“Your inbox will be full the day you leave. Trust the work to be done by someone else.”

That advice was a sure reminder for me that ministry and life continue whether I was here to accomplish it or not. The work of ministry never ends! Ministry is a relentless partner. Certainly, Wheatland taught me that ministry has no regard for my time or schedules or desire or anything else I wanted to do. It is up to us to discern our priorities and to live with the consequences of making choices. Often my choices up to this point included doing something for church instead of myself or my family. Truthfully, I was disappointed to leave because my identity was so wrapped up in being a pastor here. There is so much good ministry still going on and so much ministry on the horizon! I felt my heart sink. Disappointed—that is what I felt.

Then I remembered something John Ortberg taught us about leadership. We all read a book by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky.* Imagine eight to ten of us sitting in a small circle talking about leadership. The book was a new way to consider leadership and challenged us to our core but John mentioned this statement that made no sense to me at the time. But, now….it means the world to me. I truly believe there is something great waiting just beyond the edge of my disappointment.

Leadership is disappointing people at a rate they can stand.

Consider how achieving a high level of technical competence pleases people. “You are so good at what you do!” There is almost an instant reward and we all like to be rewarded. Here are some examples: in corporations when we hit our quarterly sales numbers, at church when we teach a really good Bible Study, when we sing a great solo, run a really great program, or hit a home run and people cheer. Most of us who have been asked to consider leadership have big cheering sections. We played in big and little leagues. We are used to applause, affirmation and the feeling of success. But the minute the call to leadership is accepted, you have to expect that most of the cheering will stop. However, the desire to please people doesn’t ever relent. It is part of our nature. The big question for a leader is whether or not you have the heart to deal with disappointing people.

I suppose we can get all noble and remind each other that Christian leadership is about pleasing the Lord. Which is absolutely true! So, what is pleasing to the Lord? Most people want their own way and have a difficult time discerning the Lord's will for their own lives while trying to live through the mud of actually living day to day with Jesus as Lord. Leaders are not exempt from the temptations of this world—nor thinking they know the will of the Lord. Jesus’ own disciples and enemies all believed they knew and understood who Jesus was and what his role was going to be. They were all wrong. How disappointing. Think of how many times Jesus disappointed others. Jesus had a much bigger vision and he would leave something behind that would catapult them into a new and different life—one they could never have expected nor chosen for themselves. Only God knew what was next. God was in it all.

NEXT

I wanted to come up with some savvy way of embracing what is next for me and for Wheatland. Here is my feeble attempt: N is for new. We will all need to adjust our expectations in order to embrace what God intends when he introduces us to new. Don’t go backward. There is a temptation to lean on what was technically successful BEFORE. Don’t go back there. All things are new—God makes all things new. Be open to something you never anticipated. E is for experience. We will all experience God’s newness by surrendering and actually doing the hard work of moving forward—disappointing ourselves and others as we go along. Feel the disappointment, pivot, adapt and move on. Experience is a great teacher and is meant to be combined with wisdom—a truly wise person learns from other people’s mistakes and successes. X is for “X marks the spot.” Your spot. It’s already reserved by Jesus and he will show you what to do. Show up. Don’t over think. Don’t bring your own agenda—or you will be disappointed. T is for transformational. Yes, that is what God is calling forward to achieve. Transformational ministry that is not dependent on our technical skills but on how the Holy Spirit will lead, guide and direct us as we move out further forward. Remember that we work for his glory and never for our own.

Thank you, Wheatland. I am grateful for the eight years I served here. I learned so much. I am excited about what is NEXT. God doesn’t do things ‘willy-nilly’ or without purpose. I fully expect this next season to be lit with a holy fire we cannot contain. May the Holy Spirit fill you with a sense of anticipation for what is NEXT. May He kindle the fires of your call. Remember that His calling is irrevocable and that He works all things to achieve His good and perfect will. I have loved you all with an everlasting love—in this life and in the life to come.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV

Pastor Jen

*Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading. Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; (Psalm 84:10)

I sang that song for years. It was one of my favorites. “Better is one day in your courts…than a thousand elsewhere…”

I didn’t know it was a hymn of praise for the Sons of Korah (priests) as they served the Lord in the Temple. I didn’t know it was as song written 3,000 years ago. And I didn’t t know it was a song from the Third Book of Psalms. All I knew was that contemporary worship song connected me to a greater truth—that all I wanted to do was sing that song in God’s presence all of my days. When I gathered with hundreds of others to sing that song during worship, I knew what heaven would be like for me as I gathered with the faithful to sing, praise and honor God. It would be extraordinary.

As I was preparing for the message for Mark 5, I realized something I hadn’t known before. Something that had not even entered my mind. I didn’t know that what I read from Mark 4:1-5:43 happened all in one day. One day? One day Jesus began to teach by the lakeshore, he taught in parables as a way of revelation which revealed the Kingdom of God. After teaching, Jesus invited the disciples to go to the other side. On the way, Jesus and disciples faced a challenging storm. Jesus rebuked the storm. Interesting. I thought Jesus rebuked demons. Oh…on the way to an extraordinary display of Jesus’ power in the Gentile region, they had to go through the storm designed to waylay them from fulfilling their true calling—which would be the revelation of Jesus to both Gentile and Jew. All of it happened during one day.

I think we sometimes get the idea that Jesus’ experiences were parceled out as one per day—like a vitamin or medication or your favorite cheese cake. Timelines are strange and often hard to follow with regards to Jesus and his ministry. This extravagant display of holy power happened all in one day. It was an extraordinary day. Well, then I started to think about all the other days. Were there ordinary days…ordinary days with Jesus? What would that have been like? Did only the extraordinary days get included in Mark’s gospel? Two whole chapters were dedicated to one day. And then the song began to play over and over in my mind: “Better is one day…than a thousand elsewhere.”

Jesus’ ministry lasted three years. Scholars disagree as to whether or not Jesus’ ministry lasted one year or three. But, for today, since neither of us are biblical scholars, let’s agree Jesus’ ministry lasted three years or about a thousand days. I would spend one extraordinary day with Jesus than spend a thousand anywhere else. And yet, there were ordinary days with Jesus while he was discipling and teaching and raising people from the dead. There were ordinary days for Jesus just like there are ordinary days for you and for me. Not every day is extraordinary. There are waaaaaay more ordinary days when the grind of faith is being developed within us and preparing us for one of those extraordinary ones of which only God knows their timing.

We tend to look for, expect or remember the extraordinary events or experiences in our lives because they are so contradictory to the hum drum of our ordinary lives. There is always the fifty-five year old guy who tells the story of scoring the winning touchdown his senior year of high school. There is always the gal who remembers what she looked like in that outfit or gown or dress when she was at her best. It’s all right to remember the extraordinary. It is even biblical to do so! Praise God for the ‘one day in the courts of the Lord!’ But, consider a practice that will build your confidence and raise your assurance that Jesus is Lord over the extraordinary and the ordinary. Praise God for the smallest most insignificant occurrence and see how your faith develops. Recognize the intimacy of God in the wind, rain drops or child’s giggle. Don’t forget that the same Jesus who rebuked the wind and waves, drove a legion of demons into the pigs, healed a woman of her struggle with disease and then raised a twelve year old girl from the dead is the same Jesus who is closer to you now… than the air you breathe. He’s with you in your ordinary life even now as you read this blog.

The same Jesus who did so much in one day….not only in the Galilee but at Calvary…did so to redeem all our days…ordinary and extraordinary so that we might spend them all with him in paradise. I don’t know about you…but that sounds extraordinary to me.

See you Sunday.

Jen

“Don’t be afraid, just believe.” (Mark 5:36b)

It was a dark and stormy night...

I have one of those wooden decorative signs on the shelf in my home office—maybe you’ve seen it while on a Zoom call with me. The sign says, “Storms don’t last forever.” It can often feel like the storm lasts for eternity. There have been many storms in my life. Comparatively, storms last a fraction of the time we think they do. It can feel like storms last an eternity because we are doing so much to survive. Storms force us to focus on immediate needs or what is right in front of us in order to make it through the gale.

Storms are messy and can leave a path of destruction.

We can have plenty of warning. Your vehicle has made that funny noise for some time now. Your physician says, “You need to lose the weight and change your eating habits or you will be dealing with diabetes.” A teacher calls you to tell you that she believes your student has some issues and if you don’t do some correction now, you will have bigger problems later on.” Your spouse has been depressed for some time and started drinking—you haven’t told anyone because the drinking only happens after 8pm and they seem to be able to handle themselves. Financial challenges have been plaguing you and the credit card limit is sky high but you keep spending to ease the uneasiness you feel deep inside. Some storms can be predicted by the conditions that precede them.

Other storms happen without warning. COVID-19 raged across the world with devastating effects. Hurricanes will bounce along the East and Gulf coasts leaving property damage replacement costs in the trillions of dollars. Car accidents happen daily. Your daughter falls and breaks her arm during practice. You are attacked and abused. Work issues. Personnel issues. Relationship issues. Infertility. Sometimes storms are designed to wreak havoc in our lives and can devastate even the strongest faith in Christ! We might find ourselves believing Jesus doesn’t care about us, about our situation or about the unimaginable circumstances we are going through that we do not deserve. Other times, circumstances and situations arise within families—secrets get revealed--that challenge the very blood lines that brought you all together. Some storms cannot be predicted but there is something worse than the storm..it’s what comes afterwards.

Be careful not to create a second storm by the decisions you made during the first storm.

We cannot control a storm—whether anticipated or not. Storms turn us upside down and wrong-side up. But, we can certainly make things worse for ourselves or others by making poor decisions. Here’s what I want you to consider as we read from Mark 4:35-41.

1. Don’t lose your trust in God—we might believe Jesus is absent but he’s right there with you.

2. Ask what the Lord wants to show you—about yourself, about others or about him.

3. God honors humility—ask whether the storm was sent to break you—out of old habits, out of a bad relationship or open you to new possibilities.

4. Discern what voice you’re hearing—have you been asked to compromise your character or avoid the truth in some way?

5. Did you create the storm—own this and stop creating unnecessary drama.

6. Are you blaming others—own this too…stop blaming and start claiming the victory.

7. Accept God’s word for you—focus on God and not the storm/situation/circumstance. Which is greater God or the storm?

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)

Pastor Jen

Ministry was going great! They were gaining momentum. Jesus moved from town to town—preaching and driving out demons! Jesus was truly initiating something new. No one had ever witnessed such miracles and experienced such authority. Even the demons were kept from revealing who Jesus truly was—silencing your enemies so that they won’t reveal your true identity? That’s power! I would imagine the disciples were loving it! Everything’s coming up roses!

Be careful when everything is going your way—it’s easy to miss what matters most.

While the ministry of Jesus and disciples continued to expand, there was an inception point…a moment when things were never going to be the same. Sometimes we know these moments and other times we become aware of them afterwards. Consider these examples: a serendipitous meeting, a short conversation, a decision to fly rather than drive to a destination, helping someone in need, a short prayer. It is easy to dismiss these moments—because they are ‘moments’ that didn’t seem like a big deal to you or anyone else at the time. Inception points are different because they change the course of events to fulfill God’s most important purposes.

Inception points often reveal themselves in a pattern like this:

1. Opportunity presents itself.

2. A new situation develops and a change of plans often leads to a turning point.

3. Progress.

4. Complications and the stakes get higher setting up the point of no return.

5. A major setback occurs.

6. Push forward or give it up.

7. Afterwards...

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35) From this point in the development of Jesus’ ministry, there is a direct change. The disciples are likely excited—everyone is looking for you! Jesus responds by telling them he needed to go to other villages nearby to preach. Jesus said, "That is why I have come.” (Mark 1:38) And so Jesus and the disciples continued onto other villages as Jesus preached and drove out demons. More success! More momentum.

There are things only God could do. Two of them are purify to make people or items holy and forgive sins. After his solitary prayer time, Jesus began to publicly reveal his true identity but no one wanted to hear it. And the more Jesus revealed his identity the more the opposition grew. The inception point wasn’t rendered in the public actions that Jesus did like his preaching, driving out demons or in his ability to cleanse or forgive. I believe the inception point for Jesus was when he was alone in a solitary place where he prayed.

Disciples are made in the solitary place. So often we get swept up in the public action of Jesus that we miss the whole point of his arrival, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. Being a disciple of Jesus is a life choice and requires an ongoing development of becoming a devoted, connected, generous follower of Jesus. But, the most important moments are not in the doing of ministry—the active, momentum building, public participation moments…our most important inception moments happen when we are alone in a solitary place so we can pray.

Watch what happens next in Mark’s gospel.

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus was indignant. (Mark 1:41)

The two times I see Jesus angry and annoyed at what he perceived as unfair treatment is here with a leper and when he arrived in Jerusalem to see what had happened to "His Father’s House.” Both circumstances revealed the inability for religion to make us right and the inept attempt of the Temple practices to atone for our sin. Jesus is the only way to make us right with God. Jesus indeed cleansed the leper and took the whip as he drove out the money changers. The Temple was meant to bring God and his people together in right relationship. The Temple was meant to be a House of Prayer.* But, the Temple had become a beacon of reality that it was impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. (Hebrews 10:4) The Temple was a shining example of what was wrong. Jesus' indignant behavior didn’t begin on Palm Sunday, as we may have thought. Jesus’ indignation emerged from a broken heart—God’s broken heart over a broken relationship which began in a place called Eden.

God intended us for a relationship. But, what we ended up with was religion. God intended his people to be holy. But, what happened was sinful and unholy. God intended a life full of meaning, purpose and value. But, what happened was life that was dead, broken and damaged beyond repair. We needed a Savior but what we wanted was a magic man—a tent revival preacher—a demon slayer. But, what we got was a Messiah who loved the world so much he gave is one and only life that we might discover what truly living was all about. Jesus’ inception point wasn’t in the miracles, movements or mind blowing displays of power. His greatest moments were when he was one on one with his Father in a solitary place…where he prayed.

What if what you need isn’t a miracle or a divine provision of some kind. What if what matters most isn't a public act but a solitary act. What if everything we truly need is found not in what we accomplish for Jesus but who we become with him? Maybe it’s time to pray.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

*Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17

Pastor Jen

Now what?

Easter Sunday captivated and confounded us with the power of God’s truth. We are all amazed at the biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection and how it impacted the disciples then… and how it continues to impact us even now. The resurrection changed everything! Second chances to do what is right never sounded so good before! Eternal life is now in the grip of our hands and the challenge for us is to not allow what we experienced with Jesus on Easter to be forgotten in the weekly soup of our lives!

It is possible to experience the miracle and miss the significance.

The resurrection takes time to understand—some might say it takes our lifetime and probably eternity to make sense of not only what God did but how He did it! The fulfillment, the rescue, the ransom, the atonement, the debt paid in full…we could go on and on. Discipleship is about application. I think a lot of us know the story. Even non-believers and unbelievers know this story. But, perhaps the resurrection hasn’t had a direct impact on our personal lives that we thought it would. We’ve witnessed people die and not come back to life. There is still mega-watt evil and destruction in our world and the relationship between us: God, human and creation is still broken. Even though Jesus did all the heavy lifting, the application of his life-death-resurrection work to our own lives is still incomplete. We have to do our part.

Let’s start at the beginning.

This week we launch a preaching and small group series titled: The Gospel of Mark: Let the Gospel tell the Story. You can learn more about our fresh approach to reading this gospel on our webpage.* Mark’s gospel takes us through the fast paced, miracle working ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. There is no birth narrative. No deeply theological statement as we begin Mark’s gospel. It just starts at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. You can focus on Jesus. As you read Mark’s gospel, you can get a sense of Jesus’ personal life and his relationship with the disciples. I challenge you to look through your Bible and notice the headings: it’s Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Jesus does this. Jesus does that. Jesus is…

That’s the point. It is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Life can get very busy fulfilling tasks, overloaded with information and polluted with pointless data. Our spiritual lives take the backseat to the driving, relentless pace of the lives we lead. I am writing to you from experience—don’t let ministry fool you. Sometimes those of us who work in ministry are farthest away from Jesus. Working for him doesn’t secure our place with him. The same goes for people who volunteer or serve at church. Review last week’s Holy Week scriptures if you need to remember how far away disciples can be from Jesus.

Food for thought as you begin.

The most important gospel is the one you write—your life story with Jesus. You have four different approaches to choose from in the Bible and countless resources available to you. Begin at the base level—your foundation. Your spiritual life must be built on a solid rock—the firm foundation—the stone the builders rejected which must become your cornerstone. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. He is the one who called you. He is the one who invited you. He is the one who can change you. Sacrifice what you think you may know—place it before God as an offering. Don’t conform to the pattern of what you’ve been previously taught—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. (Romans 12:2)

Prepare. Make a straight path for Jesus—no more zigzag around obstacles surrounding your heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you something new and allow the gospel to tell your story.

“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way—a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’" (Mark 1:1-3)

Pastor Jen

http://wheatlandsalem.org/mark

You are going the wrong way!

Actually, they were headed in the opposite direction. After all that had happened in Jerusalem, these two were headed away from it all. The holy center of worship, offerings, celebration and intrigue was behind them. They were likely raised in the faith, trained in the faith and expected to act as faithful followers. That was all behind them now.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. (Luke 24: 13-14 NIV)

The very same day the Risen One satisfied the requirement of the curse and cancelled sin. The very same day the Light of the World stepped out from the darkness and into the glorious light of eternity. The very same day the King of Kings and Lord of Lords overcame death and ushered in what truly living meant. The very same day the Victorious One fulfilled the ransom and paid the debt for his brothers and sisters we could never repay. The very same day there were two that were walking away from it all and headed in the wrong direction.

Thank GOD it was seven miles. The number seven has great importance in the Bible: seven days in Genesis, seven Jewish feasts, seven times Joshua marched around Jericho, seven churches in Revelation, seven weeks of revelation in Daniel, forgiveness is offered 70 times 7, Seven seals, trumpets and bowls. Seven means a great deal to both Jew and Gentile. For us, in this story, it meant they had gone far enough.

It’s Easter and I can’t get my loved ones to come to church with me.

Many people ask me what to do about the situation they face with loved ones who have turned their backs on God. They have walked away from it all and are headed in the wrong direction. Sometimes people aren’t offended by Jesus, it’s the church they hate or organized religion that’s 'too judgy.’ This may be your situation or you know someone who was a holy fire and brimstone kind of person and a witness to their faith that brought others to a believing faith in Christ. Perhaps there is someone in your life who loved Jesus and church but now wouldn’t get caught dead or alive seated next to you in church on Easter Sunday. You’re not alone.

We talk a great talk about discipleship. But we often do not have the first clue how to talk to our own family or loved ones about faith let alone talk with someone who’s walked away from it all. God chose to work through the family—in the Bible—you will read every book with a sense of God’s purpose to redeem the family because the family is the building block for every society on earth. The family is the most powerful mechanism for grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Sadly, many of us find it difficult to practice our discipleship with our spouses, children, grandchildren and extended loved ones or people we choose to be our ‘family.’ There are different types of family—family of origin and family of choice. BOTH need Jesus and YOU are the one to be the bridge.

Here is what I believe we can learn from Jesus on Easter.

Where is Jesus before he reveals himself to the disciples? Where you know in your heart he would be…with the lost. Sometimes we can be so close we cannot see what’s truly in front of us. Prepare to do some of your own soul searching and have some honest talk with people you trust to tell you the truth because salvation is on the line.

• Plan for their departure. Manage your own expectations and become the best steward for them in their belief. (Proverbs 22:6)
• Be present. Be where they are—notice where Jesus is—you go to the gym, the bar, the coffee shop, the video game playoff, concert—hangout place because that is exactly where Jesus would be—with them, with the lost. (Matthew 9:10-17; Mark 2:15-22; Luke 5:29-39; Luke 15; John 14:1-3)
• Be prepared. Understand your faith—your reason for believing—your own theology—and be able to present it without guilt or blame. Look up arguments and understand the Bible yourself. There is nothing worse than hypocrisy. Jesus hated hypocrisy, too. (Matthew 23; 1 Peter 3:15)
• Be persistent. Never, ever…no…not ever. Never, never, never, never…ever give up. NEVER. (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8, Romans 8)
• Be profoundly honest. Admit if you are in the way. Divorce, horrible life experiences, death, abuse, addiction, loss, bankruptcy, mistakes, prison, unforgiveness, stupidity…yes, admit that you are part of the problem and you are part of the solution. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:20)
• Be patient. Jesus isn’t interested in your time table or your reputation. Jesus is interested in their salvation. (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:13-16;1 John 4:9-14)

So what happened?

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:15-16) Repeat after me…I don’t always know what Jesus is up to. (Repeat until you believe it.)

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 24:17-18) Jesus is qualified to talk with them without you and they are capable of receiving revelation without you.

Friends, read the Luke 24 scripture yourself. Allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to convict and compel you. Let Jesus be Jesus…especially with those who are headed in a wrong direction. Deal with your own hurt, embarrassment, disillusionment or abandonment issues. Maybe you’ve judged yourself and your family too harshly. Or maybe…you really do not trust Jesus with the salvation of your loved ones. Whatever the case. Believe that Jesus, who is greater than anything we could ever dream or imagine, is on your side. He sees you. He has heard your prayers and Jesus is concerned.

He has already done all the hard work. Rejoice and BELIEVE!

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:45-48)

Happy Easter!!

Pastor Jen

Resources for Prodigals, Lost People and Music to encourage you:

Article for reading https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/christian-trends/is-it-your-fault-when-your-kids-lose-their-faith.html

Addiction Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK_Jizsd8qI

Hope for Hurting Parents https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrYz2uJdfFg

Marriage and Forgiveness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePOqPscKDNs

Zach Williams Rescue Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yr48Berkqc

Zach Williams LIVE Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9iNqV2f5mA

Zach Williams Live at Harding Prison Chain Breaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9iNqV2f5mA

Zach Williams Live at Harding Prison No Longer Slaves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDnA_coA168

“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (Luke 19:30-31)

Jesus chose a baby donkey.

It would be comical if it was anyone other than Jesus. Have you ever tried to get near an unbroken animal? What comes to mind when you think of someone attempting to lead a donkey…anywhere? Resistance—hard headed—resistance. Let’s go in for more comic effect—have you ever witnessed someone trying to ride an unbroken animal? Imagine what a normal man must do in order to break the will of the animal in order for it to be any use. The man riding into Jerusalem on a foal that has never been ridden has power no one recognizes.

Jesus is coming into Jerusalem to rule riding on a colt that no one has ever ridden and he’s coming to save—not by taking power and killing, but by losing power and dying. He’s going to triumph through weakness and his followers can only come to salvation by repenting and admitting their needs. Not through hard headed resistance. We’re not saved by our human will or good works nor a strong super hero savior to 'do good works’ so we can boast about our own strong super hero savior accomplishments. No, Jesus is very different than anyone expected. He arrives humble and riding a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

A lot of people aren’t strong. Even fewer are strong super hero saviors. It’s salvation through weakness—salvation by grace so that everyone can experience free grace salvation in spite of our sins. This is so dramatic! It also means that anybody can get in—young or old, free or slave, Gentile or Jew, orange or purple. You can see there is way more going on as he comes into the city. Jesus’ action is a very deliberate and clear in fulfillment of Scripture.(Zechariah 9:9) What a scene! It’s like a movie premier and Jesus is the main attraction.

What were the expectations of this crowd?

Well, it’s hard to tell really—palm branches and all. We’ve heard that the people living in Jerusalem at that time had expectations. That’s normal. Who goes through life without expectations? I am certain you have expectations, especially of leaders, at least ones that you choose to follow. It’s often when our expectations are unmet that we go to God. We often go—resistant or hard headed or maybe even hard hearted--to God because we need something. Virtually everyone heads out toward God because they need something. Think about the guy who frantically calls the hospital chaplain and then tells him he doesn’t need him anymore because he learned he received the wrong diagnosis and he doesn’t really have cancer. We tend to go to God and say “you need to give me exactly what I need from you.”

What do people think they need from God?

Back then, some wanted God to bring judgment down on the people they thought were ruining the world...the Romans! Somebody else is always ruining the world. What they really needed was someone to come down to bear the judgment for them because those people were ruining the world and quite honestly, because everybody in the whole human race was ruining the world—and quite frankly, we are still part of that insurmountable ‘ruining the world’ problem. What they really needed was pardon and reconciliation so that God can one day come back to earth to end evil without ending you and me. So, like them, we will all still shout, “Hosanna!” as Jesus rides by on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

There will never be a better example of the worthlessness of human celebrity than Palm Sunday.

We see Jesus arriving into Jerusalem as a king, fulfilling scripture as he rides in on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Some of the people shouting “Hosanna!” which means “Save us!" would shout “Crucify him!” by Friday. The great revelation of the fickleness of corporate human nature or maybe Jesus was the victim of the world’s first attempt at cancel culture. Get rid of Jesus and erase everything he ever said or did. Sis, boom, bah…voila! The problem is all those miracles, the signs and wonders. There were witnesses. There are still witnesses. What is the approval of the world worth? How different is God’s approval. Human celebrity is nothing.

Palm Sunday is an illustration of the life long mismatch of what we think we need and what God has provided.

What we think we need is always shallow. What God often does in the short run is very confusing. Keep in mind that when you come to him he will give you what you really need and will in the long run exceed your expectations. God always gives you what you would have asked for if you knew everything he does. If you learn this you’ll live a contented, non-anxious life of shalom. If you don’t learn this... you won’t.

And about that donkey that had never been ridden…Jesus is a different sort of leader. He didn’t need to break the will of the foal in order to reveal its use. Jesus transformed it. As King of Creation, he has power and authority over all Creation. Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, turned water into wine and provided amazing catches of fish. But, his greatest accomplishment was transforming a resistant—hard headed or hard hearted—beast into something that would carry him to fulfill his ultimate goal…his redeeming, reconciling work of the cross. Jesus knew what we needed long before we did and I believe he completely exceeded our expectations.

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38 NIV)

Pastor Jen

Fellowship Explored

I heard the word “fellowship” quite a lot in church. In my home church or every church I served, fellowship seemed to mean “Christians getting together with food.” Bill loves a good church potluck and so do I! Maybe you remember church fellowship like we do. Adults would talk about “stuff” while they ate and the kids would run around and try to find something fun to do. These are great experiences and memories. There’s certainly nothing wrong with Christians getting together to eat, chat, play and share a meal together. But this is far from the “fellowship” that occupies Philippians as its major theme. Paul’s vision for fellowship is more like J. R. R. Tolkien’s vision in his book The Fellowship of the Ring. Frodo Baggins and his diverse cohort shared an all-consuming mission. They shared extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, harrowing experiences which led to a deep and meaningful bond. That’s what fellowship means—the sharing or bond of identity, purpose, mission, and experiences.

We’ve explored our personal discipleship for the past eight weeks and I hope you experienced fellowship along with other disciples on the journey. We read and re-read the book of Philippians in small groups and watched some impactful videos filled with stories about how disciples of Jesus Christ choose to live out their call to follow him from all over the world. The dream was to challenge one another and to focus on our discipleship—which means becoming Christ-like—more like Jesus.

So, how are you doing? Are you more like Jesus today than you were eight weeks ago?

The word disciple means follower or learner. It means there is discipline involved. A disciple of Jesus Christ isn’t some super Christian. In fact, Jesus assumes just the opposite. All of us who respond to his call to follow him are his disciples. What type of disciple are you? How would Jesus answer that question? The Apostle Paul challenged the disciples in Philippi to do as he did and live a life of joy no matter what circumstance they found themselves living in or facing. Jesus himself set the standard for how we are to live and Paul simply encourages disciples to live as Jesus lived—in a constant sense of shalom and joy.

The Bible is meant to be read and experienced together in community. Fellowship is something we can experience as we face extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, harrowing experiences as Christians together. There is certainly joy but there is also conflict. The Philippians knew about conflict and Paul urged them to solve it. Paul reminded them then and he reminds us now to work out not only our conflict but also our salvation with fear and trembling! Paul's letter to the Philippians is deeply meaningful to many disciples even in our day. When I ask people where their favorite scriptures are located—many will share their most beloved scriptures are located within the letter to the Philippian church.

1. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completionuntil the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

2. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27)

3. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

4. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:7-8)

5. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press ontoward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

6. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

7. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Tell me why the Bible is important.

“The Bible’s purpose it not much to show you how to live a good life. The Bible’s purpose is to show you how God’s grace breaks into your life against your will and saves you from the sin and brokenness otherwise you would never be able to overcome… religion is ‘if you obey, then you will be accepted’. But the Gospel is, ‘if you are absolutely accepted, and sure you’re accepted, only then will you ever begin to obey.' Those are two utterly different things. Every page of the Bible shows the difference.”– Tim Keller

The Bible is a holy revelation about relationships which includes the story of how God chose to work within the messiness of our broken family. Fellowship helps us develop Christian relationships. Imagine Christian fellowship within your own family. Remember the words of Paul. Apply them to your lives. As I finish my time as pastor of Wheatland Salem Church, I think about the beginning. I think about all the extraordinary, one-of-a-kind harrowing experiences we’ve shared which I hope will eventually be revealed to some of you as a deep and meaningful bond. I was willing to follow Jesus—jump into something I didn’t know would transform me in the ways that it has—and I am incredibly grateful for the fellowship I’ve experienced. I am not leaving yet! We still have some time before that day comes. So, I know there is still time for a few more experiences…and stories…and fellowship.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completionuntil the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6) * personal favorite

Pastor Jen

Not and Fan and The Man in the Arena

In 2011, Kyle Idleman wrote a book titled Not A Fan. His content challenged Christians to become a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. For Kyle, this meant that Christian disciples were challenged to define their relationship with Jesus, to consider the cost of actually being a completely committed follower of Jesus and to get out of the stadium seats and onto the playing field of life. Fans can shout, dance and make a lot of noise but they don’t really know what it’s like to be on the field. Anyone can be a self-absorbed know-it-all or a Monday Morning Quarterback who wasn’t even in the game. It takes incredible courage to be Christ-like in the presence of each. If you have not read the book or visited the website notafan.com, I encourage you to learn more.

On April 23, 1910, Theodore Roosevelt delivered what became the most widely quoted speeches of his career. The former president—who left office in 1909—took time off and spent a year hunting in Central Africa before commencing on a tour of Northern Africa and Europe in 1910. President Roosevelt attended events and gave speeches in places like Cairo, Berlin, Naples, and Oxford. He stopped in Paris on April 23 and gave the Man in the Arena speech at 3 p.m. at the Sorbonne. Roosevelt railed against cynics who looked down at people who were trying to make the world a better place. “The poorest way to face life is to face it with a sneer,” he said. “A cynical habit of thought and speech, a readiness to criticize work which the critic himself never tries to perform, an intellectual aloofness which will not accept contact with life's realities—all these are marks, not ... of superiority but of weakness.”

President Roosevelt then delivered an inspirational and impassioned message that drew huge applause. I’ve incorporated this speech in leadership seminars or conferences I’ve led all over the world. Below is my favorite quote from his speech:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”*

Don’t be a fan and Don’t be a cynic

Discipleship isn’t for the faint of heart. Full devotion and total commitment to Jesus ebbs and flows for most of us and it’s easy to point out where Christian leaders—especially pastors—are on the spectrum of hot to cold. Christian leaders lead a public life, whether we want to admit it or not. Everything we say and do is evaluated by outsiders, insiders and by the Lord himself. We work for Christ to make his Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He is the ultimate judge of us all—not the fans nor the ones who will never know triumph or defeat. Jesus knows our heart. He knows our thoughts. He knows our intention. When Jesus said, “Follow me.” He also said, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” (Luke 16:24) Courage, friends, is discovered and experienced in the act of following, sacrificing and becoming like Jesus.

As we continue in our Discipleship Explored material, we read of a terrible conflict between two Christian leaders who were women in Philippi. (Philippians 4:2-3) Think about this for a moment. Of all the people named and unnamed in the bible, these two women were clearly identified as Euodia and Syntyche. Are they named and known among us now not for their conflict but for their resolution and unity they provided in their church? Paul implored the Philippian Christians to help them work out their conflict by appealing to them to have the same mind as Christ. Have the same mind of Jesus—in conflict. That is true discipleship—not focusing on the problem but on the solution. These are the signs Paul identified as Christian discipleship:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV)

As we transition through the next few months, I encourage each of you to consider the claims from Kyle Idleman, President Roosevelt and the Apostle Paul. Conflict in the church is inevitable. How we lead through it makes all the difference in the world.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completionuntil the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

Pastor Jen

*Citzenship in a Republic speech https://www.leadershipnow.com/tr-citizenship.html

What are we willing to give up?

It’s Lent. It’s the time of year we ask this question—what are you willing to give up--is the deal breaker for most disciples and an immediate revelation of what type of disciple or whose disciple we truly are at our core. What am I willing to give up? Is there a cost to discipleship?* Consider the parables of the field and the pearl.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV)

The field is a metaphor. But, we could use garden, suburb, subdivision, neighborhood, career, job or even the family farm. The setting is the search and the surprising discovery. But, the main emphasis actually lies in the cost. Consider the parable of the treasure. The possibility of finding a treasure buried in a field was rare but not entirely far-fetched in the ancient world. Given the lack of banks, 401k plans, pensions, or safe deposit boxes, the most secure place for one’s most treasured possession would likely be buried in the back yard or somewhere safe like “under the mattress.”

Jesus, however, is not overly interested in the details. He challenged us to consider what we value and to account for what we believe. Yes, Jesus is Messiah, Savior, Lord and a lot of other things. Don’t allow him to stay up on that pedestal so far removed that he has no direct impact in your daily life. Jesus is also a master teacher who uses our commonly held beliefs in order to show us our error and his way to live a life of Christian freedom. His concern and emphasis are on the price our treasure finder is willing to pay. And Jesus’ point here is striking and straightforward. It costs the man--everything to obtain the treasure. The treasure finder doesn’t even stop to do the math. He acts on impulse, moved and motivated by the energy of this new disposition of “joy.” (Matt. 13:44) Below the surface, the man is really a treasure seeker—constantly looking for the next best thing and when he discovers The BEST thing—he is willing to give up everything for something that is even more valuable….no looking back and only looking forward he gives up everything.

The trade up.

The beauty and glory of the kingdom are such that when we discover it—we respond out of a holy instinctive joy, sacrificing or releasing our preconceived ideas of what we once believed was valuable. Think about the ‘stuff’ you thought was important or valuable. Honestly, it’s not a loss but a sacrifice worth making in order to obtain something that was a dream or believed to be impossible.The parable of the pearl of great price appears even more surprising and more challenging in this regard.

On the surface, it might appear that not much is happening in the second parable that isn’t already more clearly stated in the first. In both, the searcher sells all to gain all—but there seems to be a bit of a twist in the pearl parable. There is something irrational in the merchant’s action that is worthy of our consideration.

The merchant doesn’t sell in order to obtain something of greater value, as in the previous parable. On the contrary, the merchant sells everything—including (presumably) his existing beautiful pearl collection—to buy one single pearl: “when he had found one pearl of great price, (he) went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:46 NIV) This is simply not good business. His actions demonstrate that he’s not in the pearl business for the money. He’s no merchant at all! He’s in it for the pearls and now he has found The Pearl.

The only pearl that really matters.

He’s not really a merchant who buys and sells things but a pearl collector. To own this pearl is to own the only pearl that matters. This response is not rational! Why did the merchant sell everything to evidently become the homeless owner of a single pearl? For the love of this pearl and for the joy of it. That’s the twist of the second parable. The merchant is apparently less financially motivated than the field worker. Something greater is at hand. The merchant sacrifices everything not for the hope of some greater income but for the simple joy of already possessing the pearl of great price. Consider whether or not you possess the pearl of great price and whether or not the Kingdom of Heaven is enough for you. Are you still seeking some greater treasure that is “still buried out there somewhere."

These two little parables challenge us to consider our love for The Kingdom and our love for other “stuff." With the treasure, Jesus asks us to examine items we value. Are we accounting rightly when it comes to the things we own in this world? Are we in alignment with God’s will and His righteousness? The world values advancement, success and achievement—keep seeking there is always something greater just around the next corner. But, would we sacrifice all that worldly ’stuff' to obtain something infinitely better? Then, presented with the pearl, Jesus asks an even harder question: are you living honestly for the pure love and joy of the Kingdom or are you living for something else? The hidden treasure probes the depth of our vision and values. Dig beneath the surface—perhaps there is a sacrifice worth making after all. What did Jesus mean when he told us to seek first the Kingdom--all the other ’stuff’ will be given to you? (Matthew 6:33) The pearl of great price probes deeper still into the depth of our human heart and will. What are we willing to give up in order to discover the only Pearl that really matters?

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” Matthew 7:6 ESV

*The Cost of Discipleship. Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 1937

Pastor Jen

Being certain was something John knew well.

Family life was crowded at home with eighteen brothers and sisters living under one roof. John grew up in a chaotic pastor’s home and their family lived in the parsonages provided by the small church parishes. John’s mother did an amazing job raising the family in austere conditions that many of us could never even imagine. Her impact would influence` John long into his adult life and aide him in fulfilling his life’s mission.

Convinced of his calling as a pastor, John recruited his younger brother to join him as they developed a holy club that met twice weekly and two others joined. The Holy Club practiced fasting two days a week. They studied scripture, visited prisoners in debtors prison, paying for their release and attempted to find employment for them. The Holy Club set up soup kitchens and distribution centers in the city. The men in the Holy Club were certain of their salvation and of what God was doing in their lives. John did all the right things.

He was thirty-five years old and single. John had thrown himself into ministry wholeheartedly. But, why? Perhaps it was to make up for some bad family business. John’s father, Samuel, had a violent temper. Samuel left the family on several occasions leaving them to fend for themselves. It was also known that John paid to release his father from debtors prison twice. Alcohol was also part of the family story.

And then, John’s father died.

John and his brother left their Holy Club and their "do-gooder" lives. Everything they started disintegrated. A military general convinced the brothers to leave their home, their family and what was left of their ministry to try something new. The brothers arrived to serve alongside the British military as military pastors in a new land called Georgia.

John was well known for his rigid discipline and order. The military was all about rules and order. John and his brother would do well there or so one would think. John would oversee the spiritual lives of the colonists and evangelize the Indians as an Agent for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

During his time serving the military, John met a young adventurist named Sophie Hopkey whose father was the magistrate. It wasn’t long before affections developed and John proposed to Sophie. But, ministry continued to be his focus. Ignored and abandoned, Miss Sophie Hopkey was smitten by another man—a military leader. John became embroiled in turmoil as he refused to serve communion to Sophie and her new fiancé. Faced with a court action, John and his brother Charles left Savannah by night.

After a few days at sea, a hurricane threatened to destroy the ship that carried John and Charles back to Britain. In what seemed to be a wild fit of fear for his own life, an exasperated John approached a group of Moravian Christians quietly praying below deck in the middle of the storm. The Moravians practiced a different sort of piety that would eventually affect John and his ministry.

Depressed, an utter failure in ministry and in love, John returned to England.

It wasn’t until months later, that while John was seated in a chapel alone at 8:45pm, he listened to someone read Martin Luther’s introduction to the Book of Romans. Something extraordinary happened to John. Salvation by FAITH became real for John Wesley. Salvation by faith is a hallmark belief in what Christ accomplished already for us….not what we could do for him. Love, healing, forgiveness, mercy and grace seemed to flood his entire being and John Wesley became convinced that Christ alone had atoned for his sin—and perhaps for the sins of his father.

John Wesley identified that moment as his conversion moment. John began ministry again. Only this time with a fresh motivation—the love of Jesus Christ. Others joined the movement that was initiated with his trusted brother Charles. Charles would marry and have a happy time as a parish minister. John would never truly be happily married. But, he would go on to begin the Methodist movement that influenced millions of people world-wide even to this day.

A softened heart would change the world.

Not only did he understand that he had to repent of his sins. John Wesley was quick to repent of his own self-righteousness. Wesley left clear theological precepts and guidance for Christians in his sermons. John wrote clear expectations for classes, bands and societies on how to protect oneself from the temptation of doing good in order to justify oneself before God and the community.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi long before John Wesley wrote to his followers about the same temptation that can stand in our way today. We can do all the right things for all the wrong reasons. We can live a good, clean life without knowing Christ Jesus—without knowing his love, healing, forgiveness, mercy and grace. The way we treat others will be the best evidence of what Christ has already done within us. Be sure to guard your own heart and be quick not only to repent of your sins….but also of your own self-righteousness.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:8-9 NIV

Pastor Jen

Great moves of God are usually preceded by simple acts of obedience.

Obedience. The word itself can make us wince. And yet, obedience is required for the disciple of Jesus Christ. The type of obedience reveals what type of disciple we are willing to be. Notice the sequence in these biblical examples.

1. God said to Noah, “Go make an ark…” (Genesis 6:14)

2. God said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

3. God said to Abraham, "Then God said, “ Go take your son, your only son, whom you love--Isaac--and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22:2)

4. As he walked along, (Jesus) he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

5.“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9)

6. And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.(Mark 14:3)

Most of us focus on the outcome. Consider what had to take place in order for God’s will to be fulfilled. One person made a decision. One person had to follow through. One person made all the difference.

What is the right obedience equation?

Our response to God usually sounds like this, “when I get…financially stable—I will give to the church.” “When I get my life together—I will serve at church.” “When I get my own answers to the big questions—I will share my faith with others.”

Consider the obedience equation from God’s point of view. God is looking for people who do the will of God and ask questions later. Great moves of God are fulfilled when people hear God clearly say, “this is what I want you to do.” And…they did it. They follow through.

When opportunity knocks—it looks like obedience.

When you hear the invitation to give—give without consideration of the cost. (Luke 14:25-33)

When you receive the invitation to serve—serve. Don’t act like everyone else is supposed to serve you. (Mark 10:45)

When someone asks you about what you believe about Jesus—tell your story, especially if you have questions about faith. A witness shares what they know from their experience. (Acts 1:8)

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13

Pastor Jen

Bill and I are huge movie buffs. We will watch some movies multiple times, be able to anticipate the banter between characters and say the favorite line along with the character. We love Indiana Jones, Tom Cruise, 007—James Bond, Jane Austen and great movie classics like Casablanca. We really enjoy Chinese films and the efforts Chinese directors take in their cinematography.

Conflict makes a great story.

No conflict, no story. Indiana Jones is a master of disaster—he finds inventive ways of getting out of sticky situations and he gets the girl in the end. Indy is the super smart university professor who leads trusted friends into the ancient world of discovery. Great stories provide an illustration for how to deal with a conflict—a problem, a confrontation or a fight. Does it mean that in order to tell a good story our characters must face each other in an epic battle? Not at all. Although conflict in film can be represented by combat (there are thousands of stories about battles and wars), it’s a whole lot more than that. Conflict is what drives the plot, makes us empathize with the characters and what compels us to keep watching because we want to know how it will be resolved.

How we deal with conflict reveals who we are at our core.

How do you feel about conflict? Feel? Conflict is emotional. It wreaks havoc in our brain and produces physiological experiences in our bodies. * Think about the last time you had a conflict to work out—how did it go? How did you feel before, during and after? Was there any resolution or solution? Ongoing conflict is very challenging and why some people simply ‘give in or give up.’ Think about a family system that’s been ruled by overt or covert conflict. Tragically, this is why family secrets and abuse is so dangerous. It is amazing how one single person can do so much damage or how a bully will reduce others to feeling insignificant or not valuable.

We can certainly learn skills on how to deal with conflict and I believe that’s one of the reasons we love the films that we do. Because in a great story, we can learn how other people whom we identify with deal with conflict and win. There can be no victory without a winner.

You will be my witnesses. (Acts 1:8)

I find it fascinating that Jesus expects us to tell stories. As Jesus leaves the disciples and is taken up into glory, he makes this statement, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) A witness tells a story from their point of view. Our story can be instrumental in how other people come to Christ. A great story can reveal how a Christian dealt with conflict and became an inspiration for others. If you say you’re a Christian, how you deal with conflict is a sure-fire way to reveal Jesus himself…or not. It’s also a way to measure our Christ-likeness which is what discipleship is all about.

How we deal with conflict and struggle is evidence and a gauge as to how Christ-like we truly are becoming. And of course, it’s situational. Sometimes we deal with conflict straight on. Other times we wait on God. The key to dealing with conflict in a Christ-like manner is how we listen—how surrendered we are to Christ—and how brave we can be with the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Conflict is inevitable. It’s part of a normal life. Think about the last time you dealt with conflict. Would Jesus be proud of you…or is there room for improvement?

a. How about breakfast this morning mom or dad? (You’re teaching your kids how to handle conflict.)

b. How about reconciling your financial resources spouses? (You’re becoming more Christ-like in your marriage.)

c. How about the last ZOOM call you had? (You’re revealing to the world what you believe about Jesus and his value of others.)

The Discipleship Explored material helps us plumb the depths and riches of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. This is what Paul says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:3-5)

Pastor Jen

*https://hbr.org/2015/12/calming-your-brain-during-conflict

The most important thing.

The most important goal in discipleship is our own Christ-likeness. People are influenced more by our character than anything we say or teach. Christ in us or our Christ-likeness is imperative if you want to be successful at fulfilling the Great Command (Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34 and Luke 10:27) and the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:16-20) 

Wait…what? There are expectations to this relationship with Jesus? Yes. I wonder if we understand our role as believers and that Jesus does have expectations of us. There are many who identify as Christians—but few identify as disciples of Jesus Christ. Disciples are taught to practice, learn and live out the gospel (the Christ within me) in their daily lives like in our marriages, parenting and friendships. Here is a short list that could help us understand the disciple’s role. 

For believers who become disciples:

1. We grow. Everything God created has a beginning, middle and end. Everything has a uniqueness preprogrammed within it—some call it the DNA—the internal ENERGY—to grow. Some things grow slow and have a very long life span. Other thins grow fast and have a very short life span. Growth is a story of struggle and overcoming obstacles.

2. We show fruit. Created beings tend to reproduce whether plant or animal. Extinction is the alternative. Sometimes extinction is a slow meticulous journey toward non-existence or other times it’s over in a flash. Evidence that the dinosaurs lived continues to amaze us and can even call us to question the importance of our own existence. As believers, we have EVIDENCE that our relationship with Christ has transformed us.

3. We have joy. This is a holy disposition or contentment in Christ kindled by the Holy Spirit. Joy comes along with wisdom. Joy is something that comes from outside us and yet internally transforms us. A holy transformation is revelation that Christ truly is our all in all. We live in the resilience of the resurrection of Jesus. We hold on to the truth especially when we are in the depth of grief and loss. We have joy not only in our celebrations but joy in our suffering.

Paul transformed by the gospel writes to the Disciples in Philippi

In Mark 1:15, we hear the gospel (good news) defined and proclaimed from a voice in the Wilderness shouting, “Repent and Believe.” The action or response to the gospel is not a one time thing but an ongoing way of life. The good news has holy power driven by the Holy Spirit. One must know what they’re dealing with before they are trusted with its actual power or consequence. We have evidence of a gospel transformation in the Book of Acts as it radically altered the life of one man so much he left everything to follow Jesus. The Apostle Paul is that man! He served Jesus in a capacity as a leader and wrote letters to the churches of the Mediterranean Sea basin. One letter in particular was located in Philippi—a Macedonian church.

Philippi was the Gateway to Europe. It was a well known merchant class city and was the town of intake and expedition. Trade routes came through the ancient city which connected the Far East with Rome, Europe and eventually connected with exotic destinations like Gaul and Germany. Silk and expensive cloth brought in from China was dyed deep rich colors such as the purple worn by the Senators of Rome. The great Brutus, who murdered Julius Caesar on the Senate floor, and Cassis were defeated at Philippi by Octavian and Mark Anthony during the Civil War of Rome.

Philippi was interdependent on the static Pax Romana which required the Roman occupation and on the fluidity of the trade culture which was ethnically mixed and more diverse. Philippi was a merchant town filled with middle class business people. The well known disciple Lydia lived this city and she became an instrument in the hands of the Lord to call many to faith in Jesus Christ and become disciples.

Life for the Philippians under the domination of the Roman Empire allowed for certain freedoms and included some serious restrictions. Many people from all over the world became believers in Jesus Christ because of a short stop in Philippi. Believers had taken their faith further and became disciples and the Philippian church flourished. The letter Paul wrote to this church was different than all the rest. Paul’s letters were usually responses to different issues that local churches addressed and each had a cultural relevance that is applicable even to our day. There are certain themes present in Paul’s letters. Themes we saw God establish in the Hebrew Bible—the Old Testament—as foundational we see DEVELOPED in the early church. Paul challenges this influential church to do more than believe. 

Paul wrote to the specific Christians in Philippi to cultivate and act on their belief in the gospel: 

a. Partnership in the gospel (1:5)

b. Serve to advance the gospel (1:12)

c. Defense of the gospel (1:16)

d. Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (1:27)

These words feel more like commands that deserve action. To partner with Christ, to serve and advance the gospel, to defend it with your life and to conduct your own life in a way that we reflect Jesus Christ are the hallmarks of Philippians 1. The gospel is something we honor with our lives. The gospel is powerful. The gospel is transformational! The gospel is everything to the seeker, believer and disciples. The gospel is worth dying for. 

So what exactly is the gospel? 

I believe the answer is unique to the believer. I don’t believe there is one unilateral answer because the gospel—the good news—is unique for each and every one of us. Jesus is the right answer (general revelation) and how He is your right answer (personal revelation) is very important for your motivation. The Holy Spirit will work in you to kindle the flame but we must be obedient and respond. Why would you work your entire life so that others could know him and become like him? Why would you die for him? You see, once you know how Jesus is revealed to you, what he accomplished for you and why he did it all for you…the answers will compel us to live “in a manner worthy of this gospel.”  All of this is so that others can discover Jesus, too.

In order for you to know your gospel, fill in the answer to this sentence: Jesus is ____________________.

(Here are a few suggestions to get you started.)

a. Savior—Jesus rescued and saved me from a situation I couldn’t get out of.

b. He redeemed me and paid my debt for my sin that I could never repay.

c. He took my place in the judgment, stood up for me and atoned for me.

d. He healed me and reformed me from my addictions to sin.

e. He set me free and released me from slavery to my sin, shame and guilt.

f. He won the victory over death. Death does not have the last word. 

g. He loved me. He came to find me because I was lost.

h. He called me and claimed me when no one else would.

Jesus is all these and more. Cultivate and act on your gospel. The Philippians flourished because they did these things—they partnered with God in the sharing of the gospel. They served in a way that advanced the gospel to every corner of the world. The Philippians could defend their belief of the gospel in a way that convinced others to believe and they lived out their belief in a worthy manner. Their love for Jesus led to their discipleship and their church outshined all the rest. Wouldn’t be amazing if that was the way people talked about us at Wheatland?

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

Pastor Jen

Perhaps you’ve read this before.*

With Christians of other communions, we confess belief in the triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This confession embraces the biblical witness to God’s activity in creation, encompasses God’s gracious self-involvement in the dramas in history, and anticipates the consummation of God’s reign. The created order is designed for the well-being of all creatures and as the place of human dwelling in covenant with God. As sinful creatures, however, we have broken the covenant, become estranged from God, wounded ourselves and one another, and wreaked havoc throughout the natural order. We stand in need of redemption.*

We hold in common with all Christians a faith in the mystery of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. At the heart of the gospel of salvation is God’s incarnation in Jesus of Nazareth. Scripture witnesses to the redeeming love of God in Jesus’ life and teachings, his atoning death, his resurrection, his sovereign presence in history, his triumph over the powers of evil and death, and his promised return. Because God truly loves us in spite of our willful sin, God judges us, summons us to repentance, pardons us, receives us by that grace given to us in Jesus Christ, and gives us hope of life eternal.*

We share the Christian belief that God’s redemptive love is realized in human life by the activity of the Holy Spirit, both in personal experience and in the community of believers. This community is the church, which the Spirit has brought into existence for the healing of the nations. Through faith in Jesus Christ we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and transformed people of the new covenant. “Life in the Spirit” involves diligent use of the means of grace such as praying, fasting, attending to the sacraments, and inward searching in solitude. It also encompasses the communal life of the church in worship, mission, evangelism, service and social witness.*

Although Wesley shared with many other Christians a belief in grace, justification, assurance and sanctification, he combined them in a powerful manner to create distinctive emphases for living the full Christian life. Grace pervades our understanding of Christian faith and life. By grace we mean the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit. While the grace of God is undivided, it precedes as ‘prevenient grace,’ continues in ‘justifying grace,’ and is brought to fruition by ‘sanctifying grace.’ We assert that God’s grace is manifest in all creation even though suffering, violence, and evil are everywhere present. The goodness of creation is fulfilled in human beings, who are called to covenant partnership with God. God has endowed us with dignity and freedom and has summoned us to responsibility for our lives and life of the world.*

Despite our brokenness, we remain creatures brought into being by a just and merciful God. The restoration of God’s image in our lives requires divine grace to renew our fallen nature:

1. Prevenient grace

2. Justification and Assurance

3. Sanctification and Perfection

4. Faith and Good Works

5. Mission and Service

6. Nurture and Mission of the Church

No motif in the Wesleyan tradition has been more constant than the link between Christian doctrine and Christian living. Methodists have always been strictly enjoined to maintain the unity of faith and good works through the means of grace, as seen in John Wesley’s Nature, Design, and General Rules of the United Societies. (1743) The coherence of faith with ministries of love forms the discipline of Wesleyan spirituality and Christian discipleship. Wesley insisted that the evangelical faith (creedal faith) should manifest itself in evangelical living. He spelled out this expectation on the three-part formula of the Rules:

“It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

First: by doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind…,

Secondly: by…doing good in every possible sort, and, as far as possible to all…,

Thirdly: by attending upon all the ordinances of God which are:

1. Faith in the Holy Trinity

2. Of the Word, or Son of God, Who was made Very Man

3. Of the Resurrection of Christ

4. Of the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit)

5. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation

6. Of the Old Testament

7. Of Original or Birth Sin

8. Of free will

9. Of the Justification of Man

10. Of Good Works

11. Of the Works of Supererogation

12. Of Sin after Justification

13. Of the Church

14. Of Purgatory

15. Of Speaking in the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand

16. Of the Sacraments

17. Of Baptism

18. Of the Lord’s Supper

19. Of Both Kinds

20. Of the Oblation of Christ, Finished on the Cross

21. Of the Marriage of Ministers

22. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church

23. Of the Rulers of the United States of America

24. Of Christian Men’s Goods

25. Of a Christian Man’s Oath

26. Of Sanctification

27. Of the Duty of Christians to the Civil Authority

Theology is our effort to reflect upon God’s gracious action our lives. In response to the love of Christ, we desire to be drawn into deeper relationship with ‘faith’s pioneer and perfecter.’ Our theological explorations seem to give expression to the mysterious reality of God’s presence, peace and power in the world. The theological task, though related to the Church’s doctrinal expressions, serves as a different function. Our doctrinal affirmations assist us in the discernment of Christian truth in ever-changing contexts. Our theological task includes the testing, renewal, elaboration, and application of our doctrinal perspective in carrying out our calling to “spread scriptural holiness over these lands.”*

Maybe you’ve never read these excerpts or perhaps you read them..but they vanished from your frontal cortex. I was encouraged to ‘brush up’ on these words every so often, especially when teaching Confirmation. What I shared with you above are important principles and articles of our Methodist faith. I was tested on these and was expected to recite them to the professor upon memory when called on. Seems militant now…almost like I lived a separate life in antiquity! I wanted you to see the backbone of our Wesleyan doctrine. I wanted you to see it, read it and digest it. Yes, it’s a lot to take in but it shouldn’t be…at least for me. I need to ‘brush up’ on these words. Be reminded of their weight and correction and conviction. I recognize how easily it is to take phrases out of context or use them in reference to building an argument against them. It seems selfish but it is true—words can and will be used against us in a court of law…or public opinion…or for a church vote to separate. I need to be careful here—because I am part of the problem which means I can also be part of the solution. We need to help chart our course. We have the opportunity to do that as we emerge from the COVID-19 world. I pray you will help do whatever you can to make sure our steps are clear and precise. The EVIDENCE is all around us. What we do now makes all the difference.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6 NIV)

*Paragraphs 102--104 (pages 49-79) The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016.

Pastor Jen

"We are resilient.”

I heard these words over and over from governmental leaders as I watched the events unfold in our nation’s capital. I reached out to several people to ask their opinions. Shock. Dismay. Sadness. “I can’t watch this…but I can’t turn it off either.” It felt like the train wreck conversation I’ve had multiple times in the past few months as people described their personal situations. We are experiencing an onslaught of failure and loss on a global scale. Grief has crept into our lives as a silent and unwelcome visitor. There is plenty of sadness, disappointment and even despair. This was the reality before watching the events unfold in Washington D.C.

Death comes in many forms: job loss, marriage loss, life loss, dream loss. Companies close. Denominations fail and churches are left to restructure. Colleges and universities deteriorate and close. I listened to commentators speak about our loss of faith. Faith, in my opinion, is a bold act of agreement. But, my question is what do we have faith in…? The evidence for the failure of entire belief systems is at hand. How we respond is crucial to the future.

This is definitely a complex issue and one blog post isn’t going to be enough. But, I do want you to be smart. I want you to really think about the situation in which you and I are living. The circumstances present themselves for rational demonstrations of wisdom and I believe this is the time for Christians to be bold and stand up for what we believe. Be sure that what you believe is Christian…and not some other belief disguised as Christianity but when tested is revealed as less than or not even close. Discover Christianity in a bold new way. Explore what it may mean to live with a Christian world view and how that worldview may challenge you to make changes in the way you live and how you influence others. Because what we face now is the evidence of multiple failures and each failure leads us to one conclusion.

But, many will come to you and seek out your answer. Peter’s admonition to always have an answer for the hope you have now comes close to each and every one of us. (1 Peter 3:15) Be prepared is more than a Scouting mantra—it is a way of life. I am also reminded of the story in Matthew’s gospel of the Bridesmaids. (Matthew 25:1-13) Jesus describes the difference between the foolish and the wise. Are you prepared? Will you be considered foolish or wise?

“Follow me.”

These words appear 20 times in the New Testament. We are not speaking of a blind leap into the darkness but a personal response to a personal calling. When Jesus called the first disciples with the words: “Follow me,” he was certainly calling for an act of faith. He did not offer any demonstrable certainties. And so it is with everyone who has been called through the faithfulness of the first apostles and their successors.(1) Presently, there are many who profess to be Christian who also say, “Follow me.” But, how many can we actually follow and to where do they lead? Hmmm….let’s take a look at the evidence and honestly explore what the evidence provides and reveals to us.

In my opinion, we seem to have endured a comfortable cohabitation which has now become untenable. We must first recognize who we are and admit that the ways of the world—secular and liberal--are enticing, enchanting and exhorting. But, it’s really not working out. I know that it feels good to get an ‘atta boy or atta girl’ from someone we admire. After all, we don’t want to offend anyone and everyone receives applause as we accept the trophy for simply showing up or being part of the experience. But, it’s our time. We have a story to tell.

The story the church tells is a competitor in the field where secular historians tell the story of society, a nation, a civilization, or the story of the world. The church’s story is not a different kind of story from the one these histories tell; its difference is with respect to the interpretation of the records which are the raw material common to them all. It is not a special kind of history isolated from the work of secular historians. It is, if you like, a counterhistory, interpreting the same evidence in a different way. (2)

For anyone who thinks himself or herself to be a Christian, let us start with something fundamental: "But, what about you?” He asked. "Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)

Let’s talk more. Let’s discover more. Let’s evaluate the evidence and build something great together.

Proper Confidence: Faith, Doubt and Certainty in Christian Discipleship. Lesslie Newbigin.Eerdmans.1995.Page 95. Ibid. Page 77.

Pastor Jen

What is Christianity?

The question was recently proposed to a group of pastors, church leaders and mission board leaders. No one answered. Perhaps people thought it was a joke. A rhetorical question, maybe? But, as I thought about the question, I realized how far we in Christendom have drifted. Drifted, you ask? I don’t think it was overnight but we’re definitely not in a position of power or of credibility—not in society and not even within Christendom. When was the last time you openly professed your allegiance to Jesus Christ and what were the circumstances? Consider whether or not you would even bring it up with others—under what circumstances would you even entertain conversation about Jesus, your lifestyle, your spending habits or your daily decisions to live in a matter worthy of the calling of Christ?

There is a vagueness that crept into the hearts and minds of Christians. I’ve been threatened and told, “you can’t say that” people don’t like that word or want to be associated with that anymore. Pastors were told that we can’t preach ‘that’ because people do not want to be offended. The giving will go down. People will leave. You will be a failure, a laughing stock or irrelevant. No one really believes that ‘stuff’ anymore…anyway. I’ve heard this during my entire ministry—this rhetoric was shared by previous and present clergy colleagues, church leaders, seminarians and generally…by many Christians.

Consider the rise and decline of Christianity over the past twenty years. The attacks of 911 briefly inspired many to find their way to faith in Jesus Christ. However, 911 threatened more than our financial and societal freedoms. It became dangerous to mention you were a Christian in certain parts of the world—even in circles here in the US. Not long after the 911 events, the ethical breaches preceding the 2008 crash made it clear that leaders are not willing to speak up or stop the freight train from jumping the tracks. Reports about the sex scandals and moral failures of major Christian leaders happened almost on a daily basis and it felt like there was a significant shaking up or breaking down of what we always knew as Christianity and Christian influence in society.

Are we better off?

If you did a quick research study, you would discover that historically Godliness and specifically Christianity isn’t something that only impacts life within Judeo-Christian circles—Christianity influences every facet of humanity. Wealthy to poor, care and compassion, business, education, ethics, law, leadership and scholarship are all effected by Christianity. If we eradicate all the elements of Godliness and Christianity…what are we left with? Someone who is biblically savvy might remind you that seasons of Godlessness are included in the Bible. Here are a few of my own selections:

1. Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

2. Judges 21:25 In those days Israel wasn't ruled by a king, and everyone did what they thought was right.

3. Deuteronomy 28:15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you."

4. 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Come out of the fog.

The alarm is sounding but so few people pay attention. I pray we are the few. Whether it was Noah loading up the ark or Deborah leading the Israelites. Whether it was Mary and Mary Magdalene standing at the foot of the Cross of Calvary or Stephen standing at the Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem professing the Christian faith. Perhaps it was Paul imprisoned and facing death who implored those yet to take a public stand who carefully and quietly met to encourage one another ‘to fight the good fight of faith.’ Think of the countless Christians that will never be known publicly but are celebrated throughout eternity as those who were faithful and true to the Word who became flesh. The Reformers, the Defenders, the Great Debaters, the Called, the Brave, the Chosen, the few…all these people throughout time took action—they responded—to something that resonated in their mind, heart, soul and strength. It is our time. God has already selected you.

Evidence is my next series which begins Sunday, January 3 at 8:00 AM on Wheatland Salem Church’s Facebook Live.

But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 The Amplified Version

Pastor Jen

This isn’t what I pictured.

A dad was sharing recently that he wanted to give his wife some time to shop. So he took his kids for about an hour or so. Their youngest of the three children was a daughter who spotted the horse-drawn carriages and begged to go on the carriage ride. Her brothers didn’t want to go on that ride. BUT, she convinced her dad that he should do this for her. Within a few minutes of the carriage ride, his daughter began to complain. Her lower lip slid forward in a pout that was about to spout, tears formed and she started crying. Chaos erupted within the carriage as her brothers started to complain. Soon the boys were shoving and tearing at each other. The dad reminded his daughter that she insisted on the ride in the first place. Between her sobs and complaining she said, “This isn’t what I pictured.”

Sometimes life can take us on a ride. And, yes, we signed up for it and yes we agreed to it. Originally, there was an idea of the way things should be…but once we get into the carriage things may not be what we pictured and we have to adjust our perspective. I hear this a lot lately, "OH, I believe in GOD! But, this isn’t what I pictured.”

Where did you get your picture?

Was your picture given to you by previous generations of expectations? Maybe you saw the life you wanted in a movie, posted as a picture on social media, in a glossy magazine or you pictured in your mind what life would be like if… There is a danger in thinking someone else’s life is filled with good things and never bad. It’s like watching the highlight reel of a movie thinking that is their real life. Most of us don’t realize there is a lot of footage on the cutting room floor of the editor’s suite during the movie production process. Most editors confess the footage on the floor is actually the ‘good stuff’ when it is held in context. We diminish faith by only wanting the highlight reel. We picture in our minds the way things are supposed to go and then build our expectations on what we believe. YES! We agree totally that Jesus came at Christmas. We already know that story of how Jesus came—that’s the highlight reel. We can picture it! But, consider all the footage on the editor’s cutting room floor. THAT is where the ‘good stuff’ truly is.

We often forget there was significant activity before the arrival. Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man—the Logos, existed before He appeared. John’s gospel tells it like this: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

Does my script match scripture?

There is evidence of a plan—God’s plan. “I know the plans that I have for you,” (Jeremiah 29:11) There seems to be something at work, something called a plan but it’s not what you pictured. No one ever told you there would be violence, danger and heart break. No one ever tells us that life is going to be hard and we will all struggle. No one ever tells us the afterward. What does ‘and they lived happily ever after’ really mean anyway? We also discover that 'God also works all things together for our good'. (Romans 8:28)

Wait. Stop. God has to work at making things good in our lives? Yes. This means God is at work as we experience hardship and a lot of other things along the way. What is hope if we never experience hardship? The idea of Immanuel—God with us—means that He is with us for the journey through the valley all the way to the mountain top. But, there often seems to be a discrepancy between our plan and God’s plan. This is often where faith goes to die. Death couldn’t have the last word. So, God made sure that Death didn't have the last word.

Why did Jesus come?

We saw something we wanted so we took a ride. We signed up. But, once we got into the carriage, the ride was not what we expected or wanted. The ride wasn’t what we pictured. The ride took us in the direction of sin and death. Not what we pictured. A lot of bad came out of that choice. Chaos erupted. We tore each other apart. Our every inclination was toward evil. (Genesis 6:5) God had to work 'all things’ out for our good. There was significant activity before Jesus arrived. We may know how Jesus came…but maybe this year we discover why.

Why did Jesus come?

YOU.

You are Jesus’ why. You. He gave it all up—for you. The significant work was done for you, for me and for everyone who would believe. We made our choice and Jesus made his. The amazing light that came into our world at Christmas was motivated by love. There is a plan—an amazing plan for your life. It begins with making Jesus Lord of your life and serving him as your Savior. May you find the love of Jesus this year at Christmas and make room for him to be your Lord and Savior.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Jen

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

I’m still scared.

Trusting God seems like the most powerful thing anyone can do. Trusting God is what spirit giants do—and after all—isn’t that what we all aspire to be? Maybe you just rolled your eyes when I suggested that you would be a spiritual giant—but the point to our spiritual lives is that we become more faithful and more committed to Christ as we age. Age and maturity don’t always coincide. Faith is exercised as we believe God is for us, overcome obstacles in our lives and embrace the life Jesus died to bring us. But, there is something more impressive to me than being a spiritual giant. What captures my attention is when a Christ follower is authentic when admitting that trusting God and being scared are not contradictory to one another. They actually coexist within the believer's human heart.

Christian algorithm?

Christian lifestyle is somewhat of an algorithm. We live a certain way—we all do—whether we live in a city, suburb or out in the country. We are creatures of habit and routine. So, you will discover patterns in your life. Unless you make some serious intentional changes, you probably eat the same foods, drive the same roads and do the same things over and over again. Short patterns contribute to larger ones and they all lead to a rather large epic turn around the sun. That’s our life and familiarity is our friend. Disrupt our algorithm? Now, we've got a problem.

When we internalize that we have something to lose or when we’ve gone without…that experience leaves a lasting impression on our soul. Threaten something we value—trust, our way of life, children, finances, position in society, possessions or anything we believe we’ve earned or are entitled to—we get upset! We disregard all the faith we previously could muster and become shivering, cowering pessimists who no longer believe God is on our side. Some of us—if we are honest—get to the point where we don't believe God really exists. So, when we feel threatened and feel scared our faith diminishes and we spiral out of control. We can go through all the right motions but the have little or no results. We settle for religion when God wants a relationship. He’s wanted a real relationship with you all along.

The enemy of your soul knows this about you. He will antagonize you in the area that you’re most vulnerable. Your enemy knows what buttons to push and your vulnerabilities. What threatens you is different than anyone else. Fear grips your heart and puts your brain into a fog. You will also notice that what scares you now is not what scared you previously. Fear and faith develop over time. The monsters you face today are bigger, hairier and more intimidating than ever before. I’m pretty sure you check under the bed, open the closet when you hear a noise or walk very, very slowly as you listen for the intruder in your nice little routine-filled world. You’re normal if you experience this. But, I don’t think Jesus wants us to settle for being normal. I believe Jesus Christ commands us to develop our faith and challenges us to be spiritually mature, to grow in our discipleship and face greater monsters than ever before.

What does it mean to live without?

Zechariah and Elizabeth had lived without their entire adult lives. They lived without hearing the sounds of children playing in the yard. They lived without the experience of being a referee in a knock-down, drag-out fight between siblings. Zechariah and Elizabeth lived without someone to validate their existence or knowing who would take care of them when they were old. They were childless. The one place where this couple was most vulnerable wasn’t connected to position, wealth or health. No. The one area the enemy could threaten them the most and diminish their influence was convincing them that God withheld a baby from them. Everyone in Jerusalem knew who they were because being childless in their society meant they must’ve done something wrong and God was punishing them.

By the time we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth, (Luke 1:5-25) they are aged in years which meant they had learned to deal with the trauma, disappointment and disillusionment of being childless. Their hope had died out long ago. But, an angel appeared to Zechariah while he was on duty with his priestly division. The angel spoke about a child they would conceive and who would grow up to do miraculous and meaningful things for God and the People of Israel. Fear gripped Zechariah’s heart. Think about this—why? What was being threatened in Zechariah’s life? What did Zechariah hear—yes, we know what the angel said but what did Zechariah hear?

A silent alarm went off.

Something spiritually significant happened in the holy place. Everyone in Jerusalem kibitzed about it—only old Zechariah wasn’t saying anything. Fear? Oh yes. But, why? What was being threatened? The priests and people who were praying had to come to their own conclusions because Zechariah could only make hand gestures and sign language didn’t exist then. Jerusalem would be buzzing for quite some time. They would remember this event. Zechariah went home. Elizabeth did conceive. She lived in seclusion for five months before a visitor would come to confirm that what was happening was really from God. Mary’s arrival would be a welcomed and necessary sign. Sometimes God is doing the most when we don’t see it. Our faith becomes a lens through which we see God’s activity—not only in our own lives but for the people around us. Our perspective changes when we see through the lens of faith.

Don’t be afraid. That is easy to say when you’re in the power position.

Don’t be afraid. That’s something someone else claims.

Don’t be afraid. The silent alarm discharges within all of us.

Don’t be afraid. But I’m still scared…..Which prayer did You hear?

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was gripped with fear. But, the angel said to him: “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.” Luke 1:11-13a

Pastor Jen

It’s seasonal.

'Nothing lasts forever’ has become a deeply meaningful phrase for me. I even bought a little sign—maybe you’ve seen it on my shelf—to remind myself. Storms don’t last forever. But, when we’re in the storm it’s a different story. The intensity of survival training can be so overwhelming. That’s what I call discipleship—survival training. Disciples become like their leader. In order to survive, I have to become so much like Jesus that I become good at practicing resurrection. Don’t kid yourself…transformation is very hard work. Becoming something you’re not through the handiwork of God is painful, confusing and death defying. Practice. Practice. Practice. Discipleship isn’t watching a video, reading a book, answering the questions and talking about it. There’s nothing more arrogant in my book, than an ungrateful Christ follower. They sit back, fold their arms when they’re at the Table and smugly ask, “What have you done for me lately, God?” Oh man.

Promise me that you will never get to that point in your Christianity.

God has something to say about how He expects you to act. He knows our proclivity to forget. So, gratefulness became part of the practice for the People of God. Being thankful takes practice and determination. I would even challenge you to consider it your vow. Yes, a vow. Something to keep you tethered to God even when the storms are raging, even when there isn’t enough bread on the table, even when you’re standing at the graveside of something beloved. Do not fold your arms, sit back in your chair when you’re at the Table and smuggle ask, “What have you done for me lately, God?”

God’s Graduation Talk.

I think Moses wrote Deuteronomy 8 with me in mind. Maybe you’ll recognize the message in it too. Moses saw God face to face and now Moses was giving God’s commands to the People after a difficult time of instruction in their history. Not a difficult day, week, season or year—a very difficult season of transformation. Think about this for a moment. Have you come through a difficult season of transformation as a parent, child or colleague? What I mean is have you reached graduation? Graduation only happens a few times in our lives. High school graduation requires twelve years, college graduation requires at least four years and anything beyond that point requires more years. But, there is a moment in time, when you walk across the stage, shake someone’s hand and receive a piece of paper. Always check to see that your diploma is signed.

Consider the Ten Commandments and all that God says to the Israelites as a graduation speech in Deuteronomy. They sat in their chairs reminiscing about what they had been through during the instructive Wilderness years which required them to be humbled. That time was a season of instruction and discipleship and death. I think there was a temptation to fold their arms, sit back in their chairs and believe they earned what they were about to receive. The Wilderness years belonged to the People of Israel as their story to tell—it was their season of transformation and now God was about to shake their hands and allow them to proceed into the Promised Land. The People had the scars and stories to tell. It was time to switch the tassel and throw their graduation caps into the air…they finally made it.

Read through Deuteronomy as a graduation speech. But, pay special attention to Deuteronomy 8. ‘Do Not Forget the Lord’ is the title of this section—one point that God did not want His people to overlook. Forgetting is what we do naturally. Thankfulness is not natural. We have to be carefully taught. We have to practice thankfulness. We have to focus on God. I would suggest that you make a vow to become more thankful, grateful and satisfied. God’s intention is for us to matriculate but when we graduate is up to us. There is the possibility of receiving a diploma at the end. Make sure you check to see that your diploma is signed. You may discover your name is inscribed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. So, be careful to be thankful, grateful and satisfied when you walk across the stage at your final graduation ceremony and arrive at the Table. It wasn’t you that got you to the Table—no matter how hard you think you worked to get there. You never earned it. You never deserved it. You received it. So, unfold your arms, sit your chair down on all four legs, bow your head…and be thankful.

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors. Deuteronomy 8:1

Happy Thanksgiving,

Pastor Jen