Sarah Palin

Wow, politics is beginning to hit home a little today with the news of John McCain's running mate for Vice President. Sarah Palin, current governor of Alaska is his choice. Not only is she a woman, a Washington outsider and former runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant, she is also Assemblies of God - the group that I'm part of. She attended Wasilla A/G while living there (where she also became mayor), and currently attends Juneau Christian Center.

While being part of one's church does not make you qualified to be President, it does make your heart skip a little. Pentecostals (the Assemblies of God is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world) have moved from the wrong side of the tracks in the first part of the last century, to being sought after (such as former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former Secretary of the Interior, James Watt). Then again, we can also claim Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and also Willie Nelson, who used to teach Sunday School in one of our churches.

Not everyone from our group could be said to maintain Biblical values...and that can be true of folks who sit in the pew in the church that I serve. But you know what? I'm glad they're there.

A recent poll by the Barna Group noted that Pentecostals make up a surprisingly large portion of Christians defined as evangelical or 'born again.' With this in mind, McCain made a good choice. Add in what some are calling a 'disconnect' among Hilary Clinton supporters, this may be an even better pick. On the flip side, Palin has been in office for two years. While she is an energy hawk, she will be accused of having a lack of experience - the same smear McCain will make of Barak Obama.

This is going to be interesting. She will be attacked on a variety of levels, including her faith. There may even be an attempt by liberals to marginalize the denomination that I've grown up in. I must admit - emotionally that will make me vote Republican.

Oh yes, I've never mentioned this before, but I'm a registered Independant. I'm from Oregon...what did you expect??

Top Ten Predictions

It was the Barak Obama and Joe Biden show that flooded the networks and cable channels last night, sharing their smiling optimism and soundbites for the nation to hear. For the most part, it is about saying things that people want to hear. Days from now, the same exact process will be repeated with John McCain and a running mate to be named tomorrow (I know, sounds like a football trade).

I didn't see any of it last night, but pretty much know how it goes. I caught the soundbites on the news this morning. Same stuff.

I so appreciated the Rick Warren "Civil" meeting over a week ago, where both candidates articulated their positions. It was a non-debate with non-media-agenda questions. Even anti-Christian Bill Maher liked the job that Warren did. Notably, Warren's soapbox question about African children was disclosed to be "near and dear to his heart" before the candidates responded. How refreshing. After watching both candidates, I'm thinking that I've arrived at my choice for President of the United States...Rick Warren.

Okay, just kidding.

My friend Randy Vollrath sent this to me the other day. It is making its way around the Internet, coming to an Outlook Inbox near you. Hope you enjoy it!

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

(but He loves me more because He has to work so hard on me)

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL!

Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.

Blessings,

Pastor Mike Johnson

Adding Value

The view from my window today is wonderful. Living here in Central Oregon is truly a remarkable and blessed existence. I see a green lawn, nice shrubbery and numerous birds flying around. There's a basketball hoop, hammock and deck that is begging me to come and sit to watch the fish in the pond with a waterfall...

Nope, the view is not from my office, but from my dining room table...

I'm not feeling well today, so I'm working from home. I've actually accomplished a great deal. I've spent most of the morning working on part of a year-long project that I started a month ago. While the things that I've set in motion are not all that easy, I'm hopeful that I'll be a better husband, dad, pastor and follower of Christ because of it.

I've already mentioned in a previous blog that a couple weeks ago I was out at a cabin in a remote location, working on the aforementioned project. The humor of the setting was how deafening the silence was. I could hear every insect flying in a one-square-mile radius. After I was able to focus, wow, I really focused. It's amazing what a change of scenery can do for one day to your heart and mind.

I did some research today on stress relieving activities to involve myself in on a daily basis. I'm thinking about my health and being more productive at the office. Fortunately, I discovered that I can also multi-task this exercise with my walk with Christ as most experts believe that prayer is a huge stress reliever.

My take on all of this? If I can get myself in a little different position for a short period of time a couple times a day and spend it with Jesus, I'll add value to my life and others around me...

Life Would Be So Much Easier

I'm freezing.

My office is located on the West side of the building, with a tree and another part of the building shading it. The thermostat is in my office. Unfortunately, that thermostat also runs the climate control for the offices on the East side of the building, all of which have direct sunlight.

So I suffer...

I know, I can hear your mock sympathy. A little while ago a couple of staff members told me their East side offices were freezing too. Sometimes we put up with things for way too long. If we would just confront them when the situation arises, life would be so much easier...

An Amazing Commodity

It was a long day today, but a good one. Accomplished much while getting to visit with one of our missionaries and having a BBQ with our board and their families at our house this evening.

Probably the highlight of my day was during the short board meeting where we were talking about what God was doing at Faith. Something I noticed was the overall lack of pronouns such as "I" and "me" being replaced by "us." Unity is an amazing commodity - that seems completely elusive when it is lacking. I'm loving the season that we're in right now...and unity is an important part of it.

Where We're Headed at Faith

Hi Friends,

For those of us who attend Faith, here is where we're headed over the next six weeks on Sunday:

August 24th - "Gold in the Pews, Miracles in the House." This is part 8 of our summer series on miracles and healing from the Book of Acts. In this concluding message we take a bit of a detour as I'll share on the subject of, "The Last Miracle and Healing."

August 31st - "Gimme a Break!" On this Labor Day weekend, we all deserve a break! But this time together will take a different turn. Our focus will be on the current state of our local economy, the security of our jobs and livelihoods. We will conclude with special prayer for everyone - the employed and unemployed for God's provision and help.

September 7, 14, 21, 28th - "The Biggest Winner." We return to our annual theme as we look once again at having a healthy body, soul and spirit. We will be looking back on the year, where we are in reaching our corporate and personal goals, and looking ahead to the future of what we believe that God is calling us to be.

I'm looking forward to a great six weeks ahead! God's best to you as we transition seasons!

Blessings,

Pastor Mike

Forever is a Long Time

I'm 'sermonating' today, looking forward to Sunday. In my study the last few days I came across this thought from 1 Peter that I'd like to share for your consideration:

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:3-4a, NIV

I like that phrase in italics above, "...can never perish, spoil or face..."

I'm aware the some folks use vanishing cream on their face. It's a humorous handle to put on such a product, in that I'm thinking the purpose for the stuff is so that a face can be seen...

There are all kinds of products we use to make ourselves look younger or 'better.' All the way from the infamous girdle - and I've know guys that have worn such a device - to foundations, make-ups and...big floppy hats (and I've known guys who've worn all that stuff too). We do all kinds of things to keep ourselves looking younger than we think we are.

The real problem with our society isn't vanity. Instead I suggest that it's all about the mirrors. We should never have invented the things and should have just stuck with looking into water to see our reflection. That way, everyone is blurry and our self-esteems' wouldn't be under such duress.

Naw, that's not going to fly, is it?

Maybe vanity is an issue...

When we look in the mirror, pretty much everyone West of 40 is fading in some way, shape or form. Others instead of fading are actually advancing...into some shape or form... Yikes (I can say this because I've been quite 'advanced' and am working on a diet to be less advanced).

I've been thinking about heaven this week. There awaits one day for every believer an inheritance that won't perish, spoil or fade away. Our looks may fade, our cars may give up, our lawnmowers may breakdown, the paint on our houses may fade and peel, our diminishing retirement funds may force us to take a job; but our reward in heaven will remain...forever.

Forever is a long time...

No Dandelions

Reading about Job makes me think of heaven.

On my drive home from the office yesterday I was thinking about my last blog's topic - affliction. We've known this malady so common to man. For example, in the past couple of years we've had four broken arms (in a year) and an illness that threatened us to our core. While we've grown from these episodes and others and know that one day all of these things will be but a memory. Heaven will not feature broken arms. There will be no auto-immune disorders. No more car repairs either. No more dandelion's in my yard. No bills to pay. No more...crying.

We love going on cruises. I know very few people who don't. One of the things that I enjoy about such a trip is that when we get on the ship, we step into a completely different world. Things are taken care of for you and your vacation "happens" to you.

In a sense, we are all living in eternity right now, just the first part of it. We live this finite human existence until we pass over to the other side. The purpose right now is to have the opportunity to choose our accommodations for later. Like a cruise ship, it will be like stepping into another world regardless of the choice we've made about our future. Basically, like the old joke we get to choose between "smoking" and "non-smoking."

I'm grateful for the future reality of the choice that we've made that caused us to be called, "Christian." If heaven were a cruise ship, every room would be a balcony suite.

Affliction Has Its Benefits

The Book of Job.

Okay, now that we're all completely depressed, let's talk about it for a little bit...

Job can sit in the back of our minds in regard to great reads, kinda like the Book of Numbers. Both have tremendous value, but if you aren't prepared for them, we'd rather skip to something a little more on the fun side. I'll never forget hearing Dan Betzer, a pastor in our denomination from Ft. Myers, Florida, preach out of Numbers. He was reading through one of the chapters where "so and so begat so and so," when he came across an obscure name that I'd never thought about before and said, "...and they guy was a real lulu." From there he proceeded into an amazing message on the life of a little known character in Bible history.

Awesome.

But now back to Job (see, you thought I was going to let you off the hook for a second there, didn't you?). Job is one of those difficult books of the Bible where you come to the realization that sometimes life is not very nice. I was sharing with the congregation on Sunday how all those verses in the Bible like,

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn from your decrees." NIV

Psalm 119:71

Hooray.

I mean, who wants to be 'afflicted?' We're clear that Job didn't. What he went through (yes, I know, you'll actually have to read it) we wouldn't wish on our worst enemy...unless they were a famous terrorist or something...or the neighbor next door who...never mind.

Have you ever wondered why the Scripture says to 'take every thought captive?' Now you know...

Life isn't always fair. But the amazing thing about Job is that he was not only a stand-up guy about the things of God, he didn't completely lose it when everything was ripped away from him. As we read the nature of the story, what he went through could have killed him if he would have given up.

I've heard the bad report about job loses in our area. Had a man come up to me on Sunday and give thanks to God that he still had a job after his large company had laid off hundreds. I get it. I talked to a mechanic yesterday who said that this was the slowest his shop had been in 30 years. To compound his struggle, one dealership parts department just laid off six people who knew what they were doing. That move alone will create a measure of affliction on that business and the general public.

I've been impressed the last several weeks that we are needing some miracles to take place in our city. Job got his miracle (if you take time to read the story, it has an awesome ending after you get past all the whining of his wife and some of his friends) and so can we. Besides, the Scripture is true. We grow through the hard stuff if we'll pay attention. Further, nothing is too hard for God. That's why billions around the world place their confidence and trust in Him. Here's another perspective on not giving up:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9 NIV

Don't give up...even affliction has its benefits.

Reflecting the Father

We had a series of electrical storms move through the high desert of Central Oregon last night. It pretty much messed up my computing work that I do early, starting before 6 AM. While it was frustrating, it was pretty nice to be able to relax today and enjoy some news programs on the tube.

I'm wearing a new shirt today. It is one that my father gave me. In fact, he gave me quite a few shirts that he was not wearing, many of which were brand new. There is an inside loving family joke about what a "Stan" shirt (Stan is my father) looks like.

Yes, it does have a special look about it. The guy likes certain kinds of clothing. He's entitled.

The humor is that my wife is careful to make sure that I don't buy a "Stan" shirt because in her words, "I didn't marry your father."

What she doesn't know is that in a variety of ways, she did...

I understand what she is getting at. It's the whole generational deal, where I need to be wearing clothes that are indicative of a person my age and not 20 years older. I don't have a problem with that. A few weeks ago I became the proud owner of Italian shoes so she could prove the point. Yes, she was right; they made me look younger and more age appropriate. They look really good on me, much better than my "old man" shoes that many professionals have worn in our culture forever (I know you're guessing the brand name, and no, I'm not going to tell you - but your first guess would be right).

The shirt I'm wearing today is really nice. It's not a "Stan" shirt, and fits like a glove. But you know, when I look in the mirror, I can see my father.

The goal of every Christian is that when others see us, we would reflect the Father. It matters not who we are, what our occupation is or where we live. We want to reflect God to a world around us. In the Bible there are numerous passages that talk about how we are to clothe ourselves spiritually. As I look in the mirror today, I'm reminded again by how important this is, and how much it matters.

Gnats & Elephants

I've come to the realization that it is probably time that I said something about a tragic situation that is currently being handled in as many ways on the Net as you can imagine. It surrounds the controversial leader of the Florida Healing Revival, Todd Bentley. For over 100 consecutive days, Bentley led this outpouring of healing as people gathered from across our country and around the world to receive God's touch. It was claimed and documented that over 20 people had been resurrected from the dead. Along with these reports, hundreds, if not thousands of others have experienced physician-documented healings in the meetings. All glory goes to God for these awesome reports!

This week the story was broken that Bentley and his wife are separating. As in any situation where there are marital difficulties, such couples are worthy of our prayers and encouragement. Further, such a revelation does not discount those situations where people's lives have been changed by the power of God's Spirit.

Did I agree with the things all the things that Bentley said? Absolutely not. Did I agree with everything he did on the platform during his meetings? Nope. Did I love seeing people get healed. Absolutely, positively yes!

I watched Bentley in action on about five nights, never seeing an entire service, during weeks three and four of the meetings. Only once did I see most of a service in real-time on the GodTV feed - which was really good by the way. The other occasions I sat in front of my computer and watched it move about once every 30 seconds. Pretty difficult to watch anything on a feed like that. As the news of the demise of this ministry marriage has hit the proverbial fan, so has the cadre of nay-sayers as well. I'm learning that Bentley had taken a number of positions on different issues that some merely wink at while others speak of them being outright heresy. I'm going to say that I fall somewhere in the middle of this discussion. I would not have had him in our church, but I rejoice in changed lives.

The harder question is, does one justify the other?

While tragically sad, a man's marriage falling apart doesn't mean that God didn't use him. For heaven's sake, if God can use a donkey...he can use you and me (see Numbers 22). For me, an important thought surrounds the subject of whether or not the guy should have been pursuing miracles or his marriage. I want to say that I would have made a different choice, but I wasn't in his position. So I'll choose for myself, thank you. As for the stuff that he said that moved him outside of mainstream evangelical theology (it will take you about 30 minutes on the Internet to find a listing of Bentley's transgressions...in detail...fairly and unfairly portrayed...), it makes me sad. For a lot of it, I chalk up to the environment he was in during the meetings. For the other part (much of which I was not aware of), I'm wondering 'what what was he thinking?' I'm aware that he backed away from some weird positions on angels, but unfortunately that one and a number of others had already gotten away from the barn...

What do we learn from all of this? Discernment is crucial in these times. Sound doctrine matters. But so does the power of God that we sometimes are guilty of quenching because we are too concerned about squishing gnats. With all the documentation, I believe that God used the guy. In hindsight, I suppose the real issue is that squishing a gnat is one thing, but trying to squish and elephant is something else...

From time to time I take it on the chin at Faith from those who are from the Word of Faith camp. Word of Faith is a sect of Christians within the Charismatic Movement. I'm not Word of Faith. I believe in Faith, but I don't swallow what I believe are extremes of their doctrine. On the other hand, I get crunched from time to time by the other side who believe that the presence and power of God must fit in a neat box or package where our Lord and His works can safely (in our minds) function in a specific local church. I don't swallow that one either. I believe that while God the Father is a God of order, I'm acutely aware that it is His order and not mine.

I am Pentecostal, love Jesus and believe in all the manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit. I pursue relationship with Jesus and long and desire to function in the gifts of the Spirit because they were intended to be used. I want to be Spirit-filled, gift-equipped and effective for the Kingdom. And with all of those provisos, I believe the Scripture provides the borders on the proverbial 'river' of Christ's presence, representing our Faith Journey Adventure.

I shared with my Sunday School class last week (called Faith Connections) that one way revival has been understood is to comprehend the concepts of "dirt" and "divinity." The purity of a revival can be determined by how much of what is going on is 'man,' and how much is 'God.' I noted how some revivals in U.S. history were quite dirty, resulting in the implosion of a number of churches, while others were quite divine oriented, and have stood the test of time. From the outside looking in, the Florida Healing Revival had both dirt and divinity to varying degrees. But this is not for me to decide. My responsibility is to be concerned about how much dirt and divinity there is in the services we have at Faith...

To conclude, I read the words of a well-known Christian leader who shared that as a result of a lack of discernment by a good segment of the body of Christ concerning Bentley, he now understands how many Believers will be deceived and follow the Anti-christ in the days ahead. While the comment is somewhat bombastic, it is a point well-taken. So my advice? Let us be wise enough to know the Scripture, and hungry enough to pursue Christ and His presence. The two ARE compatible. Let us rejoice in the good that came from the Florida Healing Revival, but learn from it as well.

Yes, I still love the fact that so many lives were touched...

You Think It's Hot Here...

About twelve years ago, my family and I were driving back into Hermiston where we were pastoring in Northeast Oregon, from vacation. Hermiston is where the country's second sweetest watermelons comes from (I think there is one in Arkansas that always came out ahead), and continues to be notorious for triple digit temperatures in the summer. The church we served is on one of the main thoroughfares into the city. It also had a lighted reader board sign out front. As we drove up on it, the local radio station we were tuned into announced, "Did you see the church sign out at Hermiston Christian Center? It says,..." And that's when I saw it:

"YOU THINK IT'S HOT HERE..."

My associate had put it up while I was gone. While a tad racy (and really funny that day), it told the truth. And yes, we're approaching that kind of heat here in the mountains of Central Oregon. We're experiencing high nineties today, expecting triple digits by Sunday.

I'm so glad we replaced the air unit for the sanctuary last summer...

I'm sitting in some comfort in our home. While we don't have central air (like everyone did in Hermiston), we know how to work the windows over night and in the mornings. The place is pretty nice. Not so for our oldest son who is at football camp this afternoon with the local high school. It is a reality for football players across our country to go through the torture of camp and two-a-day practices this time of year in the searing heat.

Sometimes our lives are just like that - we go from the fire into the frying pan, and can't seem to find relief. Sometimes we're in the midst of this location in life by our own choices, and other times by no act of our own. The good news is that our condition is never as drastic as hell...and that location is a matter of choice.

Savior and Friend

Have you ever wondered about what is going on in all the cars that you're driving with on a freeway, over a mountain pass, or even those that drive past your home? I'm sitting in my quiet place here at Faith with the blinds open. I can see the hustle and bustle of our small metropolis out my window. The SUV's used to be 4:1 to ever car, but with gas the way it is today, I see a lot of newer compacts on the road now.

One of my favorite sights, especially on a freeway is the guy who drives by (it has to be a guy) who is singing at what appears to be the top of their lungs. They're using their hands with emphasis and theatrics at what must sound to them like the greatest voice ever heard. You can't hear them, so all you see is someone doing a pantomime act for every car who passes them. Talk about cheap entertainment. It IS hilarious, especially if it isn't you getting caught doing this...

But then again, maybe it's just practice for karaoke night down at the parking lot of the local 7/11.

Another favorite that creates huge issues is the person talking on their cell phone, hand and device to their ear, and using the other hand to...talk with. You don't even have to be Italian to be gifted enough to do this. While I'm sure their call is important, by about the third swerve into your lane you realize that they're driving with their knees; the importance of that call just doesn't match up with the value of the lives of everyone else on the highway with them. It reminds us of the folly of the driver who sets their cruise control and slips into the back of the car to take a nap. Either way, it's time to put the 'peddle to the mettle' and get outta there.

I've seen this one too. A woman on her way to work applying makeup. I have a friend who has said, "If the barn needs paint, you'd better paint it (saying it from a pulpit no less)," but this is taking things a little too far. Some ladies are really good at it too. They apply their powders and eye liners while driving with their...elbows. Do you know what I mean? Scary. VERY scary. I've seen this example on several occasions. It makes me want to come along side their lane and swerve real hard when they're putting on their lipstick. The additional unintended smear would have them on their way to looking like a clown, which of course would not be far from the truth.

But I digress with my rant...

I'm looking out my window at the cars. I can't see the aforementioned people, but I'm thinking about their lives. In the past couple of months we've had people related to the construction industry in our community take their lives. Basically they got upside down in this market and had no hope. How did they come to this?

Everyone needs someone or something they can count on. The singer, phone caller and make-up lady are just a microcosm of the places that we live...between our ears. There are people driving past the church right now as I write who are in pain. Maybe it is even you, right now where you are... You don't know what to do or where to turn.

The Bible talks about Jesus looking over a crowd of people and noted that they seemed like 'sheep without a shepherd.' We can say a lot of things about sheep, but one thing is for sure, they need someone greater. Some think of Jesus as being a curse word. Others think of a Broadway musical, "Jesus Christ, Superstar." I've got great news for you. Instead of being a curse word or untouchable, He is Savior and friend.

You're not alone.

Waft of Sage

Spent the day out at a remote location, working on an important project. No phone, no electricity, no running water, no computer.

Perfect!

Every once in a while we need to get away and I was blessed to be able to do just that. Many of you who read here know that I have a 'quiet place' at Faith. This was a completely different experience. I could hear quail fluttering their wings, every insect within 30 feet buzzing around, and the consistent waft of sage in my nose.

Sure glad I downed those allergy pills this morning...

It may sound funny but I'm so used to the sound of machines in my office(s) that I was taken back by 'all the noise!' After about 45 minutes I was locked in and completely focused - without distraction. I also believe I heard from God about the project....

It was a great experience and in a year I'll know the results of the project. I can hardly wait!

Not My Speed

Often we are confronted by opportunities in life that seem good, but at closer examination are 'not our speed.' Basically there are many good and marvelous encounters that we experience, but they are not 'us.' So we pass.

Worship is an exception. There are forms and styles of music that I either don't like or are 'not my speed.' Sometimes I have to be in the right mood to tolerate it. And yet in a church service I can look around the room and see others worshipping to this racket (my perception, puleeeese). That is when I must get past the music and move to the heart of worship. That is when I recognize that God is no respecter of worship music - as long as it lifts Him up. He will be present there. When I get past myself and my own presuppositions and self-centeredness, I enter into joy.

Jesus-in-a-Box?

This morning was an adjustment day, due to the diet-in-a-box I've been on. I'm wearing jeans that I haven't fit into for a couple of years, and a 'man-blouse' shirt that I normally wear on Sundays (the kind you don't tuck in and let hang down). The jeans barely stay up because a certain 'behinder' part of my anatomy is now flat, so there is nothing for the belt to rest on. According to my wife, today's man-blouse looked like a 'manly mini-skirt' because there isn't enough 'stomach matter' left to lift it up to look like a shirt. I've noticed that mini-skirts are generally not a very good idea, especially on a man...

It's good...and embarrassing at the same time.

The man-blouse is tucked in now and looks pretty good. I guess what I'm really trying to say is, "I look more manly." It's bad enough to say 'blouse' in reference to any kind of clothing I might wear. I still have to pull up my pants when I stand up, but then again I used to have to do that anyway. Before I started the diet-in-a-box the stomach matter part of my body rested on the belt, which of course required continual attention.

Last Thursday I began making adjustments to my devotional life as well, changing things up a little to keep my walk with Jesus a little fresher. Sometimes that area of our lives can begin to sag a little, and requires some pulling back up. We too easily forget that walking and talking with Jesus is an organic relationship that functions outside of ritual as well as within. Unlike a diet, Jesus doesn't come in a box...

And Blessing Followed

I've done a little genealogy work on the Johnson side of my family. I discovered that not everyone was exactly the greatest person. For example, a great-great uncle who came over from 'the old country' walked out on his wife and children, never to be heard from again. He is buried next to my great-great grandparents in an unmarked grave.

How sad. I wasn't there, nor do I understand the circumstances around my kin's actions. From all these years away we could say that he lived outside of God's blessing - dying penniless. Al I can think of is, "If only..."

But again, I don't know all the facts.

There is an amazing sequence of events that take place in 2 Chronicles 31. The Scripture literally says in chapter 28 that the people had followed a wicked king into moral depravity. He was unfaithful, corrupt and missed out on being buried with honor. Yup, the people knew exactly who he was, even in their backslidden condition. His son Hezekiah becomes king, who immediately sets his country on the path of repentance. He made it clear that they were going to return to God. He reinstituted the priesthood, the feasts, tore down pagan altars and reopened the temple so the people could sacrifice and worship. It was a shaking of a nation's soul. In chapter 31 that nation put God first, with the king himself leading by example. They began to take care of God's servants again and blessing followed.

...and blessing followed...

They literally had to build storehouses as distribution centers to house the gifts given by the people for the work of God.

We are in difficult days right now. People are talking about recession and fuel expenses. Everything seems to be getting more and more expensive. Like my family member, we can abdicate our responsibility and fall into a life of disrepair. Judah had done the same before Hezekiah arrived on the scene. As Christians we can get cynical and shrink back from serving God, hold back in giving tithes and offerings, and forget about what it means to function in a manner in which we lead a life that God can bless.

There are many unmarked graves in this world. Some were no doubt godly people. And yet how tragic were those who had the blessing of heaven available to them, but missed out because of the godless choices they made in this part of eternity.

I'm so glad for Jesus Christ who gives us opportunity for a second chance. Judah had to jump a bunch of hoops to return to God. We only have one hoop to go through...and then everything can change in a moment.

Reeking to High Heaven

"No one was sorry when he died. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery." 2 Chronicles 21:20b, NLT

OUCH!

That passage is referring to Jehoram, a king of Judah. For those unaware of Jewish history, his dad was a godly king named Jehoshaphat. 'Phat followed God while his counterparts, the kings of Israel (the Jewish nation was divided at this point) were just plain evil. 'Phat died, leaving his son Jehoram as king.

Bad choice...

He was so bad the Scripture says that he even married poorly; the daughter of the notoriously wicked king of Israel, Ahab. When he died, no one was sorry. I wonder how many showed up for the service? He didn't even rate getting into the cemetery where his relatives were buried. I mean it's just dirt, right?

I've been having trouble with my pond in our backyard. I have a few small koi, and one about 18 inches long. At least I had the big one...

He died.

The fish died while I was at work on Monday. My youngest son found him. I got the phone call from my wife and instructed her to have the fish disposed of in the garbage. So Kyle deposited the fish in the can.

Did I mention it's been high 80's, low to mid 90's this week?

I took the garbage out last night. That critter curled my nose for about an hour after performing my chore. It's sad how some can so live their lives that even after they are dead they still reek to high heaven...and earth.

Surge Protected

We've been bracing ourselves for a series of supposedly vicious thunder and lightning storms to pass through the area here in Central Oregon. So far most of the day has featured threatening skies and a little spittle from the heavens. As I sit in front of my computer I'm thinking about the two surge protectors, one plugging into the other, that protect the hardware from a massive meltdown should a power outage go nuts and attempt to burn up everything electronic. While I have everything backed up on an external hard drive (presently unplugged!), I'm still a little partial to this getting older machine in front of me that has served me well. The only real problems with this laptop, I created (it was that whole deal about pouring my diet beverage on the keyboard - NOT a good idea).

Crisis comes to our lives in some form or another on a fairly consistent basis. What becomes of these times all depends on how we deal with them. I like to think of our relationship with Christ like a surge protector. If we are plugged into our relationship with Christ, when those storm clouds loom there is a peace and security there. Like an external hard drive, our ultimate treasure is being stored up in heaven.

Some of us live where the ground shakes; others where there are tornadoes, and others where it floods. Life happens, whether these three calamities are real or figurative in our lives. The question is, Whom am I plugged into to weather the storm?

It All Bears Fruit

The other day I was reading in 2 Chronicles 18 where Jehoshaphat and Ahab, Kings of Judah and Israel were hanging out together. Ahab decided that he wanted to go to war against a nearby enemy and wanted Jehoshaphat's help. So 'Phat said that it would be good to inquire of the Lord as to whether or not this was a good idea. Ahab called in his prophets - 400 of them to prophesy about this plan. They all raved that this would be a good thing. Then 'Phat said,

2 Chronicles 18:6 - 6 But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not also a prophet of the Lord here? We should ask him the same question." New Living Translation

Ouch! Ahab, a wicked king, goes through 400 of his supposed prophets - and 'Phat is wise enough to realize that they have yet to have enquired of the Lord... What's wrong with this picture? It's like asking a six year-old who is an expert at 'Lincoln Log' construction to come and build your home...

Ahab responds that there is one guy in his country that is a prophet of God, but he always has nothing but bad news for him. I don't know what Ahab is thinking - I mean the guy was a wicked king - functioning outside of God's purposes - leading his nation away from God. And you think a prophet/man/woman of God is gong to speak in favor of you? Sometimes we see the servant and forget the LORD behind what they are saying...

Ahab has the true prophet brought to them. Here is the conversation that transpires when Micaiah (the prophet of Gop) shows up:

2 Chronicles 18:14-15 - 14 When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, "Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?"

Micaiah replied sarcastically, "Yes, go up and be victorious, for you will have victory over them!"

15 But the king replied sharply, "How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?" New Living Translation

I can hear the sarcasm from the prophet in my ears, even thousands of years later. This was no 'yes man.' He wasn't about to speak against God, and Ahab knew it. The passage continues that the prophet foretold Ahab's death, which was later described in detail during the battle...

We live in a day where folks will settle for whatever feels good instead of what is true. It means we all have a choice, a decision to make about what we will settle for. It all bears fruit.

Getting Along

Family Camp was a big win over the weekend! We had a great group out at La Pine State Park who loved hanging out together, not to mention squeezing in a little whiffle ball and paint balling. The use of the pool at Al & Wilma's place was heavenly as well. Pastor Scott did a great job speaking Saturday evening, along with the extraordinary spread on the dessert table afterward. Everyone is already looking forward to next year, hoping to actually extend their stay through the State Parks so they can stay through Wednesday following camp. What is significant is that they want to do it if others in our group are going to do it. We have to sign up the first of the year to get the majority of the spaces in one of the loops. It really is a gamble every year to get that many spaces together.

Being together and wanting to stay for more is an excellent sign of a healthy church. It is incredibly pleasing to pastor a church where this is the case. It is also a part of our FAITH acrostic that we recite every week on Sunday mornings, reminding us of our purpose and values at Faith. With that said, here is the entire statement:

Friendship: “We value authentic and intentional loving relationships with God and man. We use small groups as a primary means to promote loving friendships, to care for others, and sharing our lives.”

And the theme verse:

Matthew 22:37-39 - 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (from New International Version)

Yup, it matters that we get along so well together!

Something New - Need Feedback

Okay, I've redone my site and am trying something new - the first time since I set this thing up. If you've been periodically checking in on this blustery Friday in Bend, you'll know I've already tried four other set-ups. Let me know what you think. I specifically want to know if you read it and whether the red background hurts your eyes?

Thanks!

A Long View

It was a pleasure for me to be in Salem yesterday for a leadership meeting for our denomination. We're doing some things right. There is new leadership who are building from a previous paradigm change, and the room is filled with young leaders in our fellowship, who don't have a vote but do have a voice. God-led vision and direction with the participation of several generations is soooo refreshing.

The highlight of the day was interviewing credential candidates. We had four and they were all young, just getting started in ministry. These were sharp people who had clear opinions on a variety of subjects. I'm clear on the fact that these 'opinions' are their culture. When my group moved through this process in the mid-80's we were much more subordinate. We understood on a certain level that there was a status quo to maintain.

Not this generation...

Their comments and answers to our questions reminded me of the importance of keeping the cause of Christ in our doctrine, our belief system, the main thing. I love the Word of God. I love its precepts. I love the doctrine of the church that I serve because I believe that every position has Scriptural merit...and matter. Unfortunately over the past couple of decades because of a little controversy in a single area, we've made one issue the right of passage for our fellowship. A perception being put forward thru our Bible college students seems to be that this one point of doctrine is the only important thing that we believe. With such emphasis the issue becomes hyperbolized, opening a wide door away from the denomination that I've grown up in and love.

And no, I'm not going to specifically address the issue here...

I'm thinking that the problem here is approach. I've found that when we take the Scripture as a whole...take our doctrine as a whole...it makes a lot more sense in the greater scheme of things. I will touch on this specific doctrinal issue perhaps once every year or so for about five minutes in a Sunday morning message. It is also put forward during altar services at Faith as something to expect in our lives. But in our Bible schools I'm left with the impressions from these students that this is one of the biggest issues of discussion when it comes to doctrine? The Apostle Paul said, "We preach Christ and Him crucified..." (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Hummmmm. That sounds like the most important issue the we should all be focusing on...

I'm reminded of the importance of studying the whole book...and believing the whole book. When we do this, the specific issues make much more sense...and are less of an issue. A long view of doctrine...and life bears lasting fruit.