A Call To Commitment

Good morning, Bloggers!!! What a day it is that the Lord has made! Aren't you glad you're still alive and breathing?? It's God's "forever-fresh" air we're breathing!! He's a Great God! I love Him to death!! :)

I would like to forward one of Rick Warren's message on COMMITMENT. I receive his weekly article and found this article that cannot be overlooked.

"If you don't ask people for commitment, you won't get it.

You have not because you ask not."

Rick Warren

One of the ways I believe you can assess whether or not your church is maturing spiritually is this - the standards for leadership keep getting tougher as time passes. You keep turning up the heat every year, requiring a deeper level of commitment to Christ and spiritual growth. For instance, when Saddleback first began, our only requirement for serving in children’s Sunday school was that you had to be a warm body. Over the years, we’ve tightened the requirements considerably! We have done the same thing with our lay pastors, our musicians, and other ministry positions.

Every time you raise the standards for leadership, you bring everyone else in the church along a little bit. A rising tide raises all the boats in the harbor.

Focus on raising the commitment of your leadership, not those who are the least committed in the crowd, nor even the semi-committed in your congregation. Whenever you raise the standard of commitment for those who are in the most visible positions of leadership, it raises the expectations among everyone else.

YOU MUST ASK PEOPLE FOR COMMITMENT

If you don't ask people for commitment, you won't get it. You have not because you ask not. It’s amazing to me that many community organizations require more from participants than the local churches do. If you’ve ever been a Little League parent you know that when your child signed up to play, you were required to make a major commitment in terms of providing refreshments, transportation, trophies, and victory parties in addition to attendance. There was nothing voluntary about it! It was required if you wanted to participate.

One of the most helpful things a church can do for people is:

1. ..to help them clarify what commitments they ought to make.

2. ..and what commitments they ought to decline.

The reason we have so many weak Christians today is because they are half-committed to two dozen causes rather than being totally committed to the things that really matter.

For many people the barrier to spiritual growth is not lack of commitment, but over-commitment to the wrong things. Jesus pointed this out in the Parable of the Sower: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” (Luke 8:14) People must be taught to make wise commitments.

ASK CONFIDENTLY FOR A BIG COMMITMENT

Study how Jesus asked for commitment. He was always clear and confident when he asked for it. He was not at all reluctant to ask grown men and women to drop everything and follow him. This is an interesting phenomena: The greater the commitment you request, the greater response you will get.

People want to be committed to something that gives significance to their lives. They respond to responsibilities that gives life meaning. They are attracted by a challenging vision. They want to be a part of something worthwhile.

On the other hand, people are unmoved by weak appeals and pitiful requests for help. Jesus knew this when he said in Luke 14:33, "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." His challenge was total commitment.

Some pastors are afraid to ask for a big commitment, fearing that they will drive people away. But people do not resent being asked for a big commitment if there is a great purpose behind it. People respond to passionate vision, not need.

That’s why most stewardship campaigns don’t work: they focus on the needs of the church rather than the vision of the church. If people were really motivated by organizational needs, then every time a need was presented it would immediately be met.

BE SPECIFIC IN ASKING FOR A COMMITMENT

Another key of developing commitment is being specific. Tell people exactly what is expected of them. At Saddleback we ask people to commit to Christ, be baptized, become a member, develop the habits for maturity, minister, and fulfill their life mission.

We have developed four covenants that spell out exactly what each of these commitments include: (Mark's note: this is what Saddleback church do to help a new believer understand God's expectation of them. This is especially a very good way to help our new members know where they stand and where they should go from the burial (baptism) toward eternity!)

A Membership Covenant;
A Maturity Covenant;
A Ministry Covenant; and
A Missions Covenant.

Each one is very specific about what is expected and required at that level of commitment. Instead of saying, "Be committed to Christ," explain specifically what that involves.

EXPLAIN THE BENEFITS OF COMMITMENT

Another key to developing commitment in people is to identify the benefits of it. God does this. So many of the commands in Scripture have promises attached to them. I once did a study of the promises attached to God’s commands to be generous. We always end up being blessed whenever we’re obedient.

Explain the personal benefits, the family benefits, the benefits to the Body of Christ and society in general, and the eternal benefits of committing to spiritual growth. People really do have an innate desire to learn, to grow, and to improve.

BUILD ON COMMITMENT RATHER THAN TOWARD COMMITMENT

Even though you tell people where you are taking them (by challenging them with a big commitment) you start with whatever commitment they are able to give. Begin with an initial commitment regardless of how weak it may seem.

We challenge people to make a commitment and then grow into it. It’s like choosing to become a parent. Very few couples feel competent to parent before they have their first child. But somehow - after the decision is made and a baby is born - the couple grows into their parenting role.

It is also OK to break big commitments into smaller steps and lead people gradually along. That’s the idea behind our Life Development Process (the baseball diamond).

Let people take baby steps!

Thanks, Rick!!

In Christ Alone!!

Knowledge-surpassing Love

I am still amazed to see God working in each of our lives today. I see some are constantly changing while some are either changing slowly or about the same. Some of us are struggling with God because God isn't giving up on them. I am so thankful to God for His wonderful grace and love. I see His love through some believers who truly loves God and the people around them.

Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, "..and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19 (niv) This was Paul's third request from the church (people) in Ephesus. He also ask the same request from all of us believers today!

His request is that the believers may know the dimensions of the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ. Did you see that!? "..knowledge-surpassing love.."! He prays that they may be "rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:17) Not superficial love but genuine. Christians shouldn't simply know God and His Word. Christians shouldn't "act" scholarly.

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 13:2 (niv)

Bingo! We are nothing without love. If we only have knowledge about God but no love for others around your life, we're nothing! If we meditate on His Word but have no regard for others, it means nothing to God!

Two words, "..rooted.." and "..grounded..". I learned something from the two.

• "Rooted" refers to botany, to life.
• "Grounded" refers to architecture, to stability.

This is for all the saints. If one isn't rooted and grounded in love, what then? Death! Like plants, its roots must go deep in the soil in order to grow and become a beautiful plant. In the same way, Christians must go deep in love (unselfishly, unconditionally, agape) in order to grow and become like Christ. Apostle Paul wants them to "..know this love (the love of Christ) that surpasses knowledge." The vast expanse of the love of Christ is the love of God Himself. From this launching pad we can begin to measure that which is immeasurable and to know that which passes knowledge.

The new year will be here in 31 days! It's really hard to believe that! I'm not talking about developing a resolution that tends to be broken. It's about cultivating our hearts. It's about increasing our love for the most reluctant person in the world. It's about throwing away our selfishness! It's about making relationships a top priority. It's about making time for God.

What does God want happening to us as His church?
What areas of my life do I need to work on and improve (in terms of relationships)?
What are things that I am the most stubborn about (hurts, hang-ups or habits)?
How can I be more and more like Christ?
What am I reflecting before the eyes of the world?
What can I do to be a more loving Christian?

I have been praying for some within His congregation at Fairfax and all others in the world who continues to mellow themselves away from the utmost potential God has for them. Only the Holy Spirit can lead a believer into this vast experience of the love of Christ. Since it is infinite, it is beyond human comprehension. Once you comprehend this love of Christ, I will see that you have been filled with all the fullness of God!

Running well?

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7 (niv)

How well are you running the Christian race? At first (their first love for God), they behaved themselves very commendably, had readily embraced the Christlike life and discovered a zealous way walking the Jesus walk and working hard at it. And in their baptism, they have surrendered 'their whole life' to the Lord declaring themselves aloud they are followers of Christ and their behavior was agreeable to the Holy and Eternal Word of God! Are you running well? But there is a problem among Christians today:

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." Revelation 2:4 (niv)

Christians simply give up running the race for the crown of life. The life of a Christian is a race, so therefore, the Christian must run and keep on running. It's an eternal marathon with God! We must constantly keep our eye on the prize which is in Heaven. It is not enough that we run the race by merely professing we're a Christian but we "must run well" by living up to what we profess! Thus these Christians may be running the race for a while, then something obstructed their progress to grow and mature, were either turned out of the way or brought up a white flag calling it quits.

So, therefore, Apostle Paul asks us, "..who cut in on you.."? You were running well but now you couldn't hold on in the way! Some of us rather run a mile, 5 miles, or 10 miles. But running a marathon would be too much and time consuming. Paul knew those in the Galatian church. He knew what it was that hindered them. But he threw in a question that only the "quitters" can answer for themselves. And seriously consider if they had any good reason for quitting, for lagging behind, for slowing down? Here are some reasons why they simply quit:

1. They believed in God and surrendered their life to Him (in part) and ran well for a while. Then they started to run out and in bounds, until they allowed things in life to hinder their progresses and turned out of the way.

2. They have become tired after hearing the messages of the Lord over and over. Then allowing stumbling blocks in their way doing nothing to divert from them and avoid the dangers. This is especially important for young converts whom needs to be forewarned.

3. There will be those who will mislead a Christian away from obeying the truth and thereby are in danger of losing the greatest blessings they had done from the start until the turning point.

We are to embrace and profess the truth, the gospel that was preached to us. No matter how often we have heard the greatest stories of God, it's the only true way to find justification and salvation! And this, we must fully obey the form of teaching that God has entrusted us! What do we do with the gospel that was given to us?

1. The truth is not only to be "believed" but to be "obeyed"!
2. We receive the truth in love and grasp the awesome power of it!
3. We need to acknowledge that those who do not rightly obey the truth will be judged by God!
4. Our obeying the truth and embracing it enables us to run well in the Christian race and to persevere through just about any hindrances that comes our way.

When running the race well, we must strip off the "me-centered-mentality" and clothe ourselves daily with the "Christ-centered-mentality". I can give you alot of examples of "me-centered-mentality" but I think you know this mentality very well. Whatever you think or feel that is defending against the truth (yet you believe and love God), is still a "me-centered-mentality".. You do what you feel is best for you (me-centered) instead of doing what is best for God (Christ-centered)!

So how well are you running today?

Black Friday

I'm staying at home with the kids today while Michelle go out and shop for bargains. She's been out since 4:45 this early morning. I just happen to watch CNN and saw a terrible incident at Walmart on Black Friday!!. I'm not sure where this happened but apparently there was a huge fight between two people over one box. I must say that it's RIDICULOUS!!!

'Tis the season to be folly!

They pose one tragically foolish action that only mere kids do. It's like fighting over a piece of candy. He was extremely rigid and I could see his veins popping out of his neck. They had to get a couple of men to hold him down to the floor until the police comes. His scream really scared the bystanders, especially kids. I sympathize those kids having to witness such horrible example this adult portrayed. I wouldn't be surprised if those kids that witnessed the incident would probably do the same to their own brothers or sisters at home or even in schools. What's the world getting themselves into?

A couple of things I learned from this:

LACK OF PRESUMPTIONS - when we think we already know it all. "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame." (Pr. 18:13, NIV) This guy gave a punch when all he could do is ask a simple question for the other person's reason. Read the teachings of Jesus here:

"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic." Luke 6:29 (niv)

Obviously, this guy has his eyes set on one particular item. I was reading the ads from the newspaper of all the items on sale. In the Best Buy ads, they were selling PS2's "Splinter Cell" for $9.99 which is a HUGE BARGAIN!! But they're only selling 18 of them. I was thinking to myself, what if two people arrive at the same time and seeing only one left on the shelf and they're interested in the same thing. Imagine in slow motion, both of them are reaching out as fast as they can. Maybe one of them gave a arm-push on another. Then sparks will fly! I think Best Buy is asking for a whole lot of trouble!!

Here's a couple more...

IMPATIENCE - when you interrupt and jump to conclusions. "There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking." (Pr. 29:20, NLT)

PRIDE - when we are defensive and unteachable. "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." (Pr. 12:15, NIV)

You can learn from anyone if you know the right questions to ask!

'Tis the season to be jolly! We should be "jolly-ful" for having this life, having the most precious relationship with Jesus and knowing we're on our way home to be with the Father. There's nothing else that I want to have but Jesus. There's nowhere else that I rather be than dancing with Him as He sings over me! It's good to have a bargain of goods (and if it's available, even if I don't get my hands on the last box) and we need to understand that these goods don't last forever! They're destined to perish with use and age.

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." 2 Cor. 5:1, 4 (niv)

The only important goods we need is to be "clothed in Jesus". (Galatians 3:26-27) Are you clothed with an heavenly clothes? This is the most Divine Bargain we cannot miss!!!

Something to be thankful for....

Last night's Thanksgiving eve service was great! The word, "thank you, thanks, thanksgiving" pops up in almost every slide, comments and paper. Murray gave a short devotional about thanksgiving and he brought us back into the old days where Jesus gathered His Disciples for the Last Supper. Murray helped us see four different words out of the four verses: Took, Gave Thanks, Broke Bread and Ate. Also, he handed out a piece of paper for us to fill out with about 20 questions. One of the questions hit me and I struggled to answer it:

What circumstances do you struggle to be thankful for?

Over a year ago and in the wee morning hours of the night, our middle daughter fell from the top of her bunkbed and landed her mouth on a bookshelf. The pictures of her ordeal is still vivid in my mind. It is something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It's a reminder of a lot of things! Really! However, I am so very thankful for living in this time of the world where we have doctors and doctors with technologies! Even if bunkbeds wasn't invented until about a couple of years ago, suppose she fell out of a tree and landed on a rock down below in the 1800's, she probably wouldn't have the original look.

In addition to this, it reminds me of Christ Jesus. Through my daughter's cries, pain, blood and perseverance, I see Jesus! Everytime I think of her ordeal, I think of Christ's. I want to encourage my blog readers that regardless of any circumstances, be thankful, be grateful! And remember, compared to your suffering, Christ's suffered more!

"..in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (nas)

There are alot of verses I want to share with you that we ought to be thankful for today!

1. Thanks for the SALVATION! "But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed.." Ro. 6:17 (nas)
2. Thanks for our LORD JESUS CHRIST! "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Ro. 7:25 (nas)
3. "..who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles;.." Ro. 16:4 (nas)
4. Thanks for the VICTORY IN JESUS! "..but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57 (nas)
5. Thanks for the PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS! "He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people's prayers for our safety have been answered." 2 Cor. 1:11 (nlt)
6. Thanks for GOD'S GRACE! "All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory." 2 Cor. 4:15 (nlt)
7. Thanks for the AWESOME GIFT! "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15 (nas)
8. Thanks for the UNCEASING THANKS! "..do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;.." Eph. 1:16 (nas)
9. Thanks for ALL THINGS IN CHRIST'S NAME! "..always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;.." Eph. 5:20 (nas)
10. Thank you, God, FOR ALL BELIEVERS! "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,.." Col. 1:3 (nas)
11. Thanks for the INHERITANCE WE HAVE IN HEAVEN!"..giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.." Col. 1:12 (nas)
12. Thanks for the BELIEVER'S LOVE IN ACTION!"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Col. 3:17 (nas)
13. Always GIVE THANKS IN PRAYER! "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.." 1 Thess. 1:2 (nas)
14. Thanks for the BELIEVER'S GROWTH AND MATURITY! "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;.." 2 Thess. 1:3 (nas)
15. Give Thanks IN SHOUTS OF PRAISE! "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." Heb. 13:15 (nas)
16. Thanks to the ONE WHO LIVES FOREVER AND EVER! "And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever,.." Rev. 4:9 (nas)
17. Thanks to the ONE WITH GREAT POWER AND AUTHORITY AND DOMINION! "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign." Rev. 11:17 (nas)

So, regardless of our circumstances, there's still something to be thankful for: GOD!

Giving Thanks

Paul explains that he "learned" to be content. Paul chose his attitude – trained his mind and heart to select his life perspective. "Learned" means "to be educated by experience." Paul is saying that all of his life experiences – good and bad – had become his tutor in gratitude. Paul learned to be "content," a word that means "contained." In other words, Paul trained himself to focus on inner resources – those resources God deposited in his heart and soul – rather than outward circumstances. He chose to be grateful, to give God praise no matter what his outer circumstances might be.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."1 Thessalonians 5:18 (niv)

Paul knew that he could trust God. Paul counted on Him to come through because God had always come through for Paul. I think it's interesting when one author wrote in one of the books I have read, "You see, there's a money-back guarantee on every promise of God!" Behind every promise of God is the perfect and flawless integrity of God.

"I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name." (Psalm 138: 2, NCV)

Our Father allows us to go through trials, giving us the opportunity to rest on His promises while choosing the attitude of gratitude in the midst of those trials! When we choose gratitude, we are choosing joy! When our heart is fixed on gratitude we are choosing praise, enthroning God in the midst of the circumstance. Our praise prepares a place for Him to dwell and reside. No matter how deep the valley – no matter how painful the wound – no matter how difficult the road – our choice to praise Him is an invitation for Him to come. And when He comes, everything changes.

"But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3, NLT)

It is easy to choose gratitude when the seas are calm, the skies are clear and the boat is full of fish! But the real test of gratitude accompanies the greatest storms of life, that's why Jesus took His followers out to sea to test them! Gratitude realizes that God is sovereign and rests in the knowledge that His ways are not our ways. It is not necessary for us to understand His process in order to trust His heart. Gratitude is a learned choice made by the heart that seeks God. When gratitude becomes our heart habit we will naturally trust Him more and live with a sense of anticipation, knowing that He is constantly at work in and around us.

When we choose to fill our hearts with gratitude, it makes life sweet! Make gratitude a habit!

40 Day Finale!

The second 40 Days of Purpose campaign has now been logged in the history books!! It's been a wonderful 40 Day drive learning God's five purposes in our lives! If you haven't read Rick Warren's book, Purpose Driven Life, don't hesitate to check his book out. It's worth your time reading this book and you'll get alot out of it. Of course, it all depends on where your heart is. So be praying that your heart is forever set on God, His purposes, His plans and the eternal home we await!

Here are some freeze frames of the 40 Day Celebration, "SURVIVOR PARTY" we had last weekend! It was one fun-crazy event!!!!


40 Days Celebration participants having a BLAST!!!!













Cario Stewart and Jack Mitchiner aims their rubber bands at their target!













Eric Tomas shot one of hundred bands! He managed to get to the top three, along with teammate, Ben Martin, and won!













Matt Sickon prepares for a rubber-band shootout!













40 Days Kids all smiles!!!













SURVIVOR PARTY TEAM #1: Brenda, Neil, Mark, Kenny & Cario













SURVIVOR PARTY TEAM #2: Tim, Kathy, Helena, Sara, Steve, Ricky & Jack













SURVIVOR PARTY TEAM #3: Aracelis, Mel, Robin, Michelle, Ben, Evan & Eric













SURVIVOR PARTY TEAM #4: Darrin, Fred, Christy & Matt (Not pictured: Nancy & Jane)













And a very, very special thanks to our "SURVIVOR PARTY" organizer, Bev Young, with special help from the ladies': Kathy Flavin, Holly Morris, Christy Pomnitz and Michelle Lowenstein...

Darkroom/Negatives

On our way home from church last Sunday after such a heavenly weekend, I took a quick glimpse of a church sign that reads:

"Worry is a darkroom where negatives are developed!"

I laughed and said, "How true!!!!"

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27 (niv)

If you're in a "darkroom", get out before Satan develops the "negatives" out of you!!!

40 Days Conference

We had one of the most inspirational, motivating and informational conference in years!! 45 were in attendance for this year's 40 Days conference. We had alot more that couldn't come but pray that they will return next year for what we hope to top this year's conference! We're working on this now! Men and women have left this conference with a renewed sense of purpose: to reach for one soul within one year. Here are some 40 Days Freeze Frames for you to look at all that had gone on last weekend:















Mark Lowenstein reading Revelation 7 before singing praises to God!




















Jose Abenchuchan, guest speaker from Jacksonville, Florida, preaching, "Fearless Faith". He talked about how most of the members of the churches in the world fail to be the light of the world, salt of the earth and seed-bearers!! Christians do not share their faith out of fear of losing friends, fear of lack of knowledge of explaining why they believe in Him, why they are a Christian, lack of time spend in sharing the gospel with others, and reluctant of sharing the good news because of many rejections from others. Jose went on to say that God charged us to be seed-bearers with "FEARLESS FAITH"! If you missed this lesson, you missed the conviction of the Holy Spirit!














There are brotherly and sisterly hugs visible throughout the conference!














Mark Lowenstein led the congregants to praising God singing, "A New Anointing"!














Jose Abenchuchan challenged the members to make a commitment to go and bring in "ONE SOUL" to Christ and work with that soul (teaching, admonishing, coaching, nurturing, loving, supporting). (Above) Jose lights Bev Young's candle then asked God to bless her as she makes the commitment.














Jose lights Jack Mitchiner's candle then asked God to bless him as he reaches "ONE" for Christ!















A room filled with Sunday's small groups discussing the 40 Days material: MINISTRY.

We closed the 40 Days conference on a high note! Jose challenged the members of the Lord's church to minister others within His Body! There were no dry eyes during this special time and many hearts were crushed knowing of their sins and their lack of awareness that each of us were shaped to serve God!

Please pray for others who couldn't be with us during this special time. They truly missed out God's best for their lives. Not only the weekend was a time to feel God's refreshing Spirit being poured out onto us but also when we come together every week to be fed with God's eternally powerful Word helping us grow and be mature saints of God.

In Christ Alone!

Beware!

The interior car lights were on. Glove compartment opened. Items that were in the compartment were displaced on the seats. Oakley sunglasses (two of them) and another sunglasses were missing. A business card from the police officer was placed on our door. You guess it! We're a new victim of a random car theft in our neighborhood! Actually, both cars! Yet, we rejoiced before the Lord!! I was actually singing with my wife in the car as we left to go to work, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" Crazy, are we? I doubt it!

"For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (nas)

Yes! We were very surprised it happened to us, especially in this nice neighborhood AND after living here for over a month!. It's really interesting here.. We have always wanted to clean our vehicles. But we procrastinated this for so long. Until a couple of young boys whom the police caught them rummaging around our vehicles gave us the most perfect time to clean the vehicles. No, they didn't capture these brute thieves. Remember, Satan is still out there!

I want to share with you an interesting parallel from reality to spirituality:

1. Who is the thief in a spiritual realm? Satan! Always, always beware of him!
2. Read John 10:10.. Satan lures us into the trap (sins) and destroys us!
3. The very soul we have may be ransacked by Satan himself. Disappointing? Yes. But look to the person who gives us life, Jesus Christ.
4. Repent from your sins (clean up your life).
5. Enjoy the Lord's favor (we're enjoying a clean car!!)

Really, the loss is our gain! "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ..." Philippians 3:8 (niv)

I love this verse!!! Whatever I have doesn't give me eternal life! When it comes to Oakleys, it a costly loss. I actually lost an Oakley. It is in the bottom of the sound (ocean inlet) at Outer Banks, NC. Two Oakleys are a costly loss. But that's ok. There's more to life than these losses. When it comes to loss of home, job, or a life, it is my prayer that God will remind us that these losses are nothing compared to the "SURPASSING GREATNESS OF KNOWING CHRIST"! Is God playing mind games with us? I think not!

Materialism doesn't make you right with God.
Wealth doesn't make you right with God.
Having a perfect earthly family doesn't make you right with God.

All these things are destined to rot and perish. They don't last forever. It is our Lord Jesus Christ that makes you right with God! That lasts forever!

DREAMING?

Recently, I was praying to the Lord tonight and asked Him for His wisdom and guidance. After reading His Word, especially on words like, "visions", "dreams", and "future", I just thought I'd ask my blogfriends (neat name, huh?) for your God-given input on a vision statement, mission statement and also encourage us to attain a certain and realistic, again, realistic goal that we all "will" work toward as a family and to glorify God!

Please pray about this, first, before you give me your input. Seek His guidance. Read His Word and meditate on a verse whether it's missional, serving, edifying, and others.

Don't forget, bloggers!! Jose and Kathy Abenchuchan will be coming to D.C. for the MISSIONDC, a 40 Day conference this weekend starting this Friday night!! I believe this will be a great conference, not that it's entertaining but informative to equip each of us to be fishers of men!

Keep on dreaming God's dream, blogfriends!!

Dreaming God's Dream

We need to dream God's dream. How do we do that? By reading His Word and thinking God's Word and playing over and over the voice of God that we have read over and over again!

So I want to challenge you to dream great dreams for God.

Open your Bible and read Ephesians 3:20, especially the Living Bible, "God is able to do far more than anything we would ever dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes."

Awesome! Only God can provide us a vision or goal that we never have thought of! That’s an amazing verse. It is as if God says, "I want you to think up the biggest thing you think I can do:

• In your life (not what you want happening the way you want but the way God wants.)
• In your ministry (areas that brings Christ in your community)
• In your church (edifying the body and bringing unity between one another)

and I can top that; I can beat it.”

Find something that God can do through you that you will not fail to do. Think about this. God gave each of you a gift to perform for His glory. Examine yourselves and the gift God gave you. Then let that expand your horizons. Let it expand your dreams. Let it expand your vision into God’s unlimited vision for your ministry.

But how do you find God’s vision for your ministry? A couple of things:

GOD'S WHAT

God always reveals His vision for your ministry. But that's only if you're attentive to His plan, providence and power! When He reveals it, the first thing He shows you is HIS WHAT. He shows you what He’s going to do. I believe it is normal for us to make mistakes once we start out doing a ministry for God - once God has shown you what He’s going to do in your life and ministry – is to immediately run out and assume we can accomplish it any way we wish.

I often make mistakes like this trying to do anything under my own power, my own way, my own efforts. Eventually, we'll be burned out and fall flat on our face trying to figure out what went wrong! Don't take this as a means of coming to the point of a failure but a turning-point, a detour! It's an opportunity to wake up and crawl back to God for His power, His way, and His efforts.

Where is the vision? What's our goal as a church? Where are we going from there? What's the purpose of coming together? Often, churches in the world lack spiritual strength and stability because they don't have a goal, vision, purpose or a dreaming God's dream! I strongly recommend that every church in the world develop a vision/goal, with God's help, to strive and reach for. Once we have reach the goal, we re-group and develop another goal. We're building layers of goals by layer toward eternity!

GOD'S HOW

God’s HOW is always in the exact opposite way that you thought. You say, “I’ll grow the church this way.” And God will say, “No, let’s do it MY way” - because He wants the glory. We need to do it according to His pattern.

GOD'S WHEN

Once you see the HIS WHAT and HIS HOW you’re still not finished. There's another part of the vision - God shows you WHEN.

The longer I walk with the Lord,
and the longer, I'm in ministry,
the more I'm convinced that God’s timing is perfect.

He is never early; He is never late; He is always and precisely right on time. And His timing is as important as the WHAT and HOW of His vision. You must wait for ALL THREE PARTS for God to work in your life.

That's why I am very excited about re-grouping with some of my fellow brothers and sisters next year to discuss Fairfax Church of Christ's Deaf Ministry's vision/goal for the year of 2006 and beyond. We need, with God's help, to implement one. Once we have a vision set up, printed, displayed, and visible, I pray that God's will: HIS WHAT, HIS HOW AND HIS WHEN be done among His church! It's very important that we instill the vision we have for God in our hearts blended in with constant time of prayer and watching God mightily work within His church!

Dream God's Dream For His Glory!!!

The "M" Word!

We're on a mission! A mission to reach the hearts of people with silent cries for help. Deep inside, they know they need Jesus but they may not know "how" to open their hearts to allow Jesus in. They may be paralized with fear of change. They could be afraid they may run into a disappointment that the thought of a dramatic spiritual change didn't happen the way they wanted it to be.

Remember this: when we're fishing for people, we're required to try and test each bait that will produce a bite. Not everyone will accept the same "method of evangelism" you provide. You cannot use the same "method" to every person you meet. Everyone comes in different forms of personalities, traits, backgrounds, interests. You don't talk about Physics with a sports fan. You don't talk about fishing with a ballet dancer. We need to find a common ground - something that is of interest to them. We are to fit ourselves in and learn just about everything a prospect has experienced.

I want to express all that had happened last week!! I am so proud of the church family for jumping in and taking part of a mission to help one of our members of the church. I believe God provided an "Acid Test" on His children at Fairfax. He's not done and will continue to do more tests. I often take over the role as a "caretaker". But the more the church has grown, the more work I will have to do for the Lord alone. I sense God's calling last week after receiving an urgent email on Halloween day. I wasn't sure what to do but went to the Lord and asked for His favor. He provided me one right away by saying as it seems, "Use my children!" So I sent an email out asking some of the members close by or without children who may be willing to help. A couple of them jumped in with a heart to give while one is much more than willing to go and provide for the person on the spot with the gift we gave. For this reason, I praise God for those who have used their time and love by giving to such person in great need.

Today, we talked about Matthew 25:35-39: "And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' "Then those "sheep' are going to say, "Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?'"This is a teaching Jesus taught about the sheep and goats and those who provided for and those who didn't. Our mission is to provide for those in great need. How many people in the world are in great need? I can't count because there are so many of them whom are literally paralized with fear of change, fear of being in the wrong "religion" or "church", fear of getting hurt when they have been hurt daily in the world, fear of isolation from the family of God (are we neglecting our own brothers and sisters in need?) and many other fears that paralizes them!

We're on a Mission.. Yes! Even on a Mission within the body of Christ in effort to build His body, the Church. "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:19 (nlt) There are people within His body and outside struggling with the fear of change, hurt, isolation and many more. They clam up with fear. Often, they deny that they have a problem. But we must capture such thought (denial, arrogance, arguments) and make it obedient to Christ: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 (niv)

"Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us." 1 John 4:18 (nlt)

Our Mission, "THE "M" WORD", is to bring the PERFECT LOVE, namely Jesus, into every living soul on earth! This, PERFECT LOVE, will sweep away the fear each person has in his/her hearts!

God loves those who takes action, who is on a MISSION!

"..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.." Philippians 1:6 (niv)

What's "Your" Mission?

You're probably thinking that you're on a mission to get a PhD. degree or on a mission to work with the Peace Corp, or perhaps on a mission to trek on your bike around the world. I have news for you. That's "YOUR" mission! I think that's great that you have an ambition to pursue during part of your life. But we need to look in a completely different perspective. We're born on earth with a purpose. We cannot merely live and then die without meaning. If we do that, we will never be recognized for eternity!

Jesus came from the Heaven to earth with One Ultimate Goal: To save the world from sin! When He was 12 years old, his parents found him in a temple preaching the Word to a group of religious fanatics. They were in awe of the young mind and how He attains such infinite wisdom! But Jesus' mission wasn't over. He continued on through life with compassion, with simple messages and stories about God, life, death and eternity. 21 years later, He cried, "It is finished!" and died, crucified on the cross. The mission His Father gave Him was done!

“In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” John 17:18 (Msg)

Remember, each and every person that believes in Him are co-heirs (partners) with God! So we have a great responsibility, a privilege to specifically share our life's mission. How did you come to know God? How did God, through the Word, change your life? How did you change from the worst to God's best?

JESUS COMMANDS US TO CONTINUE THE MISSION HE LEFT US

It's a command, not a suggestion! In Matthew 28:18-20, He commanded us to go and, #1 MAKE DISCIPLES (bring those in the world to be followers of Christ), #2 BAPTIZE THEM (immerse them), #3 TEACH THEM (teach them the whole will of God, not some). He calls us not ONLY to come to Him but also to GO for Him. Really, the Matthew 28 passage indicates a REQUIREMENT. It is MANDATORY! Not an option. We really don't have an excuse that we're unable to do it. It is not merely a responsibility of a minister but every follower of Christ. The people in the world will know Jesus through Christians.

YOUR MISSION IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE

It is a sure honor to serve our Living God! We're actually "employees of God" and we're representing Him. God doesn't want us to think we're a "salesman for God" trying to sell His products in a heartless way in order to gain a "crown of life". It is a privilege, the most outstanding one!

YOUR MISSION IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR OTHERS

Rick Warren quoted, "If your neighbor had cancer, or AIDS, and you knew the cure, it would be criminal to withhold that lifesaving information. Even worse would be to keep secret the way to forgiveness, purpose, peace, and eternal life. We have the greatest news in the world and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show to anyone." I totally believe when we share the good news that we have the best remedy for our sins and the sins in the world through Christ, the church will become awesomely contagious.

I want to share with those who have been a Christian for a long time. I applaud those who continue to walk with Jesus and still keep God's mission a top priority in their lives by reaching out to those who need Jesus. But there's a problem. One problem is that a long-term Christian will forget how hopeless it felt to be without Christ. This is similar to those who were raised in a Christian family may have never experienced the devastation sin has on them. They know "of sin" and understand that sin separates them from God. Probably without remorse, they acknowledged it all and accept Christ. It is easy to be classified a Christian, on the outside, but God is more interested in the heart. Everybody needs Jesus (period)!

YOUR MISSION HAS ETERNAL IMPORTANCE

Whatever the impact you make on others in the world is far more important and more recognized than any job, achievement, or goal that you have accomplished on earth. The ultimate question is: WHAT'S YOUR MISSION? What have you done with the Matthew 28 command? Is it in the trash? Is it swept under the rug? Has it simply become a bookmark? Perhaps, you may just be aware of it but haven't put it into action?

Life is NOTHING unless I use it to work for our great Lord Jesus Christ which is the work of telling others the good news about Jesus! If your mission comes to a standstill because you're too busy, you're distracted, you're too critical about certain things in the Bible, you don't know how, you may be lazy then you've wasted the life God gave you on earth!

My suggestion is to just bring one person to Jesus a year and teach that particular person before moving on to the next. If 15 family members of Jesus bring in one, we may have added another 15 family members. Take only one at a time and watch God do the rest!

You weren't placed on earth to do nothing or to live for yourselves. God is inviting you again to participate in the greatest job in the Universe, "..seek and save what is lost." So what's your mission?

Discipleship Week

Wow! We're entering God's THIRD PURPOSE for our lives this week: DISCIPLESHIP!! If you haven't done so, check out the other blog @ http://deaf40.blogspot.com.

Allow me to share Rick Warren's comments in connection with our study on Discipleship which will begin tomorrow morning!

You were planned for God’s pleasure: That’s called worship.
And you were formed for a family, that’s called fellowship.
Here’s the third reason God made you: you were created to be like Christ, that’s called discipleship.

God made you to transform you into a likeness of his son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Romans 8:29, “From the very beginning, that those who came to him, and all along He knows who would, should become like His son, so that His son would be the first of many brothers.” Now this is not God’s new plan B. It’s been God’s plan from the very beginning of time.
God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do. He’s far more interested in your being than in your doing. A lot of people ask, “What is God’s will for my life in my job or my career?” Do you know what - you could probably have 2 dozen different careers and God would say that’s fine. God is more interested in your character, and I’ll tell you why - you’re not taking your career into eternity, but you are taking your character.

So God’s goal here on earth is more about what you become than what you do because it’s what you become that you take into heaven. One of the biggest questions we ask ourselves over and over is, “Why is this happening to me? Why did this happen? Why do I have this problem in my life?” The answer is always the same, if you’re a believer.

To make you like Jesus.

If God is going to make you like Jesus Christ, then He’s going to take you through everything Jesus went through:

Was there anytime when Jesus was lonely? Yes.
Was there anytime when Jesus was tempted? Yes.
Was there anytime when Jesus was unpopular? Yes.
Misunderstood? Yes.
Criticized? Yes.
Went without basic needs? Yes.
Was there ever a time in Jesus’ life when things did not make his life comfortable? Absolutely.
Why do you think God would spare you those things? The Bible says Jesus learned obedience through suffering. The Bible says in Hebrews, that Jesus was made perfect – mature - through suffering. What makes you think you’d be any different? What makes you think God would spare you from something He did not spare His own Son from?

If He’s going to make you like Christ, He’s going to take you through everything Jesus went through. God produces the fruit of the Spirit in your life by putting you in the exact opposite situation.

If God wants to teach you real love, does He put you around a bunch of lovely people just like you? No, if God wants to teach you real love, He’s going to put you around some unlovely people. It’s easy to love people like you. You like yourself.
How does God teach you peace? You’re sitting at home when everything’s perfect and the kids are quiet, and you’re making a lot of money? No. He puts you in a traffic jam. Peace is learned in chaos, in a crisis.

How about patience? God puts you in lines. Ever been to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? That’s the number one way God makes you more patient.

There is no problem you can’t grow from if you’ll learn the right response. You become like Jesus. This is God’s third purpose for your life. Becoming like Christ is called discipleship.

God Wants His Children To Know...

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:35-36 (niv)

Currently, I have been on a tough journey looking for the deaf in need of Jesus Christ. It is like a "needle in a haystack"! Ever since, I have been meeting deaf souls that have a steady jobs, great families, and nice homes who appears to have absolutely no desire to live a surrendered life for God among Fairfax. It put a tear in my heart seeing that they have hardened their own hearts. We have a few within the body of Christ (His church) whom portrays a strong desire to serve the Lord and a heart for deaf souls in the fields ripe for harvest. And I pray that God will use these few to reach out to hungry and lost deaf souls for His glory!

I have been reading Jesus' parable of the "Wedding Banquet" (Mt. 22) where He tells that God's Kingdom (church) is like a King (Jesus) who sent His servants (faithful Christians) out to invite those (lost souls) to the banquet (church; eternal life). There were lost souls with different professions who refused to come to the King to celebrate together (fellowship)! Not only do we feel the rejection from people we're trying to reach out to, God does! I have been struggling with this question, "Why aren't people who come don't become part of the family of God?" I have received an email from people whom have visited His church at Fairfax share their comments with me or that I get them from a person they are close to.

We do alot of things: fellowship luncheon (potluck), picnic, retreats, Ladies' Night Out, Men's Night Out, Christmas banquet to encourage souls outside of the body to grow with us. But it is still not enough to keep them within the body of Christ. Criticizing church is the easiest thing to do on this planet so you would think we know how to handle a rejection! Sort of. It makes a preacher bang his head on the wall when he hears a couple of things:

1. People couldn't find the church (we're right between two busiest highways!!)
2. We want more emotion in singing (or) there's too much emotion in singing.
3. You sang old and tired songs but we also sing new and exciting songs and get beat up for that!
4. Your worship center isn't worshipful (meaning pretty, crosses, stained glasses, wooden pews)
5. One of your members gave me the look so I am disgusted.
6. No one came up to me and welcomed me. (Now, that's not entirely true.)
7. I know one of your members (probably the weak ones) so I don't see how this church can help me if it doesn't help them.
8. The preacher doesn't have time for new visitors (probably because members are asking me questions after the services where they should be spending time with visitors).
9. The church isn't very friendly.
10. The sermon was too long but some of the sermons are short and I get beat up for that, too!

Allow me to give you a couple of conclusions to help both the members and those visiting Fairfax or your local church:

1. You might have been sitting near other visitors, and all of you waited around for the other to speak up, and you came to the wrong conclusions about the church (i.e. church is unfriendly).

2. Don't criticize my people for not being friendly to you if you do not seek out newcomers in your church back home and welcome them. It's real easy to get hypocritical on this issue.

3. True, the Bible tells God's people they are to welcome the strangers among them (Leviticus 19), but nowhere are we excused from doing the will of God because someone was not friendly to us. Some of the most influential Christians I know joined a church where no one spoke to them for the simple reason that they knew God was leading them there. He was, and their faithfulness made it a greater church.

4. Be real careful about telling other people that a church is unfriendly. You could be guilty of slandering the body of Christ (church). What if someone who overhears your attack is unsaved and has been invited to attend that church where he might have come to know Christ and be baptized? What if your negative words influenced him not to attend, and no one ever reaches him? Many a person has come to know Christ in churches that do not do a very effective job of greeting newcomers.

5. Learn a lesson from this. Look around for new faces and give them a smile and a handshake. Offer to introduce them to the minister. Make sure they filled out the visitors' information card so the church will have their address. We have some members who look for first-timers and offer to take them to lunch at the restaurant in your area. Lunchtime becomes an excellent occasion for the newcomers to ask their questions and to learn of the church.

These are the things God wants His children to know what to do with people who come to Him. Remember, we are His servants and He has called us to serve! The family of God is a fellowship of love in which the members treasure each other and minister each other, but are always reaching out to welcome the strangers whom the Father is adding to His church!

KOINONIA

What in the world does, "KOINONIA", mean? It's a greek word for "fellowship", I mean an "intimate fellowship with God and His children".. We're all on a journey together. Similar to the time of the Old Testament, Israel stayed together on their journey in the wilderness. Not only were they the only ones in the fellowship, God was.

Fellowship encourages us to draw each other closer together and reach out to non-believers. We are to love because God loves us all! We have the healing power from God because of our love for each other. Many Christians and non-believers overlook the tremendous power displayed from those with strong love for others.

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to watch the Lord's children mingle after the services. We talked about how many of us misunderstand what "fellowship" means and what is God had designed for "fellowship" to be. Coming and going to church is not called fellowship. Talking about the world and its news with others is not fellowship. I could see the church have alot of work to do in relation to "koinonia". We need to have a "heart-to-heart" with our visitors. For those who know each other when they come together ought to begin to know another brother or sister they seldomly talk to. When that happens, koinonia is evident and GOD IS GLORIFIED! But when we clam ourselves up among people we feel comfortable with avoiding those we feeling uncomfortable with, "koinonia" diminishes. If we're saying we're not comfortable with other people but isolate ourselves from them, "koinonia" lost its meaning! That's why Paul urged Christians to "LIVE" in harmony with one another (not one or two but ALL!!). Do you know all about the person that sits on the opposite side of the worship room?

"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." Romans 12:16 (niv)

In our minds, we think fellowship is going to clubs, parties, church services, or other social functions. But that's not God's plan for fellowship. God's fellowship is on another plane. It's much deeper than we thought! It's a desire to have an intimate relationship with God and with people. It's a yearning to get to know that person in a deeper way. When we have that desire and yearning, the church will become extremely strong in love and fellowship!

We need to go deeper in our relationship with God and people, after we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and baptized for the forgiveness of our sins. We need to learn how to manage our spiritual journey, a wonderful journey and a rough journey, so we can enjoy full fellowship with God and other people. The Christian life is not a matter of perfection; it is a process leading to a deeper understanding of what God wants us to do with our lives. Then acting out our Christian life in the face of today's meaningless values. We're the salt and light of the world. We show Christ by doing the right thing God wants us to do: doing the right fellowship before the eyes of the world. By doing so, we can reach the ultimate, eternal Koinonia with God and the saints in heaven!!

In Christ Alone!

Heart Of Worship - Part 6

You know that worship never ends but I "promised" you that I will give you six parts on worship. I know, from time to time, I'll talk about worship because it is our life! Worshipping God is like the air we creatures breathe and the water to all the creatures of the sea. You cannot have life without worship, only worshipping the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Without our daily worship to Him, we're "good-for-nothing, separated, eternally condemned". Not that God wants that to happen ("THE 1-2-3-4 DESIRE OF GOD" 1 Timothy 2:3-4) but it's a choice that us humanity make. That's why I chose to fear (respect) God because He "IS" the One who created it all, He's the Beginning and the End!!

God-pleasing worship is from <-- everlasting to everlasting -->

When we come to the services at church, we "just" started to worship God. That's a false meaning of "worship". We're told in the Bible to do one thing, "..worship Him continually.." Amen? I remembered one author wrote in his book, "We are to sing our hallelujahs from sunrise (the time we get up) to sunset (the time we go to sleep)!" Might I add that we can sing our hallelujahs while we're sleeping; in our dreams!? The Psalmist said, "I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise him."

Rick Warren quoted in the Purpose Drive Life book, "Worship is not a part of your life; it is your life, and every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God." In the Bible, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

What is the secret to a lifestyle of worship? The secret is: do it all in the Name of the Lord. You're doing it all; everything for God. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Everyday, when we're aware of God's presence in our everyday doing, we're worshipping Him. There's no stopping in meditation on His Word, His potential, His providence, and the awareness of His power. Romans 12:1 says "Take your everyday, ordinary life -- your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life -- and place it before God as an offering." (msg)

What are you, daily, offering God? How's your heart in worship to our Awesome God?

Heart Of Worship - Part 5

"Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe." Heb. 12:28 (TEV)

God-pleasing worship is thoughtful

Did you notice that Jesus commanded us four times in the bible, "Love the Lord your God with all your mind." What of those who comes before God in worship: mindless, distracted, unfocused? We may present careless words of prayer (babbling about whatever comes "to mind", heartless exclamations of "Hallelujah, Jesus!" because we can't think of anything else to express to God at the moment. We must be "mindful of God", otherwise worship will be simply a meaningless expression.

Then 2,000 years ago, Jesus classified this group: vain worshipers.

At first, our expressions, biblical quotes and other cliches may be inspirational, exciting, explosive. But we repeat these over and over then overlooking a deeper meaning of what we're expressing. Many of us arrive at church to skim through the Bible trying to decide what to say, what Scripture is best, and simply just pass on the information without meaning, without careful exegesis. Indeed, it's easier to offer "heartless words" in worship than making the effort to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and inspiration when sharing before His church with fresh and vibrant insights. That’s why I encourage you to constantly read the Scripture. It will broaden your expressions of worship.

Allow me to give you a suggestion. Really, it's an encouragement and a challenge:

1. Instead of saying, "Praise You, God!" in repeated fashion, use words like, "God, wow! I admire You so much for all You are, our loving God!", "Lord, we come before you in awe and reverance! You're Forever our Lord!", "Father, I love You and Your commands! Help me do what You will in our lives today and forever!".

2. Try and be specific (the best you can) because God would love to see that we're mindful of spiritual things and situations.

3. Create a list of the names of God: Jehovah, Almighty, King, Savior, The Eternal One, Awesome God, The Beginning and End!

4. When we gather together to worship God, God expects us to be thoughful of Him. If your mind is on other things throughout worship, you're not worshiping Him at all. Whatever you're thinking, your focus are on it, not God. It is like a teacher teaching his/her students. If their mind is wandering elsewhere, they are: ignoring the teacher and missing out the important facts the teacher has taught.

5. Orderly worship: Paul devotes an entire chapter to this in 1 Corinthians 14 and concludes "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

The worship we give to God must be understandable to the unbelievers. If you see an unbeliever come into the place of worship, go and sit by that person and welcome him/her. They are important to both us and God. Sit with them and help them understand why and how we worship Him. Make them feel comfortable in the presence of God and of His church. Being sensitive to unbelievers who visit His worship gatherings is a biblical command, not a passing fad. To ignore this command would be disobedient and unloving.

Once again, starting today, examine your heart. How's your worship to God?

Heart Of Worship - Part 4

Here's the actual event that took place no long ago. After we (my beautiful wife, Michelle and I) ate at our favorite restaurant, TiJuana Flats, in Ashburn, Virginia, we decided to go and make a "long-overdue" appointment with the dentist. As I entered the office, the secretary looked up at me and smiled, "Hi! May I help you?". I could see the ultra-white teeth shining from her mouth. I need some eye-rays to block that oh-so-good shine out of my eyes. It was surely a pleasing sight. And, of course, she has to shine it out showing her faithfulness and example because she works at the dentist office. I don't think I ever seen a crooked and coffee-stained teeth displayed from the secretary at a dentist office!

Anyways, the story goes on.... She handed me a form for me to fill out as we are the first-timer at their dentist office. There were many questions such as:

When was the last time you had an oral x-ray?
When was the last time you had a full oral examination?
How often do you brush your teeth?
How often do you floss?
How often to you pay a dentist visit?

I had a pen in my hand and I felt embarrassed and chuckled! I am not too good with the dentist but I am faithful in brushing my teeth morning and night. Flossing only depends on my mood. But I know I will have to pay a heavy price for not going to the dentist. But, we finally made an appointment and looking forward to it!

One question hit me really hard! Here it is:

Would you like to keep all of your teeth for the rest of your life?

No! I am serious! I have never seen a question like this on a form! And it makes perfect sense! If you're faithful to: brushing, flossing, getting a 6 month check-up including all those grinding, squishing, de-plaquing, and flouride, it is possible!! It requires tremendous amount of discipline, perserverance and faithfulness to maintain a healthy teeth! Apparently, the dentist is giving us the hope of having an "earthly-eternal" teeth. You'll be smiling with your own teeth in the coffin. Ha!

So we can relate this in a spiritual perspective. Imagine there's a "Heaven" form for us to fill out, we write down all sorts of information: our background, our problems, and our expectations. What if there's a question:

Would you like to keep your Spirit for the rest of eternity?

Like me, you may be thinking, "Gee.. Tough question and I haven't been faithful, nor have I been praying or meditating on God's Word or helping those who are poor, weak or helpless, or faithfully coming together in worship at church." It is like you haven't been flossing, or paying a regular dentist visit to get flouride and deep cleaning and catch those nasty cavaties before it plagues your roots! You'll need more than ACT, or SCOPE, or CREST toothpaste with flouride. You'll need a Physician. You'll need Jesus! I am not saying you'll need to see Jesus every 6 months. No. You'll need Jesus 24/7! You'll need Him for the rest of your life. That's only if you want to spend eternity with God.

If you have the heart for "Earth-everlasting" teeth, you know what you need to do. If you have the heart for "Life-everasting Time with God", then worship and serve Him only! A faithful dentist-goer poses a ultra-white teeth as a faithful worshiper of God will brightly shine among the world!

'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' Matthew 4:10 (niv)

Heart Of Worship - Part 3

God-pleasing worship is from the heart

In the John 4, "..worship in spirit..", is not referring to the Holy Spirit, but to your spirit. Made in God’s image, you are a spirit that resides in a body, and God designed your spirit to communicate with him. Worship is our spirit responding to God’s Spirit.

Jesus said it another way when he commanded, "Love God with all your heart and soul."
Worship must be genuine and heart-felt. I know some of you blog-readers struggle in this area. It’s not just a matter of saying the right words; you must mean what you say. Heartless praise is not praise at all! You can deceive all you want but only God knows and it is worthless, and an insult to God.

When we worship, God looks past our words to see the attitude of our hearts. The Bible says, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Since worship is delighting in and enjoying God, it engages your emotions. God gave you emotions so you could worship him with deep feeling - but those emotions must be genuine, not faked. God hates hypocrisy. He doesn’t want a show, or pretense, or phoniness in worship. He wants your honest, real love. We can worship God imperfectly, but we cannot worship him insincerely.

Of course, sincerity alone is not enough; you can be sincerely wrong. That’s why both "..spirit and truth.." are required. Worship must be both authentic and accurate. God-pleasing worship is deeply emotional and deeply doctrinal, straight from the Bible. We use both our hearts and our minds.

I want to emphasize again that worship is more than music. Actually, worship predates music. Adam worshiped in the Garden of Eden but music isn’t mentioned until Genesis 4:21 with the birth of Jubal. If worship was just music then all who are non-musical could never worship. Real worship happens when your spirit responds to God, not to some musical tone.

Unfortunately, many equate being emotionally moved by music as being moved by the Spirit, but these are not the same. In fact, some sentimental, introspective songs hinder worship because they take the spotlight off God and focus on our feelings. Your biggest distraction in worship is: yourself, your interests and your worries over what others think about you.

Therefore and thankfully, we're given the opportunity to repent from hiding our heartless, just-for-show, pretense, phony and hypocritical worship. It is the grace God desires to give us a pure heart to daily worship Him!!

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:10 (niv)

Once again, how is your heart in your worship to God now?

Heart Of Worship - Pt. 2

People in every culture have the instinct to worship something: a job, a family, football, my own life, my own problems, an object and various kinds. According to Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life book, "It’s a universal urge, hard-wired by God into the very fiber of our being - an inbuilt need to connect with God." Worship is as natural as eating or breathing. If we fail to worship God, we always find a substitute which only lasts temporarily; even if ends up being ourselves.

"Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe." Heb. 12:28 (TEV)

The reason God made us with this desire is because he desires worshipers! Jesus said, "the Father seeks worshipers." Here are some great questions to ask yourselves. Do you see yourselves as true worshipers? How do people view your life: true worshiper of God or of ____________? What does God see in you: faithful, lukewarm (Revelation 3:16) or unfaithful?

So far we’ve seen that worship is bringing pleasure to God, and there are many way to do this: by trusting, loving, obeying, praising, surrendering, using our talents for his glory, and developing a close friendship with him. Often, the church lacks such these wonderful things leading us to daily (24/7) worship God!

Worship is the first purpose of your life. You are created and we’re commanded to worship. It is our greatest responsibility, our highest privilege, and it should have take priority over everything else. When asked, "What’s the most important commandment in the Bible?" (Matthew 22:36-38) Jesus answered, "Worship!"

He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

Anytime you express love to God, you are worshiping. It doesn’t matter whether you are by yourself, with family, or gathered with other believers. A Samaritan woman once tried to debate Jesus on the best time, place, and style for worship. Jesus replied that these external issues are irrelevant; what matters is your heart. Where you worship is not as important as how and why.

Jesus said, "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." These two statements by Jesus (Mark 12:30 and John 4:23) explain the kind of worship that gives God pleasure.

I am going to break down into six different points (actually six different blog entry) to help us understand how to live a "God-pleasing worship":

1. God-pleasing worship is based on Scripture....

"Worship in ...truth."

We must worship God as He is truly revealed in the Bible; anything else is idolatry.

You can’t just create your own image of God ("I like to think of God as...") and worship that. Real worship is rooted the Word; it’s based on truth, not our imagination. The more you know the Bible, the better you’ll understand the truth about God, especially his grace. That will compel you to passionate worship.

We worship Him because of His Ultimate Power of the Flood, the punishment on Sodom and Gomorrah, the birth of Isaac from an old, old womb, of all the Providences, the dividing of the Red Sea, having stilled the sun, the incarnation of Jesus, Your patience with us sinners as we, because of our sins, crucified Your Son, Jesus, on the cross, Your power in Jesus' resurrection, Your full potential in using Your faithful servants on earth and Your compassions they fail not!

Whenever you feel indifferent, apathetic, or bored with worship, it means you’ve forgotten how amazing God’s grace really is! Really, you have overlooked a very simple message to simple people!

"O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name."

Is your worship to God Scriptural: FROM THE VERY CORE OF YOUR HEART (PASSIONATE)?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34 (niv)

Heart Of Worship - Part 1

There are people who mistaken worship as this:

When people come to church, they come into the presence of God.
When people leave the church, they leave the presence of God.

Our whole life is worship. It is our time. It is our money. It is our plans. It is our all that is given to God. That's our worship. It is not limited to a "Sunday's services". As Rick Warren clearly points out in his Purpose Driven Life book, "We come on Sunday to sing, "His Truth Is Marching On" but then go AWOL on Monday for the rest of the week." I mentioned that many Christians are "out of sight"!

So why do we "worship"?

"God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message." Colossians 1:27 (msg)

We worship because of Christ! We worship the glory God has for us all! It is the only thing that gives us eternity! Sadly, so many of us have led ourselves away from the Source (capital "S") into the source (lower "s")! We're often victims of misdirected worship. Misdirected worship is IDOLATRY! Our hearts may be on something else. If we do not live out the purposes God has for us, we're living in the state of idolatry. We could be led away from being "..true worshippers in Spirit and Truth.." by our friends, by our children, by our colleague, by a member of a family, by the standards of this world, or by the temptation the world gleams on our eyes and hearts! We cannot be the same in Spirit when misdirected worship happens. We have missed out the full potential God has for each of us in every walks of life: LIVING HIS PURPOSES!

We "worship God" because of His love. "See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are his children." 1 John 3:1 (nlt) Worship is all about love. We have a deep and intimate relationship with God. I am not talking in a sexual viewpoint that you may be thinking of. No. I am talking about "a passionate love"! Remember the Mel Gibson movie, "Passion Of Christ"? Passion means suffering. We have passion for God! We're willing to suffer for God (Acts 5:41, Philippians 1:29 & 2 Tim. 2:3). Our surrender of our all is our loving worship to God. Our life has no beauty without Christ.

OUR PASSION, OUR LOVE IS ULTIMATELY OUR WORSHIP!!!

"We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us." 1 John 3:16 (nlt)

"And I will give them one heart and mind to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, promising not to stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me..."" Jeremiah 32:39-40 (nlt)

Where is your heart in worship to Him?

Lord, Have Mercy

I was watching the news last night and saw all those in Pakistan under the rumble of stones from the terrible earthquake that shook the country! It's hard to watch these images: people crying out for help, the hurting, the hungry, the sick, and the poor. The worse-case of all this is there are some people buried alive under the rumble. All I ask from you is that you daily and constantly lift up your prayers for that nation in need of God's powerful hands!!

And remember, we have many within our community that are experiencing the hang-ups, hurts and habits that desires Christ-like compassion. As I look at this picture and thinking of all the people in our community, I hear in my heart Michael W. Smith's, "Lord, Have Mercy":

----
Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again

Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
(2x)

I have built an altar where I worship things of Man
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions
Help me love You again

Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
(2x)

I have longed to know You & Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence
Your grace forever shining
Like a beacon in the night

Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
(2x)
----

Lord, have mercy on me - I will begin to provide for others
Lord, have mercy on me - I will strive to Show Jesus to every soul
Lord, have mercy on me - I will grow in fellowship with all believers
Lord, have mercy on me - my heart will hunger for lost souls
Lord, have mercy on me - I will pray unceasingly
Lord, have mercy on me - if I failed to please You and You only
Lord, have mercy on me - help me love You again
Lord, have mercy on me - I will turn away from a doubtful life
Lord, have mercy on me - my Spirit's fire will burn bright before the eyes of the world
Lord, have mercy on me - I will provide my eyes, ears, hands and heart for the hurting

Lord, have mercy on me!

Zoe '05

Deaf Zoe '05: David, Jennifer, Teresa, Paul, Isaac, Amanda, Tim, Cario, Forrest, David, Cindi, Michelle, Alan, Becky, Angela, Alyson, Mark, Dennis, Kayla and Jose! (Not pictured: Mike, Gina, Donna and Rachel)














Singing praises and shouting hallelujahs!!















Zoe group leading us to awesomely sing His praises!!

Spiritual Doctors

**Warning: long blog but important!!**

I believe compassionate churches (people) are built on broken (hurting) people.

Brokenness means a willingness to abandon our pride, our pretensions, and our self-righteous posturing. This is a pre-requisite to God's blessing on our lives and His church. So many of His children in His church are playing the "mask game". They cover themselves up with hypocrisy and say, "I love God! I am serving the Living Lord!" They have, not only overlooked their own destruction, but the destruction of others in the world without Christ.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Mt. 5:3 (niv) When we reach the end of the rope, we give up our self-sufficiency then God moves into our lives with healing and growth, eventually moving into other people's lives for the same blessings!

How can anyone praise and glorify God if we're not leading them to the blessings of God over their hurts, anger, poverty, and abandonment. We're challenged with a very difficult task. Finding deaf people that are hurting in the world is like finding a "needle in a haystack"!! We want to reach out but don't know where they are. We want to help but struggled to find those who need it. Not one of us is untainted, and because of sin, we've all hurt ourselves and hurt others and others have hurt us. So where are these deaf people that are hurting:

Drug addicts
Alcoholics
People whose lives are out of control
Addiction to gambling
Divorcees
Abused
Abandoned

Each of us need repentance and recovery in order to live the lives the way God intended. There are people out there with incredible hurts, habits and hang-ups from 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago! Now, my question is, are we taking the "realization that there are hurting people out there" seriously? What are we doing to open the door leading the hurting to God at Fairfax or in His church in your community? We need faithful and compassionate men and women to oversee this important matter! I have heard, over and over, that when hurting people come to one of our members, they say, "Go and make an appointment with Mark (preacher)!" "I don't have time but Mark is available to see you." "I am sorry, I don't know anything about this but I am sure Mark has resources." These people are missing the grandest point! These hurting people want your eyes, your hands, your compassion, your empathy! They're not looking for words of wisdom in how to deal with their issues, they're looking for the Jesus touch a member may have on them. They may want a hug. They desire company. They want us to lead a "listening eyes".

We should consider taking this seriously and pray about this. Perhaps, we have too many events within the church that is keeping our lives away from those who are hurting. Consider this, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17 Is our focus on those without Christ, those hurting, those without a purpose in their lives. We shouldn't be attracting other "so-called believers" (whether they're lukewarm or inactive) to His church but reaching out to the unbelievers, those hurting.

Of course!!! What do you expect when His church makes a major transformation in their plans and visions when we, instead of focusing on the internal, but begin on those outside of God's blessedness? If we're serious about dealing with broken people, then we're going to bring in a lot of problems with us when they come to church. I keep thinking of the classic 12-step program for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They'll come in completely broken but as time goes and the Word of God is fed into their precious and fragile souls, the saving power of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit will be evident!

A couple of things:

Are we bringing the Word of God to those who are hurting?
Are we helping them focus on the future instead of dwelling on the past?
Instead of playing the "accuse & excuse" game of victimization, are we helping them avoid poor choices and transition into making right choices?
Are we emphasizing spiritual commitment to Christ? (Are you a perfect example of commitment?)
What kind of a community (church) are you?
Are we, as a church (not limiting only to the minister), addressing all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups?
Are we servants of the Most High Living God in our community? (Christlike!!)

If we allow God to help us be transformed into being "spiritual doctors" for the hurting in our community, we're going to see lives changed in dramatic ways that we cannot help but talk about what Jesus has done and still does and what the church is doing to them! We'll see hopeless marriages restored and people set free from all kinds of sinful habits, hang-ups and hurts. Read the Beattitudes (Mt. 5-7)!!

All Hyped Up!

We just returned home after a long but exciting and fantastic week/weekend at Zoe in Nashville!! I must tell you how spiritually refreshed I am now that I am home with a renewed sense of purpose in pursuit to glorify our Loving and Living God! During the whole conference at Zoe, God provided me with His blessings helping me to learn and understand a deeper meaning of worship and how we are all to worship our Creator! I will, indeed, show you all the spiritual bruises I received from the teachers of the Word.

Not only was I there but my family, the Stewarts, the Cesones and the Hinckleys were all there for the conference. I can see the lessons stirred up the Spirit in them and they're eager to do "all the more" for the Lord. They're already in an "outpouring of the Spirit" mode discussing ways to bring ourselves out of our "comfort zones" and into the "uncomfortable level of service". I will have to save this for this Sunday's 40 Days campaign because we're going to begin on God's purpose #1: WORSHIP!

Changes must be made and that will soon happen within the next month or two to give us a whole lot of room for energy and time for God among others in our community. I recommend that you keep reading my blog for powerful insights we all learned at Zoe this past weekend. The conference certainly is a great, great place to receive a spiritual renewal and leave the conference empowered to sacrificially serve the Lord! So many of us, Christians, love to remain in our "comfortable boundaries" that we wouldn't go too far to be like the Good Samaritan who stepped out of his (comfort zone) to help a bleeding and beaten person along the road.

I'm all hyped up for changes and challenges ahead! How about you?

Don't forget about the 40 Days blog: http://deaf40.blogspot.com. :)