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Respectable Sins -- Confronting the Sins We Tolerate

2009-11-10T10:57:19-08:00

The very first Christian book I read as a Christ-follower was the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges that had a shaping role in my relating to God during my college years. I just completed another one of Bridges’ book “Respectable Sins -- Confronting the Sins We Tolerate,” and the timing of this read could not have been more beneficial. Bridges would define “respectable sins” (and this is my paraphrase) as those sins that are subtle in nature, that are not as bad as the flagrant ones of society like for example murder, stealing, theft and get often dismissed as minor behavioral challenges. Yet no matter what we call them Bridges reminds us is that they are still sin and they need to be addressed for they are more harmful and destructive than we realize. Though he mentions there could be far more exhaustive lists, here are some examples of these subtle sins: discontentment, pride, lack of self-control, anger, worldliness etc. As someone who has been a Christian for over 25 years and has served in vocational Christian ministry for over 15 – I found this book very convicting and found myself guilty of many these subtle/respectable sins to varied degrees. Now one of the issues that Bridges makes clear is this that the intent of this book is not to condemn or put us in a state of guilt over all of these areas that we fall short in. Instead it is to bring to the light subtle areas...

This Halloween Was a Real Treat!

2009-11-09T14:57:30-08:00

In my previous post "No Family Fall Festival This Year -- It's A Good Thing" I mentioned that one of the indicators that not doing this event was a good thing was because people were choosing to celebrate Halloween in their own neighborhood. What really help seal my conviction for not doing the event anymore was the insight I gleaned from reading the book Making Room For Life by Randy Frazee. In the book (to summarize his point) Frazee mentions how distant we have become from our neighbors with many of us never meeting them even though we have lived next to each other for a long period of time. Now this insight is nothing new, many studies have proven similar results. However the next bit of insight is where I had my "a-ha" moment. Frazee shared that there is one night when barriers are broken down and an opportunity to meet and connect with our neighbors just makes sense and is very easy to do, the night Halloween. However he further mentions that on that night when all of our neighbors our out and it gives us (the church) the perfect time to meet our neighbors none of us our home because we are at our Family Fall Festivals. So this year -- the first in the nine that I have lived in our neighborhood -- I was able to take our kids trick or treating! And we had a blast! It was incredibly cool to meet our neighbors...

No Family Fall Festival This Year -- It's A Good Thing

2009-11-09T09:46:23-08:00

Since year one of our church’s 16 year history we have put on an annual Halloween event called the Family Fall Festival that over the years has grown to be quite an undertaking involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of pounds of candy and thousands of people in attendance. And for all-intention purposes was a pretty successful event in the life of our church. However, in the past two years including this one -- we have not had this event and it is a good thing. I will explain shortly, however let me first explain what I have deemed as some positives of the event in years past. It served as a great way to introduce ourselves to the community. In 1997 we relocated our church to a new community and with a name change to our church in 1998 we were relatively unfamiliar. This event served as great way to introduce ourselves by providing a “give” community event completely free to all participants. I liken the FFF to a better, more strategic open house. I have been a part of a church open house in the past where over 50,000 direct mail pieces were sent to neighbors to come and check out the newly built church in their area. In an eight-hour span -- I believe 50 people showed up -- with the majority of the people being attendees of the church who wanted to get an early look at the property. It served as a great invite opportunity for...

A Prayer on Behalf of the Persecuted Church

2009-11-08T09:56:00-08:00

Either today (Nov. 8) or next Sunday churches all across the globe are encouraged to take time during their weekend worship services to pray on behalf of the Persecuted Church -- the well over 200 million Christ-followers that live in under extreme hostile conditions in which their faith is persecuted. One my friends Jonathan Cervantes has a real passion to pray on the persecuted church's behalf not only on these designated Sundays, but throughout the year. The ministry he leads here at Journey Community Church is called "Bound With Them Ministry." In addition we encouraged to where these bands with the Hebrews 13:3 on them serving as a reminder to pray on the persecuted church's behalf. This morning he lead us in an incredible prayer that I hope can serve you well in praying on the persecuted church's behalf.Father God, As we gather today as your church, your bride; we lift up those in the many countries that make it difficult to be a Christ follower. We ask that you will give them the strength to stand firm as they under go the persecution, the torture, being imprisoned for their faith. We pray for the 150,000 Christians as they will face their own death this year, the very 17 who will enter eternity this very hour. We lift up especially the underground church in China. The church that is even larger than our nation. A nation where your Spirit is moving in great ways. You have given your church, your...

My 1st U2 Concert Experience

2009-10-17T13:02:16-07:00

In my junior year of high school a good friend was trying to broaden my music palette beyond the normal 80's pop music genre to a band exuded an incredible passion and conviction in their song writing -- he introduce me to the song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2. It was a year later that the The Joshua Tree came out and two songs in particular grabbed me "With or Without You" & "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For." That album was followed up with "Rattle and Hum" that also was a film documentary that I thoroughly enjoyed (I have it on DVD) and I was becoming a huge fan. However, shortly after this time I experienced a renewing in my relationship with Christ and with that brought a struggle in my spiritual journey that took an unfortunate all or nothing approach. And what I mean by this is that I would listen to, engage in and watch only "Christian" oriented material. As time passed my conviction in regards to this loosened. Yet the struggle of what is secular and what is sacred continued over the next 5 to 7 years and the question on whether something that was not specifically labeled or themed as Christian had much redemptive valued continued. It would be at an event over 12 years ago that brought forth an incredible awakening. It was a church event that primarily featured "secular music" to help tell the story of people's spiritual journey. It...

The Routine May Not Be So Routine

2009-10-02T17:48:05-07:00

Yesterday during my visit to Children’s Hospital to see a family in our church whose 5-month son had open heart surgery -- I was afforded a very pleasant surprise. Now first I want to mention the best news is that the surgery was a success and his recovery is gong well. Now for me the surprise was running into ICU nurse that was assigned to my son when he was there in that same ICU six years ago. (For a recap of my visit and my son’s medical journey click here.) I had not seen in her in five years and it a took a little while for her to have some kind of remembrance of me and she could not recall who my son was. I took no offense to this as I know she has probably seen hundreds of similar cases and patients in the past 5 years let alone her lifetime. I was just glad that I was able to express my gratitude toward her for the way she took care of my son. I even showed her a recent picture of my son, though she would not recognize him by any means, just to show that he is living a normal life. This brief interaction prodded an overwhelming sense of gratitude for not only her, but all who played a role in getting my son and wife & I through this. In my line of work where I serve as a pastor in a church of...

"So We Can Comfort Others ..."

2009-10-01T23:38:14-07:00

II Corinthians 1:3,4 (TNIV) says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” These verses are often quoted as way of encouraging others or possibly to shed light or offer perspective when someone is going through a critical life situation or crisis. The notion being that one day, it could be in the near or distant future, the pain or turmoil you are experiencing now will have a purpose to help someone else, though at the present moment it is unsightly. On Wednesday I went on a visit to Children’s Hospital to see a family in our church whose almost 5-month son was having open heart surgery to repair multiple holes in his heart. I was approached by the child’s grandmother about 4 months ago when the child was born to ask me to be available in the future when this day would come. So I strategically went to the hospital at around 11:30am -- the surgery was about 7am. I say strategically because I figured that it would be right around that time when their son should be out of post-op and in his intensive care unit room. The parents would have been able to see their baby, get a report from the surgeon and now breathe a sigh of relief...

San Francisco Eating Day 3 Meal 2 -- The Chocolate Festival

2009-09-21T09:38:38-07:00

Our last few hours in San Francisco were spent at Ghirardelli Square where by chance they were hosting the 14th annual Chocolate Festival. It was a two-day event that went from 12-5pm each day. I saw a special on this festival either on the Food Network or Travel Channel. The way it works is you purchase a ticket for $20 (the proceeds go to a local charity) and you are given 15 sample opportunities that are checked off by each vendor you receive a sample from. There were chocolate companies of various sorts throughout the square and the street in front of it. The great thing is that you can share a ticket and for Tara and I one ticket was more than enough. I never thought I would say I can too much chocolate, however after having multiple gelato servings, ice cream, cup-cakes, drinking chocolate, shakes, truffles, cookies and so on -- we were experiencing a chocolate coma. Our last 2 samples were used on tea -- we just could eat any more chocolate. Here are a few pictures from our day: Tara after a long wait gets a cupcake. One of the many vendors preparing his sample. Having some drinking chocolate even though it is a small cup I could not finish it. Well that is it for our San Francisco trip -- thank you for journeying with us.

San Francisco Eating Day 3 Meal 1 -- The Ferry Building

2009-09-20T10:00:17-07:00

Tara and my last day in San Francisco took us to The Ferry Building for breakfast. This place is unbelievable! The Ferry Building has been featured on multiple Food Network shows and most recently on Chefs VS City. One of the hosts of the show Chris Cosentino has a great place called Boccalone that features Salumi which is Italian for cured meats. Boccalone was featured on the show the The Best Thing I Ever Ate for its Salumi Cone which is a cone full of three different salumis -- you can have the suggested trio or choose your own three. I had to get one -- unbelievable! In addition on Saturday, when we there, there is an incredible farmer's market where you can foods of various varieties -- we at a couple of local vendors. Inside there are so many different shops you can check out -- I could spent the entire day there. About to shuck and oyster -- only $1.50.

San Francisco Eating Day 2 Meal 1 -- Mama's

2009-09-19T20:20:54-07:00

Day 2 in San Francisco began by incredible breakfast at Mama's in the North Beach area of San Francisco. This restaurant was featured on Food Network's Rachael's Vacation. Of all the places we would visit this was the place that I was most excited about eating at. First I love breakfast food at any time and I have heard from others what a great place this is. The first thing you notice there is that there is a line. This restaurant is open only 7 hours a day (8am-3pm) and it takes no reservations. The food did not disappoint and the next time we get to visit San Francisco -- I will eat there daily if possible. You order your food first then you are given your seat assignment and you can see your food being prepared as the kitchen is right there. Tara had the French Toast samplers that changes daily. I had an incredible Monte Cristo. This is must visit place!

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 2 -- NOPA

2009-09-19T11:56:16-07:00

After walking off the meal we had Rocco's, later that night we had a late dinner at NOPA. We were introduced to this restaurant when we saw it on the Food Network show The Best Thing I Have Ever Ate. This restaurant is known for its trendy, hip vibe and it was one of the few restaurants open late night to 1am nightly. We ordered the dish featured on the episode "flatbread of spicy fennel sausage, lipstick peppers and crescenza." In addition for dessert we had an almond butter cake with plumb ice cream. Earlier that day while visiting China Town we went to oldest bakery there Eastern Bakery. As you can see by the picture some pretty famous people have visited. When there order the warm custard tart. It cost less than a dollar and it great snack.

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 1 -- Rocco's

2009-09-18T14:06:22-07:00

So I am about 6 pounds heavier than I was last week at this time. In fairness I was in training. Not for a 1/2 marathon or some other athletic event, but for the eating I would do in a city known for its incredible cuisine -- San Francisco. Tara & I celebrated 11 years of marriage on Sept. 12 and we went there for a quick get away last week. (above: It is always great when the owner/chef is in -- Tara and I with Rocco) From the beginning of our marriage we were big Food Network fans and we created a list of restaurant and eateries we wanted to visit based on what was featured on various Food Network shows. So on day 1 last Thursday here is where we we visited. The day began with a late lunch/early dinner at Rocco's that was featured on the show Diners, Drive-inns' and Dives with host Guy Fieri. The food was incredible! We had dish we saw on the show -- clam linguine with white sauce & we also had an order of fried calamari with homemade cocktail sauce and they give complimentary fresh bread with fresh garlic/olive oil dipping sauce. Again can I say the food was incredible! This restaurant is in the SOMA district and well worth the visit. The kitchen is real close to seating area -- you could see the whole layout. Across the street is another cool place to check out that was also featured...

What Shows are You "Falling" For?

2009-09-18T00:17:25-07:00

Recently I had a lunch with a mentor/friend and our discussion like always went to the books we were currently reading. She then posed this question, "How are we going to get all this reading done with new fall television season starting?" A great question. I love TV! If I had to choose TV or movies -- TV would win hands down. The writing in the television programing these days are exceptional especially the serial shows. And now with cable channels offering their own original programming and big name actors and actresses valuing the steady work that a television series can provide -- the choices are seemingly endless. Now I am not a "real timer." By definition a real timer is someone who watches a television program when it is offered by the TV network not opting to watch it later on their DVR or online or even later in the year when released on DVD (my preferred method). However, there are some programs that I am committing to watching during the course of season and here it is and I have had to restrain myself:Mad Men Sunday 10pm AMC Dinner Impossible 10pm Food Network Flash Forward 8pm ABC 30 Rock Thursday 9:30pm NBC If I can fit these in great ... Lie To Me, The Office, Fringe What will you be watching? Let me know by commenting, Facebook Comment or Twitter

Interesting ... Does Anybody Actually Makes Use of This?

2009-09-17T20:50:19-07:00

On my wife and I's recent trip to San Francisco -- I came upon two interesting signs that got my attention. Here is the first one found at AT&T Park home to the San Francisco Giants. Thankfully I did not need to make use of this. The second was seen at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). If anyone has seen some one use this booth -- please let me know I would love to hear the story.

The Last Dance Miracle!

2009-09-09T10:54:02-07:00

Our churches are full of gold. When speaking of gold I am referring to rich, treasured stories of God's working through the lives of the people in our congregations. And when you hear a great story the discipline comes in discerning the right placement of it in a specific service. Sometimes we sit on a story for over year in our attempt to share the story for optimal results. Such is the case of this my journey segment by Jon Davies who has been a part of our church life since day 1. Here is his journey that he shared in our services this past weekend. You might want to get some tissue before you read. Enjoy! Hi my name is Jon Davies and this is my journey. A miracle could be defined as an event which cannot be created or manipulated by human hands or intellect but orchestrated by God to give honor and glory to Him alone. That is what I experienced and many witnessed on August 12, 2007 when I was the father of the bride on that day. Charcot Marie Tooth and Parkinson’s disease has taken its toll on my life and as a result on most days my ability to walk is limited and I get around using my wheelchair or my Segway, or crutches or even on my hands and knees. But my conditioned paled to the one thing that had consumed my heart outside of the Chargers loss to the Patriots in Jan...

Being Like the One Leper

2009-09-08T23:51:59-07:00

10 days ago I had the opportunity to play a very small role at a celebration gathering, that quite frankly, I wish would happen more often. Chuck Martinez one of the greeters at our church gathered 50 of some of his wife Jeannine’s closest friends to simply give thanks to God and to all of them for their support in the journey they had been on. Jeanine, two months ago went in for a double-mastectomy, and by God’s grace the surgery was successful. She went in on a Monday, was released on Wednesday and actually attended church that Sunday. Now a surgery of this magnitude is serious however, the weight of this was even more so for Jeannine as she has been battling various forms of cancer over the past five years and there was a sense of finality this time around. In addition this is an extra sensitive matter to Chuck who lost his first wife to cancer. So on this afternoon it had the flavor of a small wedding. There was a catered meal, a cake, a presenting of gifts to hosts who helped put this party on and even an out of town friend from child hood visiting to share memories of Jeannine. We ate, laughed and simply hung out with the sole purpose to celebrate the fact that Jeannine was here with us. What a great afternoon! I had the privilege of presiding over Chuck and Jeannine’s wedding seven years ago and in many ways this...

Prayer Original Art

2009-09-06T09:55:42-07:00

During most weekend worship series we have original art work done inspired by the series theme. At times they play a central a role in our staging design concept and at times they are used to accentuate the feel of the series by having them placed in our lobby area. Here are five paintings one for each of the Prayer series message themes done by team artist Jasmine King. Enjoy! LISTEN BELIEVE RISK SOAK ENJOY

Forgotten God

2009-08-31T08:41:28-07:00

I was privileged to get an advanced copy of Francis Chan’s Forgotten God Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of The Holy Spirit available – Tuesday Sept. 1. In this book Francis offers a solution to the at times lifelessness that characterizes those who call themselves Christians and the lack of potency and relevancy that can plague churches. The solution being … acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and then yielding to His promptings. Now as simple as this sounds and it should be. Chan addresses some of the reasons intentional or unintentional that we tend to complicate things by ignoring the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. What gives this book its conviction is the fact that this is something Francis is wresting with for himself and the life of his church. In addition what I found helpful in this book is how he addresses two of the extreme responses to the Holy Spirit and shares the positives and negatives that these positions presents, but more importantly how we need to look beyond our understandings of these extremes and focus on the Holy Spirits working in our personal lives. There is a real ease to way the book is written. I read the book in one sitting when I received it. Yet at the same time do not mistake Chan’s conversational approach to his writing to be lacking in challenging thoughts and ideas. For throughout the book there are considerations where we need to take time to mull over...

Prayer Journal Week 2 Summary

2009-08-22T11:27:28-07:00

Today I spent some time reflecting on how the Prayer Journal has had such a incredible effect on my life this past week. The theme was based upon the previous weekend message “Believe.”I should not be amazed by this by now, but I am of how every devotion had something I needed to hear. Here is my recap: Day 1: The Scripture verse that days was Hebrews 12:2 and the importance of “fixing our eyes on Jesus …” I was challenged by the importance of focus. If we really evaluate our lives we would find how easy it is to multi-task – in fact very rarely are we not doing it. To focus and be present with one thing that is what takes real effort. Day 2: It is easy for me to see God has the leader of my life, my savior and even judge. What I do not do often enough is to see Him as my Abba Father – my Daddy. The breath prayer that day was a good way to keep in perspective of all the roles I play – probably most important is being one of His children. Day 3: Zephaniah 3:17 is a verse I pray over people on the day of their birthday – it is such a perfect verse for that. I have come to realize that I have never prayed through that verse for myself. Today’s activity challenged me to do so. Day 4: As a young and new believer Philippians...

What Will You Be Doing at 10pm Tonight (PST)?

2009-08-16T21:35:37-07:00