slated for a 40-city tour around the United States this fall. Their coach is quoted as saying, “They have no idea what awaits them back in the United States. They are literally American idols as they have reached that level of popularity overnight.” Right now these athletes are certainly household words, and some of them will make millions of dollars off endorsements in the next few years. But no matter how famous they currently are, their reign will be short-lived.

Consider for example, Darra Torres, Matt Biondi, Carl Osburn, Gary Hall Jr., and Jenny Thompson. Remember them? They are 5 of the most medal winning American Olympians of all time. Each one had their moment in the spotlight as Olympic royalty, and their brief reign of fame. Now most of us don't even recognize their names.

There is another type of royalty at the Summer Olympics however, one that has endured for 1140 years. It is the British monarchy, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. Unlike Olympic royalty that is based on incredible athletic performance, British royalty is born to the throne. William and Harry were princes the moment they were born, because their father was royalty.

Are you aware that you were created to be royalty? Several places in Scripture we are told that when we say, “Yes,” to God's loving gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we become, “a royal priesthood,” and “priests and kings unto our God.” And our position is higher than any earthly royalty could ever be.  We are destined for a heavenly throne. Ephesians 2:5b-6 states: “It is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

Our royal standing in Christ Jesus gives us dominion and authority in the earth. This is our birthright in Christ Jesus, and not the result of any performance on our part. We are responsible to use our God-given authority to usher in God's kingdom here on earth. This destiny sets us apart from Olympic royalty and all earthly monarchies. The apostle Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 9:25: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Are you destined for the throne? God invites you to be a royal son or daughter in His divine forever family. He has reserved a place in the heavenlies for you. Say “Yes” to His gift of salvation and become a Royal today!

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. We are beginning a new series, “Your Identity in Christ,” and our topic this week will be, “Created to Be Kings.” Come and discover your rights and responsibilities as a divine Royal.

Do Something!

As a pastor, because people come to me so frequently seeking advice and counsel, it would be easy to believe that I know more than I do. I determined years ago when I first entered the ministry, that I would stay teachable, that is, open to consider the wisdom of others no matter who they might be. And over the years I have found that wisdom can come from unlikely sources, even children, and even my dog, Madison.

Madison is our English mastiff. She's light tan in color with a ferocious bark that sounds like she's going to swallow you whole. But that's just show. Madi is really 150 pounds of slobbering affection. When I can, I try to take Madi out for some exercise, which is usually a walk. Not a power walk mind you. Madi and I prefer to saunter leisurely.

A few weeks ago, Madi and I were making the rounds in our neighborhood and came upon a homeless man sitting in the shade of a tree. We were a block away when I spotted him, and I'm ashamed to say I started to cross the street to proceed down the other side, simply to avoid an encounter. But I was too late. Madison also spotted him, and began panting in anticipation, pulling on the leash. You see, Madison loves to meet and greet people. It's hard to resist 150 pounds incessantly pulling on your arm, so I gave in and continued down the sidewalk.

I mumbled, “Hello,” as we approached, but Madison lunged forward planting several huge slobbery dog kisses on his face. I was going to apologize for Madison's behavior, when the man began petting her and laughing out loud.

“That's a great dog you got there,” he said. “What kind of dog is it? I'm not sure I've ever seen a dog that huge!” We spent the next few minutes mostly talking about dogs. I explained how mastiffs are ancient watchdogs, but very loyal and affectionate. He told me about dogs he had owned, mostly shepherd collie mixes. We laughed together as we each exchanged a few humorous stories about our dogs

I suddenly felt very self-conscious, realizing I was talking to a homeless person and I had nothing to offer him. “Hey, I'm really sorry, but I don't have any money on me right now,” I mumbled apologetically. The man immediately replied, “That's okay.” Then he looked up at me with the most sincere blue eyes, and with a soft voice said, “Thanks for the conversation man. I really appreciate it.”

I continued walking with Madi down the sidewalk, but I realized I had just learned a valuable lesson. I only saw the man's poverty and his need for money. Madison saw a human being, someone to greet and give affection to, just like anyone else. All I did was talk with that man, but he appreciated so much the simple act of being seen and interacted with like a regular person.

My wife and I support relief programs around the world, and I travel for our own Harvest International Ministry (HIM), feeding and clothing orphans in a number of countries. But that day I realized that I don't always “see” the poor. I see their needs, but I don't encounter them as unique individuals with something to offer me.

All of us are aware that these are hard economic times and many people are experiencing lack. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I want to encourage you to do something! It doesn't have to be complicated, or time-consuming. It can be as simple as really seeing the poor person in front of you, and giving a smile and a few words of genuine interaction. God considers our care for the poor a personal loan. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. We will be discussing, “Being Christlike by Giving to the Poor.”

Hope Against Hope

The Summer Olympics are one of my favorite athletic events. In the last few weeks, a number of Olympic trials have been held to determine spots on our Olympic team. Despite the fact that these athletes are the best of the best that our country has to offer, only 2 or 3 of them are selected in each event. The odds of any individual athlete making the Olympic team are so miniscule that it is close to hopeless. Yet every athlete who ends up contending at the Olympics, carries the fire of hope against hope within them, that makes them pursue a medal with everything they have. They patiently persevere for years, practicing many hours a day, constantly challenging themselves to build greater skill and ability.

In some ways, our lives are like an Olympic trial. We must persevere day after day, and often year after year facing one difficulty and challenge after another. Sometimes the odds against us seem overwhelming, and we struggle to find the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

I am reminded of the story of a young man who was cast out of his family. He ended up in a foreign country working for a government official. He had a good job, but unfortunately the official’s wife tried to hustle him. When he turned her down, she framed him, falsely accusing him of rape. Since he was a foreigner, he ended up in prison with no trial date and no possibility of release. Amazingly, his business and organizational skills made him stand out even in prison, and he was given a position of responsibility with some privileges.

Over the course of several years he met many prisoners, one of whom worked for the head of state of that country. When that prisoner was released, he promised the young man he would make some contacts about getting his case reviewed. However several years went by, and the young man did not hear from his former friend. I think you would agree with me, that at that point the young man had every right to throw his hands up in despair and say, “What's the use? I quit!” But he didn't and his situation did change. In the end he came out of prison and ended up as a chief advisor to that head of state.

While that may sound like a storyline for a Hollywood movie, is actually the true story of a young man in the Bible named Joseph. Every time a little bit of sunshine came into his situation, another dark cloud of challenge pounded him down. Yet he still persevered on. What gave him this hope against hope? He had received a promise from God years before about his life, and he held fast to that word.

Joseph knew the truth of Hebrews 6:18–19: “It is impossible for God to lie, and we who have fled to God for refuge have strong encouragement to hold fast the hope that is set before us. We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor for our soul.” The apostle Paul put it this way: “I'm still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energy on this one thing: Forgetting the past, and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us to heaven.” (Philippians 3:13–14)

God has a promise about your destiny and purpose that will fill you with the hope against hope that overcomes every challenge and perseveres to the end. Ask Him for wisdom and He will reveal it to you.

Come join us this Sunday morning at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. We are beginning a new series entitled, “Growing in Christlike Character,” and this week we are focusing on, “Growing in Christlike Character through Trials.”

Adolescence: Jekyll or Hyde?

If you are the parent of a teenager, that title probably sounds spot on. Teenagers can be such a study in contrasts from day to day, and even hour to hour. We are all familiar with the famous story of Jekyll and Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. It's the story of a split personality, the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll who drinks a potion and becomes the wild, reckless Mr. Hyde. Most parents of teenagers, at one time or another, wonder what happened to their “sweet little boy or girl,” who is now often someone they barely recognize.

Surveys done with parents of teenagers, indicate that the most common areas of concern are: teenagers’ negative attitude and lack of respect for parent, teenager doesn't want to participate in family activities, and fails to comply with parents’ rules. Interestingly, surveys done with teenagers indicate their most common difficulties with parents are: too much parental control, parent doesn't listen or respect my opinion, parent is overprotective and invades my privacy.

Parents often complain that their child is a “moving target.” One day their teen seems ready to accept some adult-like responsibility, and the next day they have regressed to a more childlike state. It's difficult to know which person they are going to encounter at any given time. Emotionally, their teen extends and withdraws invitations for interaction like a bouncing ball, leaving parents feeling hassled in a constant push–pull relationship.

Instead of becoming angry, anxious, or nursing hurt feelings, parents would do well to remember that their teen wants to separate and discover their own identity, and wonders if they can survive the need to push away and become their own person. It's an intense inner struggle with powerful conflicting feelings, that often result in teens sending mixed signals to parents.

Instead of reacting by asserting arbitrary control and repressive restrictions, parents will get further by showing their teen respect and continuing to find positive ways to affirm them. If you're a parent, ask yourself, how would I want to be treated if I were my teen? Be honest with yourself. Are you willing to listen to your teen's point of view, even if it is very different from your own? Are you too controlling? For example are you drawing battle lines over trivial matters such as  clothing, hairstyle or the color of fingernails? Do you allow your child a reasonable degree of privacy?

Teens need both acceptance and correction, but it's important to spend your energy on areas that are truly important, for example, their health and safety. Learn to discuss your expectations with your teen, and always give them your reasons for having those expectations. Although you, of course, have the final say, be prepared to listen respectfully to your child's opinion. Always affirm what you can support in what they are saying. This acknowledges to them that you see their growing wisdom and maturity, which is an all-important validation in their ongoing struggle to find their own identity. It puts you both on the same side of the equation, instead of creating an adversarial relationship.

While Scripture affirms parental authority in the home, it warns parents against excessive criticism and punitive control. “Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4)

Adolescence is a difficult time, but it doesn't have to be a negative time for either parents or their teens. It can be a time of positive growth for both.

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Our special guest speaker is Winkie Pratney, an international evangelist and writer from Auckland, New Zealand with a lifetime experience of working with teenagers and young adults.

Through Your Father's Eyes

I remember several things from my childhood about my father. One is that he was an excellent provider. Although he was a pastor, he worked on the side as a dental technician. That additional occupation provided our family a second income and a comfortable standard of living. He was an industrious person and modeled for me the value work. He was also a stickler about time. He always told me, “Che, be prompt and never keep another person waiting. That is the height of disrespect.” I don't think I ever saw my father late to any appointment or event.

I definitely “caught” those two life values from my father. I have always been involved in multiple activities that provide more than one source of income for my family. And I am a very punctual person. I'm never late. In a significant way, the world I now live in, I learned through my father's eyes.

What world did you inherit “through your father's eyes?” I was surprised to discover recently that research on the impact fathers have on their children is a relatively new field. The importance of mothers, of course, has been known for centuries, and much research has been conducted on the influence mothers have on their children. But fathers also make a significant contribution to their children's emotional and psychological health.

Research indicates that mother's interactions with children focus more on nurturing and comforting while fathers tend to stimulate, encourage and challenge their children. Even in infancy, babies whose fathers actively play with them are more confident, bolder and explore their environment more eagerly. Even the stimulating, roughhouse type of play that mothers feel gets children too excited before bedtime, is beneficial to children. Research shows that children engaged in this type of play with their fathers, learn to regulate their feelings and behavior, and over time develop better self-control.

Children whose fathers are actively involved with them as they grow older, display accelerated cognitive development, have higher tested IQs, earn higher grades in school, and go further in their formal education. Starting with simple self-help skills when their children are young, fathers spend more time challenging their children to learn, expecting them to master tasks, and teaching them to be responsible. This influence results in children who are more independent, more motivated to achieve, and have higher self-esteem than children who do not have this type of father input.

Both sons and daughters learn very important things about their role in life and marriage from their fathers. Sons develop an image of what it means to be an adult male who accepts responsibility, is able to make commitments to others and keep them, and treats women with respect and affection. Daughters learn to respect themselves, to know they can make their way in the world, and what qualities to look for in a potential mate.

God understands that we get our view of the world through our father’s eyes. That's why he has taken the role of Heavenly Father for all who will accept His offer of love and salvation through Jesus Christ. He wants to give to each one of us an understanding of who we are through His eyes. We are deeply loved and so highly valued that no price was too dear to restore us to a relationship with Him.

On this Father's Day, if you are a father, realize how incredibly important you are in creating the world your children will live in. And no matter who you are, take a few minutes and see yourself and your world through your Heavenly Father's eyes.

Come join us this Father's Day at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. We will be discussing “The Christlike Father,” another in our series, “Christlike Families.”

My Other Half?

We have all heard married people refer to their spouse as “my other half,” or “my better half.” And many single people feel like they are only half a person, waiting to find “their other half.” But is that really true? Are singles only half a person?

Increasingly, more Americans find themselves in the search for “the other half.” There are nearly 97,000,000 unmarried Americans, 61% of whom have never been married before. As a pastor, I've talked with many unmarried people, those who have never married and those who have been previously married. I find that there are 5 very common misconceptions that single people have about their current life situation.

“I can't have a full life without a partner. I need a partner to complete me.” This is probably the single most common misconception I hear. While a partner provides important companionship, no human being can complete us. We find our true identity and fulfillment in life in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples, “I have come to give you abundant life.” (John 10:10b) We are told in Colossians 2:10: “You have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”

“I can't find my life purpose till I find my life partner.”  Many singles put their life literally on hold, feeling they can’t move ahead until they find a marriage partner. But each of us is a unique whole individual to God. And He gives us the assurance that He is working out a destiny that He has prepared for us. (Ephesians 2:10) We can began walking in that destiny as a single person, and enjoy an exciting and meaningful life.

“All the good potential marriage partners are already taken.”  Many singles, who say they are waiting to find “Mr. or Ms. Right,” are really looking for “Mr. or Ms. Perfect.” They've established a set of standards that no human being can ever attain. We need to remember we are not marrying Jesus Christ, but another human being. That person will have qualities that we love and flaws that frustrate us, just like we do. Marriage is not a matter of getting what we want, but loving what we get!

“I need someone to make me happy.”  I always get uneasy when I hear a single say this because I know that no partner can meet this type of demand. If another person is the focus of our happiness, we will find ourselves feeling disappointed and discontent. Only an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ can bring us continuing joy and happiness. (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 28:7) This is equally true whether we are single or married, so you can be happy while you're still single.

“If I were married, I would feel secure, knowing I won't be deserted.”  This is an erroneous assumption. Currently the divorce rate is at 50%. But let's assume that your marriage is loving and long-lasting. No one is going to be there for you forever. Death happens to all of us and it will happen to you or your spouse. Only God will never desert you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

Marriage can provide wonderful companionship, but as a single person you can be complete, have purpose and destiny, and be happy and secure. Seek intimacy with Jesus Christ. He wants to give you a fulfilled and wonderful life now.

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Our topic is “Christlike Singles,” and is part of our current series on “Christlike Families.”