Pastor Biz's Blog

Glory and the Groan

2010-12-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

We live in a broken and hurting world. So much so that people take liberties that are not rightfully theirs to take, and, in so doing, harm individuals in ways we were never meant to be harmed. For example, some friends of mine suffered a home invasion this week. Yes, without respect for person or property some criminals identified an empty home that did not belong to them and accessed the home through a window that is unseen from the front of the home or the adjoining road. What cowards. They didn’t steal too terribly much and, thankfully, no one was injured in this particular crime. In fact, indications may be that the criminals were spooked during the robbery and left before they could finish the job – thank goodness.

There are things that are stolen, however, that go beyond that which we can taste, touch or see. For instance, your sense of security is robbed for a time and your sense of peace and stability is eroded just a bit when you become the victim of such actions. As one who has lived through such before, I know how very real those intangible thefts can be and how long they can last.

We tend to recover. I wonder, “Why?” Why do we not linger in the frailty of fear that such actions bring to the forefront of life? After all, who is to say it will not happen again? How does one freely and fully protect oneself in a world where people no longer enter your home as invited guests through your front door, but choose to enter through force - undetected, uninvited and, often unpunished?

Perhaps we do not linger in fear because as real as crime is in a fallen, sinful world, we experience an even greater reality. This reality says that the world is moving toward being restored. Yes, restored. While it may not look like it, I think an indication of this truth can be found in our own ability to heal, move on, get over it, trust again, forgive, get better, let go of the past, etc. Yes, all of these realities point to the deeper reality that, though stained by sin, we and the world are being and indeed have been redeemed. We have been reclaimed and we are being restored! While we do not fully taste this restoration now, nor is it fully experienced, it is evident in every nook and cranny of life.

The Bible indicates on nearly every page that the world has been horrifically disfigured and, as such, human behavior has been altered at its core. Our hearts, once righteous before God, became the seat of wickedness as a result of our sin. This wickedness is so deeply rooted in life and experience that we are told further that it has stained the entire creation. Yes, the creation itself now groans. She groans for the glory that she once knew and will one day know again.

Life, my friends, is a groan. In the groan we experience pain. In the groan we experience betrayal. In the groan we experience theft. In the groan we experience heartache. In the groan, however, we also experience hope. In the groan we experience growth. In the groan we hear the deep sigh of the human heart that exclaims, “One day we will groan no longer – one day we will be renewed.” Yes, in the groan there is glory!

There is glory because God has reunited all things in Him - in and through the person of Christ. Scripture reminds us that Christ holds things - all things - together. Even now, when so much seems fractured, hope is not lost because and only because Christ holds all things together. The culmination – the new heavens and earth – is yet to come. But, even now, in the groan, the Christ child reminds us, Be still my child, I have brought you peace; a peace that never ends and one that is felt daily, even as we groan!

See you Sunday!
Biz

The Glory of . . .

2010-12-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

It's like cosmic volleyball of immense verbal proportion. The words, like the ball flying over the net, are tossed back and forth to one another. And, as if for emphasis, they are tossed again and again and again. The words are not light. No, these words have some weight to them. They carry with them the thickness of respect, worship and awe. Take it even one step further and consider this - those who are uttering the words, those weighty, awe inspiring words, are not mere beings. No, in fact, those uttering the words are angels - angels unlike any depicted in modern novels or media. These are not the simple, chubby, cuddly angels we often see - no, these angels inspire awe in and of themselves - they are indeed spectacular beings volleying words of immensity and grandeur to one another in a manner intended to make those who hear pause and ask, 'of whom do you speak?' Here is the volley:

"Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"

Simply amazing! These seraphim, seated above God Himself, speak of God and proclaim this simple, yet life changing truth: God is indeed holy and the whole earth is full of this holiness they proclaim. In his own day Isaiah was so moved by this revelation given by God that he himself responded, "woe is me, I am lost, I am undone - I am a man of unclean lips." This is really the only appropriate response one could have when faced with the glory of God. A moment like this can bring us to our knees and cause us to acknowledge our own frailty, insecurity, sin and shame in the presence of such goodness, holiness, righteousness and glory. The ancients referred to this as 'the weight of glory.' Today we refer to it as, 'do what?'

Unfortunately we do not recognize the glory of God that is so very present all around us. If Scripture is to be believed, then all of creation testifies to this glory. The irony of this is that the pinnacle of creation - humanity - fails to see this glory at every turn. I think it is because of the fact that we know little of 'glory' these days. We glory in ourselves, we glory in our possessions, we glory in our achievements, etc. It is this elevation of 'self glory' that has robbed glory of its own thickness and replaced it with a very thin, meager comparison of what it once was - or at least how it was once seen. Today, one might argue, that glory has become weightless and thin - like ‘butter spread over too much bread.’ It looks like something that had promise, but has become something that constantly leaves one 'wanting.'

How does this fit at Christmas? Simple - Christmas has lost her glory. In fact, Christmas may be responsible for replacing the glory of the Christ narrative with something of far less weight that leaves us wanting for more than before. Christmas has become that time in our life when we hone the art of 'spreading ourselves too thin.' It has become a story of a jolly old guy who spreads cheer by bringing . . . toys. Huh? Yes, toys. When a costumed man replaces the true gift giver and elves angels and reindeer replace the heavenly hosts, then we have lost our sense of glory. Perhaps we haven't lost it as much as replaced it with a 'thinner' version - glory that is 'weight free.'

I know, I know. You are thinking to yourself, come on all those 'traditions' point to the true reason for the season. I get that. In fact, we celebrate Christmas in our home and enjoy the trappings of it (to an extent). But what really points to the reason for the season is the Reason himself! What really points us to the reason of the season is the seraphim and their divine volley; Holy, Holy, Holy! Perhaps it is time to pause during this festive time of year and consider for yourself: have I replaced ‘glory’ with something far less? If so, the remedy is simple: hit your knees and proclaim the glory of God! That is what this season is all about and it is His glory that is exclaimed on the night of our savior's birth! The sky lit up and the angels chorused, 'glory to God in the highest.' Now, that is the choir I want to hear! That is what glory is and should always be - that is a word of 'weight.' "Can you hear it?" Or, perhaps a better question, "do you recognize it anymore."

Glory to God in the Highest!

Biz

Christmas Top Ten

2010-12-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the beginning of the advent season. I love this time of year! I love the lights everywhere, the smell of the tree, the yard decorations, the Christmas music and all that comes with our Christmas celebration. It seems, however, that every year we fly through this great season. One day it is December 2nd and in the blink of an eye it is January 2nd of the New Year. All too often we are looking back wondering, 'what in the world happened - where did Christmas go?' Sooo, this year I have developed a 'top ten' for Christmas. I am calling it:

'Biz Gainey's Top Ten Things He Wants to Be Able to Say When Christmas 2010 is over'
(Drum roll, please)
• 10 I gained 7 and 3/4 lbs, and I do not care one bit!

• 9 I gave more than I got - a lot more!

• 8 I got in the '10 items or less' line only to find that I had gotten behind someone with 24 items - and I didn't even care!

• 7 I shared the sugar cookies with my wife and kids - finally.

• 6 I successfully used NORAD to track Santa's every move - and finally caught him in the act of trespassing!

• 5 I drank deeply from the relationships God has given me through Westside as we celebrated our best Christmas yet!

• 4 I ate monkey bread - lots and lots of monkey bread!

• 3 I worshipped deeply and celebrated greatly the birth of our Savior and King, Christ the Lord.

• 2 I will not spend 6 months paying off bills for gadgets and games that will not last longer than 3 weeks!

• 1 Thank you, Lord - for you have done it yet again.

Okay, there are my top ten - what about yours? What would you like to be able to say when this year's season has come to an end and we are once again looking into a brand new year?

Celebrate the Season, rightly!

Biz

Humans, Longing and the God who Fills!

2010-11-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

"For He satisifies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9

The human heart beats to a rhythm known as “longing.” It is this rhythm that so much of our society has learned to captitalize on and, in turn, make a profit from. The consumeristic urge at Christmas is simply another expression of “longing” and an example of our society's ability to leverage that longing into a sale.

It seems that every year our Christmas season gets longer and our Thanksgiving joy gets shorter. In fact this year it was not too deep into November when I began to notice Christmas decorations adorning the hallways of our supermarkets. Last week I even noticed a lawn already decorated with the fullest of Christmas joy - two weeks BEFORE Thanksgiving. Now I love to decorate our lawn and Melissa loves to decorate our home, but two weeks before Thanksgiving is a little much. Some might argue that its okay to get into the Christmas spirit a bit early. In fact, such a course might even help us extend that good old Christmas cheer a few more weeks this time around.

However, I have a hunch (though I could be wrong) that such a pursuit of Christmas cheer might actually be another expression of the longing we sense in our hearts that we all too often seek to fill with resources that leave us wanting yet again. After all, it was not all that long ago that we celebrated last Christmas. The longing was satiated, if ever so briefly, and then we got back to the real world and had the thrill of paying those credit card bills that purchased our satisfaction. Of course, this just lead us to another longing … one to be able to pay the bills and perhaps even a sense of regret over resources misspent on a longing unfulfilled.

There are, however, times when we do leave the table satsified. I suspect that for many of us this will be the case come next Thursday. We will not only leave the table satisfied, but we may even have enough left over to satisfy ourselves again later that night and even on into the next day. I, for one, look forward to that opportunity! I love the gathering of family I haven't seen in years and the opportunity to laugh, pray, converse and just be with them for a short period of time. Yes, in that moment - in those moments - there is a sense of satisfication. There is a sense of contentment. That is a what I call a right way to fill up. That type of filling comes from the depth of our human relationships. It comes from the love we share, the hope we have, and the joy we take in being with one another.

Yet there remains a problem even with this type of filling up. The problem is that we will hunger yet again. You see, you and I were made to hunger. You and I were made to desire and to long for things in this life. What we were not made to do or what we were not made for is the rat race of satisfication that our temporary world over-sells and under-delivers day in and day out. We were not made to jump on the hamster wheel and run longer in our pursuit of satisfaction. No, our longing was made so that we might find ultimate relief and hope from the hand of God and Him alone!

As we move into another holiday season, as we embark upon another Thanksgiving and celebrate another Christmas, let's not forget that the attempts to fill ourselves with temporary resources will prove to be just that - temporary. Let's not forget that there is a resource Whose well never runs dry and Whose ears never grows deaf! There an endless resource and, as the Psalmist reminds us, He truly and finally fills the longing of the human soul and satisfies the hunger within!
Celebrate Thanksgiving this week by longing for God and His resource in the midst of a land full of false hopes and temporary remedies!

See you Saturday night for our Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Wekiva High School. Bring a friend, neighbor, and/or family member, and let's kick off this season by longing for God together!

Grace and Peace!
Biz

Resignation, Resentment and the Radical Love of . . . Man's best friend

2010-11-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's probably not the best of titles. In fact, since I am your pastor you probably expected the words following “Radical Love of” to be something like “the Lord,” “Jesus,” or “Christ.” This is something that we all know and believe - His love is radical and life-changing. But this week I have been impressed by the love my little (somewhat dumb) dog has shown me - without fail. Yes, dogs are faithful to a fault. He doesn't care what type of decisions I am making nor whom they affect. He doesn't care that he will be crated for a little trip and have to figure out a new yard, neighborhood, home etc. Nope, when I come home (everytime!) he does the same thing - he wags his tail in excitement and jumps all over me trying to lick me (my wife calls them kisses – yuck!) with mad affection. And, boy, have I needed that this week. That silly little dog has no idea how amazing it is when he jumps up on my lap and says, without sound, “Big person who feeds me and gives me drink, I love you.”

This past Sunday, most of you know by now, I publically communicated to this great church that we love deeply, that I have resigned as the Senior Pastor in order to pursue a calling in the Vero/Sebastian area of Indian River County that I believe, with passion, that the Lord has placed upon my life. This calling necessitates radical commitment and transition not only for me and my family, but the congregation at large. I know this is so and because of that truth, the decision came only after months of laborious prayers and calling out to Christ. It was evident, and still is, that to fail to pursue this would constitute disobedience on my part - a reality I would not wish upon my own life or that of the congregation of WCC.

You know, leadership is tough and lonely at times. It is so because the decisions a leader makes impact so many others and have far-reaching ramifications. The only way a leader - or better, a servant of the Lord - can make such decisions is to know that at the end of the day his or her decisions are held accountable at the highest level with the greatest ramifications. There have been a host of reactions to my resignation (I had a host myself when Christ began to reveal His will), all of which are to be expected and are okay! As a pastor, as your pastor, one of my responsiblities in this transition is to shepherd you (along with your elders) through these reactions to the Cross of Christ and His purpose for Westside Community Church (which by the way does not change one bit with my departure).

The reactions, as I noted earlier, have been manifold. Yes, there are resentments concerning my resignation. There is also deep loss, sadness, and a sense of “what is next?”, which always bring with it an air of anxiety. But there is also excitement and encouragement. There also vision and hope. There is also trust and obedience and belief in a Sovereign Lord who picks and chooses His ambassadors and moves them at His will, and, then, amazingly, provides even better than before for that area and those people who remain committed and dedicated to the call of Christ in the life of the local ministry and congregation.

To be honest with you, I am thankful for the anger and thankful for the pain, as much as I am thankful for the excitement and the encouragment. I am thankful because (in my mind) it indicates the depth of love that you and I have for one another and the recognition of the amazing and wonderful season of minsitry our Lord has allowed us to conduct together over these past 6 1/2 years! It illustrates the truth that we have walked very difficult roads and that you have seen my life and my family in ways no other people have seen us - especially as you walked so closely with us through the battle of cancer my dear wife faced just three short years ago. It is also illustrative of the fact that you, this great church, have grown to love and appreciate the ministry God has given to me in your midst and that I, your pastor, have grown to love you and take joy in the growth God has provided in and through the lives and ministry of Westside Community Church.

My prayer is, in the midst of emotion and wondering, that we will, as we have always done, bring everything (emotion, wondering, questioning, excitement, all of it) to the Cross of Christ and to trust Him once again to do for us that which we are unable to do for ourselves. God has something for all of us in this time of trial, confusion, transition, trust, and obedience. You see, as you well know, this is really not about me. Nor is it about you. It is about disciples bringing glory and honor to our Lord in and through all things, times, situations, and circumstances - especially the tough ones.

Over the next few weeks you will hear more from my heart in regard to this new calling and vision. The Lord has given me several sermons and thoughts that I believe, in His time, will begin to reveal and unwrap not only the next step I am taking, but also the next steps Christ is calling Westside to take. As we gather together, I want to ask that you continue to seek the Lord and find strength in His Word. There is much more to be done and much more ministry to be accomplished in and through this great church. Also, I am still going to challenge and enourage you to get behind this plant effort and see it as part of the Lord's fulfillment of His vision for this congregation!

You know, I am thankful for my dog. He is really awesome. I am more thankful for you and the love and patience you have shown me and this ministry over these past years. I am even more thankful for my dear bride and children, who have always been a constant source of support, love, and encouragment in minsitry. Yet I am most thankful for our Lord and Savior and the gracious calling He invites His people to step into and then provides as we do!

Grace and Peace for today and Beyond!

Biz

P.S. The elders will keep you apprised regularly of the transition plans, timetable, search team direction, etc. as we move forward together! Call out to the Lord and ask that we hear Him and see Him during all this and ask for His guidance as He leads us to His next Pastor for this great church!

Be and Become A People of Prayer!

2010-11-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

In the latter chapters of the Gospel of Luke Jesus begins to teach His followers concerning that day that would come in the future - that day when He would wrap up all things and call all people unto Himself. Interstingly enough, in telling them of that day’s coming He doesn't tell them all the tools and methods they need in order to be ready for it. Nor does He give them a checklist of items they need to purchase in preparation. Rather, He tells them (and us) to become and be a people of prayer!

I love the way He words His call to prayer, "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). Can you imagine what might have been going through their minds at the time? He had just told them of a future that was certain to come, but did not give the specifics of that future. He had just told them of many amazing, trying, and difficult days to come. Yet in order to prepare for those times He says be and become a people of prayer!

In today's world, we are inclined to give each other “seven steps to handle” or “five ways to happiness”, etc. etc. Jesus didn’t do that. No, He reminds me and you that the key to our lives as His disciples is to keep watch in prayer! This begs the question, How do we handle uncertain times and to whom do we turn in those moments? Do we lose our focus and try to manage everything through control and manipulation? Do we avoid what is coming and pretend that it does not exist? Do we talk about it with all our friends and try to find a world's way answer to the dilemma?

While we may always and often do some or all of those things, as disciples of Christ our method, our hope, is to take the burden, the unknown, tomorrow to Him in prayer! We are called to “keep watch” and “stay alert” to the fact that, come what may, nothing changes the truth that Christ is King and He is still working in and through our lives and that He is one day going to return. At that time, in that moment, we will stand before Him and the question will be, have we been faithful? You want to know the answer to that? Then evaluate your prayer life and your dependence upon Him!

It is time, Westside, to Be and Become a People of Prayer!

Grace and Peace!

Biz

Discipleship Defined

2010-10-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Voltaire, an immensely popular writer during the Enlightenment period, spent the bulk of his adult life and career as an atheistic philosopher castigating and attacking Christianity. It is, in fact, reported that he vowed that by his pen Christianity would find its death. Around 50 years after that proclamation, Voltaire was already dead and the home in which he used his might weapon, the pen, was a new home to a new group - The Geneva Bible Society. So, much for Volatire's assault upon the church.

This story reminds me of the great truth that it is God and God alone who will sustain His church and conquer His foes. He promises us that though the gates of Hell will assault His church, they will not prevail against her! While it is true that God's church has, does, and will always remain, it is also true that the testimony of His church has gone forth and expanded through the ages because God has always called out disicples who were willing to give their all for His church, even to the point of death. I don't think you could find a century since the advent of His Church when the assault upon her did not require of God's people complete and total sacrifice, even to the point of martydom. In our own times we hear constantly of Christians being attacked worldwide and willingly giving their life up for the cause of Christ. Yes, Christ is in charge. Yes, Christ is the Head of His Church. Yes, Christ will restore His Church one day as His Bride at the greatest wedding feast of all time.

Until that time, until that amazing day of restoration, God's people, His Church, will always be challenged and called to give all we have and follow Him. There is a word for this that is woven throughout the Gospels, discipleship. To be His disciple means to (variously) leave our nets (livelihood) behind and follow Him, pick up our cross (sacrifice) and follow Him, leave our family (prioritize Him above all others) and follow Him, to name only a few. In our text this week Christ defines discipleship once again through the illustration of a poverty-stricken and destitute woman. This woman, in Luke 21, gives a free will offering to the temple that, by our standards and measurements, would literally amount to nothing. Her gift was the smallest possible gift of the day. Standing around her, in fact, were those who had given considerably more and provided great wealth to the temple. Yet Christ praises this woman's gift above their own. In his own words, "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

And there you have it - discipleship defined. It is in this moment when Christ tells us that He is not interested in our money nearly as much as He is interested in our lives! Christ wants an undivided, whole-hearted disciple who is willing to give up everything, all we have, for Him and His Kingdom work. It is this type of follower that recognizes that all we have is really a gift from Him anyhow. Yes, it all belongs to Him. This is, I believe, why giving is at the heart of the Gospel, because a giving heart is a heart that is owned by Christ already!

Christ will always sustain His Church. The way Christ sustains the witness of the church in any time or place, is through His people. It is through His people who are willing to give all, go anywhere and follow Him, no matter the cost. You and I have grown too complacent, haven't we?!? We have sought out, identified, and formed a safe place we like to call church. Funny, out of all the descriptions God provides for His church, that is not ever among them. Christ is protecting His church and, as He does He is looking for radical disciples willing to follow Him into a great unknown and trust Him with our very lives! Will we be that disciple, Westside? I, for one, can say (with no small amount of caution) sign me up.

Follow Him!

Biz

Resurrection Realities

2010-10-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about writing a book. My fear is this: no one will read it. Not withstanding the fact that it may, indeed, not be worth reading. I do not believe the worth of the book's content would be that which would keep my book from being read. No, I think the title I would choose would be the reason no one would read it. In fact, the title I would choose would quite possibly (even probably) keep the book out of print. Are you ready for it? Okay, what do you think - the title of my book would be: "If your best life is now, then eternity is going to be Hell." Yeah, somehow I don't see a room full of people waiting in line for me to sign that one for them.

Now, the title begs the question, what type of person would make such a statment? Is it the person whose life is miserable and totally out of whack? Is it the person who is so frustrated with life that he/she cannot wait for some sort of better experience in the “great beyond?” Well, since the person is me, let me tell you what kind of life I have. I am humbled by the immense and abundant grace of God on a daily basis for the amazing and wonderful life He has given me! If I were to go be with Him today, I could say with exclamation, “Thank you, Lord, for the grace you showed me while on earth.” I have an absolutely wonderful and amazing marriage. It is by no means perfect, but boy is it great! I have three children who astound me daily with joy and love. Of course, they also frustrate me to no end from time to time! I live in a great community, surrounded by great friends and neighbors and have the humbling privilege of pastoring and co-laboring with the wonderful folks of Westside Community Church. And, even as great as all this is, it pales in comparison to the greatest life God has for me, which is yet in store and rests in the realm of eternity! Yes, the best is yet to come!

I think in fact that the idea that our best life can be now is a heresy (a dangerous false truth) that has so seeped into the modern church that we, as Christ's children, have a difficult time understanding the great hope we have in the Resurrection. In fact, it is not only the great hope, friends, it is the only hope we have! In Luke chapter 20 Christ is once again challenged and this time the challenge surrounds an obscure question regarding the resurrection. Rather than getting into the nuance of the argument, Christ brings the hammer down and basically tells the Sadducees that there perspective is limited. They indeed see things in a gravely mistaken way! They are bound by what their eyes can see, their ears can ear and their hands can touch. Into this challenge, Jesus simply reminds them and us of three great Resurrection Realities!

So, let me ask you, when you think of the Resurrection what is the first thing that comes to mind? This week I hope to give you some handles on this important and central concept of the Christian faith. It is my goal that we, His children, would fully undertand, gravitate toward, sink into, devour the great truth of the Gospel that says, “For the Believer, the Best is Yet to Come!”

Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.

Biz

The Importance, Impact and Implications of Christian Hospitality!

2010-10-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

I believe that one of the greatest strengths of Westside Community Church is the way we open our doors to the community and provide family-friendly and fun environments for all ages through our various “easy steps” and outreach opportunities. In fact, one of the reasons many of you have come to this church and stayed in this church is becasue of the relationships we have built with one another through such events and opportunities! On October 24, we are going to have another great chance and opportunity to reach into our community and show them how Christian hospitality works and its ramifications in our world! You already know what I am referring to … our Fall Family Festival from 4:00p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on the 24th!

In Hebrews 13:2 we find the following words, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Normally when you and I think about hospitality we think about opening up our home, resources, time, etc. to people we already know and already enjoy being around. Christian hospitality, however, is far more expansive than this and actually extends first to those whom we do not know - to the stranger. Or as Richard Kregcir has said, "Hospitality is a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, including our family, home, finances, and food. It is an attitude of stewardship, where we do not own anything because we are merely the caretaker for the real owner, God. In the church, it is to be welcoming, regardless of how we may feel."

Perhaps you have wondered why Westside goes to such measures to reach this community and why we teach and seek to practice hospitality as a church. Let me take a moment and give you at least three reasons why I believe the Bible teaches and calls for the practice of hospitality from God's people and His Church - the importance, impact and implications of Christian Hospitality.

Let's first consider what I call the importance of Christian hospitality. While all hospitality is welcome by those who receive it, the Christian finds importance in our hospitality because it puts legs to the Great Commandment to love our God with all of our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. Remember, neighbor in the Gospels and the New Testament has a wide berth of meaning. At times it refers to a family member, an acquaintance you know, someone you do not know and even an enemy of yours. So, when we show Christian hospitality to the stranger it illustrates, like little else in life, God's call for us to love our neighbor and defines for us what “brotherly love” looks like. When we host families next weekend on our campus, we will have an opportunity to make the stranger feel welcomed and accepted. In so doing, we will be practicing the horizontal aspect of the Great Commandment.

Secondly, Christian hospitality brings with it unexpected and exceptional impact! The Hebrews passage actually alludes to the fact that when we practice such hospitality we may, at times, be entertaining angels without even knowing it! While at first glance words like this may strike a notion of confusion in us, if we remember the words of Christ in Matthew 25, then this makes complete sense. In that passage Christ reminds us that when we feed the hungry, satisfy the longing of those who thirst, clothe the naked, visit the sick, bring solace to the prisoner, then we have actually ministered to Him! While our Fall Festival will not afford us, per se, the opportunity to visit the sick or imprisoned, what of the hungry, the searching, the thirsty, the needy? Certainly we can anticipate that God will bring them into our midst. Will we welcome them? If we do (and I know we will) and if we recieve them in the charity of Christian love our words and actions will have an impact into eternity. How awesome is that? Makes you think a little bit differently now about cooking the hotdogs, running the games, providing assitance and direction doesn't it?

Thirdly, there are vast implications that follow Christian hospitality. Allow me a moment to give you but a few of them. The implications hit us on a personal level as God allows us to minister in this profound way! If we look at the Fall Festival as a prime moment to extend hospitality, rather than an event or program just for ourselves, then we will be blessed above all people as Christ uses us to reach others for Him. Even now, we should be thinking of people to invite and bring with us so that they too can taste of this love and care! There are also great impications for us corporately. For one thing, we are given an opportunity as a church to show this community that we care about them at a core level enough to provide a safe and fun environment where their family can simply be a family together! So few do this and, unfortunately, those who do it often do not do it well. Doing it well is another opportunity this event affords! We, as God's people, should do all we can to provide this event with excellence. This provides a testimony to those who come that we take our mission seriously and that we care greatly about how we facilitate and participate in this mission!

The Fall Festival is not simply an event for us to attend. The Fall Festival is an opportunity for us to participate in the mission of Christ for our church and His community - to love them with the love of Christ and to reach them with the heart of his care, concern and hospitality!

Extending His Reach through Christian Love!

Biz

Christ as Cornerstone: The Foundation of and the Formation for Life

2010-10-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ravi Zacharais tells the story of a time he visited the Ohio State University for a series of lectures. While being transported by cab he was informed by the driver that Ohio State boasted of the first post-modern building in America. When asked to explain what that meant, the driver further informed that the design of the building had no purpose behind it. There were pillars that stood in support of nothing and stairways that went nowhere. The design was intended to illustrate the post-modernist stream of thought that removes meaning from life and assumes all of life is, in essence without purpose, sense or direction.

Dr. Zacharais asked one simple question of his driver: “Was the foundation included in this purposeless, capricious design?” He notes that there was a long silence and no answer. In his own words, Dr. Zacharias responds, “You see, you and I can fool with the infrastructure as much as we would like, but we dare not fool with the foundation because it will call our bluff in a hurry.”

You and I know well the truth behind what Dr. Zacharias is saying! Without a firm foundation in life we are left to be tossed upon the debris of wreckage that comes as the storms blow and the winds assail! Many of us are facing this truth now, or we have recently faced this truth in life. We have faced loss of income, jobs, relationships, etc. This “loss narrative” that has developed over the past few years seems to be a daily occurrence for ourselves or someone we know. We see the debris and wreckage all around us and we wonder, “How am I ever going to get through this. How have I even endured to this point.”

It is at that point, it is in those moments, when we begin to recognize that we are stable because and only because of the sure foundation Christ has provided! In fact, this foundation is so central to the Christian story that the metaphor which describes it becomes one of, if not the most, dominant metaphors to describe Christ in the entire New Testament. It is, of course, the metaphor which describes Christ as the “cornerstone.”
What a powerful word and even more powerful word picture. In modern times we don’t really understand how essential a cornerstone was to the hearers in Christ’s day.

Most of the cornerstones we see today are ceremonial in nature. They are decorative and they stand out on buildings as a symbol rather than as a foundation. But, in ancient times (when concrete slabs were not the norm) the corner stone was the most important part of the foundation of the building! It was not only the first stone laid in the foundation, but it was also the stone upon which all the other stones were set and the rest of the foundation was dependent upon this primary, initial stone. The cornerstone, therefore, had to be perfect. If it was off at all, then the entire rest of the structure would be flawed!

Now one may ask, so what? What does this have to do with me and my walk with Christ? It is a fair question … particularly in a modern context where we have little knowledge of God’s Word and even less of ancient construction practices. The implications, however, are immense. They are literally life-changing. For, you see, Christ calls Himself the cornerstone. He is the stone upon which all of life is built. For those who believe He becomes the cornerstone upon whom our lives are built and to whom we are connected. He becomes our foundation! Yes, you heard that right. Christ is our foundation. No matter what may come, our foundation is sure to hold and certain to stand because it is not built by our own hands or through our own will. Our foundation is built by God himself – thus, it is unshakable!

If Christ, as our cornerstone, is our foundation, then He must also be our Formation. For you see, the house is built in, and only in, relationship to the cornerstone. So, Christ not only holds us, but He also grows us. Is there really a better place to be in this world than upon the foundation of Christ as our cornerstone? Is there any more reliable trust for our growth than the trust that is Christ Himself? In a world that seeks to form us at every turn, is it not the most tremendous of blessings and benefits to know that we can and are formed in Christ Himself? This means that there is always, always hope! There is always a tomorrow.

We are founded upon and formed in Christ as cornerstone! Bring it on, world! Do your worst … for our God has already done His best and as such, our foundation holds and our formation is certain! Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 20 and the parable in which Christ divides all of life around the truth that He is the Chief Cornerstone!

See you Sunday!
Biz

Disciple Making: The Orignial Mission

2010-09-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Among the final words of Christ our Lord are these, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19 - 20.

To make disciples is the objective Christ has left us, His church. Funny how we make a mess of this and confuse this primary mission with many other misguided (though well intended) objectives these days. I have seen missions of churches that want to “make Jesus famous,” while others just want to “provide a safe place for your families.” Yet others (some of the larger more notable churches) seem bent on making us happier in this life by assuring us that we can have our best now.

I think I know why this is. The change in focus, I mean, from Jesus' primary command to the periphery issues. You see, it seems to me, that the periphery (happiness, safety, and fame) are all relatively easy when compared to the prospect of disciple-making. We seem to be very good at the former. We pretty much have the pursuit of those things down to a science. The latter, disciple-making, however, is not only difficult work, but we find that it is messy, untidy, and imminently difficult to gauge with modern measurements. Afterall, I can gauge my happiness by how I feel, but what is the gauge that checks my disciple-making pulse? Do I have a long list of converts following me around? Or is it that I have, when given opportunity, loved my neigbhor as myself? Perhaps it is because I tithe 10% of my income to the local church and then give other resources away to charities and agencies of compassion in my community?

While those are, no doubt, indications of a strong belief system, if we spend too much time there, disciple-making deteriorates into a ritualistic exercise of checking the boxes everyday day, week, or month. At that point, we have created a kind of hybrid disciple-making enterprise. While it is certainly not anti-Christian neither is it fully Christian.

No, disciple-making comes down to this: Seeing Christ for who He is and responding to that reality with all of our life! Notice the disciples in Luke 19 as Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They are the ones among the crowds and throngs of people who see Christ for who is really is. They recognize Him as Lord and because they recognize Him as Lord they respond by shouting, “Hosanna in the Highest!” Funny thing. You see, the disciples were the leaders of the crowd that day. Because they saw Christ for who He was and responded with their whole life (as expressed in their praise and ultimately in their own deaths for His cause) the others around them responded, too. Yes, they made an impact on those around them by simply being a disciple.

I think that you and I need to get back to this single truth upon which disciple-making is built: We see Him as Lord and follow Him with our life! Once this happens those other focuses and false missions become decidedly less important and ultimately we will see them as interference. Join me this weekend at WCC as we take a look at who He really His and how we should respond.

Grace and Peace!

Biz

Unique Design for a Unique Purpose

2010-09-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

We have all, I believe, from the earliest of ages wondered what our life would be like. When we were younger it probably came out in the form of a statement declaring that we would be policemen or lawyers or teachers, etc. Coupled with that pursuit we also seem to lunge for an answer as to who we are going to spend our live with. Will we be married? If so, what will our spouse be like? If we don't get married, then what? I find that throughout every passage of life we tend to ask these two questions again and again. Yes, what we are going to do with our life and who we are going to do it with are very important. In fact, they tend to shape our next steps and the moments for which God has given us a Unique Design.

Scripture affirms this type of pursuit when it reminds us that we are to be a people of vocation and calling in this life! As we have seen over these past few weeks in our look at the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us a calling to be stewards in His work and to line our own wants, wishes, and will with His priorites and purposes! When this amazing connection takes place, lives change and cultures begin to regain the original vision of God when this whole thing began! Consider this: Wherever you go and whatever you do, you are a representative of the Most High - the King of Glory! You have a name tag on your shirt which reads “Child of God”. This truth alone begins to answer the key questions of what and whom!

We wrestle and wrangle with this so much in the course of daily life! The what is to bring glory and honor to God! The whom is His people - His church! This Sunday is really going to be the culmination of the past 8 weeks for us as a church! We are privileged to have as our guest Mels Carbonell who has led countless numbers of God's people to grasp brand new this idea of what and whom with which we all seem to struggle. Not only that, but he will guide us in the how as well! He will help us explore our giftedness, skills, passions and our Unique Design for Christ and His Kingdom!

Now here is the great part! This weekend will empower and equip you for every area of your life and vocation! All four areas of vocation we have referenced (child of God, family, work/culture, church) will come together this weekend and equip you as never before! Join us for church on Sunday morning and then come back with a friend to explore this great idea of vocation and calling as we answer the what and whom of life together!

Uniquely You Seminar
This Sunday, September 26
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Register: Rick Keaton (877)708-7747

See you Sunday!

The Life of Vocation; its Measurements and Meaning

2010-09-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Let's break it down this week. You and I have multiple levels of vocation to live into on a daily basis. The first areas is our vocation or calling as a child of God. The second area is our vocation or calling in relationship to our families (i.e. husband, wife, father, mother, child etc.) The third area of vocation or calling is within the work place and culture at large. The fourth would be in the local church/ministry in which you are involved. The beauty of all of these areas is that Scripture affords us no small amount of guidance as we consider them and seek to live into them on a daily basis.

Our vocation as a child of God begins the moment Christ calls us unto Himself and we respond with repentance and confession. God has justified you and I, and through the justification achieved by the person and work of Christ on the cross, we are declared righteous! This is the first calling and it impacts all the others. To be a child of God brings with it certain consequences. The Bible says it in various ways, but a main theme is that we are called to be a blessing to others (Gen.12) and that we are called to 'walk in step' with God's Spirit! In other words, once we become a child of God then our thoughts, desires and activities should line up with the 'will, call and desire' of God in our world!

In order for God to practice His vocation in our life, He puts us in a system of relationships whereby He might sanctify us and grow us closer to His image! The first, and probably most significant, is the family system. Here you and I get way off track immediately. Our modern philosophers and pundits would tell us that family is the place where our desires are met and where our dreams are fulfilled. Truth be told, when this philosopy runs it course in our lives we find ourselves empty and heartbroken with a string of broken relationships and unfulfilled expectations (all of which we blame on God). In order to be a person of Vocation or a child of God on Vocation we must learn that we are called to serve and love in and through our family relationships. Our first order of business in the home is those who are not ourselves! It might be wise to cosider how we are doing in this area? Husbands are called to love our wives as Christ has loved the church. Wives are called to submit to and respect our husbands. Children are called to obey our parents and care for them in their older age with respect and honor. Find your part in this story of God and assess how you are doing!

Of course, our vocation extends beyond the home into our work place and culture at large. Keep in mind that the principles that form both are, in most cases, antithetical to Kingdom principles and Godly desires. For instance, first thing on Monday morning, your boss may ask you to fudge a bit on the numbers to make the quarter look better. Or, perhaps your neighbor confides in you in relationship to some activity that is shady at best. Or maybe its more subtle. Perhaps you just decide to withold information that will not hurt someone else but would decidely benefit you and your career. At nearly every turn we are challenged to sell out to modern practices and forsake our vocation for the convenience of compormise and the ease of self will. Maybe this week we should think closely about Abraham again and the call of God on his life (and lineage) to be a blessing to others. Of course, we can find this truth in the New Testatment from the very mouth of Christ as He tells us that the commandment upon which all others hinge is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . and love your neighbor as yourself.” There is our calling card and our route to a life of vocation in our work and culture. Self Check: how are we doing with the whole thing about 'loving our neighbors?' Does my presence benefit and bless them or distract and curse them?

And, last but not least, we all have vocation or calling to be fulfilled within the local body of believers. The Bible is full of exhortations that remind us of our calling as a 'body' and the fact that it trumps our calling as an 'individual.' We are not called to be islands unto ourselves, but communities of faith sharing life and experiencing God's purposes together. The Bible goes as far as to teach that if you are in a local body of believers then you have a unique calling and purpose that God intends and desires you to fulfill in that ministry! So, are you involved in the local ministry? Are you generously giving your time, talents and treasure to the fulfillment of the plan of God through your local church?

Next weeknd, on Sept. 26th, we are offering a great seminar to help you explore all of these areas of vocation. Sign up now by calling the church and invite a friend who might be struggling with their vocation as well!

Living Vocation!

Biz

The Experiential and Theological Truth of Movement

2010-09-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Life requires movement. Some of us don't get this and many of us wish it weren't so. But, nonetheless, life is designed to be lived and moved into on a daily basis. Life that is vital, vibrant and healthy often moves seemingly at the speed of light. For instance, today is our oldest son's 13th birthday. It is hard for me to believe because I remember the day of his birth as if it were yesterday. The road(s) that has taken us from there to here has been one of perpetual movement and vitality! In fact, from the very earliest moments of life, we humans begin to move! It starts of course with our mouths, responding to the stimuli our brains give us telling us that we are hungry - we obey and scream to high heaven until someone feeds us. And, you know as well as I do, life just speeds up from there. One day you’re changing diapers, the next day your buying size 10 shoes wondering: 'how did all of this happen?' And then you realize it. Movement has been occurring all along, taking you and your family along with it at literally a 'break neck' pace!

Movement is more than just a common human experience, it is a theological truth. We, as believers, are pictured in the Bible as 'sojourners,' i.e. people on the move. This world, we read, is not our home. We are on a journey to the world God has created for us in Christ and as such we are always moving toward that reality. On this grand journey home to Him, however, He has left us 'on mission!' His mission for us is to actively move or engage in His interests in this world on a continual basis! Yes, you and I are not only moving toward our ultimate home, we are also called to movement as we follow Him into our world on a day to day basis.

This is a tougher reality for you and me to face, because we often get frustrated by, in and through our daily world. We wonder when the economy will bounce back, or when our boss will get some sense, or when the weather will cool down, or when . . . You get the picture. We get frustrated, we feel slighted and this leads us to think, to begin to believe, that it is okay if we just stop moving. We start to view life as if we were sitting on the couch in our home watching it on television. It is almost as if we are participating in it, but not quite. As inviting as this may be, it is not an option for believers! You and I are called to live a life with God's interests in mind and to lean into every opportunity that He gives us when it comes along - no matter what it may require of us or how difficult it may be! If we are going to 'go with God' then we cannot stay where you are!

A central component of all this movement that life (and God) requires is the component of 'calling and vocation' that we are focusing on this month! As we explore 'vocation' we will be challenged and encouraged to 'move' into our vocation in all its various forms and to recognize that as we do we take the presence of Christ with us wherever we go. We become His image bearer in an idol worshiping world! Over the next week, maybe two, we will un-package several areas of vocation. Let me remind you of one definition for vocation that I have come to lean on - vocation is a 'calling,' it is the way that God works through human beings on this earth. If God is going to work through us, then He will move us into those places with those peoples at those times that He requires our service! Where is that for you today?

See you Sunday!
Biz

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho . . . it's off to work we go

2010-09-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

The year was, I think, 1937. Count em up. You got it; 73 years ago we were introduced to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Below you will find a link to the video, that has, by in large, defined the movie for many of us. The video depicts dwarfs who actually sing while they dig - while the work. I wonder, when was the last time we viewed our work place with such high regard? When was the last time we came to work singing, sang while at work and then left work singing a happy tune? For many of us, unfortunately, that has never happened. What a shame. I wonder where this type of distaste for work actually began. When did work become something we just 'get through' until we get to the end of our day or until we get to Friday, or, even, until we get old enough to not work anymore - to retire?

It wasn't always this way, you know. In ancient cultures work and trade were highly valued as integral to the proper functioning of societal and communal life. So much so, in fact, that families engaged in work together and in so doing they grew closer to each other; they grew to learn their passions; strengths and giftedness and they also contributed to the culture around them. In short, their work made others better, more productive, healthier.

Hmmm, where did you and I get off track, I wonder. Some would say the industrial revolution. Others perhaps assembly lines; yet I have heard others argue that our trend toward 'professionalism' has devalued much of the work that is not 'professional' in nature, but no less important to the proper ordering of family and community life. I believe that the problem could be traced to all three as well as other influences that have formed modern living. But for the believer who has been called according to the riches of God's grace in Christ, the problem lies in us not understanding the wide range implications of His calling on our lives! Take a minute and think about it. What does it mean to be called by God? How does God view our work? Did Christ or does Scripture ever speak to us as workers or employees or employers or colleagues?

Of course you know the answer to those questions is a resounding 'yes.' But, do you know what the actual answer is? Do you know what Christ has to say about work and its importance to life? In Luke 19 Jesus tells a parable of a ruler who has to leave for awhile to receive the authority righty his as ruler. During the time of his absence he leaves his stewards in charge of portions of his kingdom (through minas). Upon return he inquires as to how they have used his resources and how they have cared for that over which he gave them charge. This king is quite generous with those who have done well and used his gifts. In fact, his generosity is unheard of; it is abundant beyond belief. However, there is one (there is always one, right?!?) who does nothing with his gift. In fact he hides it and pretends as though it doesn't exist. You know what the King does? He strips this steward of that which he did have - leaving him with nothing - and gave it to the ones who were faithful.

This parable has much to say to you and me today in regard to work. The King in this parable is Jesus and we are the stewards. He has left us in charge of his work during His absence and he has literally told us 'engage in business, conduct trade, and be involved in vocation.' This is precisely what he asked of the stewards in the story I just described. You see, for the Christian it matters not where we are employed or even if we are employed. It matters not if we are under-employed or over-employed. What matters is that wherever we are placed, we are to conduct the work of His Kingdom in the midst of those around us. This is the idea behind calling and vocation - that our lives count for more than ourselves and our work makes a difference in the lives of others! The other lesson illustrated here, one we miss at our own peril, is that we will be judged by the King based on how we have 'stewarded' during His absence. To the faithful there will be ABUNDANT reward in heaven, to the unfaithful - well you get the picture.

So, where is this idea of calling to be pursued and fulfilled in our lives? There are at least three areas in which you and I practice and steward our 'vocation' or calling every day. First we are called to steward within our home. Yes, I have a vocation (calling) as husband, father, son, brother, etc. Do you view your home as 'vocation?' Secondly we are called to steward within our church. Yes, there is work do be done within the context of local ministry in a congregation - if you are just sitting watching others do the work of the Lord, then you risk great judgment and little reward! Thirdly, we have a calling to steward within our culture. We are to actively bring the presence of Christ into our culture on a day to day basis. This would include our neighborhood, our work, our places of influence in politics, industry, schools and institutions - all of these need the presence of Christ lived out as 'vocation' on a day by day basis.

By the way: Happy Labor Day! Hopefully this year it will mean more than just one last chance to fire up the grill or spend the day on the beach. Maybe - just maybe - you and I will get serious about 'vocation/calling,' 'work/stewardship' and truly be the people Christ is calling us to be

See you Sunday!

Biz
by the way, don't foget to check out the video - it will at least put a smile on your face!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_fF6P_PQqQ

Body Life And Kingdom Investments - Youth Sunday This Weekend!

2010-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

For the past two months our church has been focusing on the topic of making Kingdom Investments while being a part of, participating in and supporting the local congregation. The ways we provide this support are through our time, our talents and our treasures. Each area of investment is very important to a local congregation and the mission that we pursue together as His church in this area.

Often times, I wonder - do our folks who give so much really 'get' how big a difference it is making in human lives? I and the staff and ministry leaders get to see it week in and week out, but some of us don't get to peek behind the curtain to see what all is going on. Well this weekend, we will get a 'peek behind the curtain' of our awesome Youth Ministries here at Westside as our teenagers lead us in worship and share in song, testimonies and other ways of service. I am so excited about this weekend! I truly think you will be amazed by the caliber and heart of the young people in our church!

Just last night I got my own little peek when I showed up and witnessed them preparing for Sunday and I have to tell you, that God is going to move mightily through them. So, if you have ever wondered, 'where do our talent, time and treasure go,' then this is the Sunday for you to find out!

Don’t' forget: This Saturday we will gather at Rock Springs (Kelly Park) in Apopka for our Family Fun Day! Bring 5$ to get in the gate. You will also need to pack a lunch and stop by the rental places and rent a tube for the day on the way in! I can't wait to see you there!

Biz

Nation Building: One home at at time!

2010-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

In January of this year the tiny country of Haiti was struck by an earthquake. The death toll from this mighty quake has numbered up to 300,000 lives lost. Let that sink in for a moment. That number is higher than the population of most small to midsized cities in America. While the population of the metropolitan area of Orlando is around 2 million people, the population of Orlando proper (the city itself) is around 240,000 people. Yes, that is 60,000 people less than the number of folks killed in one day or the days following that massive earthquake.

Let's think about this for a moment. We live in a very well developed country, county and city. We have a strong infrastructure and stable response systems in place. Yet, if within a few days time our city were devastated to the degree that Haiti was devastated in January, how long do you think it would take us to recover? How much help would we need? Who would answer that call?

Let's not forget that beyond the death toll you have thousands of amputees still living, you have thousands without parents, children, churches, shops, homes, the list could go on and on! I know that we cannot respond to every need and help everyone in this world. Indeed if we were to try we would collapse of exhaustion before we even got up a good head of steam. But we are called to respond and to be about 'good works' in this world as we live out the Gospel. Galatians 6:9 says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." What a great reminder of the command we are given. It is a command stated negatively for the full force of its impact - we are to NEVER get tired of doing what is good!

In two days, I am going to drive down to Ft. Lauderdale and board a plane with the leader of Helping H.I.M. Ministries (http://www.hhimtoday.com/). We will join a team of 10 other men who are going to work to provide much needed housing and stability to folks in the region of Calebasse. We will be staying in a local orphanage called House of Blessings (http://www.haitihouseofblessings.org/) as we work in the area to build homes. To ALL Westsiders, let me prepare you: I anticipate coming back with a mandate for this congregation to go and reach this tiny nation with the love of the Gospel in tangible 'good work' ways. I am praying that God will connect me with the heart and soul of the need and show me if He has some work for us to do with the Haitian peoples in the future. If that is the case, then get ready for some awesome God sized adventures in our church and in your life!

Once I get into Calebasse proper it will difficult, if not impossible, for me to maintain communication with the outside world. So, please take a minute now and write down the following prayer requests. I need each of you to pray every day for these - multiple times a day --- seriously write them down and pray; pray hard and pray often!

1. Pray that God's grace would guide every step I myself take and that we as a team take.

2. Pray that God will enable us to accomplish significant and enduring 'good works' while there. We are there to build homes - pray that God would make us great at this task for this time (for those of you who know me, you know He will have to help me out with that one :-))

3. Pray that God will put in my path the folks that He wants us to partner with well into the future.

4. Pray for our safety there and back and for the safety of our families and ministries while away.

5. Pray that through our meager offering of time and talent and treasure that somehow God might be glorified and His Name proclaimed to those in need of the Gospel!

If you think of some more, then add them to the list! I am excited about this great opportunity the Lord has provided and looking forward to where it may take us as we go together on mission with Him!

Haiti Bound!

Biz

Body Life and Kingdom Investments: Dependence, Decision, Deliverence

2010-08-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

I spent most of my morning at the Dentist office. I have one thing to say. Ouch! Yep, they worked hard on my mouth for nearly four hours (you read that right - 4). Now, it's not the dentist fault. It was not as if she was inept or deficient in her dental knowledge or practice. Nope, the problem is that I haven't been to a dentist in nearly 5 years. So, in some respects if you calculate the average per year then I really only spent about 40 minutes in the chair today! Okay, so I'm an optimist. Either that or just really stupid (you choose; be nice).

Everything went pretty well until she pulled out one drill that sounded like (I am not kidding) a Jumbo Jet hitting the brakes as it first touches the tarmac for the landing. You know that sound (and feeling). When you hear that sound there is the slightest moment of wonder - will this thing land upright or will the brakes cause it to skid and squirm all over the runway eventually landing us in a ditch next to some poor guy’s house who just wanted to get away from everything when he built there years ago. That was how I felt, when I first heard the drill. Will this drill, I wondered, hit the target safely and excavate the correct part of my decaying tooth? Or will it go wild and squirm all over my mouth causing me to 'bite' down in pain and screaming like a 'stuck pig?' Well, since I am writing this blog (in no small amount of pain) you can probably guess that the 'Jumbo Jet hitting the brakes' drill hit the right spot and got the job done, in spite of all my unfounded fears and concerns to the contrary.

This experience with the dentist, however, has caused me to reflect on my life as a pastor. I have wondered, 'do people view me in a similar way that I view the dentist?' Or, perhaps better put, 'do people view the church the way I view a dentist office?' You see, like me and the dentist, some people never darken the doors of the church until something in their life says ouch (e.g. toothache). When they finally cross over to the other side and enter in, they do so wondering what they will find, how they will be received and will the visit pay off in the end? Will we reject them out of hand, because their lives are full of cavities? Will we admonish them for not coming in sooner (you know, before it got so bad)? Will we ask them if they have been praying twice a day and reading there Bible regularly? While they may not express their concerns and emotions in those precise words, believe me they are there - and they are real!

So, the question becomes (for me at least), 'what does the church offer a life that is full of decay?' Okay, before I answer - back to my dental adventure. My dentist sat me down in the chair and basically said the following: 'Mr. Gainey, apart from not visiting a dentist enough, it is obvious that you have tried to keep your teeth in order (yes, I do floss and brush daily).' She went on to explain to me that, though I gave it my best shot - my teeth have still ended up decaying and slowly, over time, they have literally been dying in my mouth (now, not all of them, but enough). She then told me something amazing. She told me that she was going to do for me what I have been unable to do for myself! Yes, she was going to fully clean my teeth and, get this, restore the ones that were too far gone - you heard that right - she was going to make them right again, just as God originally intended. She didn't berate me for having decay; she simply pointed me to the answer for my dying teeth and decaying enamel. Man that was pretty cool.

Then came the tough part - I had to say 'okay' I will let you do this work on me. I had to make a decision to trust the dentist with my teeth. And believe me, this was no easy decision. In fact, she told me that the choice was mine to make - I could keep doing what I was doing and hope for the best, or I could trust in her and her staff to 'set my teeth right again.' Now, I knew what that meant - it meant pain and agony. It meant that I would have to face my own decay and submit myself to someone who could perform a surgery - one that I was incapable of performing. And, guess what, four hours later I was up and out of there - with new teeth (well not totally - I have a couple more sessions yet) and a relieved mind that my tooth was no longer going to ache and that my mouth was back on track to carrying me through another forty years of living!

Let me make my point (I have rambled on enough): people who need God, need him because of 'life decay.' Perhaps they have tried everything in the book and still continue to decay - some slowly, some quickly, but we all decay nonetheless. So, they show up at our church, or they stop by your cubicle at work or interrupt your yard work in your neighborhood. When they show up they wonder, what will happen next, how they will be received? Will we point them to the One who can do for them what they cannot do for themselves? Or will we ridicule them because they are 'decaying?' To me the answer is so clear - funny enough, I learned it in a whole new way while visiting, of all places, the dentist!

More than Before!

Biz

Kingdom Investments: Willing, Worthy, Worthwhile!

2010-08-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

In Luke 17 Jesus speaks to the evil of temptation, the power of cleansing and the hope of His Kingdom! Now all of us probably get the 'evil' that lies behind temptation. In fact, most of us will be tempted in some form or another today and recognize that behind it lies the enemy - just waiting on us to take the bait. I think most of us could also attest to the power of cleansing that comes from the Lord. We could certainly attest to the cleansing He grants from sin. There are also many of us have experience first hand physical cleansing and restoration.

I am concerned, however, that we may not be able to readily express and give witness to the hope of His Kingdom. No, this one seems perennially more difficult for us. In Luke 17 Jesus' audience is also having trouble 'getting it,' or 'getting Him,' rather. But that is understandable, after all they are Pharisees - they truly don't ever get Jesus - I mean they don't seem to get Him on any level at all. In fact, they fail to get him so badly, that they miss what I believe is one of Jesus' most aggressive and antagonistic statements toward them.

You see, in Luke 17 Jesus is being question in regard to end times, 'How will we know,' they ask, 'when the kingdom of God will come?' Rather than pointing to signs, Jesus says - the time is now, open your eyes because the Kingdom of God is in your midst. Now some of your Bibles may say within you - but this is a bad translation at this point. He is, after all, speaking of Pharisees and there is simply no way He would tell them that the kingdom in within them. No, he is trying to say that the Kingdom of God is now present because He (Jesus) represents that kingdom. This is the great hope that we all have - that God is not withholding His presence from you and me. No, in fact He has granted us His day to day, minute by minute presence of Jesus Himself through the ministry of His Spirit (okay, I will say it for you 'whoohoo!'). In fact, here is how Paul says it (yes, Paul) in Ephesians 1:7 - 8, "In him (JESUS) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Yes, friend, we have been 'lavished' by God's grace! You want to really 'wig' someone out today? Next time you are asked how you are doing respond by saying: 'I have been LAVISHED by God's grace today!'

Okay, what are the implications of this great lavishing from God. Put simply, the lavished heart - those who truly get that they have been lavished - will respond as willing vessels of a worthy God on a (His) worthwhile Mission. Now, this speaks to you and me today. Are we willing vessels? Do we get the idea that God is Worthy and we are Unworthy? Do we know that any service rendered to God is or should be seen as not meritorious, but as a humble response to His Worth?!? And do we get, I mean really 'get' that there is no more worthwhile investment in this life than the Kingdom of Christ and His mission on this earth? If we were to generously give of our time, talents and treasures to something, then surely it would be to this!

What about you today? Have you been lavished? If so, will you respond as a willing vessel of a worthy God on a worthwhile mission? You know, my family and I were out of town for a week and a half - we had a great trip, though it was not without its low spots. While gone our church suffered a great loss as Andy Higgins was ushered into our Lord's presence. I miss Andy. I will miss Him for sometime to come. The impact of his life on mine is deep indeed. In times like this we need to rest and reflect, grieve and mourn. However, we never, ever need to stop. I think Andy himself would be telling us today, 'okay, Westside - take the next step - follow Jesus and share His love with everyone you see.' Yep, he would tell us to become 'willing vessels of a worthy God on a worthwhile mission.'

See you Sunday, 930 or 11 (or both, worship in one, serve in the other)!
Biz

Series: Kingdom Investments

This week: Becoming Willing vessels of a Worthy God on a Worthwhile Mission!

Series Goal: To Enlist (encourage, inspire, empower and recruit) our congregation to live a life of Kingdom Investment!

Body Life and Kingdom Investments: The Road goes Ever on

2010-07-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began,

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow if I can,

Taken from, The Fellowship of the Rings; The Old Walking Song sung by Bilbo Baggins.

"And I must follow if I can." That phrase pretty much sums up my impression of the disciple's hope and struggle! Every one of us can relate to the feeling that Bilbo conveys in this song. We know we must go on, we know that to stop is to fail, but we fear that we simply will not have the strength. Where does that fear come from? I mean, after all, once we are Children of the King do we not have at our disposal the greatest of all Strengths and the most reliable of all Hopes? Yet, still we fear. Perhaps it is because the road has been long already and we anticipate it to be longer still. Maybe it is because there are so many very attractive 'side roads' that we could take. In fact, we may have often taken them before. After all, they are so attractive at the point of entry. And, having traveled on them we have learned that those roads end badly - so, we fear our own weakness in the face of such temptation. Or, maybe we are simply tired. Maybe we don't like the road God chooses. The 'maybe' scenarios go could go on and on and on!

Jesus gets this dilemma we have as we try to follow Him. Remember, it was He who said that this world would be full of hardship and trouble. In Luke 16 he gives us some reasons why we struggle so much and hope so little. As we keep walking this journey of taking our 'next step' in terms of Kingdom Investment see if one of the following warnings Jesus gives might be a reason we struggle along this path.

First, Jesus tells us that we will struggle when we become too tethered to what this world offers! That was, of course, the problem he pointed out with the Pharisees. In one exchange, after he had taught his disciples, we see that the Pharisees simply didn't get it. Jesus remarks that there great problem was this: they loved money and they cared far too much about what other people thought rather than what God thinks. That, my friend, is being 'tethered' to this world and what it offers. This happens often times very slowly. We work hard, get rewarded and accomplish great things. Then even before we know it we develop an unhealthy attachment not only to what we have earned but also to how that makes people look at us! Yes, part of our discipleship struggle is simply that we care too much about what other people think and how our 'possessions' make us feel and we care too little about what God thinks or the Values of His Kingdom.

Secondly, Jesus tells us that we will struggle when we become too attached to what this world teaches, believes and values. Jesus calls it the 'world system.' Paul alludes to this idea when he tells us in Romans 12 that we should no longer be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Jesus really wants us to understand that any time we 'lean in' to the world's way of behavior or belief our discipleship walk ceases to exist.

Yep, you heard me - you and I become someone we were never meant to be! Jesus so emphasizes this reality that he says he 'hates' the world system. In fact, he uses the word 'detestable.' Another way you might say it is that Jesus thinks and teaches that anything done for the glory of man rather than God is an 'abomination.' Whew, that is tough stuff. I mean, there are many things I don't like (mushrooms, yellow squash, 15 degree weather, the Dallas Cowboys, etc.) but I rarely, if ever use a word like 'detestable' or 'abomination' to describe them (okay, possibly for the Cowboys). But, you get the point, right?!? If you and I have bought into the world's way of doing things, then we have gone 'off road.'

So, where have you gone 'off road' this week? What systems have you bought into? Here is a list you might consider. The World Says - 'I don't have to forgive,' or 'I can cheat to get ahead,' or 'I don't have to love my spouse,' or 'I need more toys and possessions to validate myself,' or 'I am better than others,' or 'God is not enough, I need more ____________ to get through.' All of these ‘ideas’ and the many others like them are a lie. If we are to move forward, then we need to move through the lie to the hope Christ offers! And, there are at least two key ‘hopes’ that you and I have today!

The first hope is for us to understand that we have been 'justified' by God in Christ. The Lord reminds the Pharisees that they are trying to Justify themselves, but God sees their hearts. You and I are justified by the great mercy of God. He has pardoned our sins and atoned for our unrighteousness and, in so doing, He has become our righteousness. Yes, you read that right - God has done for you and me what we cannot do for ourselves, so isn't it about time we stop trying and learn to 'lean in' to Him and His love for us?

Secondly, He has given us His Word so that we might be formed into His image. Jesus says His Word will remain after all else fails (even creation). His Word is trustworthy, dependable and true! You can lean on His Word today! In fact, growing in the knowledge of His Word is the only sure way to fend off the systems and beliefs of this world (by the way, there is still time to sign up for our next Bible Institute Class or join an ongoing small group)!

I started with a poem from one of my favorite books. The key line said, 'I must follow if I can.' If I were to write that poem in order to illustrate a Christian reality, I would change that line to this: 'I must follow, because I can.' Yes, friend, you and I can follow Him and, in fact, he expects nothing less than complete commitment and total trust. It is then and only then that we are able to take that 'next step. So, what is your step to be today? Will you follow Him . . .
Crying Out for Kingdom Investments!
Biz

New Series: Body Life and Kingdom Investments
Bible Basis: Gospel of Luke (picking back up in chapter 16)

Series Goal: To Enlist (encourage, inspire, empower and recruit) our congregation to live a life of Kingdom Investment and take that crucial next step in regard to our time, talent and treasure!

Kingdom Investment in Sunday School - A Personal Testimony from a Westsider

2010-07-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

We just launched our Kingdom Investments Series here at Westside Community Church. One of the goals of this series is to get us to 'take the next step' in terms of our time, talents and treasures. It is so cool to see that happening already around here. I am expecting and anticipating so much more when we 'fully give over' and follow hard after Christ! Take a minute and read this awesome testimony from one of our own in regard to making a 'Kingdom Investment' in the life of a child!

Why teach Sunday School?
I have been a teacher for over 30 years. My friend is a music teacher and she told me that her church asked her to work with the children’s choir and she said there was no way she could do that on Sunday. I thought to myself, why not. God gave you the talent so you could earn a living and why not use that gift on Sunday, as well. Sunday school is one of the first places that many children learn about God. It is also a time when children interact with other children and adults to worship on their level. You don’t have to be a certified teacher to teach in Sunday school. The easy to follow lessons are provided and give children an opportunity to learn about God. Our children need someone who is sincere and will be there as a part of their connection to our congregation. If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, volunteer to teach Sunday school. We need a teacher for the k-3rd grade class. We alternate months. This is a very nice class of kids and they are full of love. Please consider volunteering for Sunday school.

A Westside Community Church k-3rd Grade Sunday school teacher

This is GREAT Stuff - how will you be involved? Where will you invest today!

Have a great week!
PB

Kingdom Investments and the Cause of Christ

2010-07-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Serving others with the resources God has given us is at the heart of a 'true' response to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus pretty much tells us that he can read the story of our heart by seeing the actions of our hands. The more I read the Gospels, the more I see clearly how close to Jesus' mission this single reality stands. You and I, as Christians, are in the most unique position of all of humankind. We are in a position to share the generosity with others that God has so amazingly dumped (in bucketfuls) out on us!

Now as far as I can tell, the resources God has given us fall into three major categories; our time, talents and treasure. Our time, of course, represents that allotment of life we are given here on this earth as measured through the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years we get from God. We all have 24 hours in a day and we are all faced with the choice, sometimes minute by minute, of what we will do with those hours.

Our talents represent a combination of our passions, skills, loves, desires and spiritual gifts. Maybe a better way to say it is that a talent is the resource of our 'skillfulness' that we can use for Christ or for ourselves. We also are faced with daily choices of how we will use these talents that Christ has given us. Will they be used in the service of His Kingdom by caring for others and seeking the advancement of His values and principles in our world, or will we use them to further ourselves, our careers, our goals, etc?

And, thirdly, our treasures represent those financial resources God has allowed us to have while here on this earth. While this can be a number of things from investments to family inheritance, a primary focus is place on that which we earn as we use both our time and talents in this world. Our resources might be the income God has allowed us to derive from the work that He has gifted us to do.

Funny thing about all three of these is that they are all interconnected. For instance, if you use your talent and time in a way that is productive, then in all likelihood (not always) you will receive treasures as a result. In the economy of God, Christ wants us to understand that all three ultimately belong to Him (not us) and the constant test of our commitment is seen in what we choose to do with them on a day by day basis!

As we move into our new series called 'Body Life and Kingdom Investments' we will be picking back up in our walk through the Gospel of Luke. In the texts we will be considering over the next 8 weeks or so, we will find Christ, again and again, calling His followers to a deeper commitment to Him. This commitment is one that is illustrated in how we use that which He has given us. My goal in this series is that we will each be challenged to 'take the next' step.

In order to take the next step, however, we must first truthfully assess where we currently are. So, my question is this: What are we doing with our time, talents and treasures today? On a scale of 1 - 10 (1 being least and 10 being most) how generous are we tin these three areas? Do we give freely unto the Lord in each of these three areas? Perhaps we are better in one or two of the areas, but not in all three. Find out where you are and commit to bring your heart, soul, mind and strength before the Word of the Lord each weekend with me and ask Him to help you take the 'next step' in each of these three key areas.

After all, if Christ looks to these to gauge our spiritual growth and discipleship, then perhaps it is wise for us to spend some time looking at them (and then to Him) ourselves!

Investing in Eternity!

Biz

New Series: Body Life and Kingdom Investments

Bible Basis: Gospel of Luke (picking back up in chapter 16)

Series Goal: To Enlist (encourage, inspire, empower and recruit) our congregation to live a life of Kingdom Investment and take that crucial next step in regard to our time, talent and treasure!

A 'Revolutnion'ary Doctrine

2010-07-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Pop Quiz: On what historical document does the following phrase occur? "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this . . . "

Yep, you guessed it - the United States Constitution. The document itself is the center of every discussion we seem to be having these days as a People. It is the foundation of our modern society and is, no doubt, largely responsible for much of what goes on today in terms of our laws, legislation, policies, etc. This weekend we celebrate the anniversary of America's Independence - known popularly as the 4th of July! I love celebrating and holiday's of all sorts, but I truly, truly love the celebration of the 4th of July! This day is always a great reminder for me to re read, scan and give attention to the documents (read, 'ideas') that have helped form this truly great Nation among nations! I usually spend a few hours considering the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Magna Carta (much older), as well as documents relating to our modern history. You can find all of these documents on the web and I would highly recommend you spend some time just checking them out! Here is just one page you may want to check: www.usconstitution.net

As I read these documents I am almost always overcome with what I have personally called the 'Doctrine that Drove the Revolution.' After all, all of these documents in some way formed the Revolutionary position of the early colonies or the 'formed' the nation after the revolution was over and the new country began to stand on her own. But there is one single Christian truth, often overlooked and avoided in modern times. This Truth gave much impetus to the formation of our nation and could still serve as a 'magnetic north' for us as a country today.

Now, before I go much further, I already here my skeptics screaming, 'hey wait a minute; many of the founding fathers were not Christians. They were deists, agnostics, humanists, etc. so don't try to claim this is a 'Christian' Country. To them, let me say, yes you are right. There were no doubt several streams of thought that merged to form this great idea we call America. There were the secular humanist (and plenty of them) and there were the agnostics (not quite as many - or else they were really quiet) and there were the deist (these did hold position of influence). But there was also the Christian. I would, in fact, argue that while you can divide our earliest 'leaders' between these competing ideas, the populace itself - that is the normal every day Colonist, was overwhelmingly Christian. Even further, they were primarily a Christian of a certain 'stripe' - these folks had been formed by the great Puritan tradition and were steeped in what is commonly called the 'Great Awakening.'

This gets me to my point. As our earliest leaders, teachers, preachers and laymen and women began buckling under the presurre of 'taxation without representation' a theme underlying their discontent began to emerge. This theme is known today as the 'separation of powers.' Our founder were in concert in this one key area - they all believed in the separation of powers and a system that would ensure 'checks and balances.' In fact, they believed that powers left 'unchecked' without proper checks and balances would lead to the very demise of liberty.

Now, let me ask you, can you think of a single Christian doctrine (teaching) that would drive this concern for checks and balances? You may have to think really hard because it is almost rejected out of hand in modern times. Okay . . . give up? Well, then join me Sunday and I will tell you what it is. Of course, feel free to leave a post if you think you know!

Have a great Fourth of July - come worship with us as we celebrate our God of Freedom, Christ our Lord and thank Him for this great country in which we live!

Pastor Biz

The Life of Daniel - Be The WAGON!

2010-06-24T12:04:00.001-07:00

If you are like most people, then you want to know that you life counts for something - you want to know that you matter. The classic telling of this 'story line' is illustrated in one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, 'It's a Wonderful Life.' In this movie the main character (George Bailey) works hard for years only to see it all go for naught through the mistake of a relative (sound familiar?). Well, his response to this 'crisis' is to wish he 'had never been born.' His wish is granted and he has the unique opportunity to witness life as if he had never been born. Throughout the story he finds one relationship after another in disrepair. Even the community he loves and lives in has become the victim of reckless greed and pride. Over time he begins to realize just how much his life did matter - just how many people depended upon him! When it's all said and done, George gets his life back and is ever grateful for the life he lives and hopeful for the difference he is making.

The movie begs the question: how can one who is making such a difference fail to notice it in his or her own life? The answer: by confusing style and substance. George was a man of substance, who got 'hoodwinked' for a moment by style. You see, George was like the 'family wagon.' It might not be the prettiest or fanciest car in the neighborhood, but it is the car that aways gets the job done. When I grew up we had a family wagon - it was dependable and it could be counted on - it always (to my recollection at least) got us from point A to point B. In our society we value the fanciest cars and the trendiest things, because we value 'style' or 'image' over substance (the wagon). But, life that makes a difference - that makes an impact, that has a positive result in this world is the life that 'faithfully returns' - it is the life, it is the person who is dependable, the one others can count on.

In Kingdom terms I wonder what my life's impact is on those around me. What of the impact of Westside Community Church on the community around us? Am I vigilant in not only living, but also sharing the Gospel message in my world? Do I rely upon Christ and His Word in and through all things? Or, am I 'hoodwinked' by the next best seller offering hope, happiness and health in place of trust, struggle and fruitfulness?

Further, am I wise or discerning enough to tell the difference between the two? I mean, for goodness sakes, do I even notice the stark difference between 'church members' and 'committed Christians,' or 'professional pastors' and 'those called and compelled by the grace of God'? Will I stand for Christ when it comes time to stand? Will our church hold fast to the Gospel of Grace and the God of glory when the storm swells around us? Will you follow Christ even if or even when all others blatantly refuse to do so? Will you follow Him even if doing so may cost you your very life?

This weekend, we are wrapping up our focus on the Life of Daniel. We will see this great man of faith at the end of his life, which has been a life well lived! Daniel's life is a model of devotion and faithfulness in the most uncertain and perilous times! His is, indeed, a life to be modeled. So, what was the difference in Daniel's life - what helped him stand firm when on the surface nothing had ever really gone right for Him. Exiled for his entire adult life, he saw not return of his people to his homeland. He saw the evil nation in which he was an exile get more and more reckless, in spite of his firm faith in their midst. In fact, king after king (Daniel served with several) took pride, self absorption and reckless living to new levels. Yet, through it all, Daniel remained stead fast and rock solid - what a life - what an impact, what a great hope his life gives you and me today!

So, let's let me give you a few keys to this type of living (we will explore them more on Sunday). First, Daniel was truly Engaged in a growing relationship with God. He was faithful day in and day out to go before the Lord in prayer and depend upon him - no matter what! So, when is the last time you prayed? When was the last time you put Christ and His will first in your life? This is where you and I must start if we are to make a difference and have an impact for His Kingdom in our communities.

Secondly, Daniel was Equipped with sound teaching and the truth of His Word! Remember, Daniel was trained and educated in all the myriad of pagan idol worship that dominated Babylonian life, yet he still knew the Truth! Daniel was a student of the Word of God, even in the midst of a world opposed to God's Truth! So, when is the last time you read your Bible? When was the last time you were involved in a Bible Study on a weekly basis where you studied God's Word? No, T.V. preachers and teachers do not count - most of them - YES MOST - preach their own version of the truth and could be compared to false prophets of olden days - they are 'tickling' your ears and mine. If you want to make a difference and have an impact in the Kingdom of God, then you must be Equipped with sound teaching from the Truth of His Word!

And, lastly, Daniel was willing to be Enlisted in the service of the Lord! When Daniel was asked to 'stand for God' or to serve the Lord in that pagan culture, he didn't say, 'oh, wait, I am not trained,' or 'I don't know my spiritual gifts,' or (my personal favorite), 'I just don't have any time at all.' Nope, Daniel was a willing vessel. So, how about you? Are you serving the Lord today? Do you have an active personal ministry in your work place, school or community? Are you actively involved in service and ministry through your church - or are you letting some else do that? If you are going to have an impact and make a difference in the Kingdom of God, then you must be ready and willing when you are Enlisted in the service of our High King!

There you have it: Engage, Equip and Enlist - that's how our lives make a difference (hmmmm, sounds familiar doesn't it?)

See you Sunday!

Biz

Daniel 3, Take a Stand, Make an Impact

2010-06-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

On the wall in my office sits three pictures. In each of these pictures one of my children is front and center, the highlight of the frame, their human lives captured for a moment, as toddlers - cute and awesome - a true blessing to behold! On my computer desktop display sits one picture with two young men and one young lady front and center, again highlighting the frame. They are, all three beautiful and wonderful, a blessing to behold.

The 'in between' times - that span of time between picture one (on the wall) and picture two (on the desktop) is where life is lived. It is that place where the great experiment of family and fatherhood is lived out - for better or for worse, it is a real as it gets! Being a father is one of the greatest adventures I have in this life. From day to day I never know what I will encounter in this adventure or how quickly I will come to the limits of my own ability (usually around 7:42 a.m.). To be honest with you life outside of pictures and video images is really all a blur. We don't live life in a 'still' frame. Rather, the living of life is more akin to a ride on a roller coaster or a journey through a storm. Life truly does come at you fast and confronts you with realities you never dreamed you would have to face and experiences for which you are totally unprepared.

Which leads me to a very important question as we approach this Father's Day: 'How do I get this dad thing right?' I would love to know on the front end how to live in such a way as a father (really as a person) to be sure that the back end turns out all right. That more positive than negative, more joy than shame, more victory than loss, become the story of my children and the legacy of my fathering, parenting, husbanding, serving - really just LIVING!?!?

Of course, I cannot tell how the 'back end' will work out for any of us. And, in fact, my wishes and desires for my life and my children may be off. Afterall, they (my wishes and desires) are marred by the human heart, which is or can be, wicked beyond our own ability to know (see Jeremiah 17:9). Yep, sometimes, oftentimes, I can and do get in the way of that for which I hope to see happen in my kids life. So, what is one to do? This is not only applicable to father's but to everyone of us who desires to live for God in this life and to represent Him and His purposes in our world.

Fortunatley for us, Daniel 3 provides two lessons to move us forward in this area and to help us live for Him. Number one is for us to follow/obey God's Commands. No, I may not be able to get everthing right as a dad or parent or Christian. No, I will not always do right by my kids and I will not always be there for them and yes there will be times that even when I am there for them, that I will simply not be enough for the moment or not have enough to do what needs to be done. So, what can I do? I can follow God consistenly in this life. I can commit my life to the obedience of God's will and live in such as way so that over time this truth is the core marker/identity of who I am and how I lived. This consistent commitment will go a long way toward forming our children and those around us!

The second thing I can do is trust in God's Will! No, I cannot make a plan for my kids life and expect them to follow it (by the way if you are doing this, then you are ruining (yes - destroying) at least two lives, yours and theirs and, to be honest probably more). No, I cannot assure my children that there will be more success than defeat or more joy than pain. But what I can do is display an unflinching trust in God's will and care over me that holds firm even in, especially in the darkest days, which are sure to come! Living life in this way will show my children that even when I am not in control and that when life knocks me down, even for a long count, that I always have hope, because my hope is not in this world but in God Himself.

There you go. This is not only for dad's (though they will be my focus for this weekend), this is a story for us all! Obey and Trust - or as the old hymn says it, 'trust and obey for there is no other way . . . '

See you Sunday!
Biz

The Life of Daniel - A Mystery Revealed

2010-06-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

The news, at some level, must have been stunning. Daniel and his buddies, along with all the other 'wise men' of the kingdom were to be killed. The King had ordered it, so be it! Why, you ask? Because the wise men couldn't interpret the King's dream. Well, not actually. For the King, you see, didn't tell them the dream that he wanted interpreted. In fact, he demanded that the wise men first tell him what he had dreamt that so disturbed him and then interpret the dream!

Yep, you read that right. It would be somewhat like me telling my children that if they cannot tell me what I am thinking of, then I will punish them on the spot. Who could do that? Well, the wise men got it right - 'no one, O great King, but the gods can accomplish this feat,' they replied. Well, King Nebuchadnezzar, being the benevolent and humble King he was . . . flew into rage and demanded not only their death, but all with the title of 'wise men' (or even wise men in training) to be killed. And sometime you think we got it bad with our leaders?!?

In the midst of impending death, Daniel does something extraordinary: he throws Himself on the mercy of God and seeks His face! No, he doesn't try to reason with a mad king. No, he doesn't try to claim 'foreigner' status or 'in training' status do get out of the punishment. No, he doesn't try to run, hide, argue, fight, be right, etc. He throws himself on the mercy of His great God. In verse 18 of Daniel 2 we find these words, "and (Daniel) told them (his buddies) to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." Verse 19 tells us that God revealed to Daniel the mystery which he sought!

What an amazing thought. That is that when no one else is able and when no one else can answer, God is both able and can answer the deepest mysteries life has to offer! The first step for you and me is to actually seek Him out! Deuteronomy 4:29 is probably a Scripture Daniel stood upon during this difficult time, "But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." The same is true for us today. Are you looking for salvation and deliverance? Are you looking in all the wrong places and listening to all the wrong voices? Slow down the pace and take some time to seek Christ and His Kingship in your life! He is the great deliverer and He has done a work for you and me that we cannot do for ourselves.

When Daniel receives his answer from the God of Heaven he pulls no punches before this 'great and powerful' King. He confronts him and lets him clearly know that there is none in his kingdom with this ability, but there is a God who can 'reveal' such knowledge. Read the words of Daniel himself in 2:28 - 29, "Daniel answered the King and said, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery the King has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to the King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days." Booyah! No one the King has trained can help him and the implication of this is that the gods whom the king serves are inadequate as well - in fact, they are no gods at all, they are merely idols - wood, stubble and hay, that have no power and pose no solutions in life!

Daniel only has the answer because the God of heaven has revealed it to Him. You know, this same God reveals mysteries to you and me as well. In fact, the greatest mystery of all, the one mystery that still causes men and women of all tribes to stumble today, is the mystery of the Gospel. This, too is revealed by God and only by God. Paul sums it up in Romans 1:16 - 17 when he says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." There you have it - Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel because in it God's power of salvation unto righteousness has been 'revealed.' That is what God has done for you and me today!

The news should, at some level, be stunning to us today. We are on a path toward death. Yep, we begin dying the moment we are born. The only one EVER to defeat death is the person of Jesus Christ. He defeated death so that you and I might live with Him tomorrow and for Him today! Seek Him First today! Hear clearly His mystery of salvation as revealed to you and me in and through Jesus Christ! Respond and Believe so that you, too, my escape judgment and death and stand as witness before Him in this world!

Immeasurably More!
Biz

The Life of Daniel: Unshakable Confidence in Challenging Times

2010-06-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I asked the following question, "Is there ground in your life upon which you simply refuse to give?" or "Are there values that form you, values and convictions that you hold so dear, that you will never compromise them, no matter what?"

This weekend I ask you this: 'In what or whom do you place your confidence and trust?' Or better yet, 'Is there a confidence you and I have, as believers, that is unshakable and that remains steadfast, no matter what may come or how trying life may become?'

It may seem like a 'radical' question - even one that you never hope to have to answer. But, in my own experience I find that we all will face a day when answering this question will provide the future upon which we may have to stand. Indeed, there will be a time when the 'rug is pulled out from under you' or the 'wheels fall off the cart.' What holds you then, to what truth do you run or what hope do you have?

While there are many places one may turn, there is only one to which we can turn to find a rock solid foundation in the midst of the storm. That place is really a person - the person God Himself. In Daniel 2 the king has a dream that disturbs him to such a degree that he asks all of his 'wise' men (i.e. read foolish, according to the apostle, Paul) to interpret the dream BEFORE he will even tell it to them. They confess this power is not in them and resides only in God - this answer,though ironically correct, is unacceptable to the King so he decrees that they all be put to death - Daniel and his friends among them.

Daniel asks for audience with the King, goes before his three comrades and then goes before the throne of God - in confidence. Why did Daniel have confidence in the face of impending death in the midst of a foreign land? Well there are three reasons, really three attributes of God, which give Daniel and you and I confidence in the midst of lives most desperate moments! I would like to take just a moment and focus on these three attributes and the hope the provide to you and me today!

The first attribute in which Daniel takes confidence is the Power of God! In Daniel 2:20 - 21 we read, 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.' Daniel knows that in God resides power and might - enough power to change the times and seasons (circumstances and situations) and the depose and establish kings (rulers and authorities). You see Daniel knows who God is and because of this he has a confidence in the presence of a very powerful and evil king because Daniel's God has power of even this king and his decrees.

The second attribute in which Daniel takes confidence is the Wisdom of God! In Daniel 2:22 we read, "he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." Daniel further knows that God is the God of all Wisdom and He freely gives this wisdom to those who seek Him. No, the magicians in Nebuchadnezzar's court do not have this wisdom (they already confessed that God alone could know the King's dream), but God's people are given wisdom from God, when we seek after Him. In First Corinthians 2:15 - 16 we see this clearly as Paul tells us, "The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ." Who has understanding from God? His people, who have put on the mind of Christ and are no longer being conformed to this world, but transformed by His Word! We have confidence in this truth today! The question is, do you have the mind of Christ today? Or is one of your feet in the world?

The third attribute in which Daniel takes confidence is the Revelation of God! In Daniel 2:22 we read, "he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him." While this is somewhat similar to wisdom, the difference lies in the fact that even when there is nothing but darkness and confusion around us, our God is the God of Revelation! He is the very revelation of the way, the truth and the life for you and me and this attribute alone is enough to hold us in the darkest mysteries of life! Daniel takes confidence in this truth because in it he finds a hope the world does not provide and a truth it does not know!

So, I ask again: "in what or whom do you place your confidence?" Join us Sunday at 9:30 or 11:00 to explore more these great truths and the hope they should provide!

More than Before!
Biz

Kingdoms in Conflict: Living for Christ Today! A Look at the Life of Daniel

2010-05-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday we celebrate Memorial Day. This day is traditionally set aside to honor U.S. men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Memorial day has a rich history behind it which began, I believe, sometime following the Civil War in the late 1860s. It reminds us of a few things that might be helpful for us to think about as we prepare for our time of worship together:

War is costly in both human and financial resources. To celebrate memorial day means that we don't really celebrate war, but we remember the cost that war has exacted on our families and country over the years of our history. As we remember the cost of war, we are better able to be thankful for the Freedoms that these costs have won for us today.

War is, sometimes, necessary. For centuries Christian's have debated the necessity of war. Many today, well meaning and Bible believing Christian's, believe that any war is immoral and a complete break with the core of Christian teaching. There is an old movie that we love to watch called Sargent York, which deals with this very topic. Others within the strand of Christian history have developed theories of war known that are called the 'Holy War' Theory, the 'Pacifist' theory or the 'Just War Theory.' There are others but these two seem to be among the most popular. These theories were developed out of experience and how Scripture speaks to our experience. While I stand more in the Just War (close to the Pacifist side) camp, I am inflexible in the interpretation of that theory and believe that much of the wars in which humans engage are anything but Just, at least in the classic definition of that theor

As we prepare to gather together this weekend, and then on Memorial Day for our Corn Boil, we would do well to remember the lives of those that were sacrificed to make it possible for us to assemble in the name of our Lord and offer Him praise. Every time we gather together as a people we celebrate the memory of slain soldiers throughout history, for it has been their blood that has purchased this freedom we so enjoy!

There is yet another reality of war that is more subtle but nonetheless real in today's time. It is the war for the human soul. The final victory has been not only determined but won in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Yet, a battle wages on. You see, there is a kingdom in conflict with the kingdom of Christ today. That Kingdom is called various things and can be seen in various ways, but ultimately that Kingdom is anything -thought, action, belief, way of thinking, behavior, or worship - that denies that Christ alone is God.

You and I live in this world and we raise our children in this world. This war is also both costly and necessary and it is one that we must engage day by day by day! This weekend we will launch a new series I am calling Kingdom's in Conflict: Living for Christ Today. We will base this series on the life of Daniel and look at several important texts in the book of Daniel throughout the month of June.

If you have been struggling with this very thing. If you are discouraged by all that is going on around you and wondering how you can live for Christ in the midst of this great battle being waged, then this series is going to be just for you! Don't forget our 'one in one' challenge for the month of June that Pastor Pierre left with us. That means that we will commit to reach one person with the love and mercy of Christ in one way during the next month! Who will it be and how will you reach them?

Living for Christ Today!
Biz

The Life of Joseph - Overcoming Life's Challenges

2010-05-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

For about a month now I have hammered what I consider to be three very important truths in life and faith. So, let me give you a reminder of them once again: God is in Control; God doesn't waste anything; We must keep our eyes on Him! We are moving toward the end of our look at the life of Joseph over the next two weeks. As we do, we are going to encounter some of the most moving, heartrending and emotional moments in the entire narrative. These moments all coalesce around the God - orchestrated reunion between Joseph (as a 'lord of the land') and his brothers who earlier in life seriously contemplated his murder before they decided on the more lucrative route of selling him into slavery.

Put yourself in Joseph's shoes and think for a moment how you might respond to such a situation. What type of emotions would be running through your head? Really, of all the dysfunctional family systems in our world today, this ancient family has got to take the cake. In fact, most of us moderns (if we didn't have such a thorough knowledge of the story) might think that a scene like this would be the opening trailer to one of our trashy day time talk shows. Picture it in your mind. The show opens to slow music that builds to a climax as the narrator says something like this:

'Our first guest today is 'Joe, I was sold into slavery by my dysfunctional family years ago.' Yes, that's right - years ago, Joe's family abandoned him - selling him - yes folks selling him - into the hands of a foreign slave trade (the audience goes 'boo/hiss' on cue). Then all of his brothers feigned (that means faked) his death and told everyone in his home town that he had been eaten by a wild animal. BUT (with the 'but' is a huge dramatic pause) what they didn't know was that this young man, proved to be too much for slavery and prison (YES, PRISON) and is now one of the wealthiest men in all the world (the audience 'applauds' on cue). The one wrinkle in all this is that Joe's brother's have no idea that he is still alive - today they will meet for the very first time -ON National television - you, the audience will get to see all the fireworks! You think your family is dysfunctional? Stay tuned to see a whole other dimension of family dysfunction NEXT on the 'I have nothing better to do with my time during the day so I sit here watching mindless entertainment' talk show!!

Well, you get the picture - our modern day responses of holding grudges, staying bitter, not forgiving people and getting even are the opposite of what happened in the life of Joseph. And, to be honest with you, I want to be someone who forgives others! I want to be someone who does not hold grudges and who lets go of bitterness!

If you want to hear more about letting go of bitterness and overcoming un-forgiveness, then join us this Sunday at either 9:30 or 11:00!

Overcoming Life's Challenges!

Biz

Overcoming Life's Challenges

2010-05-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

There are three simple truths that you and I need to get - I mean really 'get' if we are going to ever truly live for God! They are these: God is in control; He doesn't waste anything; We must keep our eyes on Him.

Truth 1:God is in Control. I know we often give 'lip service' to this truth, but the real challenge comes when we have to really live it out day by day and minute by minute. If you were to assess your grasp of this truth on a scale of 1 - 10, where would you land? To be honest with you, I would probably land all over the place pending the circumstances going on around me at the particular moment!

As I study the life of Joseph more and more, I find that this is the central truth which governs all his behavior and his actions in life! In chapter 41 we find him isolated in prison. The chief cup bearer has long since forgotten about him and now, two years later, the Pharaoh has a dream that none of his brilliant magicians and soothsayers can interpret. At this point the Pharaoh's cup bearer remembers Joseph and tells Pharaoh about him languishing in prison. Well, the leader of the most powerful nation in the known world at the time is so disturbed that he sends for this Hebrew, foreigner, slave/prisoner in hopes that he can help him out with the dream.

Now the story really gets interesting because we have a young man who essentially goes from 'no status' to 'top status' overnight. He not only is going to get an audience with the Pharaoh, but he was actually invited by the Pharaoh himself to stand before Him and help him sort through a major, literally crisis sized problem in his life. Wow, what a change of circumstances. Immediately upon entering the court the Pharaoh tells Joseph that his reputation precedes him and his help, wisdom and foretelling skills are needed. This is where we see that Joseph gets the truth that God is in control and then lives His life in accordance with this truth. For, rather than taking credit for any skill he might display, he sets the record straight up frot and tells Pharaoh that God, not Joseph, will give the mighty king an interpretation.

This is one of those 'watershed' or 'pivotal' moments in the life of Joseph. In some ways, it serves as a test of how well God has prepared him. You see, it is a public moment for him. It is a moment in which he has a decision to make: will he take matters into his own hands or trust in God? It is a moment that has repeated itself throughout history. We see it again in the life of Elijah, Daniel, Hosea, Matthew, Paul, Jesus, and down into modern history - even the history of our own life! What you do with that moment in life illustrates the truth you hold onto and the thing(s) that you believe! Joseph stood not only strong in this test, but also confidently knowing that if anything were to come of this situation, it would be because of His God who had controlled His life and steered him forward in the most unusual but also most convincing ways for the previous 13 years!

Are you facing one of those moments right now in your life? Do you have the strength of faith to trust God to do that which you cannot and take you where you cannot take yourself. Can you trust him enough to stand strongly and confidently in His steadfast care over you - to rely on Him, come what may? If not, then you might want to ask yourself what is it that you really believe? - do you really believe that God is in control or do you rely on yourself to control things?

Join us this Sunday as we explore this important truth in the life of Joseph and how and can be real in your life an mine (oh yeah, we will explore the other two truths as well!

Overcoming in Christ!

Biz

Melissa's Hope in the Christian Story!

2010-05-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is an interesting celebration. The day has been around for some time now. Some would say since 1908 ('officially' recognized in 1914 with by an Act of Congress), over a hundred years ago. Ultimately mother's day is a celebration of the life of a mother in the family unit, the church, and community at large. It is a day that recognizes the significant impact mother's do have and have had on our life and in our communities.

That is, however, only one part of the day. There is another part of this day that is often overlooked or ignored - treated as if it doesn't exist. The part I am talking about is the experience of brokenness, barrenness and grief that mother's, women in general and really all of us from time to time carry in our lives! Everyday of celebration no doubt carries with it components of sadness. Some, on this day, will be reminded that they are unable to have children. Others, on this day, will be reminded that their children will not call and, perhaps, have not spoken to them in years. For others still this day will be a reminder of the grief they experience through the loss of their mother. Others will walk through different pain and hurts, even as they celebrate and recognize this day as a 'standout' day in our calendar year.

Our question for this Mother's day is this: Does the Christian Story speak to both the celebration and the sadness that will be experienced this Sunday? Is the Gospel thick enough to be spread over both parts of this piece of bread or is it too thin to be stretched to such extremes?

Some might begin to wonder at this point, 'come on, Biz, it's mother's day -focus on the celebration and ignore the sadness.' While I get this sentiment I believe that we too often take this approach in life. This approach would be similar to saying of Christianity - just focus on the resurrection (celebration) and forget the cross (sadness), let's focus on the positive. But to do this is to fail to acknowledge that without the cross there is no resurrection in the first place. Without the sadness, there is no reason for joy and celebration. The cross is the single greatest reason we can focus on both celebration and sadness this weekend. The cross is that which separates Christianity from ALL the religions of the world - that God would suffer sin, shame and death so that we might celebrate life, hope and fullness! If any story can speak to your celebration and sadness this weekend, please believe me: it is the Christian Story!

I hope you will join us this week for this journey to hope in the midst of both celebration and sadness. I am very excited about this weekend because my wife, Melissa will be sharing in the service her own story of finding hope in the midst of pain and celebrating in the midst of sadness. We both believe and know that it is time for her to share her story of Christ and the hope He offers! I believe that you will be moved into a new and transformative relationship with Christ if you will join us this weekend and hear from her mouth the testimony of the life you have seen her live with your own eyes!

Celebrating the Hope of Christ for Mother's Day and Every day!

Biz

Overcoming Life's Challenges: Disappointment

2010-04-28T11:29:00.001-07:00

C.S. Lewis was a prolific writer. One of my favorite books of his is called the Problem of Pain. In this particular book, Lewis contends that pain is a chief means toward a godly end in our life. In other words pain is often times the pathway through which one discovers and even grows in our knowledge of Christ. On page 93 of his book Lewis writes: 'God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains." He refers to pain and disappointment as 'God's megaphone.' I love that phrase because it reminds me that even though I may be discouraged, disappointed or in pain, it does not mean that God has abandoned me, but rather that He may be screaming to get my attention!

As we continue on our journey in the life of Joseph this weekend, I want to remind you of three important truths that continue to recur in this story line. The first is that God is ALWAYS in control. Yes, no matter what may come, God is in control and He is working out His plan as only he knows how to do. The second truth is that God doesn't waste anything. We so often think that we endure pain or hardship for no reason at all, but quite the contrary, once God brings us to the other side of that pain, He often brings us people who need our encouragement and support when they face their own struggles. Thirdly, we must keep our eyes on Him. How easy it is for us to try to seek deliverance from every source BUT God. In fact, I have seen people literally turn from God in times of pain -refusing to see any good or hope that could come from it. Having been there myself, I know that this can be so difficult, but I can tell you from personal experience that the only hope we have in and through pain is if we will turn to Christ and allow Him to be our peace in those moments!

Joseph's life is really a study in these three truths. It is obvious that He knew God was in control. You can tell that by the way the story reads. Time and time again, though evil seems to befall Joseph, God grants him favor and continues to guide him with His presence. While imprisoned in chapter 40 Joseph encounters a cup bearer and baker, both of whom seem 'downcast' or disappointed. He takes note of this - incredible a Hebrew slave who was wrongly imprisoned takes note of two prisoner who came right from the Pharaoh's court. In finding out what their problem was, Joseph is able to help them and actually credit God for the help. Yes, Joseph never ever took his eyes off of God - He always bore witness to Him and lived in such a way that people saw the power of God in the midst of his life! This is a great story indeed and one I look forward to sharing more this Sunday morning as we gather together for worship!

Overcoming Life's Challenges!

Pastor Biz

Missions Sunday!

2010-04-22T08:15:00.001-07:00

This weekend we have the privilege of Pastor Borman Roy joining us for our services. Pastor Borman has been with us before and challenged us greatly to 'make Christ's last commission our First concern.' He has served in India for many years and the Lord has greatly blessed His work over there, bearing much fruit through him.

If you would like to support Pastor Borman, then please simply mark 'Missions' on your check in the notation line. We will be collecting these funds for him and his ministry this week and next. As a church, we will send the funds to Helping Hands in Motion, the missions agency through which Pastor Borman is supported! 100% of our generous giving will go to this mission agency.

I also want to take a moment and thank you as a church for your faithful generosity during this year. During very difficult times, we have managed to continue to give and I know that has taken sacrifice by many. We continue to raise money for our Building Fund and God continues to do great work through the sacrifice of so many. Yet, even though the giving has been strong, we are still just under budget. So, if you have not 'given giving' a chance, then I want to encourage you to begin this weekend.

Some folks think that we give so that we can meet our budget, but that is not the case at all. We give because God has so generously given to us and blessed us through His Son, Jesus Christ our Savior! We give to resource the Great Comission so that we might be a part of what God is doing through Christ in our corner of the world. In Second Corinthians Paul reminds us that the Macedonian church, though very poor indeed, gave generously in support of the mission of God in Christ Jesus. In II Corinthians 9:6 - 8, Paul says, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

So, as you challenge yourself to give and trust God to provide, remember His Word this week: He loves a cheerful giver. Your giving is changing lives every day - not only the lives of others, but also your own life as well - what a great blessing!

As you plan on joining us this Sunday, I trust that God will excite your heart to hear from Pastor Borman, a man who has faithfully served the Lord in strife ridden lands for years and has seen countless miracles to attest to the faithfulness and grace of God in and through Christ!

Missions Sunday - This Weekend!

Pastor Biz

Overcoming Life's Challenges: Temptation

2010-04-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have often heard people say, particularly when they are going through difficult times and tough situations, something along the lines of the following statements:

Why has God abandoned me?

Why has God allowed this to happen to me?

Doesn't God care about me and my situation?

While statements like this abound in our life (I have said them myself) they actually rest on a false premise. The false premise is this: if life is difficult, challenging, or just in shambles, it must mean that God is not with me or that He does not care about me! Genesis 39 provides a much needed and healthy corrective to such an invalid notion even as it teaches us to keep our eyes on Him, no matter what!

The key phrase in all of Genesis 39 is this, 'the Lord was with him.' It occurs again and again. Let's recap so we can feel the weight of this important phrase. God was with Joseph, yet Joseph was abandoned and betrayed by his brothers. God was with Joseph, yet Joseph was thought to be dead by his father. God was with Joseph, yet Joseph was a slave living in a foreign land, working for a foreign master, worshiping under foreign god's.

Wait a second here, hold on a 'cotton-picking' minute (long minute, I suppose). Isn't the phrase 'God is with' supposed to end differently? Doesn't 'God is with me' mean that 'I am set?' Doesn't 'God is with me' mean that 'I face no temptation?' Doesn't 'God is with me' mean 'I can do no wrong, fear no pain, have no fear?'

Well yes and no. You see, God was with Joseph and because of this truth (remember our big three: God is in control, He doesn't waste anything and we must keep our eyes on Him), we learn that even though all those horrible things had happened to Him and were happening to Him, God still caused Him to prosper in all he did. God being with Him did not, however, mean that his life was be a bed of roses and that all would always be well.

In fact, this chapter reveals a staggering reality that we must all come face to face with. Even though God was with Joseph and even though Joseph did the right thing (more on that later), Joseph was still falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and sentenced to prison bearing a punishment he did not deserve (sounds familiar, right!?!?). Yes, that's right - just because God is with someone doesn't mean that circumstances will always go our way. Yet, it does not change the fact that God is with us - He is at work on our behalf and because of this truth - the truth that God is in control and that He doesn't waste anything, we must always keep our eyes on Him.

Here is how this works in Genesis 39. First of all know this, Joseph was the 'total package.' The Bible tells us that he was handsome in both appearance and ability. He was a handsome man and was multi talented and saturated with ability. This fact alone was enough to catch the eyes of his master's wife. Now, get the setting: a young handsome man in a foreign land working in the home of his master who has repeatedly, over the years, neglected his wife: Uh - Oh! So, the likely scenario develops. She finds him attractive and she pursues him. Now in our modern times we would expect Joseph to enjoy the pursuit and return the sentiment. Put yourself in his shoes, slave in a foreign land, alone with with a lonely woman who wanted to be with him. You look around and think, no one will see, no one will know, etc. etc.

But remember, God was with Joseph and Moses (the author) implies that Joseph recognized this as well. This truth, this one truth alone, caused Joseph to do the unthinkable: to refuse her advances - to do the right thing! Because God was with him, his decided (yes decided - he chose) to resist temptation. And herein lies another dilemma, you would expect it to work out for him, right. He did the right thing after all, but remember, a woman scorned . . . She flips it all around and accuses him of actually trying to rape her.

God is with Joseph, so to whom do you think they listened? Well let's just say she kept the house and Joseph - the one who had remained faithful and resisted temptation to the point of running from it - ended up in prison. This is how God works in our life. Just because He is with you does not mean that you will not be mistreated. It does not mean that you will never be lied to, or that you will never have pain, that you will never be imprisoned or even killed. What it does mean is this: God is with you! And that, friend, is enough!

Join us Sunday as we explore the story of Joseph and experience the truth that God is in Control, that God doesn't waste anything and that we must, MUST keep our eyes on Him!

God be with Us!

Biz

Overcoming Life's Challenges: Betrayal

2010-04-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Myopia is defined by dictionary.com in the following way: 'a condition of the eye in which parallel rays are focused in front of the retina, objects being seen distinctly only when near to the eye; nearsightedness.' I am not sure that I could spot someone with the medical condition described above. I am, however, certain that I could spot someone who lives life with a 'nearsighted' or 'myopic' perspective. In fact, I would venture to say that many of us have lived life from this perspective, at least from time to time. In fact, if you want to know just how myopic your life might be take a moment and complete the following highly scientific test (that I am making up as I write):

Do you often find yourself thinking that you deserve better than you are getting?

Do you often ask yourself, 'God, where are you' or 'God, why have you abandoned me?'

Do you often envy someone else's situation, position at work, family, status, life?

Do you find that you are still bitter over something that happened years ago?

Do you find that you still carry guilt over an incident that is, perhaps, decades old?

Do you live your life through your children, pressuring them to succeed where you have failed?

Do your failures define you?

Do you quickly and arrogantly take credit for your successes?

Do you use the following (or similar) phrase often: 'I sure got dealt a sorry hand in this life?'

Do you find that your are often a 'negative' person in your thoughts and your words?

Okay, there you go. Tally your results (yes or no only, please). Now, if you answered yes to any of the above, then chances are you are struggling with the all too common human condition of 'myopic living.' You know, there have been times in my life when I answered yes to many of those questions. Not one of us is exempt from living from this perspective. Our goal in life, especially if we are going to be someone who Overcomes the challenges we face, should be to move beyond myopic living.

Of course, this is not as easy as it sounds. After all, how can one see down the road or envision different circumstances if one's present situation is overwhelming, overbearing or discouraging? You can't just 'will' this kind of sight into being can you? Nope, I do not think you can (though many try). In fact 'far sighted' living is a gift that God alone can give and one that can only be developed and realized through the eyes of faith. It is the eyes of faith that helps keep our problems in the right perspective.

James says it this way in 1:2 - 4, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. " I love the phrase your 'faith life' in this translation. This phrase captures the heart of what it means to overcome our challenges in life and also reveals the goal of all challenges: to make us stronger, to build maturity and to equip us in every conceivable way - to help us live a LIFE OF FAITH!

Over the next several weeks we are launching a new focus called: Overcoming Life's Challenges. There are three important realities that I am going to come back to time and time again during this series!

God is in Control! This is the first thing we forget when we encounter challenges too big for us or problems we cannot solve. As we explore the remarkable life of Joseph we will see again and again that this story is far more about God's control over his life rather than Joseph's success in life. It is true that Joseph ends with success, but the pathway he took to get there could have been designed only by God and God alone. Time in time again we will encounter the presence of God in Joseph's life and realize such presence is the difference maker between Joseph and everyone else. My hope is that His presence will mark your life and mine more and more as we go through this series together!

God Doesn't Waste Anything! Often times we wonder why we have to endure some things that life throws at us, or that God allows and even orchestrates. This series will help us see that in the midst of every one of Life's challenges there is also opportunity and purpose. In fact, what God is doing in you now He will do through you later to help someone else out on their journey. This second truth will help us take heart and hope no matter what.

We Must Keep Our Eyes on Him! This third truth is critical because this is the truth that develops our faith and helps us overcome doubt. We will see time and time again in Joseph's life illustrations of him making moment by moment decisions to keep his eyes on God. Joseph refuses to give into temptation or succumb to bitterness throughout this story. Rather, He focuses on God in trust and hope that one day things will turn in his favor!

I am very excited for this series and believe firmly that it is one we all need at this time in our lives! Join us and bring some friends with you - after all, we all face challenges in life!

Overcoming Life's Challenges!

Biz

Overcoming Life's Challenges: The Amazing NEW Reality the Resurrection of Christ Reveals

2010-04-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

I do not like flying on planes. I really, really, do not like flying on small planes. Even worse, I do not like flying on small planes that take off and land from airports that you have to drive a mile on a dirt road to get to and that have no one controlling the tower to tell you if you are about to crash into another plane or not (not even sure how that is possible in today's world). But, last week on our trip up to Carolina to see my family, I got to do all of the above: boy was I excited. To be honest with you, I am not even sure that humans should fly anywhere. There is some part of me that believes we can fly only because of the fall of mankind in the garden. Yep, I know it's weird, but flying, like shaving, is ultimately a result of our sin. There is yet another part of me that believes that if God had intended humans to fly, he would have equipped us with wings to make that possible. After all, those creatures of His creation that do fly already come equipped with the necessary gear as a part of the Divine Design.

I mean, think about it. Do you actually think birds look down on us below and say, 'man (or bird), wouldn't it be cool if we could walk everywhere?' Yet, that is what happened one day a couple of centuries ago - a couple of folks looked up in the sky, apparently envying the bird, and flying was given its first burst of air to breath. We (in typical human fashion) haven't looked back ever since.

While I do not like flying on planes (sounds like a Dr. Seuss book every time I type it). I do love being with my extended family members up in South Carolina. Herein lies the problem. On our last trip to South Carolina (last week) if I was going to see my all of our family members it meant boarding one of those smaller planes from an airport with dirt roads leading to it with 4/5s of the Gainey clan and flying about 4500 ft. in the air for forty minutes or so. By the way, did I say that I hate flying?!? Yet, my love for family trumped my hatred of flying and we planned a quick flight up to see my sister.

Here's how this was going to work. My sister has a good friend who owns a plane and is a pilot. She and he were going to fly down to Hartsville and pick us up - take us back to Greenville and then return the following day. The day arrived - the kids were excited. Me, not so much. Melissa was not traveling with us because of her plans to go see her sister during the same time period. Which, by the way, made me even less excited to board a plane. She can attest to you that I usually have a pretty firm grasp on her hands during any flight I have ever taken with her. On this trip, I was up front with the pilot. While I thought about it on more than one occasion I decided against grabbing his hand and squeezing it for security.

I would like to tell you that when we got 4500 feet above the ground that I got comfortable and began conquering my fear of flying. However, that would be a lie. I did get some pretty good prayer time in up there (which is always a bonus when flying). In fact, as I looked down on God's amazing work, I found myself telling the Lord that if He would get me down safely, I would never, ever again test Him in this manner. Of course, it didn't help that once we got to 'cruising altitude' (terms which, by the way really don't apply to a flight), the pilot looked over and said, 'the seat reclines (as he reclines his own) so get comfortable.'

Boy, my spider senses started tingling with that one. I didn't want to be comfortable and am pretty sure that out of everyone on that flight the last person I wanted to be comfortable (much less reclining his seat) was the pilot. Yep, I began praying hard and apologizing to the Lord that I was not fasting that day, asking Him to forgive my ignorance and carelessness for taking my children up in the air with me. By now, my mind, as you and see was going way, way down the wrong road.

At the peak of my anxiety, I had a revelation. I first looked back at my children, who were pretty much enjoying the whole experience. Then I looked out again at the world below and I realized, rather experienced, something I already know well. This world, and me included, belong to the Lord. And that, if even the worst thing happened, and we plummeted all the way to the surface God has with certainty assured me that death will not be the final moment in my life.

How do I know this? Because in Christ death (the final foe for every human) has been soundly defeated. Because He is victor over the grave, I am also! And, while you may not share my ridiculous fear of flying, you and I all share this common foe - our own mortality! What a blessing it is to know, especially in those crazy moments of life, that the greatest obstacle to us all has been over come in Christ. In I Corinthians 15 the apostle Paul puts it this way,

"The last enemy to be destroyed is death . . . When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal pus on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?'

This weekend, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection this is the truth we celebrate. Let me ask you, 'do you walk in victory this week?' Can you look death in the face, can you look at your own mortality and say with confidence: ' that is not my final answer?' If not, then join us this weekend as we explore the amazing new reality the resurrection of Christ brings to life! Be sure to bring a friend with you as we celebrate, I mean really celebrate the might work of God in Christ.

Overcoming Life's Challenges in Christ!

Biz

By the way, the plane (see picture) trip really was pretty cool and the pilot was fantastic - he did one of the best landings that I have ever experienced (prayer really does work). It was so good that I got back on the plane the next day and flew back to Hartsville (I will save that story for another time :^).

The Miracle of Grace

2010-03-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

"Grace, grace, God's grace; grace that is greater than all my sin . . . " remember that old hymn? It utilizes, very well, one of my favorite words in the whole of the English language. You have heard the word many times before and no doubt used it in your own life as well: Grace. Take a minute and say it. The word literally just rolls of your tongue. It is a good word. It is a strong word. It is the greatest word you and I have in our language because it captures the essence of God's work in your life and mine and in this world in which we live.

All too often, however, we actually experience very little of grace in modern times. Just take a peek at the headlines during a normal day in our culture and you will see what I mean. Of course, most of us don't have to look to headlines. Most of us have far too many examples in our own homes, schools, places of work and yes even churches where grace has not been given nor extended.

Last weekend we got to see an amazing example of God's grace when we witnessed the baptism of 7 new/young converts to the faith. One after the other stepped into the pool becoming a living illustration and testimony of God's grace in the midst of humanity. I was so moved to hear the testimonies of how God's grace has been received and applied in their lives and how they recognized that His grace and His grace alone covers a multitude of sins! Yes, that pool was cold, but His spirit warmed my heart and the dozens of folks who stayed after service to witness that awesome event. This whole week has been marked by that one moment for me and been a constant source of encouragement in all that I am and do!

As we gather this weekend I want to challenge each of us to 'anticipate' God's grace to move in our midst and work in our hearts. We are going to take a look at chapter 15 in the book of Luke, a great, great chapter on grace, and consider the many different ways in which grace can save and the many types of life which are in need of God's saving grace!

Take a look at Luke 15 ahead of time and come ready, come anticipating the miracle of grace this weekend. Do you have some friends and family members in need of experiencing grace? Why not invite them to join us this weekend!

Anticipating Grace!

Biz

NEEDED: Volunteers for the Easter Outreach and bags of candy donated to this great effort! Easter is just around the corner - pass out those invite cards - let's fill up all three services this year!

When a Walk becomes a Ride

2010-03-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

I think God must be into taking long walks. I mean, think about it - He began this whole thing 'walking' with Adam and Eve in the Garden. He took Israel on a 40 year walk - you got it, four decades of walking (by the way they did not have sidewalks back then and the footwear was definitely not they type you could pump up for more support). Scroll down a few centuries and you find that much of the Old Testament Prophets spent their entire life walking. Don't forget about Jesus, he pretty much walked everywhere and spent a life changing walk on the Emmaus road with two of his own. He also met Paul on the road while he was walking to Damascus - well you get the picture.

Perhaps that is why the New testament often calls our life with him a 'walk' or 'journey' that is designed to bring us ever closer to him day by day. Funny thing. We don't walk anywhere anymore. The only time I ever see people walking is on a treadmill (which gets you nowhere). If given the choice to walk somewhere or ride somewhere we almost always choose the latter - to ride. After all, walking is hard work - even with sidewalks thrown in their for pedestrian comfort.

So, if God is into walking and if His people have always been a people who walk and if the Bible pictures life as a walk with him (e.g. 'Keep in step with the spirit,' Gal. 5:25 and 'be careful how you live/walk,' Eph. 5;15), then what are the implications for a people like you and me who know little if anything of walking? One of the implications is that riding somewhere implies a 'destination' is the goal but walking somewhere doesn't - in fact walking implies more of the idea of a 'journey.' A walk is more about what happens on the journey. It is about the path we choose, the struggles we face, the people we are with, etc. A ride is more about what we are going to do when we arrive at our destination. The path, struggles, relationships, etc. are all peripheral, they are components we tolerate because they are necessary to get us where we already want to go.

Where are you headed today in life? Are you so bent on getting somewhere that you are overlooking the journey all together or are you aware of Christ's call on your life to 'walk' with Him day by day? As we continue to discover Christ in the Gospel of Luke this week, I want to encourage you to get out and walk a little more! After all, a real authentic walk with Jesus may just become the ride of your life!

Walking with Him!

Biz

Making Much of Jesus!

2010-03-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

The Shrimper was a little restaurant in the town where I grew up. I frequented the Shrimper pretty often in my teen years and early twenties on trips home from school. As a junkie for anything deep fried, I could always count on the Shrimper to serve up every form of fish under the sun as a wonderful dish of pure delight.

Of all the times I ate at the Shrimper, one in particular stands out in my mind. I was getting pretty close to being done with seminary and was home on a short break. One evening dad and I some how ended up being the only ones home so we decided to head out for a bite to eat - to the Shrimper. At some point during the meal my father looked up and said, 'son, be sure you make your ministry about one thing (as he held up one finger, pointed straight to the sky): Preach Christ and Him crucified - just give your church the simple Gospel message.' That was pretty much it. I said, 'okay, dad' and then we both went back to eating.

I often reflect upon that one moment and how right my dad was. My focus as a pastor must be resolutely upon Christ and Him Crucified. I was reminded of this just this morning as I was reading the Bible. I found myself in Colossians 1 (check it out later) and I was simply amazed at the Apostle Paul's resolute and unflinching preaching of Christ. I was so overwhelmed that I had to stop and thank the Lord for such a clear teaching. Paul was focused on Christ and Him Crucified. You know, Westside - there is truly none like Christ! I believe that the hope of the world is in the truth of Christ alone! Not only that, but closer to home, the hope of your marriage, your parenting, your work, your community, your church - all have their greatest hope in this one who is Greater!

As we gather together this weekend for our Friends and Family day, our focus will be on making much of Jesus Christ. We will hear from fellow Westsiders, worship Him in song that lifts up His name and hear from His Word the truth that Christ is Someone Greater in our life and the life yet to come! Then we will have some time on the grounds to have some fun together and share in a meal. While one of the reasons for the meal is in order to help you be able to invite your unchurched friends and family, there is a deeper reason to eat together. A meal on the grounds after service, might just be a ripe environment to extend the conversation with our friends and family that we are going to begin during the services. As I have been working my way through the Gospel of Luke I am intrigued by how often a very important conversation happens while they are gathered around a table!

So, this weekend (and every) let's make our ministry about one thing: Christ and Him Crucified. If our friends and family can see the difference He has made in our lives, then perhaps the struggles, hurts, habits, problems and pains they are dealing with might once an for all be turned over to Him! Now, wouldn't that be amazing?!?!

Looking forward to a great weekend together!

Biz

Relationship Revolution: Building a Treasury in Your Heart

2010-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there are approximately 300,000 Christian Churches/Congregations in America today. There are, conversely, only about 12,000 non Christian congregations in America today. Overwhelmingly, in this nation, the Christians out number all others. Yet, for most of us we realize that something is not right. With the dominance of Christian churches in our country why don't we look more like Christians? Why is our behavior not radically different and seen as such to the larger world? Why are our communities suffering so these days? Why are marriages broken, relationships in disrepair and hope all but gone?

I think our problem, or the key problem, is this: we have lost our love for Jesus. Oh sure, we might show up at church every now and then and we may even like most of what goes on while we are there, but I fear with have actually replaced Christ with those things that we like and have failed to really get Him and how awesome a 'life in love with Christ' can truly be.

In the Gospel of Luke Jesus calls it 'loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself.' You don't just regain your love for Christ over night. And, really, it is not something you can simply say that you are going to do. Nope, this type of love must be pursued - that's right - you have to decide to pursue Jesus above all else and others. This pursuit, however, is unique - it is one of prayer and crying out to God for help, for hope! It is not doing things better, saying things better, making sure that you look better - it is none of those things. It is taking a humble and broken position before Christ and asking him, no begging him, to forgive your lack of love and to restore to you that fire you once had for him - that love that once marked all you were and everything you did.

I want you to know that your pastoral staff is praying and fasting weekly for revival to take hold at Westside and for God's Spirit to renew, restore and revive us. We believe that God alone is the answer for life's struggles and that we have far too often tried to fix ourselves rather than crying out to Christ and being fully in love with Him. There are others praying as well - not many - but there is a dedicated and committed few that God is massing to call out to Him. I believe the future is about to be rewritten by the finger print of God in unbelievable ways and I am just glad to be able to say that I was a part of something God was doing and I hope to be able to say that I was one who followed Him, who loved Him totally and completely, no matter what!

You know, if revival - real revival, takes root there will not be a need for 300,000 churches - really just one and that is, after all, the way it should be!

Loving Christ, Loving Others!

Biz

Relationship Revolution: Where is Your Faith?

2010-02-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Let's say that you wake up one morning and decide to read your Bible. Not being sure of what to read or where to find just what you need you do the old standby (though not recommended) method of 'open, drop and read' (not to be confused with 'stop, drop and roll'). On this particular morning you read from the book of Psalms and find truths like this one, "I have numbered your days," or this one, "I am your strong tower," or even this one, "I am your rock and refuge in times of trouble."

These truths excited you with hope, for a moment, for in them you begin to sense that regardless of your circumstances (loss of job, pending divorce, brokenness with your kids) that God might, He just might, still be working it out for you. But the excitement is short lived as your circumstance comes into full view once again with the realities that 'today' will bring. However, God will simply not let up this morning and then He takes you to the New Testament, wherein you read truths like these: 'my yoke is easy and my burden is light,' or 'I work all things (all things) for the good for those who are called according to my purposes," or this one, "your momentary trails will produce great reward if you persist in Him." And once again you hope - a hope you had not realized before and a trust that had been fleeting throughout your previous, days, weeks, months, perhaps even years.

Then, of course, it hits - your worst fears become a reality. The job interview (your fifth in a row) goes nowhere, your spouse packs his/her bags, your child refuses to even speak with you, etc., etc., etc. And, despite all you have just read in the Bible on this morning, you jump to your feet and you scream at God, yes God. Your scream might sound something like this, "Hey God, where are you? Are you sleeping on the job? You must be because my life is in shambles and you are nowhere to be found - it is as if you don't even care!?!?" What do you suppose God's response will be? Will he come with the antiseptic wipes and the band aids? Will he show up with apologies for simply being too busy and tell you that it will all be fine in the morning, and that yes, He is the one to blame? Will he say that 'none of this is your fault or your own doing - those humans you live with are to blame!'?

While I am not sure exactly what He would say, I do know it would sound something like this: "Oh, my child who has read my promises for this life and the next, where, oh where is your faith?" Hmmm, what does one do with that question? This is exactly the question he asked his disciples when they woke him up during the midst of the storm. They are scared to death, thinking Christ has lost his marbles to be sleeping in the midst of the storm. He wakes up, calms the storm then simply says, 'where is your faith?'

Why could Christ ask this question? Well, for one thing He had just reminded them of the type of life they could live if the Word would take root. Also, he directly told them before the storm that they were to 'go to the other side.' In other words, His Word and Destination had changed not one tiny little bit - they were just being tested in the midst of it - they were being tried to the point of fear.

Perhaps the circumstances have changed for you and me, but the question remains the same. In the midst of relationship problems, struggles at work, with our health, our neighbors, our finances, God's direction for our life, we are all faced with the challenge to let our faith be our guide - really our strength. In this context the idea of faith is more akin to a hope and confidence in Christ - a trust in Him, a deep abiding trust that literally unleashes His power in our life and allows us the freedom to remain rock solid and steadfast, no matter what may come!

Do you have this type of faith today? Join us Sunday as we explore the life changing possibilities of living out our faith on a day by day, moment by moment basis!

From His Grace, For His Glory!
Biz

Relationship Revolution: Expectations and Real Love

2010-02-11T04:35:00.000-08:00

Expectations are a big part of life! There are few days that can deliver or smash our expectations like valentine's day - especially to a young boy or girl, man or woman. I was in 3rd grade - and a shoebox was far more than a simple shoebox, at least one time each year. Back then, in the old days as my kids like to say, each student transformed a shoe box into a wonderfully colored and image laden valentine card receptacle. I always loved working on the shoe box, but to be honest my favorite part was not the decorations, but what would be put into the shoe box - valentine candies of all sorts, shapes and sizes (as long as it fit into the little opening I had cut with mom's scissors).

This particular valentine's day was going to be special (aren't they all??). I just knew that I would get every valentine card I wanted and ONE in particular from the curly headed girl that sat next too me all year long! She was a cutie and I was certain that I would be her 'main valentine' that year. Yes, you guessed it there were always the 'stand out' cards that represented more than just a valentine wish. Much more, in fact. They represented life long expectations coming to fruition and complete bliss for the one to receive that 'special' card. You could spot these cards a mile away because they were twice the size of all the others and had more than those flat cherry suckers that came with every card in the universe back then.

The day finally came! Boxes came in and, I must say, mine looked great. I placed my box on the counter next to the others already there and then rushed to my seat waiting expectantly for my valentine to come in the door and to hear the chorus of 'oohs and aahs' from all my classmates. It was customary for one to bring in the cards and as they entered to go right ahead and insert all their candies into each individual box. Then she entered the room - time stood still and she did have one card larger than all the others. I was so excited that I couldn't even watch her put the cards in the box - so, I closed my eyes with great expectation and waited until they were all done. Then, my third grade teacher did the unthinkable, at least from a 7 year old perspective, she made us wait until the end of the day to actually check our boxes. It was a Charlie Brown, AAA UGH, moment for sure.

That day crawled by - until finally at 3:05 p.m. the bell rang. I grabbed my box and, while all my friends dug into theirs, I simply ran out the door to the car line and waited for my mom to pick me up. Finally, I got home. My beautiful box went the way of all flesh as I quickly destroyed it in order to get into the goodies. And, much to my dismay - there was no 'stand out you're my special friend' card in my box that day. Nope, I got twenty three cherry red suckers all inserted in little purple and pink cards that read 'Be my valentine.' Now, don't get too choked up. I was still only 7, so twenty three red suckers was like hitting gold.

As we continue focusing on relationships this year, I want to ask you a question. Who or what are your expectations of real love this year? Are you looking for that 'one special friend' card to finally come your way this Sunday on Valentine's day? Are you expecting that one person to make this day the best ever in your life? Are you praying that he or she just will not forget this year and at least get you a card? Perhaps, you are placing your hopes in the wrong things or better yet in the wrong person. Relationships in life are crucial but they remain unfulfilled until we receive the 'long expected one!' The greatest expectation of them all has been fulfilled in the coming of Christ and, if you see Him rightly this weekend and seek Him first in life, then all other expectations seem to fall into place! Join us this Sunday as we look at 'The Expected One and Real Love' from Luke chapter 7!

From His Grace, For His Glory!
Biz

Relationship Revolution - The Basics of a Brand New Relationshp

2010-02-04T07:03:00.001-08:00

Did you know that February 7 - 14th is National Marriage Week in the United States? You probably didn't because I didn't know until I got an email from the sponsor organization just a few days ago. If you would like to know more about this focus on strengthening marriages, then check out the following link some time this week: http://www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org/

For our part at Westside, we are going to spend the whole month focusing on the hope that Christ brings into our relationships and how we can live the life He intends us to live - in our marriages, parenting, work relationships, possessions, serving others, etc. I am very excited about the next four weeks, because I know that all of us, everyone of us, need relational help these days. It seems that our marriages, our homes and our communities are more tattered and frayed than ever before and people simply do not know where to turn or whom to listen to.

Maybe you are in that category as well. If so, make it a point to join us during the month of February. If you have friends or family members struggling in their marriages, parenting, etc., then invite them to join you. I promise that you will not be disappointed! You may even leave with more hope than you imagined possible.

Our Series Verse for this month is Luke 6:45, which says, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." As we 'dive into' this verse we will be challenged to look at the treasures we keep and what things, relationships, people and practices make up the 'abundance' in our own hearts. Then we will turn them over the the Lord and trust in Him to renew us and revive us! Yes, you can have a better marriage!

Yes, you can have a better relationship with your child, you employer, your parent, your co workers, your neighbor! In fact, Christ promises us that if we will 'listen to him' and 'treasure him' we will find that our lives and relationships will be built on such a strong foundation that even the greatest storm and trials cannot shake it!

We will give you some 'fliers' this weekend that you can pass out to your friends and family so they too can see what is going on at Westside and join you as the Lord leads us closer to Him and into the communities He has called us to reach!

From His Grace, For His Glory!

Biz

Christ . . . To Understand OR Discover?!?!

2010-01-28T07:13:00.001-08:00

Discovering Christ as a person and relationship God has given us with Himself is entirely different from understanding Him as a proposition, program or system. Most programs, systems and propositions are very easily understood and clearly explained. Perhaps we will, on some level, disagree with them, but we will at least get them - we will understand them. For some reason this need to understand things is central to human nature. Now don't go hearing what I am not saying. It is good to understand things and people. In fact, it is a moment of true celebration in my home when I finally 'get it' and 'understand' something my patient and loving wife has spent 15 years trying to teach me.

But, sometimes we say we want to understand God and Christ but we really mean that we feel a need to control Him and fit Him into our life in a way that makes sense to us. For us, all to often, understanding Christ is dangerous and unhealthy because we make Him comfortable and easy - we make Him fit into our life and circumstances. By doing this we effectively change nothing, make no real commitments, do the minimum, smile a little and still 'feel okay' that we and Jesus are 'good.' As I read the New Testament I am quickly realizing that there is a great and discouraging difference between us and the follower we find there. In fact, sometimes I think we look a little too much like the religious leaders who opposed Jesus, rather than those who truly 'discovered' Him and spent the rest of their lives living into that discovery.

For instance, Jesus the carpenter takes a boat out and tells the professional guys how to fish - they doubt he is right, but already they sense in Him One who might know a bit more about their own profession and life than they do. So, despite what the text book tells them and the super conference on 'why you can't catch fish in the middle of the day,' they listen to Him. Yes, they are reluctant, but they listen to Him - they take time to 'get' Him! They take time, even if it is just a second and put Him before them and their knowledge.

This identifies difference #1 between them and us - we spend all of our time - yes all of it - reminding Jesus of why things cannot be done rather than submitting to His power in our life and trusting Him to do that which we cannot do for ourselves.

Okay back to the story - yep, you guessed it - the catch of the day nearly sank the boat - they even had to go get help. Here is the telling part of all of it - just when they were on the brink of making fishing history -building a long and successful career off of this one catch - they drop everything - all of it, nets, boats, lures, chum, you name it - and they FOLLOW HIM!

This identifies difference #2 between them and us - when Jesus blesses us we attempt to 'trade' on it for our glory and gain - to build our kingdom and give a cursory and typically unconvincing acknowledgement - that the Lord is 'on our side.' The early guys didn't even give this type of foolishness a thought - they knew the only response to the power of Christ was to give up their hold on their life and follow Him.

Next we see Jesus go to a 'leper' and heal the lame. The leper was considered an outcast. In fact, when a leper showed up on the scene he or she was greeted with the following chant: 'Unclean, Unclean.' How about that for an introduction. Imaging showing up at church or at school or at the community center, grocery store, ball field and hearing the words - 'you are disgusting - get away from us and don't ever come back.' That was the life of a leper. The religious guys did the same type of junk and often times they were the worst! Not Jesus, he reaches out to him and makes Him whole.

The message about Him spreads so much that we now see people actually bringing their friends to Christ. One particular set of men is so committed that they get through the crowds, climb to the top of some poor guys house and tear (ye, tear) through the thatch roof - just to get their friend to Him.

Difference #3 is, to me, the most disheartening - the early folks did anything they could to get their friends to Christ. You and I aren't even committed enough to invite our friends to church - and we have even provided two big doors for you to enter through so you don't have to bust apart the building. Think about that, please. Yes, we who are in Christ will be with Him in heaven, but there is a judgement of our deeds and works on this earth - how in the world are you going to handle that charge when you are standing before the throne of the most high? When we see Him face to face can we really expect Him to confess us before His father in heaven if we are unwilling to confess Him before our friends on earth?

Then Jesus goes and reaches out to a tax collector - a despised and hated position and person in those days. The religious leaders have a field day with this one and Jesus informs them, through a not so subtle rebuke, that he came to this earth to heal the seek and save those who are lost - this, in a nutshell - is a clear mission statement for Christ AND His church and it comes right from the lips of this Jesus whom we say we understand but refuse to discover.

Two responses to this one. First, Levi, the tax collector (whom we also know as Matthew) reverses the direction of His entire life and begins to use his time and resources for Kingdom work - he holds a banquet - huge party - probably costing much money - and invites all of his friends to come and meet this Jesus.

Second, the religious leaders stay entrenched, unwilling to 'dive into' this new reality God is crafting in Christ. They end up getting rebuked by Christ - yep - he tells them like it is and they refuse to hear and respond.

To Discover (read submit and trust) Christ today means to hear and respond. On the other hand to merely understand (read control) him means to tell him that we know better and then go our own way.

Yes, the first is difficult, but come on - is the second really even an option at all? Let's journey together toward Christ this year! Join us this Sunday - and yes, invite your friends!

From His Grace, For his Glory!
Biz

Discovering Christ in 2010 and Haiti Update

2010-01-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Gospel of Luke, chapter 4, has the potential to leave one with many interesting questions, here are just a few that have struck me in my reading:

1. Why did the Spirit of Christ lead him into the wilderness?

2. Christ ate or drank nothing, but is Luke trying to teach us about fasting or just giving us an accurate portrayal of what happened at this time in the life of Christ?

3. Satan, offered Christ dominion (which already belonged to Him), but if Satan has this magnitude of power, what are the ramifications of that in our world today?

4. Further, Are there any indications of 'deals with the devil' (and even more difficult, could we really tell?) in today's world, or are we simply too quick to write that off as nonsense?

5. Why did Christ's hometown reject and dismiss him out of hand and are people always bent on rejecting that which is new and fresh from the Lord?

6. How can we have, within these few verses, a direct recognition by both Christ himself and the demons that Jesus was indeed, Christ the Lord and still question that truth today? Seriously, what other evidence does the truly humble of heart or 'poor' as Christ says, need?

7. What's the deal with the enemy knowing Scripture and if he knows Scripture and clearly distorts the Scripture would it not be to our benefit to literally drink and devour God's Word just so we are ready for the life and ministry to which we are called?

8. How in the world did Jesus get away from the mob - that is so cool and a power I wish I possessed at times, particularly in Orlando traffic?!?!

9. And further, did Jesus really say something that would cause someone to push him off of a cliff (which by the way, in some circles, was the only true way to 'stone' people).

10. If Christ defeats the enemy with the Word of God in hand to hand combat (1 - 13), understands himself to be Christ the Lord (14 - 30), then goes about proclaiming that truth (31 - 44) in absolute victory, then is this not an amazing and completely liberating truth that should set me free and cause me to follow, serve and give my life to him no matter the cost, knowing that in the end victory and celebration is what will greet me at my homecoming?

Oh well, there are 10 questions I have enjoyed processing from this chapter. This week we will look at getting it right in 2010 - making it different from 2009 - by beginning where we must begin - discovering Christ our Lord! Join me at 9:30 and 11:00 for this awesome adventure!

From His Grace, For His Glory!

Biz

Haiti Update: Right now we just need your prayers. I have been informed that some boxes of supplies are sitting on the ground! So, I am contacting our partners to find out what teams, supplies and funds they will need in the future! If we put teams together, I will need to know if you are available for that effort. At this point I am only exploring this so let me know!

New Update from Helping Him in Haiti

2010-01-18T04:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Westsiders (and friends), please take a minute and read the lates update from Richard Field's whose team is now in Haiti! There is a great, great need for medical teams - if you know of any in the medical field who can get over there quickly, then Richard's team may be able to make that happen!

Richard and Team are in Haiti !!

The needs are great!

Phil Murphy, Nate Wilkerson and Richard are currently at the Qvisqveya Christian School (QCS) trying to set up counseling for missionaries & people coming into Missionary Flights International (MFI) at Ft Pierce, FL; getting information to set up Medical Teams; trying to set-up for assistance for MFI for those coming out of Haiti for lodging, transportation, etc.; and many other needs they seen that needs to be implemented there in Haiti and here in the States.

Michelle Murphy, Phil and Lonnie’s daughter, speaks Creole, and is at the Hospital Of Hope interpreting for English speaking German surgeons.

Medical teams are needed badly! Call me if you are interested or know of a Team willing and ready to go.

Trained trauma counselors are needed in Haiti and in Fort Pierce , FL to serve the missionaries and with the people returning from Haiti .

The Big Needs in Haiti now are:
Pain Medication (Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, etc)
Antibiotics, especially those used for cholera
Relief Medical Teams & Surgeons – the ones there need to be switched off and a refreshed Team sent in, plus more are needed
Counselors – Trained Trauma Counselors
Money
PRAYERS

Other Needs:
Medical supplies including:
V pain relievers
V ointments
V gauze
V bandages
V medical tape
V ace bandages
Tents
Tarps
Rope
Blankets
Sleeping bags
Baby formula
Non perishable foods
Spring and summer clothing (especially children’s clothing)

The Lord protected the area of Delmas 44 through Delmas 60; this is the area where Qvisqveya Christian School (QCS) is located, the school where Lonnie used to work. There is very little damage in this area, and no damage to speak of to the school. The Army and several Ministries are setting up their command posts in the school. It is close to Petionville , Haiti , which is just south of Port Au Prince. Richard said he was in awe after going through all the mass destruction and then seeing this area – it was like God put His Hand over this area and protected it.

We need to pray that the water and food that is already in Haiti will be able to get out to the populous. The people need these badly!

Richard and Phil have met with John Ackerman and Els Vervloet today and they have made short and long term plans. Other than what I have stated here, I do not know what they are.

Tomorrow’s plans are that Nate, Phil and Richard will head to Phyllis Newby's to evaluate her situation and the damage. The next morning they start their travel to Callabasse and the House Of Blessings Orphanage to access their situation, search for those still unaccounted for and to love on them. Michelle Murphy will continue to serve at the hospital and school, wherever needed.

Helping Hands In Motion is set up to accept Haiti Relief Donations, and donations for:
V House of Blessings
V Phil and Lonnie Murphy
V Tanya and Francky at the House Of Blessings
V John Ackerman
V Helping Hands In Motion
V General Relief Work in Haiti

It is warm there, a breeze can be felt off of the ocean at the airport, but as you travel inland, the breeze is no longer felt. Once they start climbing and going up the mountains, the temperatures will drop.

A blessing in the midst . . . Richard has been told that so far the looting has not been taking place as they expected, and instead of voodoo drums and chanting being heard, you can hear the Haitians singing praises to God in the streets. Thank you, Lord! This is something they have never heard happen in Haiti before!

Please share this information as you feel led, but please pray and act as God leads you…

I will keep you posted as I hear from Richard. Thank you and God bless you and our loved ones and the people in Haiti . In Awe of Him,Debi FieldsHelping Hands In Motion
www.hhimtoday.com/blog

"For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right." Psalm 84:11, NLT

Children's Sunday and Haitian Relief and Assistance

2010-01-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

I first want to begin by letting our church family know that this weekend is our Children's Sunday at WCC! It will be a great, great time to see our children participate in all aspects of worship as well as to 'roll out' the vision of partnering with families to raise Spiritual Champions! Please join us for this awesome weekend celebration at either of our services - 9:30 or 11:00!

For the remainder of my blog I just want to provide information for you in regard to mission agencies that we currently work with or that we have relationship with who will be lending assistance to the peoples of Haiti. Right now the best way we can help is through our prayers and through our financial donations. I am going to list below two emails from both agencies - the contact information is also available - if you wish to support the Haitian fund through WCC then just give a gift to WCC and mark it Haiti relief fund. The agencies are Helping Him Ministries who we have partnered with in India and Heaven Sent Ministries who we have been developing a relationship with, but have not yet partnered with them as such (they are personal friends of mine and of the highest character, integrity and heart for the Lord)!

First email from Heaven Sent Ministries:
Dear Friends -
Heaven Sent Ministries is committed to sending an emergency shipment of food to the people of Haiti who have been devastated by yesterday's earthquake. How can you help? If you are close enough to our West Virginia facility to physically come and package food, we welcome your help. Call our office at (304) 425-7120 to reserve a specific two hour time slot during the next three weeks when you can volunteer. Or message Lynda Gravier or Mike Gravier on facebook and we'll get back to you. We will begin packaging this Friday and working every day through February 7. If you are too far to help with your hands, we desperately need extra funds to buy the food ingredients for this effort. You can send a check to HSM and write "Haiti Food" in the memo, or go to our website and find the details about how you can donate online.
This is absolutely a God-sized undertaking for our us, but we are trusting that God will get all of the glory. As we provide life-giving food to the victims of this disaster, we know that the food will arrive with the eternal-life-giving message of salvation. God can use this disaster to bring glory to Himself and to draw the people of Haiti into a relationship with Him!
You can reach us at this email address, gravierml@gmail.com

This one is from Richard Field's and Helping Him Ministries:
Dear Praying Partners,

As you can imagine the news coming in from Haiti is very sketchy at best. We have not been able to contact the House Of Blessings orphanage since the initial contact. So continue praying for them. The last we heard, Franky has not been able to contact Tanya. So continue praying for him, his safety and that he will be able to make contact with Tanya. Frankie is a great man of God, I am sure he is trying to do everything he can to contact Tanya and the orphanage. I am sure he is helping others wherever he is, he will let the light of Christ shine.

The ones who have satellite Internet have been able to continue communicating through this mode. That is how we are getting information and updates. Please pray that these connections remain, so we can continue to receive the information as it is gathered.

We have heard from the Ackerman's, Els and Stephon Vervloet and many others that they are safe and doing the best they can under the circumstances. Many friends and co-workers of the Murphy's have been sending messages that they are OK. There are some families that were in two different locations at the time of the earthquake and have not been able to contact each other. Then there are others that we have heard their homes and ministry centers have been severely damaged and no word at all from anyone.

So, as you see and can imagine many family members are worried and concerned about other family members, co-workers and friends. Many still are trying to locate others, so continue to pray for them to be found and reunited. Franky is not the only one that communication has been affected, as you can see there are several.

During the night there continued to be many aftershocks, many people slept outside away from their homes because of this. This has led to other concerns of safety. I am sure many did not sleep due to the location they are in and the circumstances.

As some of you are aware of, there is one main road going up the mountain from Port Au Prince to where the orphanage is located. It is a very mountainous road, cut into the side of the mountains. With an earthquake of this magnitude it could have been severely damaged, making it impassable. That could be the cause of Franky and others not able to make it home and much traffic delays.

We have been told that when the earthquake hit, there were many people in large buildings and stores that had time to get out before they collapsed. Some of the larger buildings withstood the initial earthquake, which gave time for the people inside to get outside. Then as the after shocks came these buildings crumbled to the ground. For this we are so thankful, I am sure we will hear how many lives were saved because of this. However, the reports remain that many people did not make it out alive.

The Vervolet's sent a message earlier that they were leaving their home to go and see if they can locate some of those unaccounted for and to see how they will be able to help. Pray for their safety as they travel, we are sure that some roads are impassable and all will be filled with people, ruble and the sort.

I am sure you have been keeping up with what the news media is saying. This is a very bad earthquake, many lives will be lost, it will take much to rebuild for many years to come.

People are sending us message about relief work camps and how to help out financially. As we stated earlier if you want to help financially at this time, send funds to us designating the funds for the relief work in Haiti. As for work camps, we are uncertain when we will be able to get teams in. The major air carriers have suspended flights into Haiti at this time, not giving a time when it will resume. The private ministries that fly supplies into Haiti are trying to get clearance to fly relief supplies into Haiti. The last we heard they were hoping to get a flight out today around noon time. We have been told the airport landing strips are in good shape but the airport tower has suffered sever damage.

We will continue to keep you posted as we get the news. Please pray for the people of Haiti!

Blessings,
Richard
Helping Hands In Motion
www.hhimtoday.com/blog

I trust, hope and pray that you will become more involved than ever in the life of your local church and work with us as we reach our communities, both at home and abroad with the help and hope that only Christ can provide!

From His Grace, For His Glory!

Biz

Who Is the Christ?

2010-01-02T17:21:00.001-08:00

Many of you know by now that we are going to focus and dig deep into the life of Christ this year at Westside Community Church. The person of Christ has offered hope beyond belief for centuries to countless numbers of people. Yet, we also know that this same person, Christ Himself has brought venom, attacks and ridicule from masses of people throughout history since his ministry began. If you follow world wide Christianity you begin to sense just how pivotal to life your understanding of Christ really is. You see, in many countries, today people are killed because of their believe in Christ or, conversely, promoted because of their denial of His claim.

Closer to home this question, while it doesn't bring torture or martyrdom, does pose for us a dividing line of sorts as well. I know of families split over this question, as some members come to faith while others deny it. I know of marriages in tatters over this question as one spouse has responded to God's grace in Christ while the other vehemently opposes it. I know of relationships at work where if you stand up for your faith, you are pretty much assured that you will not advance. Yet, in each instance - even in the face of the persecution - the followers of Christ who truly know Him have great peace, joy and comfort. Yes, there is indeed a uniqueness about our Lord, this Jesus whom we call the Christ. It is this uniqueness that I intend to explore at Westside over the course of 2010!

So, who is Christ to you? To be honest with you, even if you have been in the church for some time, there is a pretty good chance that you don't really 'get' Him. Perhaps on some level you see Him as Savior, but that 'sight' alone carries with it implications that are simply not lived out by us with any consistency anymore. To see one as Savior is to see one as worthy of service, submission, and One whom we willingly obey! Following Christ in NOT a 'list' of things to do. Following Christ is a response to the mercies and grace of God. In Romans we are told that following Christ is our 'reasonable' act of worship. This statement occurs in Romans 12:1 - 2. Do you know why it is a 'reasonable' act of worship? Because in light of the tremendous grace and mercy we read of in Romans 1 - 12, how could we do anything but respond? In some senses, Paul is saying that when we really 'get' Jesus, then following Him is, well, it is logical - it simply makes sense!

I have shared from the pulpit in the congregation as well as in my Wednesday Morning Bible Study a picture, vision or word that God has given me that I am intent upon pursuing fully. The vision is one that I have stated in these terms:

Christ IS NOT a proposition to prove, a program to purchase or a system to manage!
Christ IS A relationship to be pursued and discovered, a person to be explored!

Unfortunately we in the church are accustomed to living in the first statement - that is where life is easy and manageable. Christ calls us into the second statement, full exploration of Him as who He claimed to be and then following Him because when we have truly pursued, explored and discovered Him, following simply becomes logical. Join me at Westside this year as we 'explore Christ' in 2010!

From His Grace, For His Glory

Biz

New Year's Resowhat?

2009-12-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

As I sit writing what will be my last blog entry for the year 2009, I am struck by the fact that every year at this time, I tend to do the same type of thing. I spend no small amount of time thinking about the new year and trying to make a new set of commitment's, or resolutions to follow into the new year! One thing I have noticed over the years is how in many instances the same old resolutions continue to crop back up year in and year out: eat less fried food, drink less coffee, watch less cable, read more, exercise more, have more fun, etc. etc.!

So this year I am going to take a new approach - I am going to try and develop a 'greater desire' in key areas of my life, rather than accomplishing certain tasks or making strides, I am going to try to work on perspective in the new year (that ought to be fun!).

It might look something like this:

Rather than saying I am going to read the Bible More, Give More Money to the Church or attend services more faithfully,
I am going to try and develop a 'hunger' for God in my life that cannot be quenched apart from His presence!

Rather than telling my wife I love her more, or calling her more from work, or doing the dishes more (thought she would probably love all of those things)
I am going to try and develop a deeper relationship with my wife and to grow in my desire for her companionship and love!

Rather than buying my kids all the latest gadgets or getting them the best coaches money can buy and the best equipment my credit card can afford
I am going to try and get to know them more and to grow in my knowledge of how God has designed them and explore the young men and women they are becoming

Okay, you get the idea - move it ought of the realm of what we can accomplish and move it into the realm of who we might become and how we might grow deeper into the relationships Christ has given us this year. Yes, you can try this at home! Take some time over the next week or so and see if you might come up with some resolve on 'being' rather than a new commitment to 'doing' (doing by the way the same things you tried to last year, an the year before that, and the . . . )

So, have fun with your resolution this year. My resolution for our church and community is that we will experience on deeper levels than ever before a close and rich intimacy with Christ our Lord! Do more, build more, grow more, attain more - that stuff is easy - grow deeper with Christ and others - now that takes the Lord and that is truly where I want to be. Besides, I am tired of trying to give up drinking coffee anyways!

From His Grace! For his Glory!
Biz

Merry Christmas to All

2009-12-23T05:29:00.000-08:00

Symbols of the season - or traditions of Christmas has been our focus for the entire advent season. On Christmas eve our focus will culminate as we gather together at 7:00 p.m. for our Christmas eve service and light the Christ Candle in worship of our Savior. The Christ candle is at the center of the Advent Wreath as Christ is at the center of the Season of Advent. This service is annually one of our 'best' of the year as we spend a few final moments of the season focusing on Christ as our Light in this world.

As you plan out your family activities I want to encourage you to put your 'Christ family' first this year and join us - making Him central in your celebration of the season. Perhaps this year you can make our Christmas Eve Service a new Tradition that Points to Christ for you and your family?!? If you are a Westsider, then invite your family to join us with you! Our service is designed to be Family Focused, so plan on staying together as a family - yes, bring your children with you - they will be richly blessed and enjoy this service as well! We will have 'parent' rooms available for those of you who might need it, but let's plan on coming together as a family this year to celebrate our lighting of the Christ Candle!

I do hope and pray that you and your family are looking forward to and will have a very Merry Christmas this year! May you have a Christmas filled with the joy of Christ and may you and your family know His Love during this very special time of year. I hope to see you tomorrow night! If not, then maybe plan now to attend next year - begin now preparing your family for launching Christmas day by celebrating the Christ Child in worship on Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas!

Biz

Benevolence Offering on Christmas Eve. Please remember that we will have our offering plates/baskets in the back of our sanctuary on Christmas Eve. All the funds gathered during this service will go to the benevolence needs that exist within our own congregation. I know that a family or two will be very blessed at the end of 2009 because of your giving!

Christmas Traditions, Pt. 3 - the Shepherds

2009-12-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

I think my favorite of the Christmas Stories recorded in the Gospels is the one found in Luke 2 about the Shepherds! Here is my top ten reasons why I like this story over the others.

10. The Angels first announcement was to Shepherds - cool! We would announce this to dignitaries and 'movers and shakers' today - yet God announces his coming to a bunch of smelly shepherds - give us all hope, right?!?

9. The Shepherds were scared to death - who wouldn't be - an angel is speaking to them about God coming to the town next door.

8. The Angels took the fear they felt and turned it into peace - they said, 'fear not' even as Christ does today!

7. The Angles announce 'good news and great joy.' Boy, I sure wish we looked at Christmas through that lens today . . .

6. The announcement of God's Son took more than one Angel - yep, God calls out the whole 'Army of hosts' - how awesome is that?!? Puts our puny announcements in perspective, doesn't it?

5. Golden Rings - okay, just kidding. God let's us know that the most blessed of people are those of us 'on whom His favor rests' - nothing quite like being loved by God, Saved by His Son - that is truly the blessed life!

4. The Shepherds start talking about Jesus! When was the last time you and I talked about Jesus with people we know??

3. The Shepherds took off to find him! When was the last time . . . see number 4.

2. The Shepherds see him and they worship Him - they are drawn to Him and they praise Him! Hmm, worshiping someone other than ourselves - what a great idea!

1. Jesus' mother, Mary - pondered these things in her heart - just like a mom. Betcha she had a baby book somewhere in their wardrobe - now that is a baby book I'd love to see.

Okay, some are better than others, but what do the Shepherds tell you about Christ this Christmas season? The lessons are many - read it for yourselves and just live out one of them - might change your life forever!

Traditions that point to Jesus!
Biz

Christmas Traditions, Pt. 2

2009-12-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

I cannot remember the last time I walked any distance further than a 1/2 mile or so. In fact, last night I had to walk a block to see Santa drive through our neighborhood. To be honest with you, any further than that and we would just have to catch him at the mall. My own resistance to walking only heightens the impact of the Story of the Wise Men. Several men (we don't really know how many) set out on a journey that could have taken as much as two years (not real sure) to visit a child - a savior child who was prophesied to bring deliverance to Israel (remember, the wise men weren't even Israelites - they were probably Persian). Simply Amazing! From His earliest of days, Christ always drew a crowd and often drew them from the least likely of places.

This text is rife, however with irony. The non - Jewish caravan of astronomers/astrologers come a great distance, yet we have no record of the Jewish authorities traveling even within the city to see Jesus. One would think that at least the Chief Priests would have followed the wise men to see the child. Even today, I am amazed at those of us who do and those of us who do not seek Christ! And, I think it all comes down to the simple fact that we must recognize who this child is before we ever consider seeking Him.

The Wise men recognize at least three truths about this Christ that point to the Hope we have for deliverance in Him. They first recognized Him as Sovereign - indeed a King! They brought gifts (at least three, maybe more) that were fit for a King and they laid them at His feet. Secondly, they recognized Him as Shepherd - the Old Testament term for One who protects, guides and deals mercifully with His sheep. This Idea of Shepherd King is not new, rather it is steeped in the richest traditions of the Old Testament and help us understand that the pre -Christian Jew would be looking for exactly this in the form of a Messiah. Thirdly, they saw Him as Savior. This is evident in the fact that they worshipped Him. We are not sure how fully developed their understanding of Christ as Savior was, but it is certain that they understood this child fulfilled more than just the role of a good earthly king or person. They were so sure that they crossed cultural barriers and land masses, intentionally undermined a corrupt and paranoid ruler (Herod) and brought untold wealth in the hopes that they would catch a glimpse of this Christ King. Who do you see when you look at this child? To what do your traditions point today? Do you see a Sovereign, a Shepherd and a Savior?

If we see Him as some ancient story of a good man who did some good in his time, then we will probably not leave the couch this Christmas season. But, if we see him as the Wise Men did in Matthew 2, then we would cross the wildest of terrain for the simple hope of being near him, if even for a moment. Here is the good part in all of that, though, we don't have to cross the wildest terrain - no, Christ has crossed it for us! He has come to us and the tradition of the Wise men helps us see that so clearly. All we need to do is recognize and receive him - and then only will we move to seek Him!

Traditions that Point to Christ

Biz

Christmas Traditions, Part 1

2009-12-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas! Without a doubt it is my favorite time of year. I love the lights, the gifts, the grandeur, the seemingly kinder communities and people, all of it. Most of all, I love the traditions the come with Christmas. I will never wish you a Happy Holiday - not because I do not wish to identify with those who do not celebrate Christmas - but because for me a 'Merry Christmas' greeting is a tradition I look forward to and freely give and receive during this time of year. I love the tradition of getting the tree, putting the lights up, singing carols, being with family and friends - I even love the tradition of buying a gift that comes from my heart that I can give to those I love! But, in our home there are a couple of traditions that stand out as moments that define the season for me.

One of my favorite Christmas Traditions is our Christmas Eve Candlelit service. We have celebrated this every year of our marriage in some way or another and it is something I look forward to with much anticipation each year. In my mind is is just the right place to be the night before Christmas - gathering with friends and family at the church and joyfully thanking Christ for the gift He has, is and will continue to give us - the gift of Himself. A second, moment defining tradition is our families traditional reading of the Christmas Story each Christmas morning, BEFORE we do anything else. Every year I think the children will want to skip this and move right into the opening of their presents, but I am amazed year in and year out as they too look forward to this time and recognize that the greatest gift we have received is the gift of the Christ child, or God with us, as the prophet Isaiah said so long ago.

How about you and your family? Are there traditions you celebrate - one's to which you look forward with much anticipation this time of year? Even in the toughest of times, traditions can keep us grounded and give us hope. The remind us of a past that in some way helps us navigate the present and look with hope into the future. They help us focus in on what is most important in life and how we have changed, are changing and will continue to change even as we participate in traditions that rarely, if ever change! You know, Christianity was birthed into a rich tradition that we too celebrate today. If you read the Gospel writers you see that they quoted liberally from the Old Testament to clue us in that God was doing a new thing, a radically new thing, but this new thing was steeped in what He had been doing all along - claiming a people for Himself!

This Advent Season, we are going to spend some time at Westside focusing on three key traditions: Purification (this Sunday), Redemption (next) and then Celebration (the 20th). Join us each week and bring a friend with you - everyone, all of us, need a good reminder of the great traditions that have gotten us here!

Celebrating the Traditions that Point to Christ!
Pastor Biz

Personal Thanks to everyone who prayed for my family and Luke a couple of weekends ago. He is doing great and all is well - thanks to Pastor Pierre for doing such a great job on such short notice!!

Raise The Roof Update: As you know, we are in need of raising 20,000.00 for a new roof to put on the sanctuary, thankfully we have repaired the leeks and the job as been done really well so they are not, to my knowledge, recurring. Currently we have right at 6,000.00 which means we need 14,000.00 more. I am excited to let you know that we have a gift of 5,000.00 pledged to the roof fund IF we can come up with the other 9,000.00 by January 2010. While I know that times are tough, I am asking each of us to think and pray about a Christmas offering to help push us to that 9,000.00 mark. What a great blessing it will be when the roof is overhead and we can look back with thankfulness to the Lord and His faithfulness for providing! Please join us in this effort and let's 'raise the roof' funds together!

Making the Most of Our Life! Mistakes and the Miracle of Grace

2009-11-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

Two sons. One leaves home, squanders his inheritance on reckless living and nearly starves before he wakes up and takes a chance on coming home. This son is easy for us to identify or to qualify - rebellious, inconsiderate, reckless, wild, foolish, lazy, self absorbed, and LOST. One son stays home, works hard, supports the family, tends the fields, kisses the babies and hugs the grandmothers. This son, too, is easy for us to identify or to qualify - loving, conscientious, considerate, hard working, supportive, caring, FOUND.

One father who loves two sons and sees beyond easy identification and past what glaringly meets one's eye. One father who sees into the heart of the boy and receives the pain the child brings, the mistakes the child has committed and remedies them with the miracle of grace. The Father defies and even challenges our identification of the sons. In fact, the father in essence sees both sons as lost. Both sons who are living mistake ridden lives and trying to do their own thing in their own way. One is committing the all too common mistake of pursuing a 'self focused' recklessness. Yet the other is pursuing a self focus all his own - a 'self focused' righteousness. In the end, they both fall short, because it is all about the self and all about pursuing life in their own way to their own ends. The only hope for them is to respond to the miracle of Grace that the father offers. Now, here is where it gets interesting!

In this story of self focused living, one son obviously sees the error of His ways and understands that he can make no claim on His father. No, he sees that he has caused his own pain and that he is responsible for his own mistakes. In fact, when he comes back home (to a father who by the way RUNS to meed him) he doesn't even expect to be treated like a child - the most he can hope for is a place in the servants quarters. And here is right where we see the miracle - the miracle of grace receives this sinner/child as a child of the king and restores him - forgives him and grants him the authority in the home that only a child of the home could have! He is restored because He came to the father broken and beaten - He came home and was received! After being received He was restored.

The other son however, the one we suspect should know better, comes against the father bearing a claim that is quite frankly impossible to bear and speculating on his brother's life in a way that reveals the sickness of his own heart. The one son has forgotten the grace of the Father in His own life and pursued a righteousness all his own. His father owes Him big time - how could he let this rebel back into the fold? Interestingly enough, Jesus leaves us hanging on how this son responds - we simply do not know. Will he stay focused in on his self righteous life or will he, like his brother, come to terms with grace and celebrate the things that the Father celebrates??

The glue that holds this story together is the miracle of grace! No matter where you and I are on our journey, God can and does make the most of our mistakes through His miracle of grace! Where are you? Are you on the side of self recklessness or self righteousness - both are wrong, both resist and reject grace and self righteousness actually resents grace. So, are you resisting, rejecting or resenting today? If so, join us this weekend and dare God to do for you what He is so good at doing for us all. You may be surprised!

Making the Most of this Life

Pastor Biz

Making the Most of My Money

2009-11-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Money, Money, Money, everywhere you turn these days that seems to be the central issue in life. Either we don't have enough of it, we can't get enough in return for it, it takes too much effort to get it, etc. I am convinced though, that as important as all those issues are, the single greatest issue with us and our money comes down to our refusal to submit how we use our money to the Lordship of Christ. We will give Christ all of our life, except that part - we want to hold on to that (of course if that dominates so much of our lives then our refusal there, really constitutes complete refusal does it not?).

We are much like the character/creature Golum in the last book of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, clinging desperately to the 'gold ring' even as the flames of the fire, which the ring took him to, engulf is body and end his sad existence. Yes, for many of us - no matter how much or how little we make - money controls and manages us rather than us controlling and managing money. I am reminded of the words of Christ when he said, "For where your treasure is (read money) there your heart will be also." In other words our commitmnets, our priorities, our life, our passions our HEART - always follow our treasure. So where is your treasure today? and is there a cure out there to help our heart sickness? Think of our impact in our culture if we could live our lives fully submitted to Christ in this area alone - if Christ were our true treasuer then where would our heart be at this moment right now!?!?!

So, if your struggling with money - if you are concerned about your heart - then this weekend is for you. I am going to lift up several key principles for money management right out of Scripture and then point out how we apply those principles in our own budget at Westside. The principles are Giving with Gratitude, Prioritizing Payouts, Investing in Eternity and Saving Room For God.

As I apply these principles I will highlight our budget proposal for 2010 to help better equip our 'voting' eligible members to vote in our short business meeting following the morning services. I will lift up the parts of our budget that fit the biblical criteria I listed above as we seek to move forward into God's preferble future for Westside Community Church and the lives He is calling us to reach! Our business meeting will be in the portable immediately following the service.

Making the Most of God's Money!

Pastor Biz

Making the Most of My Anger

2009-11-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

I checked some statistics this morning. I found out that in 2005 over 16,000.00 Americans were murdered - yes you heard me right, sixteen thousand. After doing some more investigating I found that the number was similar in previous years and that when authorities were able to find out cause or motive they found that nearly 75% of the murder victims new or were acquainted with the person who murdered them and that the problems began with an argument. Yes, the murder was a result of anger that was out of control or rage that went unchecked.

You don't have to check the murder rate to suspect that something is off in this world. In fact, most often we need to look no further than our own hearts and the mistrust, anger, frustration that is breeding there. You wonder yourself sometimes, 'why am I so angry all the time.' Or, 'why did I 'blow' up like that again? Others of us wonder this not about ourselves, but about people we dearly love who are bitter, angry, frustrated and seem to have no end in sight. Well, if you have struggled with anger (as I have!!) or know those who do, then this Sunday is tailor made for you and God is ready to get control in a way that perhaps even today you do not even believe is possible!

The truth of the matter is that anger is a God given emotional response designed to move us forward in life. However, our experience with anger is often very different from God's desire. We often experience anger as an emotion that is either over exploited and acted upon or under used and ignored (tile it 'festers') in most of our lives. Some of us explode at the drop of a hat or can 'go off' often without any justifiable cause. Others of us, however, live in a 'comatose state of oblivion' where nothing bothers us and anger is never identified and or recognized in life. Wherever you or I may be, neither of these move us closer to Christ and His Kingdom or those relationships He has given us in life!

As I continue my Sunday series this weekend entitled, Making the Most of Our Life! I am going to focus in particularly on Anger and seek God's Word for some guidance on How we can make the Most of our Anger in this life! I am going to break our topic down into three main questions that I will try to answer. First, 'What is Anger?' The second question, 'Why am I so angry?' And the third questions is, 'Where will my anger take me?' I truly believe that God has a special word for you this weekend - whether you think you have an anger problem or not, this will be a time for you to come under the authority of God's Word and seek His will for your life. For surely you know people with an anger problem or you are impacted by a world that so often tends to gravitate toward anger rather than one that gravitates toward peace.

If you want to Make the Most of Your Life, then the place to start is by looking at your Anger and whether or not you are expressing it as God intends and then submitting to his control as you move closer toward Him!

Pastor Biz

Passions, Perspectives and Prescriptions, Part 3: The Prescription is Fasting and Prayer!

2009-10-21T09:57:00.001-07:00

I have always sought to follow closely after God in my life and ministry. When I was being trained for ministry a professor once told me that you have three tools in ministry and they are the Bible, the Holy Spirit and Prayer. This weekend I am calling our congregation to a 24 hour prayer/fasting journey as a church. I am excited about how God will use this time in your life and thought I would spend my blog sharing with you some basic insights into fasting to help encourage you in this discipline. The particular information I am passing along is pretty well known and attributable to many places, but I am adapting a piece I found in a book by Nelson Searcy called Ignite that had a helpful Q and A style. I hope it will be used to Ignite your passion for Christ.

What is fasting? Fasting is abstaining from something, usually food, for spiritual purposes!

What does the Bible say about fasting? Both the Old and New Testaments speak to the spiritual discipline of fasting. Moses, David, Nehemiah, Ester, Daniel, Anna, Paul, Jesus and the early church all practiced fasting. Jesus placed fasting on the same level as financial giving and prayer (see Mt. 6:1 - 18) as well as stipulated that there is a time for fasting (Mt. 9:15). Paul says we should give ourselves to both time of prayer and fasting in I Corinthians 7.

What is the purpose of fasting? The primary purpose of fasting is to focus on God by 'centering' Him in all of our live and behavior. I call fasting a time of 'feasting on God' because we are focusing on God rather than our stomach. Fasting can help us see that some things are getting in the way in our walk with Christ - that there are things which have taken control in our lives that we need to remove. Fasting can increase the effectiveness of prayer (II Sam. 12:16) and bring God's guidance in the decision making process (Acts 14:23). There are many reasons why we may fast, but the most important is to focus on God and seek His guidance so that He may be glorified in our lives. I think a great opportunity is before us this weekend as we Fast for our fall festival - that God will help us focus on Him and that He will receive glory through our ministry and outreach to our community this weekend!

What are the different types of fasting? There are many types of fast. There is the absolute fast which would be no food or water for a period of time. There is also a normal fast which is only water, no food or other drink. Then there is what is known as a partial fast which includes juice, waters and sometimes fruit. There is also a seasonal fast known as the Lenten fast during which we give up something for the specific duration of Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter). The final category of fasting would be called other which means we give up something like relationship, media, telephone, activities, habits, etc.

There are many places in Scripture where Fasting is seen as an opportunity to grow in our walk with Lord as we give something up that normally provides satisfaction so that we might be ultimately and fully satisfied in HIM! Join us this week - pick your fast and focus on Christ!

Fully Engaged!
Biz

Passions, Perspectives and Prescriptions, pt. 2: Perspectives

2009-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Perspectives is a word used to describe the way one sees and lives life! For instance, if ten of us standing in the middle of a field were asked to describe what we see, we would no doubt offer 10 different perspectives of what is seen. Now these perspectives probably would not be vastly different, but they would reflect several things that would cause us to see a difference. For instance, where we are standing, where we are looking, how well we can see, even how we are feeling would all impact our perspective and cause us to describe the same thing in several different ways, or from several different perspectives.

Now, take the same idea and think about the local congregation and/or community. Everyone in that congregation and community brings with them a different perspective - everyone. From the single mom who barely has time for herself, to the retired elderly couple looking for someone to work with or some way to make a difference, we all bring with us a different perspective that 'colors' how we see and live life!

In the Bible Jesus helps us see that while there are many different perspectives in life, they all fall under two larger perspectives. One is the perspective of someone who belongs to Christ - the perspective of a disciple. The other is a perspective of someone who does not belong to Christ - of one who is far, far from the Lord.

The basic difference in these two types of perspectives is what Christ calls our 'treasures.' In Matthew 6:21 he says, 'For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' In other words, our hearts - our perspectives, our attitudes, beliefs and behavior follow and pursue our treasures in this life. A life that treasures self or the individual will have a 'self - centered' perspective. A life that treasures money will have a 'get rich' at all cost perspective - or my identity is found in my possessions. Conversely, a life that treasures Christ and Him alone will have the perspective or pursue the perspective of a 'disciples,' a follower of Christ.

What is your heart chasing today or who are you treasuring? Do you treasure, pursue and constantly seek Christ like you life depends upon His presence? Or, do you seek self, spouse, affirmation, money, (insert your own word here), etc.? This weekend we will be encouraged to pursue and treasure Christ above all else - you know I can honestly tell you that when we reach this point in our life - the point of a reckless pursuit of Jesus, then and only then do we truly begin to life - everything else is just killing time. Decide to live today and join us on our Journey this weekend as we become Fully Engaged in our Walk with Christ!

Fully Engaged!
Biz

Passions, Perspectives and Prescriptions for the Glory of God

2009-10-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

My mind has been spinning around way too much these days (probably due to the fact that I have contracted sinusitis and am out of commission for a day or so). The primary thoughts that are driving me are in relationship to Passions that move God's people, Perspectives that have shaped God's people and Prescriptions from His Word that should form God's people - for His Glory in this world!

So, today I want to begin a discussion about the Passions that drive us as God's people, particularly the passions that drive a local congregation and its leadership. I believe the everyone, all of us, has a God given passion to be lived out in this life that we must discover to be fruitful in ministry and effective in life. You don't have to look far into the Word to see that God has created us and knows us intimately and that He has created us for good works in this world. The question I believe we all have to answer is what are those good works and how are they lived out within the context of the local church and the communities in which God has placed the local church!

Further, I fully believe that each local church will have a different set of Passions based upon several things, but primarily upon the perspective of the community and the prescriptions of God's Word. In my own ministry I have found that my passion begins around the concept that God's people must experience the richness of His Word on a daily basis and the challenge of living out that richness in life and ministry. As I look back over my ministry these days I understand that my heart conviction or passion is that those who sit under me are encouraged, challenged, equipped and empowered to 'live out' the richness of God in their life in a way that makes a difference - a significant difference in the relationships that Christ has given them. I have variously referred to this as 'incarnational' living or more commonly as connecting what happens on Sunday to life change on Monday.

I get excited when one of my church members calls, emails, texts, twitters (pick your poison) me with a testimony about how God is moving in their life, community, work, school, etc. I am deeply moved when I hear about our own folks who are living out the great commission and striving toward the great commandment and then seeing the blessing of God over both. So, I have learned that I have a passion in this area - the area of God's people living out His reality in their life in such a way as others notice and those who don't know Him begin to open up and receive His gift of salvation - that's is it - that is what life is all about. I love this when I see it in my home as well - when my wife lives out her passion through her gifts and when my kids notice things around them that aren't quite right (like brokenness, pain, suffering, poverty) and then ask, 'dad, what do we do about this as Christians.' That is Awesome!

On my white board in my office I have a list of four qualities that I look for in people that have really caught the heart of my ministry and how God has called me to conduct ministry. The first of those qualities is this: A Westside Community Church Disciple is a person who is ACTIVE and ENGAGED in 'market - place' ministry - they are living out the Great Commission and Great Commandment and taking their faith into Christ's world! I look for this, I long for this and I, quite frankly gauge the entire effectiveness of my ministry around this passion that drives me!

Now to some questions that follow: First, if you are not a 'westsider' and you are reading this blog, I want to ask you if you even know the Passions that drive your Senior Pastor and the Senior Leadership in your church. If not, take your pastor out for a cup of coffee and ask the question: 'what is it that drives you, your life and ministry.' Now, if you are a westsider let me ask you a question: do you see ministry that is being conducted from this passion? Can you see the mark of this passion in our ministries and are you, as a result of being discipled in this ministry, closer to this reality today than you were before you got here? If not, why? What can I do as your pastor and what can we do as your church to move you down the road that Christ has already laid out for you?

One step I want you to take is to get more involved in the life of Westside! This week we embark on new journey together. A journey of becoming Fully Engaged! We begin by looking at how we can be Fully Engaged with our Friends and Family. Then we will move to being Fully Engaged in our Walk with Christ, we will then wrap it all up with How we can be Fully Engaged in our Communities! Our new journey also begins with Pierre and Mikelann this weekend - what a blessing it is to have them on board. I am excited about getting to know not only them, but also the passions that drive them in life and ministry for as we experience their own passions for Christ and His Kingdom, I believe we might move closer to our own God given passions - wouldn't that be awesome - that you and I will grow closer to Christ because of their presence with us and their leadership journey in our midst at this time in the life of this great congregations!!!!

So, there you go for my 'Passions' Blog - next one will be perspectives that have formed us - that should be a fun one, because they are certainly varied and vast! Come Sunday - it's time, Westside, to get Fully Engaged and to beging that Engagement with discovering your God given Passion!

Fully Engaged, October 09!
Biz

Partnerships, Passions and Kingdom Priorities

2009-10-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

I read an article this week in the Orlando Sentinel about a local food bank/outreach ministry that was going to have to close its doors due to the lack of funding it has received during this recession. In fact the close was imminent until a 'sister' ministry (which happens to be from Vero Beach) stepped in and formed a partnership that brought together similar Passions for Kingdom Priorities! In the article both ministries spoke of their excitment in joining forces together to do God's work in the Orlando area. They spoke of the obstacles that have come their way as opportunities for a new thing and a fresh approach to partnering together in ministry - an approach they would not have been able to (or willing) had it not been for the current circumstances which made moving forward impossible apart from joining forces, apart from forming a partnership around their similar passions for the priorities of God's Kingd0m.

While our situations are somewhat different, we are seeing a similar thing occur in our churches these days. While some churches are closing their doors, ministry is continuing at an even greater pace as ministers join together to form partnerships around like passions for Kingdom priorities! This morning we at WCC welcomed Pierre Bourque and Mikelann Renwick as new partners in ministry. It is uncanny to me how the Lord has opened this door of ministry together and brought to us two individual's who have a passion for the minsitry areas the Lord has been leading us to address for months - two areas I have been asking us all to pray for as well over these past couple of months. While I could never have 'scripted' this approach I am humbled to follow Christ and excited about leading us, His church, into this new phase of ministry life where we too are learning the value and experiencing the excitement of forming partnerships around like passions for Kingdom Priorities. God is moving and when God moves it means that if we are going to follow Him we have to leave where we are!

My question for each of us is how will we respond to this movement of God's Spirit in our midst? What will be our place here and how will Christ use us in the minsitry He is seeking to accomplish in our communities! The first step is to seek the Lord and trust the leadership that He has placed in our midst! If this is something he is doing than it will be like an unstoppable force in our community and will quickly become apparent to all! The second step is to continue to build relationships - stay connected to Christ, each other and the communities to which we have been called. I truly believe that when you get to know the hearts of Pierre and Mikelann and when you see their love for the Lord up close, you will find yourself saying, 'thank you Lord!'

One way you can get to know Pierre, Mikelann and their families is by joining us on October 18th right after our second service for a 'Carolina Chicken and Sticky Rice' meal (this is a homespun recipe that belongs to my dad - I am excited to share this with you). This meal will serve as a 'Lunch on the lawn' and will be a time of fellowship specifically designed for you to get to know them better and the minsitry passions and priorites they hold dear!

All Involved, All Accountable!
Biz

New Sermon Series to help us Engage at Core Levels of Life - Begins this Weekend!

2009-09-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

I read an article this week that made me pause and think for a moment about the world we live in and the direction we are heading in as a country. The article spoke of the 'newly' established day of blasphemy which is coming up on September 30th of this year (just a couple of days from now). Yes, you heard me right. There is a group of people out there who want to have a contest to see just how badly they can blaspheme the name of God and, particularly Christ. So, they have gone public with this contest and expect it to be a great time of freedom of expression to 'expose' the hypocrisy of religion.

Now, before I got too upset about this whole thing, the author of the article reminded me that Christianity is not a religion of 'honor' and therefor we do not need to, as Christians, defend the good name of God or His honor. In fact, truth be told, one day He will defend Himself. What is or should be our course of action? To humbly take the way of the cross and endure suffering and shame in the same way that He did, so that people might see His love shining in and through us and respond to His grace!

As a church we have a unique opportunity in our community to respond to the discouragement of our time and 'reengage' in a Gospel living and lifestyle that opens up the door for conversations about Christ rather than creates walls that put up barriers between us and a world in desperate need of the love of Christ.

So, toward that end we are going to launch a new set of Sermon Series for the month of October called, 'Fully Engaged' the Power of a Committed life! We will deal with several topics that I believe will help each of us become more engaged than ever before and will help us live our lives to the fullest for Christ. This weekend I will kick us off by talking about being Fully Engaged in our Walk with the Lord. This is a great place to start for you and me! So, if you are feeling discouraged or disengaged then join us for the next four weeks as we seek to Fully Engage together and walk with Him into our communities!

I will also have the privilege to officially introduce Pierre Bourque and Mikelann Renwick to the congregation. These two folks are gifted servants and leaders in the Kingdom of God and will help us grow closer to Him as we Fully Engage in Worship and Outreach in the coming weeks and months. I am very, very excited about how the Lord is going to build us up, send us out and bring us others through their service with us! Please come out and take some time to get to know them and their wonderful families as we begin this new journey together!

All Involved, All Accountable!
Biz

Congregational Care Team On the Way to WCC!

2009-09-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

For several months now I have been speaking with you about the need to establish a congregational care team here at Westside Community Church. Over the past years our church has faced many needs and handled them well, but as we continue to grow and see new families come into our midst it gets more and more difficult to keep up with the increasing need of caring for one another and building each other up.

As your pastor I simply cannot make all the visits to hospitals or homes that need to be made. But we as a congregation can and this is a great way to explore your ministry gifted-ness, calling and commitments! In order to help us effectively meet this need of caring for one another as a congregation, Pastor Rick Keaton is going to begin recruiting, training and leading a team of individuals who can carry the load of ministry in this area and share the love of Christ with our hurting, home bound, infirm and folks in need or a moment of crisis! I want to ask you to consider joining this team and becoming a part of this great ministry. I promise you that it will change your life. Whenever we give ourselves away for the cause of Christ we cannot help but be changed.

The really cool part about ministry is that as you connect with your life mission through ministry and you experience life change that only service to Christ can bring, then you will notice others gravitating toward you! You will literally be like a 'magnet' for the Lord! They will see the change and want to know more about it and the Lord will only increase your own ministry, growth and outreach to those around you that you have probably been praying about for years! Yes, Christ can use you! Yes, Christ wants to use YOU! He just needs a willing person - one who will turn the 'reigns' of life over to Him and say, 'here I am, dear Lord, just use me.' Won't you join Him actively today as He seeks to equip, empower and encourage you for the Life He has in store and the future He has already crafted just for you?

Over these past months I have been in prayer about the vision and purpose of this ministry and here is what the Lord has given me. Take a moment and explore it, you may find that this ministry effort is indeed your fit!

The Purpose of Westside Community Church's Congregational Care team is to
Engage our hurting, home bound, in firm and hospitalized with the love of God;
Equip them with the presence of Christ in their time of need;
Enlist others to join us in this cause and to increase our care and love for each other and others.

All Involved, All Acccountable!
Pastor Biz

All Involved Continues

2009-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

All Involved, All Accountable - four words (really three) that I have been repeating in my head again and again this past week. I am asking the Lord for ways I can continue to encourage this congregation, His church, how we might become All Involved and All Accountable and I have also asked that He provide blessing to our people in the way of financial, spiritual, relational and emotional peace in our lives. Already I am hearing testimonies of how God's provision is coming our way at this time!

I know that the key way peace of this type is provided is through our 'connections' with Him and each other. There are several ways we as a church attempt to make this happen on a regular basis. One way is, of course our small groups - which are beginning the next two weeks! Another way is how we care for each other as a congregation. This is seen in how our love for one another is expressed through visits, gifts, encouragement, time spent, etc. And yet a third way is how we love strangers and how we get involved in ministry - I mean in ministry in a way that connects us to God's mission for our life. Pastor Amy (our children's pastor) calls this our M@M around here (next time you eat one of those chocolaty candies think about your mission).

In order for us to be effective in these three areas, though it requires leadership. So many people have stepped up recently in our youth ministry, children's ministry and worship ministry (among others). So many are reaching out like never before. I am so thankful for the volunteers who have made a renewed dedication to this ministry and I am excited about the fruit we will and ARE already seeing. Another who has stepped up is one of our elders, Rick Keaton. Rick has volunteered to help lead our small groups and our congregational care ministries. Rick's goal is to get you equipped and enlisted in these areas so that you might be connected to God's goal for your life. So, over the next few weeks you will begin to see us put some 'teeth' to some of the ministries we have been talking about and praying for these past weeks and months.

Our next step for you is to encourage you to speak with Rick about how you believe the Lord is leading you and then for you to get involved as Rick works with you to put you in the perfect 'fit' for ministry and life! Okay, okay, it may not be a perfect fit, but I hope and pray that as you take your next steps in ministry and life you will allow us to encourage, guide and at times even direct you toward what and where that might be. We have so much to do and I know that we will need everyone pouring in together if we are to get it done!

I am excited and enthused about what is next for us. I hope and pray that you are too! Please remember we are also recruiting our Bridges/Mentors for the new year - this would be a great first step for many of you . . . jump in with us, jump in now!

All Involved, All Accountable!

Pastor Biz

P.S. Don't forget, our new Welcome Class is coming up on the 13th and we have Baptism scheduled for the 20th. Maybe you have already participated in both, but know someone who hasn't - sign them up today!

Fall Focus - All Involved, All Accountable

2009-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

In the book of Acts we find a young church fully committed to Christ and each other! What if this young church served as the model for you and me for the way we do life together now? Well, this fall, we are going to give it a try as God calls us ALL to become more involved and more accountable than ever before!

For the month of August I have asked each of you to be in prayer for how God might call you to Fearlessly Give to Him this Fall! We have a great oppportunity ahead as well as a great challenge before us! I have listed out and verbally addressed several of our focuses in the coming months and have specifically asked for both your prayers as well as your input! I have heard from many of you and I thank you for that and continue to ask for your prayer coverage as well!

On Sunday, August 30 we are going to launch this fall focus with a Call to All. This Call to All will be a call to commitment as a church. I have had a chance to reveiw our needs and opportunites, and I want to take a moment now to concretely present both of them to you.

First our needs: We have facility needs that must be addressed ... soon. Our primary and first goal is to meet the need of putting a new roof on our sanctuary. If we have to hire this out, our costs will run between $20k and $25k. If we can do it ourselves, we cut that cost in half. We also have some crucial sound and audio needs in the sanctuary as well as key storage and space needs to meet the growing demands of ministry.

Now for our opportunity: As we meet the needs we also have an opportunity to expand our minsitries as we look toward adding staff. My primary goal is to address worship/creative arts and outreach/easy steps (connections) that will help us grow deeper and wider as a church body. God is moving in some key ways and I am excited about what might be in our near future! Another opportunity is to provide a bucket of funds for our Benevolence Ministry that we would have to carry into 2010. As you know the economy continues to slump a bit and I want us to be as prepared as possible to live out the all involved and all accountable focus together!

Now for the challenge: In order to meet our financial goals we will need a couple of things. First of all, if we can hit our weekly budget goal then we will be well on our way toward meeting both the needs and opportunities. As I look at our finances we will certainly need to hit around $7300 per week in order to really advance these goals. Secondly, we will also need to have some larger contributions through the course of the fall.

So, here is what it will take. First, a renewed commitment to our tithe on a week-in and week-out basis. Next, we will need many of us (myself included) to be in prayer about what we can give above and beyond our tithe to get us to the figure of $1,000.00 per week for the ten week focus. The Lord may lead some of us to contribute a sum in the thousands of dollars. For others of us, he may call us to a smaller amount of $500. And yet to others it may be $100, $20, or $50 - who knows? What I do know is that God will lead us, if we will listen. It may mean advoiding eating out once or twice during these next few months or some other sacrifice that will help us get where God is calling us.

One thing is for sure - on August 30 we will launch our All Involved, All Accountable focus and my prayer is that it will truly, truly be a case of More than Before! On Sunday, November 15th we will wrap up our All Involved . . . All Accountable focus with an awesome morning of celebration during our worship services. Be praying now how you might be 'Involved and Accountable' this fall!

All Involved, All Accountable!

Pastor Biz

Connections happen in Small Groups!

2009-08-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ever feel disconnected in life, like the world is going on all around you and though you are there you are somehow not a part of it? Somewhat like being on the outside looking in? I know that many of us in life feel that way from time to time - and it can even happen in the church. You just show up one Sunday after the next for weeks or even years only to feel like you are just watching life, worship, ministry happen all around you but you are not 'connected' to any of it.

If you have felt that way, or if you do now, then let me encourage you to begin exploring the small groups WCC will be offering this Fall! Small groups offer a great way and really the best way for you to get 'connected' and get plugged in at a whole new level. They give you a chance, week in and week out, to connect to God and others as you ready His Word and apply it to your daily life! And I am just crazy enough to believe that if you get connected in that way, you will also get connected to God's mission for your life and ministry. Then one day you will realize that you are no longer just watching life pass you by, but that you are living it at a whole new level - a level the is truly 'beyond belief.' Let me whet your appetite for what is coming - here are the small group opportunities that you will have this fall - show up on Sunday and contact the church office for more information - but here are some highlights!

Mixed Groups: * A Study in the Book of Hebrews * The Bilbe in 90 Days * Just Walk Across the Room * The Lord's Table (Our mixed groups are open to all of us and specifically geared toward the believer who is looking to grow in his/her relationship to Christ and each other. Whether single, married, young, or old these groups are for you)

Men’s Studies * Growing Closer to Christ * Monday Night Men’s Groups * Freedom In Christ for Men

Women’s Studies * Freedom in Christ for women * Falling In Love with Jesus * Friday Morning Women of Faith

Couple's Studies * The First Five Years of Your Marriage * Crown Ten Week Bible Study (open to singles)

More to Come! More than Before!
Pastor Biz

Prayer is Our Central Ingredient

2009-08-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14

To join together constantly in prayer is the call and commitment of any local church or congregation! As we move forward and Westside into the awesome future that God has for you and for me, I want to call each of us together to pray diligently for this ministry and the expansion of the Kingdom of God in and through us!

As you pray I would ask that you include the following areas in your time with the Lord. These areas are ministry focuses that the Lord has placed on my heart. I would love nothing more than to know that we are praying together in this direction. So take some time and read them below and join me in prayer this month and beyond!

First, keep in prayer the continual development of our 'Find Your Fit' ministry here. This ministry is designed to be a 'culture changing' type of ministry. Basically myself or a leader sits down with our Westside Family Members and seeks the Lord in terms of direction in their life and ministry. These meetings have been great so far, but as we expand the ministry I need your prayers that God will revolutionize this church and we will be known as place that involves people in ministry that connects them to their God given mission in this world!

Secondly, keep in prayer our All involved, All Accountable Focus this fall. We will focus on raising money for our roof, benevolence and other ministry needs we have been unable to resource up to this point. I am very excited about where the Lord is leading me on this and looking forward to our launch date of August 30th. Pray that the Lord will bless us with an outpouring of giving. We are such a generous church already - I am excited about the vision of God building us to be the most generous church in the Orlando area!

Third, pray for our Staff hiring that will be made in these next two months. The two areas I am being lead to address are our Worship and Creative Arts and Easy Steps/Connections Ministry (assimilation). I am working with our state office closely and am very excited about what the Lord may be doing, but here is my prayer - that we will find the person God has already selected for us - join me in that prayer this month!

Finally, continue to life up our current staff and leadership. Pastor Amy has lead us well to the point of launching a preschool and VPK, but there is more to be done. Pray for her strength and endurance. Also lift up our Youth Team as they transition to the future of youth ministry here at WCC! Whew - God is on the move! Pray with me for His Presence to continue to lead and direct us - to draw us closer to HIM!

Pastor Biz

Westside Youth Ministry Moves Forward!!

2009-08-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about the direction our youth ministry is taking and how the team that Pastor Josh developed while here and other new comers are stepping up to lead our youth ministry into the future. They are having some great meetings and I am planning a time to meet with two of our key youth leaders, Michael Pearce and Aaron Bergesen on a weekly basis. I do want to update you on the direction God is calling us to and the development of a new team of Parents to assist our youth staff as they minister Christ to our young people. We have listed out our overarching goals in accordance with the purpose of Westside Community Church. I ask that you pray fervently for these goals as you spend time with our Lord on a day by day basis.

Purpose of Youth at WCC
God has called us to Engage Teenagers with the Gospel of Christ, Equip Teenagers to grow in their relationship with Christ and Enlist Teenagers to go out and transform their family and friends with Gospel of Christ (sound familiar?)! The team has many ideas of how we can accomplish God's purpose for His youth ministry here in Apopka, but below are the 'key' ingredients or the 'core strategies' that we will focus on!

Engage teens with the Gospel will look something like the following:
Our youth staff will Develop a highly interactive and participative mid week gathering opportunity for teens in grades 6 – 12. This would include group games, interactive group activities, skits, music, drama, video, small groups and a Bible lesson. Secondly, we will also Develop a group of adults who will build significant relationships with our teens that will serve as a bed rock foundation for our kids growth. Thirdly, we hope to Sponsor 1 – 2 convention/retreat experiences for our teens during the year (state youth convention is coming up). And, fourthly, we hope to sponsor monthly age appropriate outings and activities with low cost involved for our 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 grades

Equip Teenagers to grow in Christ will look something like the following:
We will continue to develop our Sunday School Program for both our middle and high school students as we encourage our teens to bring their friends and study God's Word together. We have a great, great staff of youth Sunday school teachers and we hope to recruit, equip and deploy even more! Secondly, we intend to communicate and Practice Spiritual Disciplines/Habits with our teens. Disciplines such as prayer, bible reading, tithing and service are crucial components of Christian living and exciting adventures in life and ministry. Thirdly, we hope to launch periodic small groups (outside of Sunday School) for targeted ages and gender throughout the year

Enlisting Teens will look something like the following:
We would like to develop a ‘mentoring’ program for our older teens to give back to our younger teens. This is a dream of several staff members now and, with the Lord's aid, will become a reality that could literally change the face of our community. Secondly, we will be intentional by giving our teens tools that will equip them to share their faith. And thirdly, we will plan and coordinate quarterly service projects/camps for the ministry within the congregation and our community

A new aspect of parent involvement and opportunity will be the development and oversight of a ‘PIT’ (Parent Involvement Team) Crew (this team will function under the authority of our youth leader(s) and work together with them to be sure our systems and structures can support this thriving ministry

This team will assist in weekly ministry needs of Wednesday night from child care, to sign ins to snacks, food etc. They will also assist in developing fundraiser opportunities for our youth to aid in their expenses for trip. Thirdly, they will assist in communication devices and systems to keep everyone on the same page . Fourthly, they will assist in covering any ‘logistics’ pieces so that the ‘youth staff leaders’ can be freed up to do ministry.

As you can see, we are well on the road to the continuation and expansion of a great youth ministry driven by the purposes God has called this church to achieve. Pray with us and join with us in ministry as God seeks from you and me MORE THAN BEFORE!

Pastor Biz

What in the World Does a Senior Pastor Do?

2009-07-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it is that a Senior Pastor does and how he spends his time week in and week out? Of course you have - even my kids ask me, 'dad, what do you do at the church all the time?' As I have considered and prayed about the transitions we are going through right now at WCC I have thought much on how I spend my time as your Senior Pastor and how I can most effectivley use my time in order to lead you to Christ and His purpose and vision for your life and this ministry.

During my thoughts and prayers God has lead me to two great Scriptures that pretty much form my approach to Pastoral Leadership. They are Ephesians 4:11 - 13 and Exodus 18:15 - 27. Ephesians gives me the overview of my role as one who 'equips' the saints (that's you) for God's work in this world. The primary tools I have for equipping God's people are the Word, Prayer and the Holy Spirit. These three form the very foundation for all that I do and really all that I am. I often tell our staff and leadership teams, 'if you are doing the ministry, then you are behaving un biblically, because we are called to 'equip' God's people for the Kingdom work in this world - not to do it for them.' I constantly encourage our leaders to help our teams and congregation understand that 'all ministry is mission' or as one of our own Westsider's has told me, 'all ministry is honorable.' So, there is the big picture of my role here - equip you to follow Christ and His calling/purpose and vision on your life and this church.

Exodus gives me some very practical ways I can be about doing this and really provided a great framework for how I spend my time week in and week out.

I must Pray on behalf of the congregation, individually and corporately.
I must Teach God's Word and encourage us as disciples to pursue godly living and to follow Him on mission in this world. This means that my teaching should guide us to fulfill His vision in our lives and congregation.
I must Select and Recruit Godly Leadership over the ministry areas of this congregatio
I must Equip the Leadership and Deploy them into the ministries they oversee and hold them accountable to the vision and purposes of WCC!

These four areas constitute the bulk of my time spent as the Senior Pastor of this great congregation. Over these next few weeks my own focus will be on selecting capable leadership to lead our Youth Ministry, our Easy Steps Ministries (outreach/connections) and our Small Group Ministries. As I do this I am going to be encouraging this church to actively pursue raising funds to build our roof.

The main hire God is leading me to pursue in the near future will be one in the area of worship and creative arts for our congregation. I invite your input but also your prayers as I seek God's direction and work with our elders and leadership to fulfill the biblical role God calls us to fulfill and to pursue His vision for this ministry!

More Than Before!
Pastor Biz

No Worries, Just Witness!

2009-07-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

We always want to know more than we need to know while at the same time failing to recognize what has already been laid before us! This is common to us and really always has been. During His last days on the earth Jesus’ disciples asked Him when He was going to ‘restore the kingdom.’ They seriously wanted to know when the final question would finally be answered. When could they expect Christ to establish Himself, and derivatively them, as the rulers of all humankind? They basically sought relief, more than power. They simply wanted their anxiety alleviated and their century’s long search to come to an end. Of course, as always, Jesus’ answer gave them all they would need for centuries to come while pointing out a miserable problem in their perspective. This is what He said:

“It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and even to the remotest parts of the earth, Acts 1:7 – 8.”

In many ways their question is understandable and even expected. After all, our Lord had recently risen from the dead (no small feat to say the least). They no doubt remember all the words He spoke before His resurrection that directly indicated His Kingdom fulfillment. In many ways they are simply caught in really what could be called the greatest ‘transition’ in the history of human kind. As such, they are excited, nervous, confused, concerned, seeking answers and asking the questions that you and I would have asked then and, to be honest, ask even today in the midst of transitions!

Today our questions go more like this: ‘God, what are you up to?’ Or, "Lord, did you really mean this?" Or, "Would you just finally answer my prayer – you know the one I have been asking for years – the answer I have been seeking most of my adult life?" Or - closer to what we are experiencing here at Westside - it might be more like this. ‘Lord, what are you up to right now?’ ‘What are we going to do about our youth or our worship or our discipleship or our small groups or our assimilation or our . . . ?’ The list could go on and on and even I have found myself voicing some of those concerns and questions in these past weeks and months.

I think that is why the Lord has lead me to this Scripture and the series of Scriptures that will follow. In fact He want you and I to know that there are some things that only God knows the answer to and really we should not concern ourselves with. In fact, He does not even spend time trying to make us feel better about the situation, rather He reminds us of our vision and purpose!

As we go through yet another transition here, I am looking for a renewed commitment to the vision and purpose of this ministry. There are things that we do not need to know are not important in terms of the mission God has called us to. But the mission is clear - we are called to ‘transform our communities with Jesus’ and our purpose, the way we fulfill this vision is to 'engage unbelievers with the Gospel of Christ, Equip believers to grow closer to Christ and Enlist believers to reach their communities with Christ.'

As I meet with our leadership teams and focus in on some of the areas that we need to address I want you to know that we are not 'feeling' our way here nor are we 'wondering what to do next.' God's vision is clear for us and we will continue to pursue it here through this ministry.

I ask that you take some time this week and decide what piece of the vision God is calling you to 'own.' As you ask Him this question, He will lead you to 'step up' and become more involved!

Over the next few weeks I will be updating this blog on a weekly basis and informing you of the direction I am taking here and ask for your prayer and input into that direction. God is not done with us yet and, in fact I believe our best days are still yet to come! As you read my blogs, please, please respond and let me know your thoughts and how you might come alongside of this great ministry God has called us to lead!

More Than Before!

Pastor Biz