Shopping for Clothes VS Shopping for a College

Many of us view finding a church like shopping for clothes. We look for the best fit for us. What church makes me look good? Which church makes me feel good about myself and I walk away thinking “wow I look good”. Just like a great fitting outfit can make us feel thin, tall, fit, rich, hip (fill in the blanks here) we desire our church to make us feel the same way about ourselves. Some people look for a church that they can imagine themselves leading worship in, maybe running a small group or becoming a leader in. We view church as a place that will meet MY needs and make ME feel good about myself. A place to promote myself and give me a platform to do my thing. We also love churches that makes us feel better about ourselves (especially when they makes us feel “thin” when we already know we have plenty of “fat” in our lives) – figure out your own symbolism here.

But God desires we find a church like we look for a college. When I picked a college, I wanted to find one that was going to challenge me. I wanted something that was going to help me grow, learn and become the person I was created to be. I wanted a place that I could live at, make friends that would help define my life, find people to help challenge and sharpen my life and career. I remember being forced to grow up (college will do that to you) and learn how to live life on my own (sometimes the hard way). It wasn’t always easy, it pushed me in ways that I wasn’t used to. It challenged my thoughts, my ideas and my beliefs. But anyone that has attend college knows, it gives us knowledge and a purpose to pursue our dreams, our visions and our calling in life. Although it kicked me in the butt sometimes, it had a big hand in making me the person I am today by giving me the tools to succeed.

How to do you view your church experience? Are you in it so you can feel better ABOUT yourself or are you in it so you can truly become better IN yourself? Do you like messages that make you FEEL good or do you like message that help you BECOME better? Jesus never sugarcoated His message. He didn’t always tell people what they WANTED to hear but what they NEEDED to hear. Jesus did everything, and said everything, out of love. Love sometimes causes us to challenge our thought process. Love challenges our belief system. It makes us think deeper about WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW. It leaves us wanting MORE not being satisfied.

My process of finding a church home involves me seeking God to direct and lead me to the perfect place where I will be guided to seek more of Him and desire more of Him. It should feel like family, not an event. It should challenge our expectation level instead of driving us to complacency. How can we possibly figure that out in one visit? How can we possibly find that place by viewing their website? How can we determine our home by how hip the worship or pastor is?

Why do we, as Christians, view our process of finding a church like it’s no big deal? Possibly leaving at anytime when our feelings are hurt, personal space is taken up, thoughts are challenged or we are asked to exercise deeper faith? Jesus preached all of this everywhere He went yet we don’t want to be inconvenienced today in 2011.

Challenge your thinking…seek Him to direct your path and REALLY listen. I believe many of us think we are listening but we are still looking for that perfect slimming pair of jeans.

MR

Give this talk a listen. Some interesting stuff on our state of listening…

Julian Treasure : 5 Ways to Listen Better

MR

Yesterday’s message had the ABC and D’s in it. (I’m so witty!) We opened the new series “Natural Encounters with a SuperNatural God” with the story of Lazarus. Looking over how Jesus’ navigated that situation led me to understand His power and love a little bit more.

A – Walk in His AUTHORITY!

Jesus commanded Death to release its hold. We don’t need to sit back and kindly ask darkness to flee, we command it through His power. (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)

B – Be BALANCED in your reactions!

Jesus didn’t let circumstances rule Him. He balanced His emotions and reactions with His purpose. Are you allowing your circumstances to get the best of you? Jesus allowed bad situations to show His glory. (2 Timothy 1:7 / Romans 8:28)

C – Be driven by COMPASSION!

People seem to believe that God is emotionless when it comes to us. The scripture John 11:35 tells us different. His compassion for us is great. (Hebrews 4:15)

D – Operate from His DEFEAT over sin!

Jesus always operated from a state of victory not as a victim. Too many Christians walk around defeated already. Where is your trust? Whom are you believing in? Jesus defeated it all. (John 10:10)

MR

Chuck Swindoll

National Religious Broadcasters 2011

1. Tell people how you feel about them now, not later.  Before it is too late.

2. Things I’m not even aware of are being noticed and remembered by others.  Little things mean so much to people.

3. Being real is a lot better than trying to look pious.  Authenticity.  Pursuing holiness is good, but acting like you think you are holy stinks!

4. When things fit, they flow.  When they don’t fit, they have to be forced.  Forcing things is usually a mistake.  Wait for God to make it fit.  When God is in it there is a flow to it.

5. It doesn’t pay to talk anybody into or out of a big decision.  A good book is “Leading Without Power” by Max De Pree

6. Days of maintenance are a lot more in number than days of magnificence.

7. Some people aren’t going to change no matter what.  It’s our job to love them.  It’s God’s job to change them.

8. I seldom feel sorry for things I did not say.  When thinking about saying something on the ‘edge’ to someone, ask self:  is it kind?  Is it confidential?  Is it necessary?  Is it true?  Am I the one who should say it?

9. Perception overshadows reality.

10. Time spent with my family is always worth it.

11. Grace is worth the risk.  Extend grace to those who need it. Grace relieves guilt.  It releases shame.

12. I’ve taken the words ‘never’ and ‘always’ out of my vocabulary.

13. Thinking theologically pays off big time.  Dwelling on God’s sovereignty will save you much worry.

14. Some things are worth the sweat.  Like admitting you are wrong.  Always telling the truth.  Admitting my own inability.  Expressing gratitude.    Being generous.  Showing kindness.

15. You can’t beat having fun.  Look for ways to help people life their spirits.

Good points – enough said

M

-Honor is a lost art. We will protect ourselves and our reputation before we honor someone else and serve them.

-Religion has taught us to honor those that we respect and that are like-minded.
The Word tells us to honor everyone including those that persecute us and are in low positions (the unlovely).

-People get nervous about honoring people with issues. Don’t we need to punish them? Jesus still was who He was no matter who He was with.

-Honor is cultivated and not automatic. In most cases it’s not natural….especially in this day and age. We are taught it’s okay to disrespect people that are wrong, not our same political party, age, race, denomination, etc. God’s Word tells us otherwise.

-Honor is mandated not an option. (Galations 5:26 / Romans 13:7)

-I see so many people complain about not getting respect when they do not live a life of respecting others.

-We Honor God as we Honor others.

-We need to celebrate Honor and continue to encourage an environment that fosters it.

-We need to start celebrating WINS not defeats.

-We need to start honoring peoples’ callings and destinies rather than keep looking back at their past.

-We need to celebrate people trying rather than demanding success every time.

-We need honor people before us, rather than trying to exalt passing fads.

-We need to get excited for salvations and deliverances instead of celebrating death.

-We need to honor people’s decisions with faith and love rather than gloating in “I told you so”.

MR

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

The word was given as a reminder that we need to continually “taste” of His goodness and love for us. Tasting, for most of us, involves us eating foods we like. Whether it’s Mexican, Italian, seafood, desserts, whatever, we will always gravitate to what we enjoy or are used to. I know some people that will only eat at a certain type of restaurant. They become familiar with it and enjoy the taste.

The word that God spoke on Wednesday was to taste and see that HE is good. The word “taste” and the word “see” are action words. They require us to do something. God is saying to His people, start tasting more of Him than relying on the old and familiar ways of your past. The new wine that God is pouring out on His people will require us to “drink”. God doesn’t force feed His people. Luke 5:37-38 says…

³⁷ And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. ³⁸ No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.

Are you trying to taking what God is doing today and hold it under the microscope of yesterday? God’s goodness and actions cannot be limited to what we think He should do and even what we are comfortable with. Those old ways will burst under the pressure of the new. We must “taste and see” of His goodness everyday. Stop trying to figure out God. Stop trying to tell Him what He can or cannot do. Don’t limit His power with your hangups or religious ideas. Stop telling Him how and when to minister.

God is telling His people to really tap into Him. Don’t just tell stories of how He did great things in the past, experience Him now, so you can tell testimonies of what He is doing today! If all you do is complain about church, Christians, life, family, job….maybe you aren’t truly tasting His goodness today? You are probably living off of the old wine and it’s time to start tapping into the new.

Are you TASTING of Him?

MR

April 8
Finished a house in record time (6hrs). We had the whole team of BCM helping us and our team was large. It rained for about 20 mins and then the weather was perfect. Our travel to the site took us over to a different part of Mexico. Apparently these people were relocated here after they had a big mudslide that ruined their first area. We built this house for a young mother and her 2 sons and 1 daughter. She made us some soup and it was very good. We went and bought the family some house warming gifts as well as candy for all the neighborhood kids. So far we have had nothing but Mexican food. Go figure. (Although it’s been the best we could ever have.)  Shower time was also quite an experience. These dudes from our church are crazy. BTW- On the way to the job site we encountered a police checkpoint complete with police driving after a car trying to escape the checkpoint. These police carry large machine guns. Pretty crazy. I also found that driving in Mexico is almost like playing a video game. It was crazy and very funny. I’m pretty sure this is the most unruly traffic there is.

April 9
Started our 2nd house build but today was much different than the first. No where near the help, power tools or great location.  We literally had to walk through the lady’s old house to get to the job site. Paul was our contractor today and he had a small amount of tools to work with.  But he had patience with us . Bob Sanders (the owner of Baja Christian Ministries) came today and gave us his new book. Great man of God that loves evangelism. We worked our butts off today. Literally were finishing up right before sunset. The family of this house accepted Christ before we finished. We also found out that the extended family of the first house, from the day before, got saved because they were blown away by the love of God. Awesome!! As we drove back to the camp we found out it was packed with people coming to visit the church (our camp is also a church). We had to park around back and I drove over some rod sticking out of the ground and popped the tire. We will fix it tomorrow. Great day though we are beat. Two houses in two days is alot!

April 10
First we had to fix the tire. Found our the “rod” I drove over was actually a rock with a very pointy tip…would have never saw it. ugh! Fixed the tire with help from Alex (from Lucas’s church). Today we went out to evangelize in the streets. Had an amazing time of worship and prayer with the group. Felt good since we all missed our own church services. Some people got delievered and we felt a real strong anointing of Gods power. We met up with Ramon and Guadalupe (Ramon’s soon to be wife) and Pastor Nikko. We went door to door and invited people to the local soccer field. About 70 people showed up and gave their life to Christ after testimonies by Lucas, Erica, Laura, Mike, Jody, Sulu, John, Will and Matt. My dad also fainted during the altar call from dehydration. Talk about mood killer .  We gave out purple books and bibles to them. The purple books are great foundation building books. While we prayed for healings,  people got healed of diabetes, leg problems, pain in her back and cancer. Also prayed for a girl that had trouble speaking clearly. She was prophecied that she would speak to nations. We then prayed for a lady that was demon possessed. She had wanted to be free of the oppression. I could see the demon through her eyes. We prayed and then went in hear house to have her get rid of the idols in her house. The idols were something she had since she was 9 years old. Once we got rid and broke them, you could see a change in her. She had been free and was so  happy. We then prayed over a lady in a wheel chair who was progressively getting worse with disease. We prayed and she felt warm feelings and healing. She was told that the healing would continue until she was totally healed. Her family was very happy.  We then went to dinner at a chicken restaurant, which had some very tasty chicken. I also bought 3 spongebob piantas from a street vendor for $5. I later found out I paid too much but hey…nothings too expensive for my kiddies! Now we are chilling at the camp the rest of the night. Great great day and trip!

MR

In her dream God told her to go back to SouthView and ask to speak to “Mark”. So she did. On Sunday morning, as I’m getting ready to fire up the worship team and get this service started, Mike, our head usher comes to tell me this lady wants to speak to me. First thought was, what does she want to sell me or how much money is she going to ask for. A typical reply in this day and age when a pastor is “sought out” by someone who is not a regular in our church.

As I talked to her, she told me she needed to come today and speak to me…she didn’t have a word for me, but literally thought I had something to tell her. Whoa….God didn’t give me a “heads up” on this one. So I told her, let’s talk after the service.

After the service was over, here was this lady that wanted to know why God told her to come today. As I talked and prayed over her, immediately God spoke to me the words to speak to her. In fact it was exactly what she was going through as well as an encouragement that she had found the church and spiritual family she had been looking for. She started crying and I truly believe was blown away at the length at which God went to show her how much He loves her. Talk about LOVE…

I’m still a little blown away by it all. That God would put me on a stranger’s heart so that I could be a vessel that He would use to show her love. It’s a perfect example of John 12:32

³² “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

God used me and our church, to prove Himself to this woman and bring her closer to Him. He knew her secrets of pain and loneliness in her heart. He heard and showed her where to go to get encouragement. Sunday’s service was off the wall, amazing. God was all over the service, including the 5 minutes before we started, when this lady came to seek more of God from a servant like me.

I’m blessed and extremely humbled that He uses me. I can’t imagine living a life where this doesn’t happen all the time.
MR

I’m excited. It’s amazing how God plants you somewhere with a future purpose in mind. I believe this city is going to experience a huge outpouring of God’s favor and anointing. It’s because of godly churches and families that have prayed and helped each other. It’s because of our passion to see people changed for the better. For people to experience God’s glory. Now God is bringing the people to US!! What an honor to be one of the churches here to be part of this.

This is a time for the church to prepare to be the hope that people are looking for. This town will be growing quickly, but we must rise up to the challenge to be the love to those that are coming. God let your glory and power fall on us!

This is an exciting time and an exciting area to be living in!

MR

-I’m constantly amazed when new people show up at our church. Not that I don’t think our church is “da bomb”, but with out advertising or a giant sign on a main road, people still find out about us. How? From our AMAZING group of people that go out and love on others in the community. They show God’s love and in return people want to check out what God is doing at SVCC. So the best way to advertise?….Just live a godly life and let HIM drawn them in (John 12:32)

-Just celebrated 2 years of SouthView!! I cannot believe it’s been 2 years already. Time flies when you are having fun…and I can tell you it’s truly been fun.

-Just did a baptism in our service yesterday (thank you to Ps John from LifeHouse church for use of the baptismal). We baptized 3 young people. Can I say that I get excited to see young people give their lives to Christ!! Our church SHOUTED and CHEERED each time they came out of the water. I got chills at the sound of people rejoicing over another one’s commitment. I can’t wait to see how God designs and builds our youth group. I’m meeting with 2 teens tonight for coffee (amazing that they would want to meet with an old dude like me?!). My heart burns for this generation. – God, please bring your heart, vision and people to our church to help raise up this next generation!!

-My baby Payton is getting big fast. I’m blessed with 4 beautiful kids. Is it a lot of work- Yes! Do they wear on your nerves sometimes – Yes! But we have such a fun family and I enjoy every moment of it. Older, wiser people have told me to enjoy these times because they go fast. I plan to do that. I know there will be different hurdles to go over as they get older (can somebody please help me when my 3 girls all become teenagers!!) but I know as I keep God centered in my family, we will be blessed. It’s also a huge help to have both sets of grandparents (and aunts and uncle) here to help raise them as well. It takes them as well as a church family to raise up good kids. If you don’t have family close by, I highly suggest you get some church family to connect to. This is huge in keeping your kids out of trouble. I love having all sorts of family (spiritual and physical) surrounding my kids (even at school)….you can’t run or hide….hahahah (evil scientist laugh). Seriously…”family” is so important.

-This full time pastor gig has taken some getting used to, but I LOVE my job! Although it comes with some messy days (not everybodies’ problems are fun to deal with) but the good out weighs the bad. I love meeting with people and hearing how their life is going. Everyone has a purpose and a plan. Some of us need help understanding it…

-….which leads me to the Life Group I’m overseeing for the men – CHAZOWN. I’m excited about this one…it will really help men discover their vision and calling in their life. I suggest EVERY man attends. In fact, I’ll split the group in two if it gets too big. We’ll meet more than one night if we have to. That’s how important it is to find your purpose (Proverbs 29:18). And MEN, this means more than knowing what kind of job you like….I’m talking about your PURPOSE! Don’t miss this (Tuesday nights at the church at 7pm – starts 1/25)

-YouVersion.com is a GREAT way to build a daily bible reading plan for your devotional time. And it will kindly “remind” you if you forget (SVCCers know my experience from Sunday! :)

-All you Spring Hillians need to check out WindFarm Cafe, across from Starbucks. Great place to hang, study, get coffee, eat and it’s run by a great group of people that are starting a church. Click on this link and if you click on “Visit WindFarm Cafe right now”, you can see a live feed of the place. Very cool, yet a great way to spy on friends. Anyway, check out the place…a great alternative to Starbucks.

-What is quicker?…The time it takes for 4 kids to destroy a house or the time it takes for my wife to find something she likes at Forever 21? ….Equal tie! (btw – have you noticed the scripture verse on the bottom of Forever 21 bags?…hmmm sneaky)

-Is it possible to have a better group of Elders at a church than what we now have? Leon Hunt, David Belt, Andy Rampulla….man, that’s like a superhero power team. I’m blessed to have these guys work with me to help lead this amazing church. And I’m still working on Leon and him getting that tattoo on his forehead…not sure Jeanene will let that happen tho.

Life is good, God is good…

M