The ROC Flock

The Skinny on Fasting

2012-02-15T12:16:00.001-08:00

A funny video on how we often misunderstand the practice of fasting.

Spiritual Disciplines Series

2012-02-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

We are currently in a series on Spiritual Disciplines. After an interesting discussion in my accountability group and in our prayer gathering yesterday, God used this quote in my devotional reading today to speak to my heart. I thought I would share it with you:

"True holiness is a witness that cannot be ignored. Real sainthood is a phenomenon to which even the worldling pays tribute. The power of a life, where Christ is exalted, would arrest and subdue those who are bored to tears by our thin version of Christianity and wholly uninterested in mere churchmanship.

We have talked much of salvation by faith, but there has been little realization that all real faith involves discipline. Faith is not a blithe 'turning it all over to Jesus.' Faith is such confidence in Jesus that it takes seriously His summons, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.'

We have loudly proclaimed our dependence upon the grace of God, never guessing that the grace of God is given only to those who practice the grace of self-mastery. 'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for God is at work in you both to will and to work His good pleasure.' People working out, God working in - that is the New Testament synthesis.

Humans, working out their salvation alone, are a pathetic spectacle - hopelessly defeated moralists trying to elevate themselves by their own bootstraps.

God, seeking to work in a person who offers no disciplined cooperation, is a heartbreaking spectacle - a defeated Savior trying to free, from sins and earthiness, a person who will not lift his or her face out of the dust, or shake off the shackles of the egocentric self.

Real discipline is not vain effort to save one's self. It is an intelligent application to the self of those psychological principles which enable the self to enter into life-giving fellowship with God who is our salvation.

In all Christian literature there is no writer who had a clearer conviction concerning the salvation provided only in Christ than has Paul. His self-despair ended in that marvelous, ageless insight, 'I thank God, through Jesus Christ my Lord.' 'I know whom I have believed,' he cried in an ecstasy of confident gladness, 'and am persuaded that he is able.' Paul was a salvationist, in the noblest sense.

But Paul was also a disciplinarian. 'I beat my body to keep it in subjection.' 'They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts.' 'So fight I, not as one who beateth the air.' 'Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth.' 'Laying aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us.' 'No man that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.' These are not the words of a man who scorned discipline!

One might multiply such statements as these from Paul - all of them the almost spontaneous evidence of the disciplines which he, trusting in Christ, imposed upon himself in his eager effort to give Christ that co-operation without which not even Christ can save a soul and make a saint.

We must recover for ourselves the significance and the necessity of the spiritual disciplines. Without them we shall continue to be impotent witnesses for Christ. Without them Christ will be impotent in His efforts to use us to save our society from disintegration and death."

~ From Discipline and Discovery by Albert Edward Day

We are in training! May we discover the significance of these spiritual practices so that we might put our lives in the flow of God's presence.

Practicing Presence

2012-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some simple words of encouragement as we learn to practice the Presence together!

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." ~ John 17:20-21

“Think of the number of people who have been encouraged in this way by the simple writings and profound life of Brother Lawrence. How vastly enriched we are that he was finally persuaded, almost against his will, to write down how he had learned The Practice of the Presence of God. His famous words still throb with life and joy. ‘The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.’ Every thought, every decision, every action stemmed from the divine Root. A simple kitchen monk, who meekly referred to himself as the ‘lord of all pots and pans,’fount it to be possible. We can too!

But we fool ourselves if we think that such a sacramental way of living is automatic. This kind of living communion does not just fall on our heads. We must desire it and seek it out. Like the deer that pants for the flowing stream, so we thirst for the living Spring. We must order our lives in particular ways. We must take up a consciously chosen course of action that will draw us more deeply into perpetual communion with the Father.

I have discovered one delightful means to this end to be prayer experiments that open us to God’s presence every waking moment. The idea is extraordinarily simple. Seek to discover as many ways as possible to keep God constantly in mind. ‘There is nothing new in that,’ you may say. ‘That practice is very ancient and very orthodox.’ Exactly! This desire to practice the presence of God is the secret of all the saints.” ~ From Freedom of Simplicity by Richard J. Foster

There’s not a plant or flower below, But makes thy glories known;
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, By order from thy throne,
While all that borrows life from thee is ever in thy care,
And everywhere that man can be, Thou, God, art present there.
~ Isaac Watts

Fasting - A Spiritual Discipline

2012-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

ROC Flock,

I made an appeal in this morning's message that you would join me in the discipline of fasting. At least one person, after the service, came and asked for some instruction on the Christian perspective of fasting. I thought I would send an excerpt from one of the best books out there on spiritual disciplines called Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. Another good resource is Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson.

One word of caution. If you have any health issues that you feel may interfere with the practice of a food fast, please consult your doctor before you embark on that kind of a fast. Abstaining from food is the most biblical way to participate in a fast, but if that is not a possibility for you there are other ways to deny yourself something for the sake of growing in Christ. I would suggest finding something that you have become attached to: coffee, soda, t.v., sweets, etc. and abstain from that for a period of time.

"Fasting can bring breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that could never be had in any other way." - Richard Foster

THE DISCIPLINE OF FASTING
Excerpts from Celebration of Discipline

By Richard Foster

What is Fasting?
Throughout Scripture, fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. It stands in contrast to the hunger strike, or for health reasons such as dieting. Biblical fasting always centers on spiritual purposes.

Scripture Describes Different Types of Fasts
The Normal Fast This involved abstaining from all food, solid or liquid, but not from water. In the forty-day fast of Jesus, we are told that “He ate nothing” and toward the end of the fast that “He was hungry” and that Satan tempted Him to eat, indicating that the abstaining was from food, but not from water. (Luke 4:2)

The Partial Fast The Bible describes what could be considered a partial fast: that is, there is a restriction of diet, but not total abstention. Although the normal fast seemed to be the custom with the prophet Daniel, there was an occasion where for three weeks he “ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” (Daniel 10:3)

The Absolute Fast There are several examples in Scripture of what has rightly been called an “absolute fast”, or an abstaining from both food and water. It usually appears as a desperate measure to meet a dire emergency. Upon learning that execution awaited herself and her people, Esther instructed Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) Paul engaged in a three-day absolute fast following his encounter with the living Christ. (Acts 9:9) It must be underscored that the absolute fast is the exception and should never be engaged in unless one has a very clear command from God, and then for not more than three days.

Is Fasting a Commandment?
Nowhere in Scripture do we find Biblical laws that require regular fasting, nor do we find a direct command to fast. What we do find are examples of many Biblical personages to whom fasting was a regular part of their lives: Moses, the lawgiver; David, the king; Elijah, the prophet; Esther, the queen; Daniel, the seer; Anna, the prophetess; Paul, the apostle; and Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son.

Many of the great Christians throughout church history fasted and testified to its value. Among them were: Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, David Brainerd, Charles Finney and Pastor Hsi of China.

Jesus gives instruction on fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. He states: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.” (Matthew 6:16) Jesus did not say “If you fast”, neither did He say “You must fast.” He seemed to make the assumption that people would fast, and what was needed was instruction on how to do it properly.

The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting must center on God. It should draw us closer to God, where we will experience a deeper relationship with Him. Like Anna, in Luke 2:37, we should be “worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” Fasting reveals the things that control us. We tend to cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface. If pride controls us, it will be revealed almost immediately. David said, “I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.” (Psalm 35:13)

Anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear - if they are within us, they will surface during fasting. At first we will rationalize that our anger, for example, is due to our hunger. We will then discover that we are angry not because of hunger, but because the spirit of anger is within us. We can rejoice in this knowledge because we know that healing is available through the power of Christ.

Fasting helps us keep our balance in life. How easily we begin to allow nonessentials to take precedence in our lives. How quickly we crave things we do not need until we are enslaved by them. Paul wrote, “Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.” (I Cor. 6:12) “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (I Cor. 9:27) David wrote, “My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt.” (Psalm 109:24) That is not asceticism; it is discipline - and discipline brings freedom.

How to Have a Spiritual Fast
Purify your motives. The purpose of a spiritual fast is to focus upon and worship God, not to lose weight, go on a hunger strike, save money on food, etc. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18

Begin with a partial fast. It is wise to learn to walk well before we try to run. Many people find that beginning with a twenty-four hour fast from lunch to lunch works well. This would mean that you would not eat two meals. Fresh fruit juices are excellent to consume during this time. You may be fascinated with the physical aspects, but the most important thing to monitor is the inner attitude of worship. Outwardly you will be performing the regular duties of your day, but inwardly you will be in prayer and adoration, song and ministry to the Lord. Break your fast with a light meal of fresh fruits and vegetables and a good deal of inner rejoicing.

Progress to a twenty-four hour normal fast. Use only water, but use healthy amounts of it. You will probably feel some hunger pains or discomfort before the time is up. That is not real hunger; your stomach has been trained through years of conditioning to give signals of hunger at certain hours. In many ways your stomach is like a spoiled child, and spoiled children do not need indulgence, they need discipline! Tell your “spoiled child" to calm down and in a brief time the hunger pains will pass. You are to be the master of your stomach, not its slave.

Fasting can have a powerful impact on your spiritual life. Consider a regular discipline of fasting one day a week for six months. Regular or weekly fasting had such a profound effect in the lives of early church leaders that some sought to find a Biblical command for it. John Wesley refused to ordain anyone who did not fast every Wednesday and Friday.

Join me in this powerful spiritual discipline and let's get desperate for more of Him together.

Blessings

Pastor Richard

Blessed are the un-cool

2012-01-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is a blog from Rachel Held Evans that several friends recently shared. I think she makes some wonderful points about the church today. I hope that she would find the ROC Flock to be a church for the cool and un-cool alike. More importantly I pray that Jesus would feel right at home in our midst.

People sometimes assume that because I’m a progressive 30-year-old who enjoys Mumford and Sons and has no children, I must want a super-hip church—you know, the kind that’s called “Thrive” or “Be” and which boasts “an awesome worship experience,” a fair-trade coffee bar, its own iPhone app, and a pastor who looks like a Jonas Brother.

While none of these features are inherently wrong, (and can of course be used by good people to do good things), these days I find myself longing for a church with a cool factor of about 0.

That’s right.

I want a church that includes fussy kids, old liturgy, bad sound, weird congregants, and…brace yourself…painfully amateur “special music” now and then.

Why?

Well, for one thing, when the gospel story is accompanied by a fog machine and light show, I always get this creeped-out feeling like someone’s trying to sell me something. It’s as though we’re all compensating for the fact that Christianity’s not good enough to stand on its own so we’re adding snacks.

But more importantly, I want to be part of an un-cool church because I want to be part of a community that shares the reputation of Jesus, and like it or not, Jesus’ favorite people in the world were not cool. They were mostly sinners, misfits, outcasts, weirdos, poor people, sick people, and crazy people.

Cool congregations can get so wrapped up in the “performance” of church that they forget to actually be the church, a phenomenon painfully illustrated by the story of the child with cerebral palsy who was escorted from the Easter service at Elevation Church for being a “distraction.”

Really?

It seems to me that this congregation was distracted long before this little boy showed up! In their self-proclaimed quest for “an explosive, phenomenal movement of God—something you have to see to believe,” they missed Jesus when he was right under their nose.

Was the paralytic man lowered from the rooftop in the middle of a sermon a distraction?

Was the Canaanite woman who harassed Jesus and his disciples about healing her daughter a distraction?

Were the blind men from Jericho who annoyed the crowd with their relentless cries a distraction?

Jesus didn’t think so. In fact, he seemed to think that they were the point.

Jesus taught us that when we throw a banquet or a party, our invitation list should include “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” So why do our church marketing teams target the young, the hip, the healthy, and the resourced?

In Bossypants (a book you should really go out and buy this very instant), Tina Fey describes working for the YMCA in Chicago soon after graduating from college. This particular YMCA included, “a great mix of high-end yuppie fitness facility, a wonderful community resource for families, and an old-school residence for disenfranchised men,” so Fey shares a host of funny stories about working the front desk. One such story involves one of the residents forgetting to take his meds, bumping into a young mom on her way to a workout session, and saying something wildly inappropriate (and very funny—you should definitely go out and get this book). Fey writes, “The young mother was beside herself. That’s the kind of trouble you get when diverse groups of people actually cross paths with one another. That’s why many of the worst things in the world happen in and around Starbucks bathrooms.”

Church can be a lot like the Y...or a Starbucks bathroom.

We have one place for the un-cool people (our ministries) and another place for the cool people (our church services). When we actually bump into one another, things can get awkward, so we try to avoid it.

It’s easy to pick on Elevation Church in this case, but the truth is we’re all guilty of thinking we’re too cool for the least of these. Our elitism shows up when we forbid others from contributing art and music because we deem it unworthy of glorifying God, or when we scoot our family an extra foot or two down the pew when the guy with Aspergers sits down. Having helped start a church, I remember hoping that our hip guests wouldn’t be turned off by our less-than-hip guests. For a second I forgot that in church, of all places, those distinctions should disappear.

Some of us wear our brokenness on the inside, others on the outside.

But we’re all broken.

We’re all un-cool.

We’re all in need of a Savior.

So let’s cut the crap, pull the plug, and have us some distracting church services… the kind where Jesus would fit right in.

***

Do you ever get the feeling that church is just one big show? Have you found a congregation in which Jesus and his friends would be welcome?

Here is the direct link to Rachel's blog: http://rachelheldevans.com/blessed-are-the-uncool

Black Friday World

2011-11-29T13:18:00.001-08:00

Where is peace in a “Black Friday” world? One of the worst examples of our consuming culture was reported by The Daily News. “A shopper who collapsed while shopping at a Target store in West Virginia went almost unnoticed as customers continued to hunt for bargain deals. Walter Vance, a 61-year-old pharmacist, who reportedly suffered from a prior heart condition, later died at the hospital. Witnesses say some shoppers ignored and even walked over the man's body as they continued to shop. Friends and co-workers saddened to learn of his death, expressed outrage over the way he was treated by shoppers.

"Where is the good Samaritan side of people?" one co-worker asked. "How could you not notice someone was in trouble? I just don't understand if people didn't help what their reason was, other than greed because of a sale."

We know that before the compassionate Samaritan showed up to help, others (a couple of preachers in fact, devout religious people) acted in much the same way as these Black Friday shoppers. They were all guided by something other than our God, which is idolatry. But perhaps the real point of connection is how the injured man in Jesus story got into that situation to begin with. Jesus says, “he fell into the hands of robbers.” These robbers “stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.”

Jesus told us that there is one who came to steal, kill and destroy. Our all consuming culture robs us of our humanity to the point that people could step over a dying man, completely ignoring his condition, to save a few hundred dollars on their most coveted items. There is something seriously wrong with this whole scenario. There is something sinister… something evil about the rampant greed and materialism all around us.

Jesus went on to say, “I have come that they may have life – real, full, abundant, eternal life!” In this season we worship a King who was born to peasant parents in simple surroundings. This Messiah was laid in a manger. We call Him King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of peace… Emmanuel – God with us. During this Christmas season, let us not get caught up in the culture of consumerism, which only leads us to consume and use one another. Instead, let us be guided by a star to come and bow before a simple Savior, offering ourselves to Him once more.

Pilgrim Song

2011-11-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

It's not easy to walk in the rain,

And I walk with my eyes to the ground,

And I often ignore the rainbow above,

And the coming of the sun.

When I started on the journey

I was so energetic

And I didn't know

that it would be so slow.

Just a helping hand for neighbors

And a smile to cheer the pilgrims

And the Book to show us

clearly where to go.

But so many fell behind,

some didn't even know

About the journey we could

take towards the sun,

And I find myself bewildered by the needs of those around,

Struggling in the cold rain.

There is beauty on the journey

As the crippled and the poorest

Carry others' burdens too, to my surprise.

And I find we need each other

As we struggle with the darkness

Often spurred by rays of light in clouded skies.

But the spirit of so many dies in all the gloom

And many others starve and fall along the Way,

And I find myself in anger that the strongest will not share,

Deafened to the cries of pain.

There have been times of heavy weather

When I've thought of giving up

And questioned whether anyone has made it through.

But I stake my life on what I know of Jesus and His love

And see the rainbow as my sign that it is true.

And the power that comes from sharing all the power we have,

And the glimpse of peace and justice on the Way

Is enough to make me lift my eyes and take another arm

Strong enough for one more day.

It's not easy to walk in the rain,

And I walk with my eyes to the ground,

And I often ignore the rainbow above,

And the coming of the sun.

~ Ross Langmead

Rebuilding the Altar

2011-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have been reflecting today on that powerful encounter on Mount Carmel. Not a mountain of caramel, that would be something one might find in Willy Wonka’s factory. If you ate a mountain of caramel, you might just look like our youth pastor in this picture. ;) No, I’m thinking of that fateful day when Elijah, the prophet of the one true God, faced down 450 prophets of baal. It is a familiar story for most of us, but if you want to read it again, it can be found in 1 Kings 18.

I have always been fascinated by this episode – what faith, what trust Elijah must have had and what a display of God’s presence and power they all witnessed that day. I wonder what it would have been like to be there and watch it all go down. What it would have been like to hear Elijah taunt the prophets of baal as they cut themselves and called out to their false god. What a moment.

Recently someone pointed out to me that the first thing Elijah did, once the prophets of baal failed, was to call the people together to rebuild the altar of the Lord. The altar was in ruins. The place of sacrifice and prayer to the Lord was in ruins. As a result there was no rain. The land was desolate, barren, and unfruitful.

Elijah rebuilds that altar – the place of sacrifice, the place of prayer – and a fire falls from heaven to consume their offering. God moves in a mighty way. And soon a healing rain begins to fall on their dry and parched land.

One of the primary founders of the Church of the Nazarene once said: A genuine revival will come only by the fire of God from an open heaven, in answer to some soul or souls who dare to rebuild the altar of God and put the wood in order and place upon it a complete sacrifice, and trust God against all odds. ~ P. F. Bresee

May ROC Church come together to rebuild the altar in our community. May we become a place where people offer themselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, in a genuine act of worship. And may we begin to experience the presence, the power, and the healing rain, that only God can bring to our land.

Integrity

2011-10-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

~ Proverbs 10:9

As we explored the life of Joseph and talked about the importance of integrity yesterday, it reminded me of a story I recently heard about a High School basketball coach. After coaching Blue Collar Bulldogs basketball team for 18 years, Coach Cleveland Stroud finally won a state championship game. Stroud recalled that "it was the perfect night" when they won. "A night you dream of." He was carried around the gym on the shoulders of his triumphant players and their proud parents. The local paper put his picture on the front page. But the excitement was short-lived.

Two months after the championship, during a routine grade check, Stroud discovered that one player was academically ineligible. The young man had only played 45 seconds during the regional qualifying tournament. He struggled for a little bit with the decision, but finally reported the error to the league and forfeited their trophy. When the team gathered in the locker room to lament their loss, he told them, “Boys, you’ve got to do what is honest, what is right, and what the rules say. People forget the scores of basketball games, but they don’t ever forget what you are made of. Winning is an important thing for any team, but your principles have to be higher than your goals.”

May we, like Joseph, learn to be people of integrity who honor God by doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. And don’t forget to thank God for the fleas! (If you weren’t there Sunday to hear the message, ignore that last sentence… or better yet, ask someone who was there what that’s all about.)

The Monarch

2011-09-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning – the sixth day. ~ Genesis 1:31

About a week ago, while Sara was getting lunch ready after she brought Ephraim home from preschool, he came running up to her and said, “Look what I found!” That phrase coming from a young boy can often strike fear into the heart of any mother. You never know what you are going to see when they open up their hand. This time, thankfully, it was just a harmless, little caterpillar. Ephraim asked if we could keep it, and so we now have a new pet (like we needed more living things to take care of in our house).

Sara did a little research and found out that it is a Monarch Caterpillar and will soon enter into the process of morphing into a beautiful butterfly. She also found out that it only eats one kind of plant. Guess who got to go trekking all around the neighborhood looking for milkweed? That’s right, your esteemed pastor. For several days I hunted for this elusive plant, not knowing exactly what it looks like, only to find out there are two big vines of it growing right by our front door, with about six other monarch caterpillars crawling all over it.

My loving wife has been studying all about these fascinating creatures so that she can teach Ephraim his first real biology lesson. The truth is that she is way more excited about it than he is. In fact, I think she is a little obsessed with that silly caterpillar.

Last night we had a big scare. It looked like the caterpillar was sick and might not make it. He was throwing up, which I didn’t even know caterpillars could do, and was thrashing about. Sara was so concerned… I think she was about ready for me to bring out the anointing oil and pray for the little guy. She must have said several prayers on her own because he seems to be doing better today.

I have gotten a few chuckles out of this whole incident, I hope you have too, but it has also reminded me how amazing and creative our God is. It is fascinating to think about the transformation process for this one, little creature. And then to think about all the diversity, life, and beauty of this world that God created. Indeed, it is very good! That silly caterpillar has inspired me to say, “How great is our God!”

Sara’s loving care for this creature has me thinking even more about one statement I made in the message yesterday. How we treat the creation reflects how we feel about the Creator. If we think about it, we are all part of His creation. How we treat one another and how we care for creation tells us what we truly think about God. May our actions toward one another and our loving care of His creation become genuine acts of worship toward God.

Empty Worship

2011-09-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

What worship sometimes seems like...

Communion

2011-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is the Body... This is the Blood... broken and poured out for all of us. Gather with us as we continue to learn what it meant to be a sacramental community, broken and poured out for others, this Sunday.

Another Testimony...

2011-08-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

One of the members of Tori's Bible Study group at El Reno Federal Penitentiary sent me his testimony. It touched on a lot of things we are talking about in our "Each One Reach One & Teach One" emphasis and was just too powerful not to share. Here it is:

July 31, 2011

Church,

God bless the very air you breathe… I am told by a brother, whom I hold dear to my heart that you would like to hear my testimony.

I am from Lubbock, TX. I am 33 years old. I have been in gang life since I was 13 years old. By that time, I already smoked weed and drank most of the time. My older brother schooled me in the street life and taught me to fight and sell drugs. Love was not expressed in my world the way that I hear other people talk about it. To this day, I still don’t know who my dad is. I never made it to the 8th grade due to a shooting I was involved in. I ran from the law and created havoc everywhere I went. I hurt people, lied, stole and used people to get my way. That way of life only has two for sure outcomes: death or prison. While most kids my age were at football practice or getting ready for prom, I was on my way to prison with grown men. Life behind these walls are not easy for anyone, let alone a kid.

The first time I heard about Jesus was in prison, and to be honest with you when you are around nothing but hate and violence, love sounds real good! I knew that I needed to change and I had a little boy to look after. I did not want my son to be anything like me. I wanted him to know his dad. I gave my life to Jesus, but no one explained to me what had taken place. Yes, I read my bible, but it made no sense to me. Once I was released from prison, I tried to live for God but lacked the power to stay strong. I backslid and allowed the enemy to lie to me. I turned on the only good thing in my life and returned to my old ways…

I have been in the Federal System since 2003 serving a 16 year sentence for selling drugs. While serving time at the maximum security prison “USP Florence Col,” I was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. I can boldly say that I have never been the same since that day! He has been the driving force behind all that God has done through and in my life. If you would have told me 8 years ago that God would be using me to teach known gang members, ex-drug dealers, murders, etc. the word of God, I would have laughed at you. But today it humbles me to tears that God would use someone like me to spread His word.

For the last 6 years God has been moving here in El Reno. We use to have Bible Study Sun. – Wed. out on the rec. yard. I preach every Thursday and every 5th Sunday in our Church service here. I’ve lead many men and a few women to our Lord, but I believe that my ministry is to those who are already saved and are trying to learn how to walk. I wish someone would have been there to teach me who I was in Christ.

In prison you only have your word, so you better be sure what you go around saying. I stake my life on the credibility of God’s unfailing love and power on a daily basis.

In closing, learn to trust in the One who formed you. God bless you and yours.

Your brother in Christ Jesus our King!

Jason
A.K.A. Joker

p.s. I am sending an “In Christ” confession so that you can start saying what God already says about you. Philemon 1:6
Read it. Speak it. Live It!

In Christ

2011-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

This "confession" was sent to me by an inmate at the El Reno Federal Penitentiary. I will post his testimony soon.

In Christ I live and move and have my being! What a vast storehouse of power. In Christ my Savior and Lord I have life, energy, and strength for the impossible. I abide in Christ. I live in Him. He is the vine, I am His branch. The life of God is in me. His love is in me. Just like blood flows through this body, His life flows through me, and I will let His life and love dominate me. I am a new creature in Christ Jesus, my past is over, I’ve been forgiven, I have the ability of God within me. I am the Righteousness of God in Christ. My standing with God is secure. My prayers are always answered, and everything works out for me! Christ Jesus, my Lord is my wisdom, He is my Righteousness. He is my Sanctification. He is my Redemption. I have abundant grace, I reign as a king in my domain, in this life through Jesus Christ. By Jesus’ stripes I’ve been healed, God’s word says that 2000 years ago I was healed, if I was healed then, I am healed now! Healing belongs to me. He is greater than the devil. He is greater than disease. He is greater than any circumstance, and He lives in me! The law of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from sin, death, poverty, fear, and guilt, because I am in Christ. Through Christ, my Lord, I can do all things, He strengthens me, I cannot be conquered. I cannot be defeated, because I can do all things through Him. I am crucified with Christ. Yet nevertheless I live! And Christ lives in me. He was quickened and made alive, I was quickened and made alive with Him. I was raised up together with Him and made to sit with Him. I am seated with Christ! All my needs are supplied, He has already made provision for me. Everything I will ever need He has blessed me with. It is mine and I accept it now in Jesus’ Name!

Story Behind the Song

2011-07-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Horatio Spafford, a successful Chicago lawyer, penned the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” after several tragic events in his life. In 1871, the Spafford’s only son died at the age of four. Shortly after his son’s death, Horatio endured the great Chicago fire, which destroyed all of his investment property and ruined him financially. Then in 1873, the family planned a trip to Europe. Horatio was delayed by business, but sent his wife and four daughters on ahead, promising to follow them in a few days. While crossing the Atlantic, their ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel and sank rapidly, killing over 220 people, including all four of the Spafford’s daughters. His wife Anna survived and when she arrived in Europe she sent back the telegram, “Saved alone.” Horatio left immediately to bring his grieving wife home. As he passed near the spot of his daughters’ death, he began to write these words:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

In the midst of the darkest days of his life, Horatio maintained a deep sense of God’s sustaining presence. Stripped of everything but their faith, the Spafford’s moved to Jerusalem to begin a mission work there and impacted many lives with the message of our hope in Christ.

Whatever you are going through this week, may this song become your prayer. As you hold on to God’s promises, may you proclaim “It is well, it is well, with my soul!”

Tori's Message

2011-07-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

I spoke about experiencing every dimension of freedom in Christ on Sunday. Deep in our bones we know that we were created to be free beings, which is why we react so strongly to bondage, slavery, and oppression. This week I received another letter from my friend Tori who is serving time in the federal penitentiary. The last time that I visited him, I told him that I don't want any more of our young men and women to end up rotting away in prison. We were created to be free. I asked him to share with our teens some things from his experience that might guide them in the right direction. The powerful message below is what he wrote. It is meant as a letter to our ROC Youth, but I wanted to share it with you because it is deeply connected to some of the things we are exploring in Romans 8. Continue to keep Tori lifted up in your prayers.

This is a picture of Tori with "the Christian brothers I'm really close with... my prayer group on the dorm."

July 6, 2011

The Family,

Hello everyone, my name is Tori Q. Hill, but everyone used to know me as Baby PB from Play Boy Gangster Crip. It’s taken me a long time to get this far. Seen things you may have never even heard of. I’ve done things I hope and pray none of you ever have to experience. At the young age of 22 years old, I’ve graduated into manhood by way of the penitentiary. A place I wish I’d never had to come to, and somewhere I pray to God in Heaven, that none of you ever have to see the inside of.

It’s hard times any time you do time. Whatever the security, whatever the yard, doing time is time. This is not for human beings, let alone grown men. I’ve watched guards let rival gangs kill each other. I’ve seen a man get his head pushed in with a lock over an argument. I know a guy who got stabbed over a cheese biscuit. Tension and bad vibes run the compound in the prison system. C.O.’s doing and saying whatever they want, men kissing other men. It’s enough to drive a brother crazy. Your line of friends and family, who will remember you, will also dwindle and even fade into nothing. You get a chance to see who really cares for you. You have nobody but yourself, God and those you least expect to make the trip to come see you. And trust me; “Homies” are not going to look out.

It gets deeper: When you’re in the cell, looking out the window, when everything finally sinks in, it can bring tears to any man’s eyes. He’ll tell you different, but he’s probably lying. Unless he enjoys being away from civilization and family, kids, mother and siblings, he’s felt the pain of hard time. The loneliness can break a man. The thought of that out date being so far away can eat you alive. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemies. This is not a life for anyone.

But, when all is said and done, I understand that this is what it took, like a lot of guys, to get me in the position to be used by my Heavenly Father. He may not have put me here, but He and I are positive that this experience will not be wasted. My siblings, I would like to be your sacrifice so that you gain from this experience. It is only fair that you get a chance to see that you don’t have to come here to know where the streets lead. This is my blood, sweat, and tears so that you may choose a different path. Don’t follow me little brother and young sister. Follow the right Way. There is more waiting for you than you can see. God has a beautiful ending for us all, even me. I’m not perfect. I wish I was, but truth is, I’m not there yet. Not yet. I know what I want. And I know where peace is and this it’s waiting for me.

After all the pain and suffering, after all the drugs, guns and street living, I finally know where peace is. I know how to fill that void in my life. God has given me another chance to live. I’ve been dead for so long, I am now home. Free from this mental prison that lurks in the street life. I refuse to be another victim any longer. What about you?

In the upcoming months, I’ll be writing you all to share some deep things. The way I see you guys is as family. So I’ll treat you like it. A few of my brothers would like to send their testimonies as well. If you are okay with that, then I’ll give them the green light. But I must warn you, there are raw and uncut brothers. 100% real, and now about Christ.

I grew up where you live. I’ve made a name for myself as a drug dealing, trigger happy individual. Now I know the damage I’ve done. The families I’ve destroyed. The lives I’ve taken. Sometimes I can see their faces. Hear their voices. Feel their pain. It’s not worth it. Never was. And now that I’m back home in Christ, I will forever love you – my younger brother, my younger sister. For my only wish is to stop the bloody beast that eats our young.

I love you and I’ll be writing soon. Take it slow and safe.

Love ~ Tori

p.s. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Would love to see some of you guys soon!

Living System Ministry

2011-06-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

One topic that we have been discussing.

Introduction to Living Systems from EmmSanuel Gospel Center on Vimeo.

Speak Until Justice Wakes

2011-06-18T06:01:00.001-07:00

(A recent reflection on Speak Until Justice Wakes.)

O Lord, give me a backbone as big as a sawlog,
And ribs like the sleepers under the church floor.
Put iron shoes on me and galvanized breeches,
And give me a rhinoceros hide for a skin;
And hang a wagonload of determination up in the gable end of my soul.
And help me to sign the contract to fight the devil as long as I have got a fist, and bite him as long as I've got a tooth, and then gum him till I die.
All this I ask, for Christ's sake. Amen.
~ Uncle Bud Robinson

cour•age (kûr′ij), n. 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc.; without fear; bravery. The English word “courage” is derived from the Latin word “cor” which means “heart”, it in essence refers to one’s “core”, that is the very heart, the center, the core of one’s being. In order to take up the mantel of prophetic preaching that speaks truth to power, it requires a great deal of courage. We must be pure in heart, which as Kierkgaard informed us, “…is to will one thing.” Uncle Buddy Robinson’s prayer powerfully reminds us, this one thing is to stand with God against the principalities and powers; against the forces of evil, destruction and death in this world and fight the good fight of faith until the end. The core of our being must be cruciform; shaped in the image of Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In a time when it seems that many Christians have simply lost their Way, don’t speak the Truth, and are devoid of Life, we desperately need to hear the message of Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr. He is a man of great courage.

As Dr. Smith instructs us, this kind of Christ centered ministry will result in scars. What else would we expect if our telos is to be like Christ? We follow a wounded healer who invites us into the ministry of reconciliation, a ministry that inevitably leads to the cross. In this dog eat dog world, our Lord invites us to be sheep among wolves. We are bound to get bit. We won’t escape this world unscathed. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

It takes courage to confront evil. We struggle not against what we can see, but against those unseen forces that invade our world. We need the Lord to strengthen us, to give us a backbone the size of a sawlog and rhinoceros hide for skin that we might stand up and speak until justice wakes. That we might speak “until wrong has been made right, till the oppressed have had their day in court, and until the truth can stand tall again, clothed in righteousness.”

The dehumanizing forces of evil devalue and destroy the dignity of God’s creation. Our future is embodied in our children. “No wonder the destructive forces of evil work visibly and invisibly to destroy the child.” I have come to understand that poverty is not a lack of resources, but a loss of hopes, dreams and a future. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) We need a wagonload of determination so that we may continue to speak light into the darkness, life into their dead dreams, and love into the depths of their hearts.

True justice recognizes the intrinsic worth of each person. It recognizing all as children created, valued, and loved by God. We work, in step with the Spirit, to value and give worth, to encourage and empower, to restore hope and a future. We must value testimonies over titles, the eternal work of God over the fleeting works of man. Rather than elevating ourselves above others, we chose the path of downward-mobility so that all may be built up into one body and empowered to love and serve our Lord. In Him “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ.” (Galatians 3:28 NIV)

It takes courage to confront reality. Yet we know that even when the road is long and lonely, we’re never alone. Jesus is with us just as He was with the two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus. “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging… The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:2-3 &7 NIV) “When we come to the end of our earthly days, may we look back at the way we lived and conclude that we lived with courage, so that we might say with the apostle Paul, ‘We have fought the good fight. We have finished the race. We have kept the faith.’” (p. 4)

Beyond Cheap Grace

2011-06-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

This is a message I shared on Friday in our Vine service. It is deeply influenced by my recent reading of Eldin Villafane's work and my own reading of Bonheoffer. Excuse the rough draft format, it is just some food for throught. I would highly recommend the book, by the way.

I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately… you know, they are putting up a nice outlet mall just down the road from us… with all kinds of high end, name brand stores… just what my wife needs, another place to go shopping. I got to stop saying this kind of stuff… I keep forgetting that she is in here and then I get myself into trouble. They are putting in the kind of stores with stuff that we can’t afford anyway… it never ceases to amaze me the amount of money people will spend on clothes, or shoes… or really anything for that matter… all for a label, a tag, an image.

It is crazy to spend that kind of money on this stuff… but, I wonder, how many of you have ever bought a cheap knockoff? Come on now, don’t lie to the pastor. It seems like a good idea at the time, doesn’t it. Our kids all want to fit in… they just have to have this bag or those jeans… of course, sportswear is expensive… if you kid just has to have Adidas equipment and you can’t afford it… the easy solution is to buy them some Abibas equipment…

or maybe they are more into Nike, well we’ve got that covered too… just buy Neki… close enough, right?

Jeans are the worst, I cannot believe the amount of money people will spend on a pair of jeans… you really want some Ralph Lauren jeans… it is a lot cheaper to get some Polo, Ralphi House pants…

you can’t afford Lee… no problem, just get some Lgg…

I really don’t understand what it is about bags or purses with you ladies… but if you really want that Gucci bag… I can tell you right now that the Cuggi one is going to be a lot more affordable…

and my favorite… items with characters can be the worst… don’t pay the extra money for snoopy, when snooby will do just fine.

You know, I remember when I was in junior high – those brutal, brutal junior high years, how many of you are glad that you are not in junior high anymore? – all the cool kids wore the expensive name brand clothes… but we couldn’t afford that stuff… I got hand me downs, thrift store clothes and knock offs… I ran track, cross country and played a few sports… that was right around the time when Oakley sunglasses got really popular… all the cool kids had a pair of Oakley’s… It was going to be a cold day in you know where, South Texas, wait what were you thinking… there was no way my parents were going to buy me $150 pair of sunglasses… and I didn’t have that kind of money… one day I found a $5 knock off… they were probably called Oxley’s or something… I thought I was so cool… but it was obvious that they weren’t real… they were just a little off… they were obviously a lower quality… and pretty soon the trademark “O” began to rub off… the cheap knock off is just not the same, and everybody knows it.

What I am concerned about, these days, is that many have bought into a cheap, knock off version of Christianity… do you know what I’m talking about? It is best expressed by this idea that Dietrich Bonheoffer wrote about. He called it “cheap grace.” Many of you know that Bonheoffer was a pastor in Germany during WWII. He was part of a Christian moment at the time called “the confessing church” that opposed the Nazis, and even at one point attempted to put together a plan to assassinate Hitler… Bonheoffer was arrested, thrown in prison, and executed by the Nazis… He is a modern day martyr.

In his book The Cost of Discipleship, Bonheoffer wrote: “Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace…

Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession… cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate…

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which one must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to take up our cross and follow, it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ.”

You see, cheap grace Christianity is the kind that doesn’t cost much… It says, “Please don’t ask too much of me”; “Don’t place any demands on me.” As long as everything is going well and you’re blessing me, I will follow… I’ll believe… but when the going gets tough… when the road gets rough… well, I might just sit this one out Jesus. It is like we have a sign on the door of our heard that says “Do Not Disturb.” Jesus is knocking, inviting, calling… but we don’t really want to let Him in… because if we truly encounter Him… the same Jesus we meet in Scripture… He is going to mess with our lives… He will turn everything upside down… He won’t just leave you the way that you are… He will change you and rearrange you. If you are looking for the easy way… don’t become a disciple of Jesus Christ… it is not the easy way, but it is the only Way to the Father.

Too often we come into Christian fellowship to be entertained… fed… to get warm fuzzies… to get our needs met… and there is a good deal of that that happens in Christian community, there is nothing necessarily wrong with that… but that is a by product, that is not the focus… because that is all about us, but the reality is that it is not about me, and it is not about you, it is not about us, it is all about Him… and He calls us to something deeper.

The world doesn’t need a cheap knock off version of Christianity… a safe, soft, fragile version just won’t do! What we need… and what our world desperately needs is real Christianity… costly grace… one that has the marks of the cross in its hands! We follow a Jesus who said, “If anyone wants to come after me, let her deny herself, take up her cross and follow me.” That is the cost of discipleship… our life.

We would have to totally ignore our Bible if we are going to buy into the knock off version… Cheap grace flies in the face of the call that we find from Paul in Romans 12…

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Renewing of our Minds: What is the pattern of this world? Selfishness, self-centeredness, greed, idolatry… do not conform to the pattern of this world any longer… but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…

Tony Robbins, the self-help guru, once said, “What creates an extraordinary life is an extraordinary mindset!” I don’t necessarily agree with all that self-help stuff that we encounter these days… but, I think that he is on to something here… only I would rephrase it to say, “What creates an extraordinary Christian life is an extraordinary mindset – the mind of Christ!”

That is what Paul writes in Philippians 2 that fits so well with this Romans 12 passage, He says… Therefore, have the same mindset as Christ… in other words think the same way that He did… have the same attitude the same outlook as Christ… Paul goes on to say, who was in the form of God… in other words, He was God.. on the throne, in Heaven… He deserved all honor, worship and praise from every living thing… the Angels worshiped and served Him, He had all power and all authority… but, Paul tells us that he emptied himself… and took on the form of a slave… wow… this is the Jesus I know… He had every right to demand respect, to require service from others… You can’t get any higher than God… He was at the top of the totem pole… and yet He humbled himself, He left it all to become a man… to take on human form… as a human, over and over again, he stooped down to serve… he reached down to touch the sick, the hurting, the lost… I mean think about it, he washed his own disciples feet… can you imagine, Jesus, the Lord of all Creation… the one who spoke the heavens into existence, who created the galaxies and all the billions of starts… who spoke light and color into the world… who made every animal, all the creatures of the earth… every living thing… bending down today, kneeling, taking off your shoes and washing your feet… we should fall down on our faces before Him… worship and adore Him, but this is the mind of Christ, Paul says… it is an attitude of humble service.

Not only that, but Paul writes… He emptied himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross… obedience to the call of God even when it hurts, even when it is hard, even when it costs us everything…that is the mind of Christ. The cross is the ultimate symbol of loving sacrifice… Let me just say, our everything is nothing… what to we have to give up is worthless compared to what we have to gain in Him… what does it profit a person to gain the whole world, but lose their own soul… we have so much more to gain that what we give… and He gave His life for us… I’m reminded of one of my favorite hymns:

The Wondrous Cross:

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet

Sorrow and love flow mingled down

Did ever such love and sorrow meet

Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Were the whole realm of nature mine

That were an offering far too small

Love so amazing, so divine

Demands my soul, my life, my all

That is true grace… costly grace… do not settle for the cheap, knock off version of Christianity… the call of Christ is the call to give our all, to come and die with Him, so that we might live… anything less, just isn’t the real thing…

Paul goes on to say in Philippians, “Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Real Christianity means that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds… to have the same mindset as Christ… so that we might offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God… no longer living for ourselves, but living wholly for Him. Please, please, please… don’t settle for cheap grace… don’t stop until you find the real thing. Let me leave you with a beautiful blessing that I came across recently:

Benediction: May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Conflicted

2011-05-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

For the wages of sin is death… I am sure that all of you have heard the news by now of Osama Bin Laden’s recent demise. I have been reflecting all morning on the events of the last 10 years that have culminated in the hunt for and death of this one man, and to be honest I’m not exactly sure how to feel or respond.

Of course, part of me is relieved, even happy at the news. This man has been the symbol of hatred and violence for the better part of two decades. He orchestrated and authorized horrendous acts against innocent men, women and children. Hate seemed to be his primary motivation and he “deserved” the end result of his actions. I am certain that his death has brought a great deal of closure to the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives on 9-11 and throughout this ongoing conflict. For that I am thankful.

And yet, we know that Bin Laden’s death will not bring hatred and violence to an end. In fact, there may be an escalation of hostility in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We should pray for all who find themselves in hostile territory today, whether they are military, missionaries, or simply innocent families attempting to carry out daily life in a war zone. We pray for true peace that can only come through the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Despite the relief, I am experiencing other conflicting feelings. As a citizen of the United States and a human being who desires safety and security for my family, and seeks vengeance on my enemies, this is good news. But, as a follower of Christ, I am confronted and challenged by the Scriptures to think about the situation differently.

Ezekiel 18:23 “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.”

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Matthew 5:43 - 48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Romans 12:18-21 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I cannot rejoice in Bin Laden’s demise or the destruction of our enemies. Instead, I pray that all would have a genuine encounter with the risen Lord that hatred may be overcome with love and evil with good.

30 Hour Famine

2011-04-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our ROC Solid Youth participated in 30 Hour Famine this weekend to raise awareness about world hunger and raise money to help support the poor. Not only did they abstain from eating for 30 hours, but they also participated in service to others all day on Saturday through work projects and handing out food to the homeless. I am so proud of our youth and their leaders! Check out this video that highlights their activities this weekend.

Shining Eyes

2011-03-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well worth 20 minutes of your day!

Swing Low

2011-02-28T13:57:00.001-08:00

If you missed either of the last two Sundays at ROC Church, then you missed out on a powerful time in the presence of the Lord! The most moving moments for me have been the ongoing testimonies of God’s transforming power at work in our midst. We have heard of people overcoming addictions, gaining new insights, finding acceptance and forgiveness, and growing in faith. And, yesterday Marie Douglas blessed us all with a beautiful, spontaneous testimony in song that fit perfectly with the main point in our passage – only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate such things. I’ve been thinking all day about the powerful spiritual she shared:

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.

Sometimes I'm up, and sometimes I'm down,
(Coming for to carry me home)
But still my soul feels heavenly bound.
(Coming for to carry me home)

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

In a real sense, we know that no matter what we face the Lord will carry us through – all the way home. We don’t need to worry. We are God’s children – Receive who you are! He will take care of us – Become what you have received!

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
~ Matthew 18:1-5

Lay down the weight of worry so that you can run and jump and play as His child. Enjoy the day He has created for you. This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Remember, as the wise, older grandfather said in the Grace Card, “Sunday is just the locker room. Monday through Saturday is when we play the game.” We need that time in the locker room, but now is the time we practice our faith. Play well this week!

Love Your Neighbor

2011-02-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is an incredible image of Egyptian Christians who formed a barrier to protect their Muslim neighbors while they pray during the chaotic time of protest. We have much to learn from our brothers and sisters.

Snow-nami

2011-01-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

Are you prepared for the snow-pocalypse? If you have been watching the news, then you are aware that there is a winter storm headed our way. Of course, our sensational media make it sound like the world is coming to an end on Tuesday. The sky is falling! Well, at least some white stuff will be falling from the sky. And we wonder why people respond with irrational fear.

I haven’t ventured to the store yet, but I can guess that they are already running low on basic supplies after the ensuing mad dash to get ready for the coming storm. People are planning to hunker down at home for several days. This is generally an appropriate response to the news that has been shared. What strikes me as odd is that we know how to respond and prepare when we hear about the weather. We generally even know how to respond to other current news stories. But how are we at responding to the Good News?

Jesus even said that we are good at reading the signs in the sky, understanding weather patterns, and yet we can’t read the signs of the times. We do alright getting ready for snow, but how are we doing at preparing for eternity? How are we practicing for the coming Kingdom of God? We won’t find those supplies at the store. It is only as we let go and die to self, daily take up our cross and follow Him that we participate in what God is doing and prepare for that coming day. No turning back… no turning back.

Wisdom from fellow Christ-followers - Marcella of Rome (325 – 410 AD):
Marcella had an enviable life as the daughter of a prominent Roman family who married a wealthy man. But less than a year after her wedding, her husband died. She was given the chance to continue living in wealth when she was proposed to by the wealthy consul Cerealis. She chose instead to convert her mansion into one of the earliest communities of women, where she and other noble women used their riches to help the poor. Marcella said she preferred to “store her money in the stomachs of the needy than to hide it in a purse.” In 410, when the Goths invaded Rome, they broke into Marcella’s home. When they demanded money, she calmly responded that she had no riches because she had given all to the poor. Though she was an elderly woman, they beat and tortured her mercilessly. Her attackers were eventually shamed by her piety and she was released, but she died within a short time.

Marcella of Rome wrote, “By heaven’s grace, captivity has found me a poor woman, not made me one. Now I shall go in want of daily bread, but I shall not feel hunger since I am full of Christ.”

One in the Spirit

2011-01-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~ Ephesians 4:4-6

Today we honor the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. I believe that his dream is not only rooted in the American dream, but is also rooted in God’s vision for His world. We were made for each other. We need each other. And it is my prayer that all God’s children will come together in unity in the Spirit. Let us remember King’s dream:

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Watch an online documentary about King here.

Heart Menders TV

2011-01-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

Check out an interview that I recently did about ROC Ministries for a local webcast. You can watch the interview here.

Welcoming Angels

2010-11-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

¹ Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. ² Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

~ Hebrews 13:1-2

I had one of those experiences on Sunday that made me so proud to be a pastor at the ROC. I just had to take a moment this morning to brag on my ROC Flock.

Early Sunday morning, as people began to trickle in for Sunday School, one of our members found me and said, "We have a special guest and she needs some help." It is not an uncommon occurrence to encounter people seeking some kind of help at the ROC. It is a blessing to give, to be sure, but I have to admit that being known in the area as a giving place can sometimes drain one's energy and resources. There is so much need. And yet, as the Body of Christ, we didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give our lives away for Him - as Jesus modeled for us. And as we step out, He sustains us.

I simply said of course... where is she. As I approached Teresa, it was obvious that she lived in poverty. Suffering and hardship had taken its toll, leaving their marks all over her face, hands, feet, and clothes. Her downcast demeanor and broken body were clear witnesses of the oppression and brokenness of this world. My heart began to break for her.

I introduced myself and talked to her for a moment. It was obvious that she had a gentle and sweet spirit, in spite of her suffering... maybe it was because of all she had been through and not in spite of it. She told me that her family was moving to another part of the city and they wouldn't have heat for some time this winter, and they needed some blankets to keep warm. She has several grandchildren living with her and didn't want them to get sick over the brutal winter months.

I thought to myself, "I can't believe that we don't keep any blankets around here, but how can we say 'no' to such an honest, humble request." I said, "Let me see what we can do." As I asked around, I found out that Pastor Beckie had recently purchased about 7 or 8 new blankets to give away. Every year, as the weather changes and it starts to get cold over night, Beckie and a few others from our fellowship buy blankets to hand out to the homeless. It just happened that they had not gone out to give them away yet, and they were still in the trunk of her car. Coincidence?

Theresa stayed for Bible Study and worship. She was able to gather some bread that we offer for the community to take home for her family. And after the service, she spoke to me. She was in tears and simply said, "I wish I had found this place sooner. Everyone treated me so special here. They were kind and loving. I have been to churches where I was looked down on and treated poorly because of my appearance. This is a beautiful place." She asked if there was a church like this where she was moving. I gave her the contact information of a church like us that will be near her - I'm friends with their pastor and I know they will treat her well.

I believe that she found more than blankets and bread that day - I think she encountered the Bread of Life who can cover her and her family with the warmth of His presence. I can't think of anything that touches a pastor's heart more than a story like this.

Our fellowship truly embodied the beautiful prayer that I heard while working at a homeless shelter in Kansas City. We had different church groups come through to serve dinner each night. I would usually have someone from the group pray before we prepared to serve the meal. One evening an elderly African American lady offered a prayer that I will never forget. She simply said, "Lord, we know You'll be comin' through the line today. Help us treat you well. Amen." I try to remember that pray every day. "Lord, I know that I'm going to encounter you today. Help me treat you well." I wish I could say that I live up to that all the time... but I don't. And, yet I know that He hasn't given up on me... as we sang on Sunday - You never let go.

I absolutely love leading people who "get it"... who understand that we learn to love God by loving others... that whatever we do for the least and lost, we do for Him. And as we pour ourselves out, living as expressions as His love, His grace and His peace... we receive the Kingdom of God.

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

~ Matthew 25:37-40

Thank you ROC Flock! I'm proud of you! Let us continue to love one another for God is love!

Justice in the Morning

2010-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Bart Campolo (founder of Mission Year and son of one of my favorite writers and speakers, Tony Campolo) shared this story. It moved me and reminded me why we are here. I thought I would pass it along:

Dear Friends,

It was late when Karen came over from next door with her cell phone. On the line was Emily, a young school teacher who moved here with her husband to be part of our fellowship, and who has been especially good to Jamilla, an against-the-odds teenager on her block. Karen put Emily on speaker, and suddenly we were all together in the middle of a post-modern teenage nightmare.

With part of her disability check, Jamilla had gotten herself a high-status cell phone that connects with internet, and recently she had been experimenting with ‘Urban Chat,’ a sleazy local website where teenagers flirt with each other online. A few hours earlier, an attractive guy from that site had convinced her to send him a nude photograph. Now he was telling her that unless she paid him $60, he was going to forward that photo to every kid he knew at her school. According to Emily, Jamilla was frantic, embarrassed, and very much afraid.

The ensuing conversation ranged from the new dangers of technology to the old vulnerabilities of adolescent insecurity to the unique blind spots of kids in poverty, but it kept coming back to the problem at hand: What should Emily tell Jamilla to do? For good reasons, Jamilla was terrified to tell her family, and it didn’t take much research to discover she could get into big trouble for sending the photo in the first place. In the end, we told her to agree to pay off her blackmailer the next morning, in person, on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Of course, we had another plan in mind.

Jamilla and I parked near the meeting place early. She walked there alone, while I stood across the street, pretending to talk on my cell phone. Both of us nervously scanned the face of every young man on the sidewalk, looking for the bad guy. When he finally showed up, he walked towards Jamilla with a confident smile. Before he could say a word, I stepped between them.

“My name is Bart Campolo and I’m Jamilla’s pastor,” I said calmly, as his smile disappeared. “I’ve spoken with our lawyer and also with a police officer in our fellowship, and both of them tell me you’re not in any real trouble yet.” I paused for a moment, hoping he wouldn’t run, but he was frozen in place. “Now first of all, I need to watch you delete that photograph from your cell phone.” Wordlessly, he complied.

“Of course,” I continued, “you might have a copy of that photo on your computer, but I’m here to tell you that if it goes anywhere, I will personally see to it that you go to jail for at least a year and that your family pays out a great deal of money. Do you understand me?” He nodded, as I held up my camera and pushed the button. “Now I have your photograph and your telephone number and I know where you go to school. Son, what you did to Jamilla was ugly and cruel, but I’m going to let you walk away from it. But I promise you, if we ever hear from you again, the wrath of God will come down on you. Again, do you understand me?” He looked me in the eye for the first time. “Yes sir,” he said. I stepped back. “All right then. You may go.”

As he walked away, I put my arm around Jamilla, who still looked very afraid. Honestly, I was a little bit weak in the knees myself. I’m not a natural tough guy, after all. “Do you really think it’s over?” she asked quietly.

“Yes I do,” I replied. “That boy is terrified, and he ought to be. Do you know why?”

“No.”

“Because I wasn’t bluffing. I meant every word I said.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

On our way to her high school, I gave Jamilla just the kind of fatherly talking to you would expect, about trust and men and self-respect, and Jamilla gave me just the kind of relieved, grateful attention you would expect after an ordeal like that. Over and over, I tried to communicate to her just how precious she is to us. Jamilla teared up, and told me how much it meant to have a caring grown-up friend on her block. Without Emily, she said, she didn’t know where she would be.

After I dropped her off, I called Emily and Karen and Marty, so they could stop worrying. Then I gave thanks for women like them, who live out their love in the most natural ways, and make safe havens for girls in trouble. And then I treated myself to a greasy diner breakfast, during which I reflected at some length on the peculiar exhilaration of utterly overpowering a mean, abusive person in the name of Jesus.

It doesn’t happen nearly often enough, but I do love the smell of justice in the morning!

Keep the faith,

Bart

You can see the original post here

A Psalm & Reflection

2010-10-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

It has been my observation that all great praying men are simple, relaxed men. Mrs. Thomas A. Edison once said to me, "Mr. Edison's methods are just like yours. He is always perfectly natural and always perfectly relaxed. He feels that all his discoveries have 'come through him,' that he is but a channel for forces greater than himself."

Always natural, and always relaxed! I do not like to see men work too hard at their prayers. Beware lest the zeal of thy house eat thee up. When one strains and labors over his dream he is too often carving ivory and not polishing horn. Don't cut too deeply, don't carve too hard, don't paint the picture too much yourself. Get still awhile, and let God paint it through you. Wrote Gutzon Borglum, "When I carve a statue, it is very simple. I merely cut away the pieces that don't belong there and the statue itself presently comes into view. It was there all the time."
~ From I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Glenn Clark

Get still a while, and let God paint through you.

Another Letter

2010-09-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Evil is a word used to describe the absence of good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of light or death to describe the absence of life. Both evil and darkness can be understood only in relation to light and good; they do not have any actual existence. I am light and I am good. I am love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring independence will result in evil because, apart from me, you can draw only upon yourself. That is death because you have separated yourself from me: Life. ~ The Shack

Man bro, I read that and was like WOW! In fact, I said the exact same thing as the man God was speaking with. I just hadn’t read far enough to know his response.

How are you? I’m well bro for real. God is good and I praise His Holy Name for everything He’s done. Grace and Peace indeed! We’ll get to a few of those things here in a minute, first things first.

How’s Sara and your son? Miss you guys, man. Been a while since I’ve had people like you two around. Two of a kind I’m sure of it. Lil guy is getting big huh? I’ll meet him soon. God’s got something planned for me.

How’s the church family? Can’t wait to come home man. Feel like this is training camp or something. Been burying myself in books and different things to give me a better understanding of my Father. I actually started VBC – Victory Bible College – last Sunday. 30, 16 hour courses, nothing major but I will get and use the opportunity to further my growth in Christ.

Man bro, I can’t shut up about God! I’m on the yard talking about God. I thank my Father for his grace. Bro, I’m actually happy! Been a long time since I’ve been happy. So many tears, frowns and painful nights. I feel as if I’ve seen a portion of hell, but through the dark, Abba Father got me and held me close. No more darkness. I was witnessing to a brother today. Showing my battle wounds and scars. I know where I’ve been, I know where God’s brought me from. And through it all, He still loves me. Everyone needs to know about this Love.

I told you that I’ve hooked up with a few other men of Christ. We do our best to keep each other’s spirits up and help each other out. I’m kind of a solo individual though. But these are my bro’s, nonetheless. Four of my favorite guys to be around are Tapia – he looks like a Mexican Doug from the show “King of Queens.” Only short. Strong in faith. The guy is a blessing to anyone he comes in contact with.

Then you have Pollywood – at first glance, you’d see ‘all business, no nonsense strait to the point type of guy.’ And at times he is, but Pollywood is a blast to be around. He has an I’ll tell you the truth, so if you can’t handle it don’t ask’ type of character about him.

Man of God. ‘Papa’ – Bobby Sanders – He’s the one who is about mid-50’s, but beams as if he’s 10 years old all the time. Keeps us all laughing and has so much knowledge and wisdom, Richard. This guy is amazing and such a blessing to be around. His testimony is amazing bro. All these guys have extraordinary testimonies, but ‘Papa’ sticks out the most to me. This guy shines so bright with the Holy Spirit bro. I touch him every day to get a piece of his happiness to go along with my own. You’d never think he had all the time he has. God is evident in El Reno Federal Correctional Institution.

Last is Santiago, as much as I’d like to consider myself a soldier, this would be the guy who has been in and out of battle so many times he lost count of all the victories. My brother, man. He reminds me of me so much. He’s done and been through enough to realize that he’s truly blessed to be alive and still have an out date one day. And now, he is a warrior of the Father and pushes the line on Satan, helping us all with our walk as we do him. Powerful soldier of God and you know what? He reminds me of you. He helped me take those first few steps back in the faith. And showed me how to really trust God. Like I said, God is here bro. We are holding it down and leading by example. Pray for us man and know that the Squad is strong as ever here at El Reno. I’ll send you pictures soon.

I’ve talked to my sister, she’s doing better. Man, I wish I were there with her. Miss her and want better for her. Thank you for hooking her up with Nancy. True blessing. Our Father moves, doesn’t he?

I wanted to ask you about John Chapman. Did he ever become a pastor? And how is he? Good man, right there, Richard. And Nathan Holloway and Chris? Let me know how they are and to be honest I’d like email addresses to put on my mailing lists. It’d be cool to speak to those guys again. Let me know about that.

I have my mother’s picture sitting up on my bed. She’s smiling at me. I know she’s proud and really smiling at her son now. Took a while but I’m not running from my responsibility any longer. “Son of a Soldier.” Miss her, but I’ll see her again one of these days. God has some things He wants me to do. I believe those things are great.

Oh year, before I forget, these guys at church don’t know ‘Shout to the Lord.’ You think someone could send me the music and lyrics for the praise team band? Get with me on that. Please let them know I appreciate any other songs they would like to send as well. Just try and send the music as well.

Well, it’s getting late big bro. I gotta get some sleep. Up early breakfast is the best of the week on Wednesday morning. Love you bro and please tell Sara I’m happy to be an uncle. Stay up Richard and since everyday is a struggle, pray for us as I pray for you and my church family. Kind of don’t want to end the letter, feel as if I’m talking directly to you over a cup of coffee. Soon enough, right? God already told me, I’ll be home sooner than what these people say. Pray for my family and sister. And pray that the Judge finds it in his heart to grant me another chance.

To my brother and Pastor
With love of a younger brother
And solider in Christ!
~ Tori

P.S. Most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around. You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were un-loved is a limitation, not the other way around. Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wings and removing its ability to fly. Not something I want for you. ~ The Shack

Sometimes we hurt so bad, all we see is our pain. Sometimes we lose sight of God. But I know now, my Father never left me. Was there the whole time. Go in love, grace and peace Bro.

I Am Second: Bradford

2010-09-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

St. Louis lost their season opener, but look like they are going to be a strong team this year. I imagine that several OU fans will now become Rams fans due to the Bradford effect. He is extremely talented and it looks like he will have a truly successful NFL career. But I don't like him for any of those reasons. I like Bradford because he seems to be a young man with great character. After I watched this video, my intuitions were confirmed... so I think I'm going to follow the Rams a little more closely this year.

Seeds

2010-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
~ Galatians 6:7-10

We reap what we sow. If we sow apple seeds, we’re not going to get grapefruits. And if we plant tomatoes, we won’t receive watermelons. Some folks call it Karma and may understand it in different ways, but we know it as this Biblical principle. The Lord ordered this relational world in such a way so that we reap what we sow.

We are in the farming business. We are in the seed planting business. And those seeds take time to germinate, grow roots, and develop before they begin to produce fruit. After sharing these things on Sunday, I received a powerful letter from my friend Tori this week that confirmed God’s word. Tori was involved in the youth ministry and his family were some of the first and most faithful members of our congregation. Sadly he drifted from God, made some bad choices and ended up in prison. We have recently reconnected and here is the letter I received this week.

8-30-2010

Pastor Richard,

Sup bro? How’s the wife and son? Once again, congratulations on your upcoming new edition as well. Would love to be there, but God has something He wants me to do right now. Feels like training camp or something around here. Maybe it is… Doing time isn’t easy but I’m alright, really.

How’s the church doing? I’m sure they congregation has exploded now that you’re back. Wish I were there to catch your sermons, man. You know, I’ve been away since ’07, and honestly, every time I think about peace, I see New Life (ROC) and our friends. Smiling faces fill my thoughts and that’s when my day becomes cool. That’s what made me ask for some pictures. I hope I wasn’t asking for too much, if so it’s cool bro, really. Get me when you can.

God’s been taking care of me. After all this time, I’m still in His favor, man. You know how that makes me feel? Like I shouldn’t have ever turned away. But Pastor Richard, I was a coward. A true coward who ran from the path God set in front of me. That’s what happened man. I ran from the responsibility of being on the frontline 4 God. I’m sorry man. When Satan came at with guns blazing, I ran. Ran to the money, the women, the violence. And when my mother passed, I felt that God was turning His back, so I literally turned my even more. Went deeper into my wayz. Cowardess. I was so angry at God man. I was hurt. And when someone hurts you, instinctively your flesh wants to hurt them back. I didn’t want that, I just wanted to get away from the pain I was feeling. I got deeper into the life of the streets. They comforted me in a way. You know, they have a warm embrace for a short time. But one thing I learned was that the streets are loyal to no one. They love no one. The sad thing about it, some people never realize this and continue to 4give her trespasses. Even me. I’ve been robbed, stabbed, shot at, and beat within an inch of my life, literally. And that’s barely tipping the iceberg between my actions toward others. I didn’t realize God wanted me to come back all this time.

I think I’m here because God wanted to slow me down long enough to show what’s real. You know what I realized about the last time I was in His embracing arms? I wasn’t grounded in the word. I realize now that the word is vital to being a true child of God. So when the storm came, I fell… Not now though. I’m finally for the first time ever, actually studying. I’m 4real walking with Pops. Pray for me to stay strong, please. Pray for my sister as well. And if you get a chance have Sara, Allison call her 4 me, please. I want her to have positive role models like she used to have. Someone strong in the word and a genuine good person, Sara has always been the best example and Allison is right beside her. Please don’t 4get about us Pastor. I’m asking you to recognize us as lost sheep right now.

Well, I have to write my sister. Please stay strong and confident that you reach us. Those seeds you and the others planted in our hearts has finally sprouted and have begun to grow. One day we will bear fruit and continue the cycle until God calls us home. God is good and to Him, all praises are due, man. Maybe one day soon we’ll be side by side on the field again.

Last summer a friend asked me over the phone what I wanted out of life. What I was looking 4? That question rings now as I write this letter. I want to commit myself to doing the will of my Father, He who I now have my missing piece. In whom I now have my peace. Thanks again, man.

Sorry, I get enthusiastic when on this topic. Seems like its so much to tell you and 15 minutes on the phone is nothing. I know you’re busy but when you get a chance, slide up here bro, come holla at your old friend. Better yet your little brother in the feds. Give the church my love and pray 4 me to stay focused.

Always and for sure,

Tori

P.S. I’ve been thinking about the old crew, Nathan, John and Jennifer, Lacy, Nancy, Trevor and Jamie. How’s everyone doing man? If you speak to them, tell them I said “Hello”. Man I keep thinking about you all. I’m sure everyone is graduated and on with their lives, so just tell them all I’m proud of them, alright? Talk to you later Pastor.

ROC Flock ~ 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Final Instructions Before Departure

2010-08-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

If you have traveled much you know the drill. Just before departure, your flight attendants will stand at the front of the cabin giving you the most important information you need to know as a passenger. Of course, the majority of us aren’t paying attention because the material is basically irrelevant as long as the flight is a smooth, crisis free.

Life is never a smooth, crisis free flight - that is one thing I’m pretty certain about. We will experience turbulence, engine failure, pilot error, technology breakdowns, hostile takeovers, rough landings, and sometimes we’ll even nosedive and crash. We need to pay a little more attention to those final instructions before departure. They tend to come by way of those "life attendants" who have been on the journey for some time.

What would you say if you knew it was going to be your last conversation? What would you write if you knew it was going to be your last letter? What would be the last thoughts and life lessons you would want to leave for your family, friends and others? What would your final instructions be?

These kinds of questions reveal our core values, purpose and passion. They remind us of what is truly essential – how we should spend our time, energy and resources. It is important to reflect on those questions now because most of us will never know when that final communication is going to come. And those who live according to their core values inevitably leave a lasting legacy.

Computer Science Professor Randy Pausch had an opportunity to reflect on these questions. On September 18, 2007 he stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver his last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told of the cancer that was devouring his pancreas and would claim his life in a matter of months. His lecture has become a phenomenon, as has the book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. Sadly, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on July 25th, 2008, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all, for generations to come.

Randy wasn’t approaching this lecture from a Christian perspective, but he still has a great deal of wisdom to share. You can watch the entire lecture below. Join us Sunday as we look to Hebrews 13 for wisdom and talk about Final Instructions Before Departure.

Shaken

2010-08-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Pursue peace with all and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. ~ Hebrews 12:14

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’ ~ Hebrews 12:28-29

Have you ever been in an earthquake? I never have, but I can imagine that a major earthquake is one of the most terrifying experiences one could go through. What was once solid and stable is violently shaking under your feet and everything on the surface of the ground could come down.

Even though I have never been through an actual earthquake, I know what it is like when my world is shaken and it feels like everything is falling down around me. It is in those moments that we realize that our foundation isn’t stable. There is only one solid foundation on which to build our life, as the Psalmist writes: As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? ~ Psalm 18:30-31

Gather with the ROC Flock this Sunday as we pursue holiness in light of our all-consuming God that we may receive a kingdom that can never be shaken. When your world is rocked make sure you plant your feet firmly on the Rock!

Legacy

2010-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday our entertaining, larger than life bus driver shared some of the significant land marks and history of Dallas with us. As we neared our destination, she then regaled us with an inspirational tale.

In 1963 a southern lady in Dallas area went into a local bank and asked for a small business loan. We would not think much of it today, but in those days, especially in the south, women were limited in their employment options. They were told that they were welcome in the kitchen, laundry room and bedroom, but not the board room. The loan officer, in a "professional way", declined to offer her the money. The bank wasn’t willing to take a risk on this woman with "their" resources.

Undeterred, she came back the next day near lunch time, took off her shoes and refused to leave this banker’s office until he offered her the loan she needed. Knowing that she meant business, he finally relented. She took the money, and not only did she pay back the loan, but turned a few thousand dollars into a worldwide multi-billion dollar corporation. Of course, that southern lady was Mary Kay Ash.

For a few days now, I have been surrounded by 6,000+ Mary Kay women. I came to support my wife, Sara, as she was recognized this year on the main stage as a new Directory in the organization. This is one of their final summer seminars. For the last five weeks over 30,000 women from around the world have gathered in Dallas to be recognized and receive encouragement and training as they continue to expand their business. I have to be honest; being around this much estrogen is almost too much for one supportive husband. But, I am so proud of my wife and her accomplishment, and I would endure thousands more screaming women to show her my support.

Mary Kay has an amazing story and has left a powerful legacy. However, it is not the growth of one woman to millions of consultants or a few thousand to billions of dollars that is the most impressive. It is the culture she created that has left a lasting impact. She developed a business where women could keep the right priorities – “God first, family second and career third.” She emphasized those priorities throughout her life and modeled them in the way she lived. Mary Kay developed a corporate culture based on the Golden Rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She advocated “praising people to success” and encouraged millions of women to dream big dreams, set goals and to achieve them. She was a visionary and woman of great faith.

I have to say that all of this has been instilled in the DNA of these women. They are the most encouraging, positive group of people that I have ever been around. They honestly want to see others achieve their dreams and be the best that they can be. They keep the right priorities and follow the Golden Rule. Through their organization millions of dollars have been donated to charity and they seek to see positive changes happen in their communities. What a legacy.

What kind of legacy are you leaving? This Sunday we are going to be talking about the Faith of our Fathers – leaving a faith legacy. You won’t want to miss it. Join the ROC Flock for worship this week and lets learn together how to leave a lasting legacy of faith for our family. As these Mary Kay ladies would say - let's pass it on.

ROC VBS

2010-07-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

As I watched the children recite John 3:18 by memory this morning: "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth," with motions and all, I was taken back to my own time attending Vacation Bible School. The simple truths that I learned there have become a foundation holding me together when the storms of life threaten to tear me apart. Those lessons have guided me through some dark and difficult situations. And I am so blessed to be a part of passing those life giving lessons on to another generation.

We are talking with these children about a God who can custom build our heart to love him and serve others... that we love because He first loved us as 1 John 4:19 tells us... that we can resist temptation and evil, just like Jesus to do what is right all the time... but if we do mess up, we can come to God and ask for forgiveness and He removes the barrier of sin from our life.

Continue to pray for our ROC Kids this week, that God would plant these seeds deep in their hearts so that they might live good and fruitful lives. If you would like to see more pictures of our ROC VBS 2010 just click on this link.

Making Headlines

2010-07-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

One of our ROC Kids, Ezekiel Wilson, will soon be highlighted by the OK Blitz, which is the sports section of News Channel 9.

Here is a link to the story online

"Local 10 year old, Ezekiel Wilson, qualifies for HERSHEY NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD GAMES, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Ezekiel is a first time participant in the HERSHEY GAMES and will be competing in the Softball Throw event in the NORTH AMERICAN FINAL MEET. Ezekiel is an A - B student at Tulakes Elementary School and is being raised by his single grandmother with two siblings.

Ezekiel entered the Hershey competition, won state and set a record for Softball Throw (138.5 ft) for his age category (9-10) and won the whole region, which includes (OK, TX, NM, AR, LA, MS) and qualifies him for the national level of competition. He plays baseball for the PCO Wildcats and was also awarded the Kamesha Stevenson Award for the 09-10 school year.

The family attends the ROC Church. They would appreciate and would be greatly blessed by any donations that would help them attend the Nationals in support of Ezekiel. All donations can be made to any Bank of Oklahoma by 8/4/10."

Ezekiel - We are proud of you! Keep reaching for the stars.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Look for Ezekiel's story on News Channel 9, coming soon.

Impressions

2010-07-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

The ROC Church tends to leave an impression. It is sometimes positive and sometimes negative, but you won't walk away without being impacted.

Dr. Howard Culbertson, Professor of Missions at Southern Nazarene University, recently sent me this message of the impression ROC Church made on a college student from Russia.

Right now I'm teaching a section of Ministry, Church and Society online. Last week one of the students, Olga Kozhevnikova, mentioned the ROC church in one of her posts. I asked her permission to share it with you and she agreed I could do that:

"I agree with pastor Mark that church is not just a building, but a group of believers. When I went to ROC Church of the Nazarene in Bethany district I was surprised that a [airplane] hangar outside is a church inside. In my mind were the following words: "This metal construction cannot be a church, the church should be beautiful". But when I sat down and the service began, I realized how wrong I was. All people, rich or poor did not care about the look of the church. They came here to be with Christ and other Christians and it seemed that they did not care about the look at all. I did not hear any complaints about reconstructing it into a "real" church and make it nicer. People, that is what matters in church. The building does not mean anything."

One of the founders of our Nazarene tribe, Phineas Bresee, once said:

What must He think of His people today, spending their time and strength and the money which would feed the hungry and clothe the naked and send the gospel to the unsaved, in placing stone upon stone, building massive towers, carving forms of beauty, adding elaborate and expensive adornments, putting thousands of dollars into grand organs, and all tending to drive the poor form the portals of the so-called house of the Lord.

and: We want places so plain that every board will say welcome to the poorest.

and: Let the Church of the Nazarene be true to its commission; not great and elegant buildings; but to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and wipe away the tears of sorrowing and gather jewels for His diadem.

The impression that Olga was left with was that the church is not a building. I hope we never forget it is not about the building... it is all about His mission... it is all about people - People! May we stay true to those roots.

God is for us!

2010-07-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when it just seemed like God was trying to get your attention... the same thing comes up over and over again in all kinds of contexts. That happens to me often. I guess the Lord has to do a little extra to get His message through my thick head, at least my wife would agree with that.

Our associate pastor said something in her welcoming comments that was encouraging and stuck with me. She said, “No matter what we are going through… no matter what we have done, God is for us!” What a promise. As I settled into the crazy cacophony of noise and the hectic pace of this week, I would have probably quickly forgotten this powerful promise. But then I read this in my morning devotion:

9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10

I think the Lord wanted me to dwell a little while on the reality that He is for us... He is for me! And I was reminded of that powerful passage in John 15 - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.

It has nothing to do with us – who we are, what we’ve done, where we come from. It has everything to do with Him! God’s character is holy love… love that is not conditional or changing, but constant and for all. And Jesus is the ultimate sign that God is for us. Through His call He says, “I choose you.” On the cross He says, “I am for you.” By the power of His resurrection He says, “I am with you, always!”

31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39

Inadequacy

2010-07-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

I want to give you a gift. It is an important gift, maybe the most important gift you will receive this week. I give you the gift of inadequacy.

You are inadequate. Recognize it. Embrace it. It is the kind of truth that can set you free from the drudgery of a “works” mentality. None of us are adequate – and yet, God accepts us, loves us, works in us and through us despite all of our brokenness and dysfunction. He is more than adequate.

As my morning devotion reminded me, we should all take a moment to laugh at ourselves today. “Laughter is the purest form of our response to God’s acceptance of us. For when I laugh at myself I accept myself and when I laugh at other people in genuine mirth I accept them. Self-acceptance in laughter is the very opposite of self-satisfaction or pride. For in laughter I accept myself not because I’m some sort of super-person, but precisely because I’m not. There is nothing funny about a super-person. There is everything funny about a man who thinks he is. In laughing at my own claims to importance or regard I receive myself in a sort of loving forgiveness, which is an echo of God’s forgiveness of me.” ~ From Tensions by H. A. Williams

Embrace your inadequacy, laugh at yourself and marvel at God’s love for us all!