Weekend Rewind

Why did Pastor Paul preach sitting down?

Today I did something I have never done, I preached from a stool, seated on the platform. Some of you might wonder why.

It was not an attempt to be cool. Friday I had foot surgery and I have three large wounds on the bottoms of my feet. I can stand in one spot, but it is VERY difficult to walk. So, I made a plan for the day.

First, I had someone bring me a stool before 8:00 a.m. today. I wobbled up to the platform at 8:10 a.m. I stood still to play guitar, and then moved two steps to sit for the sermon. At the end of first service it took me 30 minutes to walk from the platform to the foyer and back. Only Chris noticed me limping because I would take about two steps and stop and talk and so on. Because of my feet I only greeted about 8 people all morning, that is very different!

Why did I function this way? Because, I had a real message for you today from the Lord. If I had mentioned my feet, people would have thought about my feet all service long. I wanted you to think about the message all day, not my feet! I must become less so that the message may become more. That is the goal of real preaching, for Jesus to be noticed. Nothing else should get in the way, not your tie, your jeans, your hair, your worship team, or even your temporary difficulty.

I was pleased! The focus today was on the message. It changed lives, two were saved and two re-dedications in the second service! Many others connected again with God out of their puffed up religious attitude. Some others connected with God out of their half hearted devotion to Jesus. When preaching in my home church, sister Osaga-Morgan always used to shout,
"A-Men. Stand up in em' Jesus!"

Today Jesus stood up, and I sat down.

This Sunday

This Sunday is going to be a great day to experience God at Church.

Have you ever wondered why baptism suddenly appears in Matthew and the ministry of John the Baptist? Why did hundreds, maybe thousands, of Jews go out to see John and be baptized? Did John make up the concept of baptism? It is never mentioned as a ceremony or command in the Old Testament. Why would Jews feel compelled to be baptized when it is not commanded? Why would they do something that is not prescribed in the Law of Moses?

Second, what made the Jewish rulers so angry at John the Baptist? Why did they reject his message and he in turn reject them as a "brood of vipers."

The answer to both questions is related. I will give you the answer on Sunday morning. The implications of this answer display the powerful nature of John's preaching. The principals of this answer will shake you and make you evaluate your confession of faith and relationship with God.

If we hear the Spirit's voice in this message and heed the warning that John the Baptist gave us, we will be closer to God when we walk out of church Sunday morning than when we arrived.

The Slugger!

It is amazing to watch baseball players like A.P. swing the bat. For a guy like me who apparently has no bat speed, it is like magic to see them hit a ball 400 feet. I can't conceive what that feels like.

Isaiah 10:15 asks, "Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it...?" Isaiah is speaking to an ancient Assyrian King who is proud of his accomplishments and has said to himself, "By the strength of my hand I have done this..." Obviously, God is saying, no, you did not do this, I did this through you. The king is the ax, God is the one who swings the ax.

When we think that we have accomplished something on our own strength, power or smarts, we become like a baseball bat that brags about what it has done, when it is really all about the one who swings the bat, not the lumber. If you give me the best bat in the world, I still can't do what others can do with it.

Success in life is about who you are. You need to strive for personal excellence. But ultimate success in life and eternity is about whose you are! Dose your entire life belong to Christ? Two bats, both from the same factory, one is in a dusty bag at the bating cages, the other in a major league dugout. Which one will accomplish more effectiveness in hitting baseballs? It all depends on whose had does the swinging.

Catch Up

I am playing catch up this week because last week as so bad. Included in this is catching up on the blog. I have read things in my devotional time that are worth blogging, and will be trying to get them out to you this week.

Weekend Rewind

I am glad that this last weekend is over! Stephanie, Elizabeth and I, were all very sick. Today I am finally feeling normal! Elizabeth had to stay home from school yesterday and I took time off to take care of her while Stephanie worked Monday.

Huge thanks to Pastor John for being ready to speak to the adults Sunday. I will listen to the message later today, looking forward to it. Also, thanks to the others who stepped in to help in the absence of our family.

Each tooth has its twin!

Today I read Song of Solomon in my devotions. Some people think that this book written by Solomon is some type of hidden analogy about loving God. It can be, but I think it was written between two people deeply in love. It is a picture of what love in a marriage should be like.

A verse stood out to me in a strange way. Song of Solomon 6:6, "Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing. Each has its twin, not one of them is missing." At first I laughed. I had not noticed this before in the other 17 times I have read through the Bible. The writer is adoring his lovers smile. And, in ancient context he adores what must have been quite a beauty feat with the lack of modern dental care, she has all her teeth! I laughed because my mind went immediately to the picture of a hillbilly beauty who suddenly smiles to reveal that a bunch of teeth are missing.

Then I thought, OK God what are you saying with this verse. Here is the bottom line. The lover in Song of Solomon studies the one he loves and he poetically lists all the attributes that he finds beautiful. Her hair, her eyes, her neck and so on.

Here is a challenge to you. If you are married, read Song of Solomon this week and stop occasionally to think about the things that you find beautiful or handsome about your husband of wife. Not all beautiful things are physical. Like the old fifties song says, "...pretty girls come a dime a dozen, ya' gotta find one thats gonna give you true lovin'." Some of the most beautiful parts of your mate that you are in love with are character traits (1 Peter 3:4-5). My wife is faithful and devoted. It is her strongest quality as a wife, mother, and as a friend. What she chooses to do she does with unswerving devotion.

So, even if it is a small thing (like she has all her teeth) list the tings that are beautiful about your spouse and fall in love with them all over again.

Great Tunes

I am up working, it is Monday night. While I work I am listening to some great tunes on Pandora Radio using the iPhone app for Pandora. I made a Seventh Day Slumber station. I like them. The music genome project has sent me a few great tunes this evening including, (1) "Here to You" by Decyfer Down, "Unbreakable" by Firelight and "Forever" by Red.

If you want to know what I am like, here are my stations on Pandora.
Seventh day Slumber
Lincoln Brewster
Five Iron Frenzy (did somebody say ska?)
Big Band Radio
The Christmas Song (love crooner Christmas music)
Mozart

Weekend Rewind With DQ!

Wow! Sunday was exceptional...even with a business meeting thrown in the mix. Sunday morning was a new record attendance for a regular Sunday. The only Sundays we have ever had a larger congregation in attendance was on the last two Easter Sundays. We had some sound trouble in the first service, but some of that was my fault, not Tony or the sound people. Even though, God moved in frist Service. Second service was great. God was working.

After the business meeting there were about 40 of us that went to Dairy Queen after a fun and fast 45 minute meeting. The fellowship was so loud and excited that the workers were not able to yell the number of the order that was up. In getting to spend some one on one time with people I found out something that was really neat. I want to be a part of and raise my family in a church where people feel free to move out of their seats and worship at the altar. I didn't realize that for some people that may be an act of obedience because the Lord clearly said to them, "Move!". God is ready to change us and mold us when we yield to Him. I hadn't really imagined what could seem like such a simple act of worship for one could be such a profound act of worship for another. It was a WOW moment for me. Dairy Queen was a great way to end a great day! Thank you, Lord.

Why Lights?

We recently decorated our sanctuary differently. We added a light system. Since this picture, we have also changed the back wall.

So, why lights?

It is a serious, yet fun, intentional change. Here is my thinking and I don't really know if anyone else who uses lighting in churches thinks this way, but I do.

When people go to a church that looks like an old time church they worship by standing like a statue with their hands folded and making little mumbling sounds when called upon by the leader. That is not free and expressive worship. It is not worshiping God with all your heart and strength, though it may engage your mind and spirit in a qualitative quiet way.

When people go to church that looks like a rock concert, they worship like they would express themselves at a concert. Freely! With excitement and energy. We have preached it in pentecostal churches for years, "If you can shout for a team at a ball game or for a singer at a concert, then you can shout for Jesus at church!" So, why not make the atmosphere say, "We want you to shout here!" Plus, with the lights we can also create a setting that is quiet, peaceful and contemplative and engage the mind and spirit in a quiet qualitative way too.

Finally, when we are given the open door by the Lord to relocate our church we already have most of what we need to set up the new platform in the new building. What will the new church building feel like in worship? Like this, with a lot more space.

Faith Should Be Fun

I am becoming more convinced of one thing as I grow older.

FAITH IN JESUS SHOULD BE FUN.

Most of you may think that would be irreverent. But, we serve a creative God. He made you, me and the universe. God is creative and if he lives in you and me, then we should be too.

Part of that creativity is a good sense of humor. Most humor today is taking advantage of someones trouble or error. A lot is vulgar and nasty. But, I think God's sense of humor is perfect and holy. Because he loves every person like a father loves his little boy or little girl his humor is never vulgar or abusive. Do you and your kids laugh together? Then should you not laugh together with your Heavenly Father?

The other part of our creative God that makes serving him fun is the adventure of it. New adventures are fun. If you sell out 100% to serve the Lord he will give you new adventures. Try to serve him half way and you will be frustrated and bored.

I know, life is hard. Satan throws all kinds of horrible things at us in life. As a matter of fact, I can join with you and say that at times, life stinks! But, serving God is the fun, peaceful, enjoyable part of life. It motivates me to win battles and make it through the stinky places because I know what God intends for me.

If your faith in Jesus is not free of guilt and fun at the same time, I encourage you to evaluate your relationship with God. Start today.

The Green Room

Don't miss this Sunday, we are headed back to The Green Room. This week we are going to look at another way God is preparing you for your next big step with God. God has plans for other Godly people to help you with your next big step. You are not alone. Who prepared the way for you? Who are you preparing the way for?

Have you grown your sea legs?

"The Journey" has begun! I think one of the coolest things to watch as a pastor is the excitement level in a room. A pastor can usually tell when his congregation is prayed up for service. There is a completely different air in the room. There is something to say about being ready and expectant. I think that more folks were praying for their church because of the mailer that went out last week making Sunday a great time of meeting with the Lord and a time of encouragment for me, your pastor.


If you do not share the same excitement and readiness, I have 2 questions for you – How much time do you spend praying daily for our church and its leadership? Seriously praying? How often do you attend church to feel the need and direction of the Holy Spirit in services? Prayer and participation will have given you the sea legs you need for this journey...otherwise, you may be a little seasick. A captain needs his whole crew to operate the ship. A pastor is no different. He needs his whole church. And that is you!

Who's in charge?

My wife relayed the conversation she had with the boys while tucking them into bed and reading Matthew chapter one from Elizabeth's Bible reading chart for Wednesday nights Girls' Club. I had to chuckle. Stephanie had just started reading when Gabe asked, "Mom......in a family, who's in charge? The mom or the dad?" She started by telling them that if a family followed God's Word, the dad was in charge. She flipped over to Ephesians 5:21-33 and read this to them along with the beginning of chapter 6 and asked them if this sounded familiar from the summer lessons from Pastor John over the 10 Commandments.

Gabe's next question was interesting as was Stephanie's response. "Mom......it seems that you and dad are equal?" To that, Stephanie told him it is because daddy is a godly man. It makes a difference when the dad and mom both love the Lord and do things His way. That's pretty cool!

I feel so blessed with this family!

It is amazing what kids can notice!

Weekend Rewind

Yesterday we started our Stewardship Campaign, "The Journey." We are starting a great journey as a church. I don't know all the stops on this journey and I don't know how long it will take. Those details are up to God, his leading and his provision. Our part is to be praying and ready to obey his commands as his Holy Spirit directs each of us in this kingdom building effort.

Our church has existed since 1966. It was planted by a group of other churches in the region. We have since our inception existed on the 1.2 acre lot that was purchased for that church plant. Our building is about 9,600 square feet. Our sanctuary is 48 feet by 48 feet including the platform. We have used all of our land space with parking and have 56 parking spaces plus whatever is available on the street. Our average attendance last year was 145.

Out situation is really strange! We are packed in and land around us is not available or usable due to the creek behind us. We need space not only for the people that we as adults may reach in the next few years, but as our huge group of Children's Church kids and the Attic Youth Group begin to reach their friends, we will run out of space even faster! We must relocate to reach more people for Jesus.

There are two first steps to reaching this kingdom building goal. First, we need to create in our budget a building payment. We started last year and are increasing the amount drastically this year. Second, we need to create a down payment. The collateral of our building is not enough to equal a down payment on any of the properties that the board has looked at in the last year. The Journey is the campaign to create that down payment.

We know what we are up against, but our God is a providing God. We must stay focused on reaching lost people for Jesus. We must stay focused on reaching out to friends who do not attend church. We must stay focused on seeking God and his presence in very meeting we have as a church.

If you missed church yesterday, you will be getting a letter in the mail with the Sunday bulletin, a response card, and brochure on "The Journey." I challenge you to go to our website, http://www.firstagwashington.org/ and listen to the message from yesterday and respond this week by returning the challenge card we are sending you. An envelope is enclosed for you.

If you want to be a part of building God's Kingdom, you need to be a part of "The Journey."

It's in the mail...

A mailer went out Monday telling you Sunday is a very important day for our church! I have been sharing little by little every week during both Sunday and Wednesday services the vision God has laid on my heart and that of the board and leaders in the church. This year has so much potential for individuals, families, our church as a whole and even the community. It is amazing to think about! Sunday begins "The Journey". God has prepared us for this! Prepare yourselves for it! Sunday is 3 days away! Meet me at God's house ready to meet God!

The Green Room

Sunday was the fourth message in "The Green Room." We are studying the early life of Jesus from Matthew and applying truths about God's preparation times in our lives.

Check out our web site to hear the audio. If it is not up today, it will be shortly. If you missed service be sure to pick up a sermon outline on Wednesday night and you will be able to follow along while you listen to the podcast.

Sunday we studied the escape to Egypt. Imagine going on a 9 to 10 day trip for tax business only to be redirected by God to leave the country and not return home for two years! It is amazing to consider the impact and intensity of the sacrifices that Joseph and Mary made to raise Jesus. You think it is hard to raise your kids? Think about raising God's son, who by the way has a hit out on his life in the first two years, and has caused you to enter into God's witness protection program with no notice.

God has a plan for your life. To follow God's will you will encounter danger and trouble. Doing God's will is amazing and rewarding. But, because Satan is passionate about stopping you, it can also amazingly difficult. God wants to empower you to overcome every difficulty. You are God's witness and may find yourself in his witness protection plan when trouble strikes.

Weekend Rewind

Sunday was great. I love the momentum of the first part of the year. Our church always seems to do better from January to April than any other time of year. Worship was exciting. Everyone was really seeking God. The message went well and I have successfully preached a more condensed and pointed message for two weeks in a row. Keeping the service times accurately gives me more time to meet with people between services and I like that a lot.

Second service was so full, that we actually had a large number of people on the front row. Special thanks to all who sat on the front row! It is so much easier to preach with passion and focus when people sit in the front!