Pastor-Shawn

New Blog Site: PastorShawn.com

2009-07-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog site: PastorShawn.com

100 X 100 = $10,000 to Needy People

2009-06-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 7, I shared with Calvary Community Church that $10,000 of our benevolence funds would be redistributed back to 100 different groups within the church body with the goal of identifying and meeting financial needs within the local community.

We recognize that 100 different groups will be able to identify and meet the financial needs of more people within our community more efficiently and effectively than through one centralized program.

So Calvary groups, here are your guidelines:

1. This is God's $100...

2. Pray and Be Intentional...

3. Meet a Local Financial Need...

4. Email: stories@calvarycc.org by August 1

As we continue to learn what it means to live and love like Jesus in the context of community, we hope and pray that this will open doors for transformation in the lives of those in need in our community and within the Calvary body.

While money is able to meet financial needs, lets keep our hearts open to what God would want to do in order to meet the spiritual needs of those we encounter as well.

Single Mom & Son: Celebrating a Break Thru!

2009-06-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

Below is an email sent to me and those who coordinated our Serve Weekend efforts from a single mom who was so grateful for how God used Serve Day in her own life and in the life of her 10-year-old son. She gave me permission to share it with you. Please take the time to read it and celebrate with her!

Dear Pastor:

I am a single mom who has been through a period of extreme challenge in the past year and a half. The season of pain that has engulfed our lives has left my son changed and has found our faith waning in comparison to our past years. It has been a struggle as we continued to look up and try to turn to Christ for hope and strength. As life has begun to calm, we have tried to find joy in our daily, earthly steps. When Serve Day was presented, I knew it was a way to step outside of ourselves and turn to others in His name.

Sunday my son woke up and asked if there was another day that we could help others for God or if we could only do it once a year. Wow. Not only did my 10-year-old feel good about helping others and feel closer to God, he also felt a sense of pride and purpose that had been missing for him this past year. What a huge step for us, as a family, to heal and move forward.

As a mom, as a believer, as a follower, as someone who has been broken and made whole by God's grace, I can't thank you all enough for your gift that you provided last weekend. Your servant's hearts touched many in ways that you will never know.

Many blessings to you each,

A Grateful Mom

Benevolence Fund Stories

2009-06-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

Below are some stories of how God is using the benevolence funds given by the Calvary family to help people in need. Our staff follows caring, but careful guidelines to evaluate the validity of needs and how best we can help as a church. Most of the time, words of counsel and many times a testimony of the Gospel are also shared. Enjoy the stories of what God is doing in and through the Calvary family!

DESPERATE MOM: One of our staff spoke on the phone with a young mom whose husband had recently abandoned the family. She is pregnant. She called the church because she really didn't want an abortion, but could not think of any alternatives. The rent was due, eviction eminent. A family member was willing to pay for an abortion and pay her rent.

As the staff member talked with her, they strongly sensed her desperation, yet also sensed she knew that choice was wrong for her. Arrangements were made for Calvary to pay her rent. She called three times that day to share her relief and gratefulness and to let us know she had canceled the appointment at the abortion clinic. She is going to carry the pregnancy through and give her baby up for adoption to a family that will tell the child how much she loves it.

AN ADDICT’S BABY: Mother with drug issues goes to jail - 3 week old baby handed over to the mother's young sister - no funds period! We offered counseling - funds for adult and baby food, diapers, wipes, stroller for starters..... Our team will continue to follow up.

A LONG-TIME CALVARY FAMILY: We cared for over $1,000 in medical bills for a couple overwhelmed by costs of their health needs as they age. Long time members of Calvary; both of whom were highly involved in serving when they were able. They were drowning in financial problems and deep worry because of this immediate crisis.

UNEMPLOYED MEMBER OF CALVARY: The church paid the rent of an unemployed member of Calvary who has worked through our Career Transitions ministry for help in locating a job.

UNEMPLOYED MOM: We paid $975 car repairs for unemployed mother of two.

TEARS OF JOY FROM A MOM: We made a couple of car payments for a single mom with 4 kids who works locally, but struggles to make ends meet. This made her current and she was able to avoid having it repossessed by 2 days. She cried many tears of joy.

FAMILY OF 5: Calvary paid rent for a family of 5 and kept them in their home. They thought they'd be on the street due to job loss. They were amazed that the church stepped in to help.

HOMELESS FAMILY LIVING IN OLD RV: The church put tires on a truck for a homeless family living in a trailer locally. We also helped the dad get a job interview clothes and paid for gas to employment interviews.

A YOUNG MAN ABOUT TO BE EVICTED: We helped a man avoid eviction by making a deal with his landlord and paying some back rent. He had always seen the church as judgmental and uncaring... until now – PTL!

SINGLE MAN: We helped a single man catch up on a couple of car payments. He would have lost his car that week and we had to deal directly with the lender.

OTHER PEOPLE: Along with practical counsel, we have given away gas cards, target cards, and grocery cards to many other families on the edge.

A Tribute to a Man I Never Met - Webb Davis

2009-06-01T23:31:00.001-07:00

While I never met Webb Davis, I have heard many things about this young man who stepped into the presence of His Lord and Savior two weeks ago. His father and mother, Joe and Carolyn, are friends of mine and members of Calvary Community Church. Joe serves with me on the Elder Board. We have been praying for the entire Davis family since Webb collapsed, slipped into a coma, and then moved on to glory.

My connection to the Davis family goes back to my years of ministry and my educational training in West Virginia. Joe's dad and Webb's grandfather, Maynard, was one of the first Elders of Bible Center Church in Charleston and was one of the early voices of influence alongside a man named Lester Pipkin as he founded Appalachian Bible College. The Davis family had an impact and voice into my life long before I met any of them. And, actually, Maynard (who was instrumental early on at both the college I attended and the church I pastored) was with Jesus before I was born. This has given me a special connection to Joe, Carolyn and their family since coming to California and having the privilege of serving as their pastor.

I continue to pray for the Davis family - especially for Webb's wife Monica and his little 20 month old daughter, Hope. One of the warmest tributes I have ever heard was given by Joni Eareckson Tada via video at Webb's memorial service. She convinces me that the life of this young man, whom I never met, will have a lasting and powerful impact on others!

Resources to Help "The Least of These"

2009-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here are two versions of the same document. The Word (.doc) document has hyper links included so you can go directly to the website from it simply by selecting the link. Click here for the Word Doc.

Click here for the PDF version.

Updated Outline for Sunday, May 31st

2009-05-31T00:07:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been stirring so much in my heart and mind as I prepare each week for the "On Mission" series that I have not been able to produce an outline by the time the bulletin is printed that settles all the truths and ideas.

So, this week there is another updated outline for the message. Click here to download the PDF.

Music About Seeing People as Jesus Sees People

2009-05-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Below you will find two songs that go well with today's message about seeing people through HIS eyes:

Here is the iTunes audio track of Nichole Nordeman's song Please Come.

Here is the YouTube video of Brandon Heath's song Give Me Your Eyes.

New & Improved Outline

2009-05-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

The outline with blanks in the bulletin today at Calvary Community Church is not be the right one. God, me, and the text were not completely in sync when it had to be submitted. While similar to the one I will be using, that original bulletin version is not the best way to communicate the message for today. I am excited about what God has been shaping in my heart and mind and I am looking forward to what He is about to do through it tomorrow!

New outline in JPG form is right here on this posting and new PDF versions are available below:

Click here to download the new version with blanks to fill in.

Click here to download the new version without blanks.

Video: Friend of the Poor

2009-05-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Throughout the week I have been Tweeting a number of statistics about the people of the world and the people of the greater Westlake area. You have been able to see these stats here on my blog as my last 5 Tweets appear here.

But today, no stats. Look at some of the people, their faces with this video.

Being on Mission 24/7 - All the Time; Everywhere

2009-05-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

Below is the list of ideas on the back of my outline in the bulletin for Sunday, May 17th. Pastor Kirk Dewitt of Calvary's Community/World Ministry put these together for me. Checkout some of the other ways his team can help you serve people who need to see Jesus:http://www.mission-central.com

Serve weekend is coming up June 6th and 7th. Checkout http://www.actionvc.org & http://www.lovepiru.com

Here is a link to Pastor Drew Sams' Blog about Serve Saturdays: http://drewsams.com/?p=398

Here is a good blog posting that gives some other practical ways to be "On Mission" all the time, everywhere: http://theresurgence.com/Dodson_Simplified_Missional_Living

God wants to use us to transform the city of Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Augora, Moorpark, Simi Valley, etc. He plans to use us to transform the Greater Conejo Valley as we live and love like Jesus! I am so excited about what God will do with us if we are "On Mission." This song captures it (it is the song that we conclude my message with May 17th): God of the City

Check these resources out and add some ideas of your own in the comment section of this posting. Let's help each other live and love like Jesus!

The list from the back of my outline:

Easy ways to reach out and serve others in Jesus’ Name

§ visit someone who can’t get out due to age or illness

§ bring someone dinner or groceries

§ mow someone’s lawn

§ give someone a ride to the doctor

§ clean windows to brighten someone’s outlook

§ get to know a new neighbor

§ walk someone’s dog

§ wash a car or wash a lot of cars

§ take care of doggie yard clean-up for a neighbor

§ stay late at work to help a co-worker

§ plant a garden or flowers for an elderly neighbor

§ give away a good parking spot

§ get to know people when you’re stuck somewhere

§ send a care package

§ pay for somebody’s lunch

§ bring Starbucks to your neighbors on Saturday

§ babysit for a neighbor

§ throw a block party

§ take your kids to visit a senior center

§ tutor someone

§ help someone move

§ get a dumpster for your whole street to use

§ pray for the specific needs of your co-workers

§ listen to someone share their life and heart

§ volunteer at a local social service agency

§ have a free garage sale

§ find a project for your group or family at www.actionvc.org

Why I Tweet (or Twitter)!

2009-05-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

In today's world we connect with people through instant, brief bursts of interpersonal communications through technology that creates a social platform never before expereienced in human history. We use phones we carry with us, text messages to those phones, post status updates to our friends on Facebook or MySpace, and let our followers know what we are doing right now on Twitter.

While these means of communication should and could never replace authentic interpersonal relationship interaction, they do allow more of it with greater frequency. There are strengths and weaknesses to that reality.

Even how people are shepherded into new movements by influencers of business, culture, religion, technology, education, the arts, etc. has dramatically been altered with the explosion of social media. Now anyone, anywhere can more easily than ever before form their own tribe of followers. That can be a good thing or a bad thing - it all depends on the purpose of the movement and the character of the leader.

I have discovered how valuable Social Media can be in saying to others "follow me as I follow Jesus." Movement is released and a tribe is formed.

The clip below from author Seth Godin is a great 17 minute glimpse at some of the concepts of being a leader today of a movement that forms a tribe. Enjoy!

Pastor Dongo from Uganda

2009-05-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Each of our services on Sunday, May 3rd concluded with prayer from Pastor Bethuel Dongo from the "God Cares School" in Uganda. This week I spent an hour getting to know Pastor Dongo and hearing his heart for our Lord and his vision for helping the hurting kids of his nation. Click here for his Ministry Website

Calvary participates in Child Sponsorship through the U.S. Ministry (Buyamba) coordinating the efforts in Uganda to aid the children Pastor Dongo and his team are reaching. Check out their sponsorship program: Click Here for Sponsorship Information

We thank God for this great partnership with Pastor Dongo and the ministry God has given him. Please pray for all the children and the workers who seek to help them. May these children see and hear Jesus from God's servants who share with them that He cares!

Below is a inspirational clip from their website that gives the vision for the ministry among the children in Uganda:

God Cares School from Tyler Rumph on Vimeo.

Cured of a Problem

2009-05-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

While studying for Sunday messages, I often come across quotes and illustrations that don't make it into my message for one reason or another, but are worth sharing. Here is one:

Cured of a Problem

A man entered a bar, bought a glass of beer and then immediately threw it into the bartender’s face. Quickly grabbing a napkin, he helped the bartender dry his face while he apologized with great remorse. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I have this compulsion to do this. I fight it, but I don’t know what to do about it.” “You had better do something about your problem,” the bartender replied. “You can be sure I’ll remember you and will never serve you another drink until you get help.”

It was months before the man faced the bartender again. When he asked for a beer, the bartender refused. Then the man explained that he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that his problem was solved. Convinced it was now okay to serve him, the bartender poured him a drink. The man took the glass and splashed the beer into the barkeeper’s astonished face. “I thought you were cured,” the shocked bartender screamed. “I am,” said the man. “I still do it, but I don’t feel guilty about it anymore.”

Unfinished Business, Charles Sell, Multnomah, 1989, p. 223

Resources for Doubt

2009-04-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Faith and Doubt (Hardcover)

by John Ortberg

We all have doubts, even if we don't want people to know about them. It can be difficult to reconcile the evil we see in the world with a truly loving God. In "Faith & Doubt" author and pastor John Ortberg explores his own doubts and the observations of philosophers and theologians to discover when doubt becomes an obstacle to faith, and when it helps you grow. See how questions and uncertainty can lead you to deeper trust in Jesus.

(description from christianbook.com)

The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity (Paperback)

by Lee Strobel

In his #1 bestseller The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel examined the claims of Christ, reaching the hard-won verdict that Jesus is God's unique son. In The Case for Faith, Strobel turns his skills to the most persistent emotional objections to belief - the eight "heart barriers" to faith. This Gold Medallion-winning book is for those who may be feeling attracted to Jesus but who are faced with difficult questions standing squarely in their path. For Christians, it will deepen their convictions and give them fresh confidence in discussing Christianity with even their most skeptical friends.

(description from christianbook.com)

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (Hardcover)

by Timothy Keller

How could a loving God send people to hell? Why does he allow suffering? Can one religion be "right" and the others "wrong"? Responding to the questions of open skeptics and ardent believers, Keller draws from literature, philosophy, reason, and real-life conversations to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief.

(description from christianbook.com)

A Place for Skeptics: A Spiritual Journey for Those Who May Have Given Up on Church But Not on God (Hardcover)

by Scott Larson & Chris Mitchell

If you, or someone you know, are reconsidering some of the larger questions of life, then this is the book for you. This 30-day spiritual journey examines questions about God, the Bible, faith and Jesus. A Place for Skeptics is written as a conversation, engaging Christian truth in a relevant, non-confrontational style.

Modern questions and doubts intersect with ancient confessions of the Christian faith in this provocative book of reflections. What results is the opportunity to consider the validity of Christianity and what it may mean to nurture and grow a real faith. This is not a book of answers, how-tos or formulas but rather a book about asking good questions. And good questions honestly asked can lift us out of our everyday struggles to give us a glimpse of the bigger issues of life. Want a new perspective, a place to wrestle with your questions? You can use A Place for Skeptics as a tool on your journey with God. It might even be a tool God uses on His journey with you.

For interested skeptics who are not yet ready to come to church but are considering it, as well as new believers looking for something to put them on the path of regular reflection and prayer experience community by finding that you're not the only one with questions about faith.

(description from the publisher's website: regalbooks.com)

Life after Birth - A Parable

2009-04-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

In Our Greatest Gift, Henri Nouwen tells a parable of faith and hope. He imagines twins–a brother and a sister–talking to each other in their mother's womb:

The sister said to the brother, "I believe there is life after birth."

Her brother protested vehemently, "No, no, this is all there is. This is a dark and cozy place, and we have nothing else to do but to cling to the cord that feeds us."

The little girl insisted, "There must be something more than this dark place. There must be something else, a place with light where there is freedom to move." Still, she could not convince her twin brother.

After some silence, the sister said hesitantly, "I have something else to say, and I'm afraid you won't believe that, either, but I think there is a mother."

Her brother became furious. "A mother!" he shouted. "What are you talking about? I have never seen a mother, and neither have you. Who put that idea in your head? As I told you, this place is all we have. Why do you always want more? This is not such a bad place, after all. We have all we need, so let's be content."

The sister was quite overwhelmed by her brother's response and for a while didn't dare say anything more. But she couldn't let go of her thoughts, and since she had only her twin brother to speak to, she finally said, "Don't you feel these squeezes every once in a while? They're quite unpleasant and sometimes even painful."

"Yes," he answered. "What's special about that?"

"Well," the sister said, "I think that these squeezes are there to get us ready for another place, much more beautiful than this, where we will see our mother face-to-face. Don't you think that's exciting?"

The brother didn't answer. He was fed up with the foolish talk of his sister and felt that the best thing would be simply to ignore her and hope that she would leave him alone.

Henri Nouwen, Our Greatest Gift: A Meditation on Dying and Caring (Harper: SanFrancisco, 1994), pp. 19-20.

2009-04-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Message of Hope

Dear Friend:

Watching my kids swim the other day stirred some old memories of when they were really little and we would go swimming. At two or three years of age, they were fearless in a pool. I remember our oldest, Jon, standing on the edge of a hotel pool and simply shouting to me, “catch me daddy!” Wherever I was in the water he thought I could be there immediately to catch him as he said those words and took the plunge into the deep end.

Jon had no inhibitions about whether or not I would be there when he jumped or whether or not I would be physically coordinated enough to catch him. He assumed it. He had no doubt or reservation.

Over the years, as the various dangers and realities of such a jump began to settle into Jon’s perspective on the world, things would change. He would not always be so willing to jump with the expectation that I would be there. Fears would emerge about water dangers and doubts would develop about my physical strength and agility.

Some of us came to faith in Jesus through a skeptical search. Others may have initially had the simple, clear faith like the faith of a child from the start - uninhibited and free of any doubt. Then, over time, we may have found ourselves second-guessing such things as the existence of God, the authenticity of the Bible, the resurrection of Christ, the forgiveness of sins by grace through faith alone, or the presence of the Holy Spirit inside the believer.

Have you ever wondered if what you believe is actually true? Have you ever questioned whether or not you were really God’s child? Have you ever questioned why God allows some of the things he allows to happen? Have you gone through seasons of doubt in your spiritual journey? Have you stood back from the edge and reevaluated God and your relationship with Him? Maybe you are grappling with these uncertainties today.

My message this Sunday will address the “Benefit of the Doubt” that most of us deal with at some point or another. Uncertainty is always a part of faith and doubt can be a positive part of our growth in trusting God. I will talk about the difference between “good doubt” and “bad doubt” as we look at the visits of Jesus after the resurrection to the Upper Room where His followers were gathered. We will see how Jesus addressed the fears of the Bible’s most famous doubter – Thomas.

So if you have doubts or you have ever experienced lingering uncertainties regarding your faith in God, this message is for you!

Shawn Thornton
Senior Pastor

That's My King! (Remix)

2009-04-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the S.M. Lockridge's audio presentation of "That's My King!" with a video remix. Below it is the original video that is most familiar with the audio clip.

Original video presentation:

Hope - The Tomb is Empty!

2009-04-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

That's My King!

2009-04-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite video clips (& audio clips) ever!

Jesus Wants the Rose

2009-04-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

As Christ-followers, we often communicate our stand for morality and righteousness in a way that judges others with no attempt to point them to the grace of Jesus. In the 4+ minute clip below, Pastor Mark Chandler contrasts two different perspectives about what Jesus thinks about lives broken and left barren by sin. Great clip with challenging thoughts!

The Final Week of Jesus Earthly Ministry

2009-04-05T01:52:00.000-07:00

To help you review and reflect on what the week between Jesus' triumphal entry and his resurrection involved, use this one page PDF resource: The Final Week.

Radical Generosity!

2009-03-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Plate (video)

What happens after the offering plate (or basket) is passed? Watch this clip and be blessed by what God does when His people give to His Church!

Click Here

The Treasure Principle (book)

Here is the book I mentioned about giving: The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. It is easy to read (maybe an hour), but packed with life changing principles about money, giving, etc. Caution: Do not read unless you are willing for God to radically alter how you give to the work of His Kingdom!

Click Here

The Prodigal God (book)

The other book I have mentioned for a couple of weeks now is The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. I am urging all of us to read this before Easter. It will change your perspective on the grace of God toward you and others.

Click Here

Both of these books are being made available at the Journey Resource Center in Calvary's main lobby. Check with the staff there to see if either are currently in stock. Otherwise, some other local bookstores have had both in stock or you can make your order through an online source such as Amazon.

Step up to the edge!

2009-03-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

These clips will help you step up to the edge and get a fresh glimpse of God! (working on correcting the size of each clip - they seem to be cut off on the right side - sorry about that).

How Great is Our God! - Louie Giglio

That's My King!

Amazing Grace by Whintley Phipps

How to Pray in the Midst of Financial Catastrophe

2009-03-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

Philip Yancy wrote a great article about prayer being a surefire investment during a financial crisis. We get a fresh opportunity to realign who we are and what we value during an economic downturn so drastic it has implications for all of us.

Yancy links our prayer during crisis to what Jesus Himself taught us to pray: "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." He sees what we are experiencing as a potential return by the followers of Christ to the foundation of a missional financial focus.

Read the article from the January 2009 issue of Christianity Today by clicking on the link below:

Click Here!

Had a Great Live Blog About Small Group Community - 3/1/09

2009-03-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

We discussed the topic of building community at Calvary. What does that look like? What avenues have others explored to experience community with brothers and sisters in Christ? What were some bad experiences? What were some good experiences?

I chatted live via video and was joined in the blog chat by Drew Sams (Calvary's Student Ministries Pastor) and Carolyn Taketa (Calvary's director of Small Groups).

Below is a transcript of the blog. It does not have the live video and audio of me, but it does give you a sense of what the comments among the chatters and to my live voice were during the hour.

How Calvary Can Build Community

Article Connected to Friday's Take5

2009-02-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

For the article by John Ortberg that coincides with the Take5 for today, please click the link below:

Click Here (updated and corrected - sorry for any inconvenience)

Resources for Daily Bible Reading!

2009-02-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

Allowing God's Word to grow you daily is a vital part of living your life for Christ. Here are some resources for reading the Bible and thinking about it daily so it can change you!

Our Daily Bread (from Radio Bible Class)

Click Here

Read through the Bible in a Year (from Christianity Today)

Click Here

Resources mentioned in the Message Today.

2009-02-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

Resources mentioned in the message about the Bible today.

Being the Church today! - Discuss it here! Replay!

2009-02-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Simply push the replay button in the middle of the window below and you will be able to review the discussion Pastor Drew and I had with 53 people in a live interactive blog Monday night about how the church can be the church today. Please note that I was on a live webcam, so you will not see many messages from me. Participants could see and hear me.

Being the Church today!

2009-02-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

There are two opportunities to chat with Pastors Shawn and Drew (and others) in an interactive online discussion about what the church looks like when it is being the church.

How will the Body of Christ live out Jesus in a world gripped by crisis and uncertainty? Are those who are not Christ-followers looking for Jesus in His church today? What influence can or should the church have on people in the current culture? Is the financial chaos of our times a window of opportunity for churches to re-calibrate to the core ideals of the early church as found in the Book of Acts, or has the evangelical church lost a voice of legitimacy altogether?

The online dialogue will follow Pastor Shawn's first message (Sunday, Feb 15th) in a series of seven messages addressing the church's need to be marked by authenticity, simplicity, and community.

Join us Monday (Feb 16th) and Thursday (Feb 19th) between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. - right here at this blog site. A live blogging tool known as "Coveritlive" will be used to facilitate the chat-room-like interaction of the two host pastors with those who participate.

It should be a great discussion! Sign up below to get a reminder for one or both events - or just show up here at either time.

It Is Well - Listen to My Playlist

2009-01-31T11:40:00.000-08:00

In my message this weekend I referenced a playlist of music that will remind you of God's faithfulness and strength through Christ in you. Here it is. This should play through your web browser - just click the play button. You can purchase a song on iTunes for download right here. If you simply listen, may God minister to your heart today. If you download one or more tracks, I trust these songs will be an ongoing encouragement to you.

It Is Well

Scripture to Use in your Battle of the Mind

2009-01-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

Today, I spoke on 1) Think Right, 2) Do Right, 3) Feel Right from Philippians 4:8-9. Here are two online resources that might help you find a topic you struggle with in terms of thinking right:

Verses Divided By Counseling Subjects - This list comes from a church called Bible Center (not the same church I was pastor of before coming to California). It might be the easiest resource to use for locating a Scripture that might help you in your struggle. Much of the material comes from a book titled Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling by John G. Kruis.

Verses in Broad Topical Format - This is a helpful online resource for any topical study of the Bible. It is the online version of Nave's Topical Bible and Torrey's New Topical Textbook. You can search either resource via the dropdown box at the top of the screen. If the first resource listed above does not touch on the area of your struggle, then you may find this helpful.

Philippians Chapter 3 - New King James Version (NKJV)

2009-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Philippians 3 (New King James Version)

All for Christ

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit,[a] rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule,[b] let us be of the same mind.

Our Citizenship in Heaven

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Philippians Chapter 3 - New Century Version (NCV)

2009-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Philippians 3 (New Century Version)

The Importance of Christ

1 My brothers and sisters, be full of joy in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it will help you to be more ready.2 Watch out for those who do evil, who are like dogs, who demand to cut[a] the body.3 We are the ones who are truly circumcised. We worship God through his Spirit, and our pride is in Christ Jesus. We do not put trust in ourselves or anything we can do,4 although I might be able to put trust in myself. If anyone thinks he has a reason to trust in himself, he should know that I have greater reason for trusting in myself.5 I was circumcised eight days after my birth. I am from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a Hebrew, and my parents were Hebrews. I had a strict view of the law, which is why I became a Pharisee.6 I was so enthusiastic I tried to hurt the church. No one could find fault with the way I obeyed the law of Moses.7 Those things were important to me, but now I think they are worth nothing because of Christ.8 Not only those things, but I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ9 and to belong to him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with him.10 I want to know Christ and the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death.11 Then I have hope that I myself will be raised from the dead.

Continuing Toward Our Goal

12 I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his.13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead,14 I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

15 All of us who are spiritually mature should think this way, too. And if there are things you do not agree with, God will make them clear to you.16 But we should continue following the truth we already have.

17 Brothers and sisters, all of you should try to follow my example and to copy those who live the way we showed you.18 Many people live like enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often told you about them, and it makes me cry to tell you about them now.19 In the end, they will be destroyed. They do whatever their bodies want, they are proud of their shameful acts, and they think only about earthly things.20 But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. 21 By his power to rule all things, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body.

Philippians Chapter 3 - J.B. Phillips' New Testament in Plain English

2009-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Philippians 3 (Phillips' New Testament in Plain English)

3:1 - In conclusion, my brothers, delight yourselves in the Lord! It doesn't bore me to repeat a piece of advice like this, and if you follow it you will find it a great safeguard to your souls.

The "circumcision" party are the enemies of your faith and freedom

3:2-3 - Be on your guard against these curs, these wicked workmen, these would-be mutilators of your bodies! We are, remember, truly circumcised when we worship God by the Spirit, when we find our joy in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in what we are in the flesh.

I was even more of a Jew than these Jews, yet knowing Christ has changed my whole life

3:4-6 - If it were right to have such confidence, I could certainly have it, and if any of these men thinks he has grounds for such confidence I can assure him I have more. I was born a true Jew, I was circumcised on the eighth day, I was a member of the tribe of Benjamin, I was in fact a full-blooded Jew. As far as keeping the Law is concerned I was a Pharisee, and you can judge my enthusiasm for the Jewish faith by my active persecution of the Church. As far as the Law's righteousness is concerned, I don't think anyone could have found fault with me.

3:7-11 - Yet every advantage that I had gained I considered lost for Christ's sake. Yes, and I look upon everything as loss compared with the overwhelming gain of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord. For his sake I did in actual fact suffer the loss of everything, but I considered it useless rubbish compared with being able to win Christ. For now my place is in him, and I am not dependent upon any of the self-achieved righteousness of the Law. God has given me that genuine righteousness which comes from faith in Christ. How changed are my ambitions! Now I long to know Christ and the power shown by his resurrection: now I long to share his sufferings, even to die as he died, so that I may perhaps attain as he did, the resurrection from the dead.

3:12-14 - Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have "arrived", spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now. But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal - my reward the honour of being called by God in Christ.

My ambition is the true goal of the spiritually adult: make it yours

3:15-16 - All of us who are spiritually adult should set ourselves this sort of ambition, and if at present you cannot see this, yet you will find that this is the attitude which God is leading you to adopt. It is important that we go forward in the light of such truth as we have ourselves attained to.

3:17-21 - Let me be your example her, my brothers: let my example be the standard by which you can tell who are the genuine Christians among those about you. For there are many, of whom I have told you before and tell you again now, even with tears, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. These men are heading for utter destruction - their god is their own appetite, their pride is in what they should be ashamed of, and this world is the limit of their horizon. But we are citizens of Heaven; our outlook goes beyond this world to the hopeful expectation of the saviour who will come from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will re-make these wretched bodies of ours to resemble his own glorious body, by that power of his which makes him the master of everything that is.

Philippians Chapter 3 - New American Standard Bible (NASB)

2009-01-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;

3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Philippians Chapter 3 - New Living Translation (NLT)

2009-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Philippians 3 (New Living Translation)

The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.

2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Pressing toward the Goal

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Philippians Chapter 3 - English Standard Version (ESV)

2009-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Philippians 3 (English Standard Version)

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Philippians Chapter 3 from The Message

2009-01-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my message this morning at Calvary, each day this week I will post Philippians chapter 3 in a different version or paraphrase of the Bible. We read it from the New International Version today during the service. Below is the text as taken from Eugene Peterson's paraphrase "The Message." Look again for the mile markers Paul gives regarding your life's journey on planet earth.

Philippians 3 (The Message)

To Know Him Personally

1 And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don't mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes.

2-6Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.

7-9The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.

10-11I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

Focused on the Goal

12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

20-21But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - "Cry Out to Jesus"

2008-12-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

No matter what, we can turn to Jesus. He hears our cry!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - "The Nativity"

2008-12-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

Great clip to see the baby Jesus in all His magnificence and power! May this help you to focus on Him today!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - The Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

As you turn your eyes on Jesus this week, try and imagine how Jesus would celebrate His birth. The clip below is thought provoking and could be life changing!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - "Jesus, Messiah"

2008-12-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

What a great song from Chris Tomlin to turn our hearts and minds to Jesus!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

2008-12-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Here is another clip that will help you turn your eyes upon Jesus. This one is a little older and a little longer, but the story it great. An old song with a story behind it that connects to hearts today!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - "Mary Did You Know?"

2008-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

I love this song. It makes you think about Jesus in a fresh way!

One Solitary Life

2008-12-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Great Poem! Click on the title to go to a video of it. Enjoy!

One Solitary Life

By James Allen Francis

He was born in an obscure village,

the child of a peasant woman.

He grew up in another obscure village,

where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty.

Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

He never had a family or owned a home.

He never set foot inside a big city.

He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born.

He never wrote a book, or held an office.

He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness.

While He was still a young man,

the tide of popular opinion turned against Him.

His friends deserted Him.

He was turned over to His enemies,

and went through the mockery of a trial.

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.

While He was dying,

His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had --- His coat.

When He was dead,

He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave.

Twenty centuries have come and gone,

and today He is the central figure for much of the human race.

All the armies that ever marched,

and all the navies that ever sailed,

and all the parliaments that ever sat,

and all the kings that ever reigned,

put together,

have not affected the life of man upon this earth

as powerfully as this "One Solitary Life."

Sunday, December 14th New and Improved Outline

2008-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the completed outline of today's message:

Life Interrupted

Luke 2:8-20 & Matt. 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19

Christmas at Calvary Part 2

Unexpected changes to your life will either draw you closer to God or drive you further from God.

#1: What to do immediately when life changes suddenly (Luke 2:8-20)

· Reach Out - Community

· Move Forward - Obedience

· Lift Up - Worship

#2: What to do thoroughly, when life changes gradually (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)

· List the evidences of God’s love

· List the evidences of God’s power

· List the evidences of God’s plan

Do you draw closer to God when your life gets interrupted?

Did You Know?

2008-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

While in a meeting in Chicago, I saw this incredible video clip about the pace of change in our world. Things are changing and they are changing fast! This means the Good News of Jesus Christ can spread even more quickly than it did before!

Enjoy!

Every Knee

2008-11-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

Drew Sams and I team taught a vital portion of Scripture this morning. Philippians 2:1-11 has so many key theological and practical concepts intertwined. What a challenging passage!

God has greatly gifted Drew and I am thankful he serves as the Student Ministries Pastor at Calvary. It was an honor to work with him in preparing and delivering today's message.

To top off the whole morning, we saw various people willingly enter the waters of baptism to declare their allegiance to Jesus. It was such an encouraging service!

The passage we studied concludes with an incredibly bold statement about our Savior and Lord. Watch the clip below for the challenge of the text.

Great Men's Breakfast!

2008-11-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today I had the great privilege of speaking at the men's breakfast at Calvary. What a tremendous room of men - two hundred and twenty-five strong! I could sense the energy the men's ministry has developed in the last year and a half. The strength of this ministry will be critical for Calvary as we move forward with the message of Christ!

I told the men I would post information about the book I suggested could help them intentionally pursue the very heart of God. So here is the information:

A MAN'S GUIDE TO THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

12 HABITS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST By PATRICK MORLEY

Moody Publishers

ISBN: 978-0-8024-7551-0

Jeremy Camp's Testimony

2008-11-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I referenced Jeremy Camp's personal testimony in my sermon yesterday. Here is his story:

Mehdi Dibaj

2008-11-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

In today's sermon, I told the story of Mehdi Dibaj. What an incredible story of one caught between two worlds. Mehdi Dibaj’s Final Testament is an extraordinary document. After spending nine years in an Iranian prison on the charge of apostasy, he was eventually tried before the Islamic courts in December 1993 where he gave this courageous defense below. While I read only a portion of his defense this morning, here is the entire statement. It is worth the read!

Due to pressure though from human rights groups, Mehdi Dibaj was released in early 1994. His freedom was short-lived. On June 24th he was returning from a retreat to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. He never arrived for the party and on July 5th the authorities found his murdered body.

In the holy name of God who is our life and existence.

With all humility I express my gratitude to the Judge of all heaven and earth for this precious opportunity, and with brokenness I wait upon the Lord to deliver me from this court trial according to His promises. I also beg the honoured members of the court present to listen with patience to my defence and with respect for the Name of the Lord.

I am a Christian, a sinner who believes Jesus has died for my sins on the cross and who by His resurrection and victory over death, has made me righteous in the presence of the Holy God. The true God speaks about this fact in His Holy Word, the Gospel. Jesus means Saviour, ‘because He will save His people from their sins.’ Jesus paid the penalty of our sins by His own blood and gave us a new life so that we can live for the glory of God by the help of the Holy Spirit and be like a dam against corruption, be a channel of blessing and healing, and be protected by the love of God.

In response to this kindness, He has asked me to deny myself and be His fully surrendered follower, and not fear people, even if they kill my body.

I have been charged with ‘Apostasy.’ The invisible God who knows our hearts has given assurance to us Christians that we are not among the apostates who will perish, but among the believers so we may save our lives. In Islamic law an apostates is one who does not believe in God, the prophets or the resurrection of the dead. We Christians believe in all three!

They say, ‘You were a Muslim and you have become a ‘Christian.’ No, for many years I had no religion. After searching and studying I accepted God’s call and I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ in order to receive eternal life. People choose their religion, but a Christian is chosen by Christ. He says, ‘You have not chosen me but I have chosen you.’ From when? Before the foundation of the world. People say, ‘You were a Muslim from your birth.’ God says, ‘You were a Christian from the beginning.’ He states that He chose us thousands of years ago, even before the creation of the universe, so that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we may be His! A Christian means one who belongs to Jesus Christ.

The eternal God, who sees the end from the beginning and who has chosen me to belong to Him, knew from everlasting whose heart would be drawn to Him and who would be willing to sell their faith and eternity for a pot of porridge.

I would rather have the whole world against me, but know the Almighty God is with me; be called an apostate, but know I have the approval of the God of glory.

The Almighty God will raise up anyone He chooses and bring down others; accept some and reject others; send some to heaven and others to hell. Now because God does whatever He desires, who can separate us from the love of God? Or who can destroy the relationship between the creator and the creature.

Our refuge is the mercy seat of God who is exalted from the beginning. I know in whom I have believed, and He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him to the end, until I reach the Kingdom of God, the place where the righteous shine like the sun, but where the evil doers will receive their punishment in hell fire.

They tell me, ‘Return!’ But from the arms of my God, who can I return to? Is it right to accept what people are saying instead of obeying the Word of God? It is now 45 years that I am walking with the God of miracles, and His kindness upon me is like a shadow and I owe Him much for His fatherly love and concern.

The love of Jesus has filled all my being and I feel the warmth of His love in every part of my body. God, who is my glory and honour and protector, has put His seal of approval upon me through His unsparing blessings and miracles. The good and kind God reproves and punishes all those whom He loves. He tests them in preparation for heaven. The God of Daniel, who protected His friends in the fiery furnace, has protected me for nine years in prison and all the bad happenings have turned out for our good and gain, so much so that I am filled overflowing with joy and thankfulness.

The God of Job has tested my faith and commitment in order to strengthen my patience and faithfulness. During those nine years He has freed me from all my responsibilities so that under the protection of His blessed Name I would spend my time in prayer and study of His Word, with heart searching and brokenness, and grow in the knowledge of my Lord. I praise the Lord for this unique opportunity. ‘You gave me space in my confinement, my difficult hardships brought healing and your kindness revived me.’ Oh what great blessings God has in store for those who fear Him!

They object to my evangelising. But, ‘If you find a blind person near a well and keep silent then you have sinned’ [a Persian proverb]. It is our religious duty, as long as the door of God’s mercy is open, to convince evil-doers to turn from their sinful ways and find refuge in Him in order to be saved from the wrath of a Righteous God and from the coming dreadful punishment.

Jesus Christ says, ‘I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.’ Among the prophets of God, only Jesus Christ rose from the dead and He is our living intercessor forever.

He is our Saviour and He is the Son of God. To know Him means to know eternal life. I, a useless sinner, have believed in His beloved person and all His words and miracles recorded in the Gospel, and I have committed my life into His hands. Life for me is an opportunity to serve Him, and death is a better opportunity to be with Christ. Therefore I am not only satisfied to be in prison for the honour of His Holy Name, but am ready to give my life for the sake of Jesus my Lord and enter His kingdom sooner, the place where the elect of God enter everlasting life, but the wicked to eternal damnation.

May the shadow of God’s kindness and His hand of blessing and healing be upon you and remain for ever. Amen.

With Respect,

Your Christian prisoner.

Mehdi Dibaj

There Will Be a Day!

2008-11-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, we will conclude our worship service (Lord willing) with a song by Jeremy Camp. The song is titled: "There Will Be a Day" (iTunes link here). It speaks of the day we are with Jesus and all tears are wiped away. Camp knows the tears of life. His first wife, Melissa Lynn Henning, died of ovarian cancer one year after they were married. She was 21 and he was 23.

While on earth, we do experience suffering in our bodies, but THERE WILL BE A DAY for every believer when all this is in the past and we are whole and at home with Jesus! Listen to Jeremy Camp share a devotional in the video below based on his song .

America Can Celebrate!

2008-11-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have been reading "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

In this book Goodwin tells the story of Abraham Lincoln and his chief rivals who became his good friends. The theme of their development as leaders in America surrounded the issue of slavery.

Many of the stories of how people of color were treated in our nation were hard to read. The bigotry, anger, and cruelty of 19th century America toward African-Americans is not easy to digest. Over my 40+ years on planet earth, I have all too often run into people who have deep hate for others merely because of race.

Tonight I celebrate that our nation has come to the point we have elected a man who 150 years ago would be considered nothing more than property by some Americans. Wow! What a good thing it is that we have come this far as a country!

I am proud to be an American!

Vote!

2008-11-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder to enjoy the right and privilege we have as citizens of the great experiment of self-governance we like to call the "United States of America" - Go VOTE on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

Many who take their vote for granted would be very upset if it were taken away. Not sure why they don't then embrace this special privilege as Americans and go vote. Don't take your vote for granted!

VOTE!

Happy 40th Birthday Lesli!

2008-11-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

I waited a day to mention that my wife celebrated her 40th birthday yesterday. Why wait? Knowing Lesli, I did not think she would want a thousand people stopping her this morning at church and giving her birthday wishes. But, Happy Birthday Lesli!

Lesli and I went to the Broadway show "Wicked" at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood yesterday afternoon (a nice Saturday afternoon matinee). Afterwards we had dinner together and then headed home. The kids enjoyed the day with friends.

It was a nice birthday. No black balloons or anything like that! Just us - enjoying the special day!

By the way, "Wicked" which is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz was just incredible! Check out the Wikipedia reference here.

Stop Daylight Savings Time!?

2008-11-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight as we go to bed, we will turn our clocks back an hour. My home state of Indiana just joined the rest of the nation in utilizing Daylight Savings Time (DST). When I was growing up in Northern Indiana, we did not spring forward or fall back. We simply let the sun adjust and we adjusted to the sun.

When I went off to college in West Virginia, I had to get accustomed to this idea of changing my clock twice a year. It was weird to make the change. Now, I am use to it.

But as the clip below shows, not everyone was in favor of the DST idea back in the day. This is an actual clip of an advertisement during a drive-in movie theatre intermission. Check it out and don't forget to move your clock back tonight even if you are against it. You have to live in the real world you know!

Monster Mash

2008-10-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs from the 60's is the song "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett entitled "Monster Mash." Wikipedia has some great information about the origins of this song. Pickett was just messing around and after some prodding from a friend developed this song that is just a lot of fun. Here is the song with some old Disney cartoon clips. Enjoy!

Get at iTunes here.

What a Team!

2008-10-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well the Phillies won the World Series! That's my team! Way to go!

You might be curious as to how I can claim the Philadelphia Phillies as "my team." Well, Lesli and I did live in the Philadelphia area for about 3 years when we were first married. We attended several games at Veterans Stadium each year. Have we followed them closely since then? No, but now that they have won the world series, they are "my team." Notice I even left Lesli out and said "my team" rather than "our team." Amazing, when someone wins who is on and who is not on the team.

While many Phillies fans would question the legitimacy of my calling their beloved team "my team," yesterday I was warmly welcomed to the team of servants here at Calvary. Almost monthly, the employees of Calvary have a staff development day. Generally a couple of hours (including lunch) are spent refreshing, retooling, and refocussing together on the task of serving Christ together in the this place.

Yesterday was my first staff development day. Wow! What a great time! The staff gave me a welcome to California basket that included a nice "california shirt," some great jackets from Oaks Christian School, chap stick and lotion (since the air is so dry), and a compass and maps (for when I lose my way). They were so kind.

God has put together talented people in every department. Whether they work in support services or a specific ministry division each person here is passionate about using their gifts and talents to advance the Gospel. Calvary Community Church is blessed to have such a talented and tender group of servants working here on a daily basis! What a joy to be a part of this team!

On a day when the Phillies might not claim me, I am so glad the team at Calvary has welcomed me so graciously!

Tip of the Iceberg

2008-10-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

As I followed God's call to serve Him at Calvary Community Church, there were many unknowns. I explored as much about the church as I could from the East, but there were many things I simply had to accept at face value. I could only see the tip of the iceberg. While an iceberg is often a negative reference in terms of impending danger, I am using it in the general way. I find iceberg's fascinating. They have a small tip that protrudes above the surface of the water. This tip can misrepresent what lies deep below the surface. Often the vast majority of the iceberg, its shape, and composition cannot be seen from the surface level.

Projects, people, opportunities, and organizations, like icebergs, can be looked at intensely for long periods of time and you may only see the surface reality. What you discover when you start analyzing what's below the surface can often change your assessment.

Even though the whole process and dialogue about my coming to Calvary was as thorough as it could be, it still only provided a "tip of the iceberg" perspective. The elders, staff, and search team attempted to be as informative and as open as they could be about who Calvary was, where it had come from, and how it was positioned for the future. But, until a leader is on site, actively engaged in leadership, he or she cannot know what lies below the surface. How deep is the organization? How healthy are the ministries? How motivated and mobilized are the people? How aligned are the various groups within the body? All these kinds of questions can only be answered at a surface level until a leader has settled into the saddle a bit.

After six weeks of service here, I am so excited to report that Calvary Community Church just gets better the deeper below the surface I go. Is it a perfect place with no problems or issues? No (after all I am here and I brought my own set of issues and problems with me). But, the health, strength, depth, passion, focus, unity, energy, breadth, and heart of Calvary below the surface is even greater than what I discovered above the surface. My early assessments of the "tip of the iceberg" have proven to be confirmed by the rest of the iceberg below the surface!

So what? What difference does it make?

Since the Church has a basic health deep down, that means we will not need to spend a great deal of energy realigning, reestablishing, reorganizing, reframing, or restarting stuff. We can jump in together and see people come to Jesus, see them get grounded and growing, see them live lives pleasing to the Lord, and see them telling others about Jesus. To me it means God is about to take Calvary into a wonderful season of ministry to the people of the Conejo valley and the world - no time wasted on major organizational adjustments! God is about to do some great stuff and we get to be a part of it! It means that together we get to see real lives changed through power of Jesus Christ!

No Jacket Yet!

2008-10-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

While for Southern Californians this may seem normal, I have not yet needed a jacket during the autumn days here in the Greater Conejo Valley area. The temperatures have not yet demanded it. While it can be somewhat cool in the evenings, at night, and in the early mornings, the bulk of the day is sunny, warm, and around 80 degrees (mostly over 80). This seems so strange for a guy who was raised in Northern Indiana - far different from Southern California.

Where my dad lives (Elkhart, Indiana), the weather forecasts for yesterday and today both predicted a 50% chance of rain or snow with highs both days of 39 degrees. Where I live (Simi Valley, CA), the weather forecasts for yesterday and today both predicted 100% chance of sunshine with highs both days of 85 degrees. Big difference!

My guess is that my relatives in Indiana are wearing jackets and more than likely winter coats. Me, I haven't needed a jacket yet during the daytime and maybe twice have I put one on in the evening (when we were going to Oaks Christian School friday night football games - then I didn't need them).

This change of weather from what I grew up with in Indiana and experienced when Lesli and I lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia is so very hard to adapt to. It is just awful!

Please note the sarcasm! And, note that as I write this I am not wearing a jacket!

Like a Bear (or Tiger) Hug

2008-10-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Lesli and I have enjoyed our opportunity to meet many of the people who make up the community of believers here at Calvary. Every Sunday and Monday in October (that makes eight) we have met with around 60 people for a relaxed time of introductions and questions . The last one occurred this evening. These have been incredible for us!

We have deeply appreciated the chance to get to know the flock better. They have been like a congregational bear hug (not a tiger hug - no symbolism with the photo - I just thought it was funny and couldn't find a good bear hugging a guy picture). Anyway, if you were able to attend one of these, thank you. You really helped me get a better understanding of the Calvary family.

I have walked away from all eight receptions with several basic observations (not in any order):

There is great unity in the body about "making much of Jesus"
Many married couples met at Calvary (at least 1 - usually 2 or 3 - at each reception)
People love it when the services draw them into worship
Larry and Becky DeWitt (founding pastor and his wife) are dearly loved
My desire to meet and get to know Larry has blessed many - seemed so natural to me
People are hungry to hear the Word of God taught in a practical way
Many are interested in what the new pastor's vision for Calvary is
There is a passion for a healing among those who have left Calvary in the past few months
The Elders, Ministry Staff, and Congregation are all on the same basic page
People are enthusiastic about their areas of ministry and using their gifts and talents for the Lord's glory
Small group connections have kept many people deeply connected to Calvary during the interim
The church family wants God's best for the Pastor and his family
Calvary Community Church cares about people in the world and our area who are hurting in life
The Calvary body values efforts which strengthen marriages and families
Children and Student ministries are critically important
The church wants to reach out beyond the walls to the community and the world
Whether people have been at Calvary for decades, years, or months they show up to support what God is doing in their church family

The New Adventures of the Thornton Kids - Part 2

2008-10-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

Megan went on a trip with her class this week. On Thursday, the same day Jon got back, her 4th grade class from Hillcrest Christian School, went to the Santa Barbara Mission. She loved it. The next day, I drove her to school and she could not stop talking about all the beauty and history of this church built in the 1780's. She talked about the panoramic views and how neat it was for her to see this place her class had just studied as a part of California History (check out the video clip below).

While compared to the trips of her siblings, her trip was the shortest distance (about 45-55 minutes from her school) and took the least amount of time (1 day), to her, it was as impressive as a trip to the Pali Institute or down the Colorado River.

She bought each of us a small gift from the mission gift shop. Lesli, Katie, Jon, and Megan got trinket souvenirs. She couldn't decide what to bring me. Remember this is a working Catholic Parish. She found a small pamphlet size book of prayers and got it for me. On our way to school the next day she told me she couldn't decide if I would like it more than the other thing she almost got me. I asked what the other thing was. She said it was a special tube of "Holy Water - whatever that is." She went on and said: "I know you like prayer things and holy things." Well, she is right. I will keep and treasure the Catholic prayer book simply because Megan knew I like to pray.

She loved the trip so much she wants us to go visit the mission as a family sometime. We will. Anyway, she had a blast.

The New Adventures of the Thornton Kids - Part 1

2008-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Katie went off to Pali Institute Science Camp. All of the 7th graders at Oaks Christian School loaded buses and spent a couple of days learning, playing games, and developing relationships through trust building activities. Pali describes itself on its own website: "Pali Institute is an outdoor education and science camp facility situation in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains, minutes from Lake Arrowhead and 90 minutes from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange Counties."

Katie came back a bit car sick from the ride, but enthusiastically showed us a DVD that each student got which captured their week in video snippets. She gave us the names of many kids as they came on the screen and told us what happened during each event. She had a blast (except for the bus ride, oh the camp thing, and they didn't get to take enough showers).

This past week, Jon went with his 9th grade class at Oaks on a 4 day/3 night canoe trip down the Colorado River along the Arizona - California border. Led by naturalists, they camped out each night at predetermined spots. These campsites were primitive places to simply pitch tents and visit rough outhouses. No showers, beds, air conditioning, or television could be found anywhere along the trip. He had several different canoe partners. He said the landscape was beautiful (he saw several views like the picture above).

Jon described the details of the class' excursion with a lot of funny stories. He couldn't stop talking about the cool things they saw and did. After four days without a shower and four days of a lot of paddling (not that he got in any trouble - you know, paddling - like rowing), as soon as I picked him up Thursday night, he bragged about how awful he and his stuff smelled and how buff and tan he must have gotten from the trip. He had a blast!

Tomorrow... Part 2 will talk about Megan's excursion with her class.

Can't Get This Chorus Out of My Head Today

2008-10-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

All day today, I have been singing a chorus to myself. It is a Rich Mullins song entitled Sometimes by Step. When a tune gets caught in my head, often Lesli will do anything to distract me with another one. I hum the same part over and over again. I think that can be annoying to others. But today, I kept it to myself and she never heard me or tried to hum another song to get me off my repetitive tune. Anyway, this song (especially the chorus) was a blessing to me throughout the day.

The lyrics are below and you can click on the song title above to locate it on iTunes.

CHORUS:

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

I will seek You in the morning

And I will learn to walk in Your ways

And step by step You'll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days

Boys Will Be Boys

2008-10-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Thought I would simply share a smile today. Enjoy the story below:

After a hearty rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys, a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddle through her kitchen window.

The older of the two, a five year old lad, grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into the water hole. As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, mother ran to the yard in a panic.

'Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!' she asks as she shook the older boy in anger.

'We were just playing 'church' mommy, ' he said.

'And I was just baptizing him.....in the name of the Father, the Son and in....the hole-he-goes.'

To All The Saints at Bible Center

2008-10-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

As I have studied Philippians chapter one over the past few weeks, I cannot help being grateful for, affectionate toward, and praying for the believers at Bible Center Church in Charleston, WV. Below is Philippians 1:3-11 from the New Living Translation. As Paul addresses all the saints at Philippi (verse 1) from his heart, this passage expresses my heart and hope for all the saints at Bible Center.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God.... God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Thanking God for Three New Friends

2008-10-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

While praying today, I thanked God for three men. A year ago, I did not know any one of them. On Sunday, they each became very special to me. Sunday Calvary Community Church hosted an Installation Service for me in the afternoon. With my input, the leadership asked three pastors from the area to each give me a brief challenge.

The three men were: Larry DeWitt (founding pastor of Calvary), Doug Posey (Senior Pastor of Living Oaks Community Church in Thousand Oaks), and Francis Chan (Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley).

Lesli and I met Larry and Becky DeWitt on one of our early trips to Calvary. Larry served as the Senior Pastor of Calvary until about five years ago. He "retired" from the ministry here after almost three decades of service to Christ. I purposely put the word "retired" (I did it again) in quotes because if you know Larry, he will never "retire." What a blessing and encouragement he has been to me. He exudes a genuine, infectious passion for Christ I do not think I have ever experienced this kind of passion in one person (and I doubt I will ever experience this passion from one person again in my lifetime).

His charge to me was to "make much of Jesus." I heard this phrase from him when we first met and instantly connected to it and to him and Becky. They are such great cheerleaders of Calvary and of Lesli and me. As I thanked God for Larry this morning, I asked God to never let me lose the passion Larry brought to Calvary in "making much of Jesus!"

Doug Posey, Curtis Johnson (Executive Pastor at Calvary), and I had lunch a couple of weeks ago. Doug and his wife, Wendy, were a part of the calvary family for a decade and a half. Doug served on staff as a pastor for the vast majority of that time. Four years ago, the Elders of Calvary supported Doug in launching a new church at the other end of the Conejo Valley.

Before I arrived here, many of the leaders and members of Calvary bragged (properly so) about Doug, Living Oaks Community Church and what he has meant to this church family over the years. Doug is so tall he has to duck as he comes through the doorway of most rooms. As we had lunch together, I found him to be a gentle giant. A man committed to God's truth and living it out in grace. His charge to me at the installation service was from Second Timothy chapter 4: "Preach the Word." From what I have learned by chatting with Doug and what I know of his reputation as a pastor, He embodies this thrust personally and professionally. So, today, I thanked God for Doug and the authentic challenge he shared to stick to the Word when it is popular and when it is not popular.

Francis Chan and I met the first Sunday the Thorntons lived in California. It was September 14th and we had arrived two days earlier. Calvary was saying good-bye to interim teaching pastor Gordon Kirk that Sunday so we did not want to disrupt that special time. We visited Cornerstone Community Church where Francis serves as Pastor. Prior to the service, I introduced myself to him and thanked him for the input he had given the leadership at Calvary regarding their search for a Senior Pastor. Calvary's leadership has great respect for Francis and Cornerstone. They are also proud of Francis' wife, Lisa, who grew up as a part of the Calvary family.

The elders had shared with me how Francis had met with them this summer and encouraged them to look first and foremost for a godly man to lead Calvary - not just someone with a certain skill-set. His words to them and prayer with them had been referenced often in my discussions with the Board about coming here as Senior Pastor. While Francis and I have not yet had an opportunity to sit down and chat, he was a perfect fit for me and Calvary in terms of challenging me Sunday afternoon about maintaining my walk with the Lord and pursuing His holiness. His challenge was simply: "Be a godly man." Just after having been in one worship service at Cornerstone, I know Frances is an unwavering preacher of the Word. He is clearly one who makes much of Jesus. So, to hear this man (who is younger than I) tell me to be first and foremost a godly man was truly a challenge and a blessing. I thanked God, today, for this new friend and the focus he has already stirred afresh in my life and ministry.

I thank God for these three new friends and co-workers. May God help me to be a godly man, to preach the Word, and to make much of Jesus!

Momma Scolds Horse

2008-10-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Katie started a six week study of Mandarin Chinese today. As a 7th grader at Oaks Christian School, she is required to take Spanish, Chinese, Latin, and French. The school calls this course the "Language Wheel." Each seventh grade student studies one of these languages for nine weeks and then they all rotate to a new teacher and a new language for the next nine weeks. This gives each student the opportunity to discover the language that interests them and prepares them to pick which language they will take in High School (four years of one of these languages is required to graduate from Oaks).

Katie enjoyed her six weeks in Spanish and really liked the Spanish teacher (she started at Oaks about 3 weeks late so her Spanish session was shortened). Today, she came home and said that on this first day of Mandarin Chinese she learned to say "momma scolds horse." Seemed a bit odd to begin with such a phrase to me, but hey, I don't know one word of Chinese - let alone teach it. It would seem you would teach students how to say things like "good morning" or "how are you today." Again, that's just me.

The teacher taught them these three words to explain about the tonal inflections that make Mandarin so distinct from other languages. These words each demonstrate the various tonal ranges used. Well, that makes sense. I guess the teacher knows best.

Katie loved it. She eats this kind of stuff up. Now she wants to take Spanish for one year (her eighth grade year) and then take Chinese in high school. We will see if that sticks as the plan, but for now, she can sort of say "momma scolds horse."

We are so proud of her and we hope that if we need to rely upon her language skills to communicate to Chinese people, Lesli is scolding a horse at the time.

(Re)Joy - Embracing Life Without Being Silly

2008-10-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Life can be hard. Life can be lonely. Life can be overwhelming.

How do you smile in the middle of life? How do you find joy while facing tough stuff? How do you embrace what you are going through without getting too serious or too silly? Where is the balance? What is the source of such balance?

Today, we begin a new series of messages at Calvary Community Church entitled: "(Re)Joy - Embracing life without being silly." The Apostle Paul writes from a prison cell. Not because of some horrific crime is he sitting in a Roman jail with the constant companionship of Roman guards. No, he is there because he told everyone he could about a man named Jesus and how He changes lives for the better. He is in prison for doing good stuff, for doing God's work.

How can he explain to some people who are special to him about joy from a prison?

Join us on this journey through Paul's letter to the church at Philippi and find out how Paul finds the balance of joy!

Still Amazed He Would Wash Their Feet

2008-10-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today, I spoke at a conference in San Antonio, Texas about the passage in John 13 where Jesus washed the disciples feet. The theme of the conference was "Be a Servant." To me there is no greater example of servanthood than that of the entire life of Christ and no greater image of what that life meant in summary than Jesus stooping to wash the grimy feet of his closest followers.

In a matter of hours he would be beaten, abused, mocked, rejected, and crucified. He knew that. Yet, he taught them such a valuable lesson about life, people, and our mission. In Mark He summarized His whole purpose for coming to earth by saying "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (10:45). Oh that I was that kind of servant. Totally, dedicated to others in life and death!

Friday, I stopped by a Christian Bookstore and saw this statue. What a simple scene, but what a profound challenge - "Be a Servant!" As I communicate the Word at Calvary tomorrow, it is my deepest passion to reflect to the body gathered the very image of Christ - the servant.

Remember the Alamo

2008-10-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I am speaking at an Awana Clubs Conference in Texas. So, today I am in San Antonio. I spent a few hours wandering around the downtown area. The River Walk and the Alamo were great sites to visit. Boy, do I wish Lesli had come with me on this quick trip (I fly back to CA Saturday afternoon). The River Walk is an incredibly beautiful and romantic area.

I had forgotten a great deal of the story behind the Alamo. So, it was fun to "remember the Alamo." Again, Lesli would have been a great touring partner there because she would have seen things I did not see or notice. These kinds of historic places are better when seen through multiple eyes - not just your own.

As I moved through each area of the Alamo, I could not help but picture the people who once inhabited the place. One room in particular had a sign indicating that it had been the hiding place for the women and children who were trapped in the siege and battle of 1836. It was not a large or fancy room. I could imagine the fear and uncertainty that filled that space. When in historic spots, I try to remember that real human beings experienced the setting in real life. They were not mythical beings. They were people just like we are!

I think I will "remember the Alamo."

Herding Cats

2008-10-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today, I was sitting in the Long Beach Airport. I overheard a couple of guys sitting next to me talking about leadership. They were having both a philosophical and practical discussion about what leadership is and what it isn't. One of them kept saying, "leadership is like herding cats."

That made me think of my favorite clip regarding "Herding Cats." Enjoy!

Taking Silly String Seriously

2008-10-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

While preparing for a new series of messages on the book of Philippians, I was googling images that might represent some of my thoughts. My research was not intended to help with presentation graphics (we have such a great creative arts team that I wouldn't even try). For me images often help me grasp abstract concepts.

Since the theme of Philippians is joy and Paul writes about it from prison, I wanted to get an image that was serious about life but having a whole lot of fun at the same time. Words like "joy," "silly," "fun," and "laugh" seemed to be the best to google. Then, I decided to search the two extreme words of "serious" and "silly" - just to see what would happen. Well, the photo above was the result of a google image search. A little research revealed that this is an Los Angeles Municipal Code for Hollywood.

Obviously Los Angeles takes the Halloween usage of Silly String very seriously! Maybe this image will make a good illustration at some point in our study!

Fires Have Many Effects

2008-10-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Death and destruction are the worst of the brush fire results. People's lives are forever changed. Beyond other obvious inconveniences like air quality and smoke, I have learned that fires in Southern California can reek havoc in many other ways as well. Sometimes these problems cause you to learn new things. At least Lesli and I learned a few things!

On Monday when the 118 freeway closed completely to the South of Simi Valley, traffic on the 101 over in Westlake Village was a mess. Getting home at the end of the day was a challenge. Lesli and I needed to get back to the church in the evening for one of the receptions Calvary is hosting this month to welcome us. But, by the time we needed to leave, our main routes to the church (the 23 and the 101) were at a stand still. This has not been the norm for us. While traffic has gotten thick, it has never been at a stand still (even at rush hour). Not until Monday evening!

Fortunately, we got a call from the church office suggesting we come to the church via "surface roads" rather than the freeways. We had no idea there was another way. We went on the "surface roads" and made great time. We found shopping plazas, restaurants, and housing communities we had heard of but had not yet discovered. The route flows well and is beautiful. While most of the fires' results are terrible, the havoc they can cause can force you to learn some new stuff - at least Lesli and I did.

The Four Seasons

2008-10-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Lesli and I attended the 4th of eight receptions to welcome us to Calvary Community Church. Bill Rehwald, an elder, introduced us by reviewing the fours seasons of Southern California: 1) earthquakes, 2) sunshine, 3) mudslides, and 4) fire. He joked about how the Thornton family has experienced three of the major seasons. Mudslides are the only season yet for us to experience.

Today the reality of the infamous SoCal brush fires became obvious to us. Traffic was backed up on the 101 and the 23 freeways (since the 118 was closed). Smoke was so thick from the major fire about 10 miles from the church and somewhat closer to our house that fire alarms went off at the church and Jon and Katie's school. Ash fell from the sky like scattered snowflakes. The smoke created an eerie yellow affect to the sky and daylight around noon.

All this was caused by dry conditions and by strong Santa Ana winds. These winds are strange to someone from the east. Skies are blue (until the smoke moves in) and wind gusts like a major thunderstorm blow through. A very unusual occurrence when you are accustomed to storm clouds forming along with such winds.

Everyone we ran into throughout the day today simply said: "Well, welcome to Southern California!"

One of the great things to observe involved a sister church to Calvary. Shepherd of the Hills, a strong Evangelical church near the main fire has had a tremendous testimony as the main evacuation center for families. What a refreshing demonstration of the kindness of Christ in this tough season!

Trust His Heart - Lyrics & iTunes Link

2008-10-12T22:52:00.001-07:00

I concluded today's sermon with the lyrics from a song recorded by Gospel singer Babbie Mason. Entitled "Trust His Heart," the song encourages the followers of Christ to rely upon the sovereign, loving heart of the Savior when they cannot see the evidence of His hand in their lives.

After the death of their brother Lazarus, Mary and Martha could not see what God was doing in working out His eternal plan through their lives. Jesus demonstrated how worthy He is of His followers' trust in raising Lazarus from the dead! When you cannot see what He is doing, trust His heart!

Many asked me about where they could get the lyrics and the recording of this powerful song. So, the lyrics are found below and here is the link to Babbie Mason's song on iTunes: CLICK HERE.

Trust His Heart
All things work for the good
Though sometimes we can't
See how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can't see him,
Remember He's still on the throne

Chorus:

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When don't see his plan
When you can't trace his hand
Trust His Heart

He sees the master plan
He holds the future in his hand,
Don't live as those who have no hope,
While our hope is found in him.
We see the present clearly
But he sees the first and last
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me,
To someday be just like him

(Chorus)

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

(Chorus)

When you can't trace his hand
When you don't see his plan
When you don't understand
Trust His Heart

What I Watch to Relax

2008-10-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I shared with you what I am currently reading to kick back a bit. One of the other things I enjoy is laughing - laughing while watching old TV sitcoms is especially fun. My DVR records a couple of old sitcoms every day. From time to time, I sit down and watch an episode or two.

This week I watched a couple of old The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart episodes. He is so very funny!

I also watched an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies entitled Getting Settled. The youtube clip of the funniest part of this episode is above. The clip includes two great scenes: 1) the Clampetts can't figure out why it is that every time music chimes someone comes to the door, and 2) Jed Clampett invests in stock. Jethro chases the music. Mr. Drysdale encourages Jed to invest some of his fortune in stock. Problems emerge in the difference between what a banker thinks stock is and what a farmer from the hills thinks stock is.

Just click and enjoy the clip. It might be good for some of us to relax and laugh a bit regarding stocks - after a week where the stock market dipped 18%!

What I'm Reading to Relax

2008-10-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Most of my "professional" reading centers around these themes: Bible, theology, Christian life, ministry, leadership, etc. I like to read books outside these themes to simply relax. Fiction is not my favorite. Biographies of historic American figures are what I enjoy most for casual reading. Right now, I am reading "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by presidential biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin.

At nearly a thousand pages, the author spent ten years researching and writing this great book. While I have read several other biographies about Lincoln and his leadership, this book has a unique perspective. Goodwin writes about Lincoln through the eyes of those who were closest to him during his presidency - five men who were at one time some of Lincoln's staunchest rivals. Three of them (Steward, Chase, and Bates) were ahead of Lincoln as the presidential favorite at the 1860 Republican convention. In many ways, he subtly positioned himself to be the alternative choice to these favorites - and it worked.

Lincoln would later include all of his major rivals in his cabinet. Men who had once said awful things about him would come to love and admire him so much as they watched him govern that they were emotionally, personally, and professionally devastated by his assassination more than most.

What Lincoln did in developing his "Team of Rivals" was as unheard of in 19th century politics as it would be today. Imagine Barack Obama getting elected President and appointing John McCain Defense Secretary, Sarah Palin Energy Secretary, Hillary Clinton Secretary of Health and Human Services, Bill Richardson Secretary of State, Mitt Romney Commerce Secretary, and Mike Huckabee Attorney General. That is the kind of cabinet of advisors Lincoln built with his "Team of Rivals."

I am enjoying reading the mini biographies of the major rivals Goodwin includes. She does a great job painting portraits of their families, personalities, successes, and struggles. As you understand these various life stories, you understand how they intersected, influenced, and were affected by Abraham Lincoln. Great stuff! Only seven hundred pages to go!

Anyway, that's what I am reading.

Lawn and Garden Services (Times Two)

2008-10-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

As we settle into our new home, there is much to be done. Some of it I can do. Some of it will require professionals. Then there are those things that for the time being I might hire others to do until I settle into a pattern. Lawn and garden care fits this last category. Right now, I do not have a mower and right now I have foliage which is out of control.

Since our house was a foreclosure and sat empty for almost two years, the gardens around the house (while beautiful) have gotten overgrown. They need some attention. So, I contacted the man who mows and manages the flowers, shrubs and trees for about a half hour a week next door to us. He comes every Monday and does a good job for a very reasonable price.

So I called him and we chatted about him spending a half hour a week getting my lawn and plants back in shape. I would take over once everything was cleaned up. Great conversation and an incredible price. Then he called me. Or, so I thought he called me back. It turns out that the two phone calls were two different gardeners offering their services for a few months at an unbelievable rate. Unintentionally, I hired both (thinking I was hiring one).

Both men are hard workers and keep several yards looking great in our neighborhood. Both are hispanic and speak little English. Since I speak very little Spanish, I must have miscommunicated with both of them. So I called and left a message with each (after they both showed up in the same week). My message suggested I needed to talk to them because I had accidently hired two gardeners. I thought that would straighten things out. Boy was I wrong!

This week neither showed up!

God's Son Was Close to Him

2008-10-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Live on national radio a young man named Logan summarized the love of God in sending His Son better than most adults can summarize God's grace. While unpacking some stuff in my office today, I came across the DVD version of the exchange between the radio host "Mike" and the young man named "Logan."

The sincerity, simplicity and genuineness of Logan's words capture how lovingly sacrificial God's act of redemption was for you and for me.

I would urge you to listen to the two and a half minute clip. Let the sweet spirit of this young guy speak to you today!

Click here for the clip of Logan.

Iron Sharpening Iron

2008-10-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

One of the many things I will miss about the opportunity to minister in West Virginia is the great ministry friendships I had developed over the last decade. Two or three times a month I met one on one for breakfast or lunch with other pastors or ministry leaders in the Charleston area.

While our conversations were never that deep in terms of theological discussion or that personal in terms of addressing acute ministry stresses, they were such a blessing. We just talked. The book of Proverbs refers to this kind of connection between God's children as "iron sharpening iron."

Today and last Tuesday I had lunch with local ministry leaders right here in the Conejo Valley. Both are familiar faces to the Calvary family. Last week Larry DeWitt, founding pastor of Calvary, and I met. Even though we had discussed much of Calvary's history during a lunch Lesli and I had with Larry and Becky the weekend of our first visit to Westlake this summer, I asked Larry to share the valley's and peaks of the Calvary journey. While we cannot recreate what God did in the past, we sure do want to build on the shoulders of the giants (like Larry) who have come before us. Often, Larry shared with tears how mighty God has been in working in and through Calvary Community Church.

What a blessing Larry is! His passion for Christ and his energy in life are infectious. After an hour and a half together, I found myself recharged, refueled, and ready to go!

Today, the blessing of "iron sharpening iron" continued as Curtis Johnson and I met with Doug Posey, Senior Pastor of Living Oaks Community Church. Doug had been a part of Calvary for about 18 years (14 of those as a vital part of the pastoral team). While Larry and Doug have different personalities and perspectives from each other, my time was just as much a blessing as my time with Larry had been. Doug gave me a tour of the Living Oaks facilities. God is blessing this sister church of Calvary in wonderful ways. I look forward to hearing for years to come of people coming to Christ and being grounded in his word through their body!

What a blessing Doug is! His focus on teaching the truth of God's Word so people can accept Christ and live lives pleasing to Him challenged me to remain faithful to the clear, practical communication of biblical truth!

I eagerly look forward to my next lunch with each of these dear servants of our Lord. I need the iron sharpening iron our time together has and will bring to my life!

Mr. and Mrs. Chauffeur

2008-10-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Lesli and I have quickly become our kids chauffeurs. They have gone to school socials, birthday parties, and church activities. If they are going to get there, one of us drives them.

Actually, the time spent with our kids in the car talking about their lives has been incredible. They are settling in well here in Southern Cal. They still miss friends and family back east, but they are making friends and getting involved in stuff. Right now, they feel comfortable talking to Mr. and Mrs. Chauffeur about their transitions. So, right now, we are having a blast being the drivers who take Jon, Katie, and Megan where they need to go.

My guess is that over time, we will eagerly await the day the oldest, Jon, learns to drive (next year - yikes!). But, for now, Lesli and I will be content to be Mr. and Mrs. Chauffeur! What a special privilege as parents!

Blessed by Q & A Sessions

2008-10-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Lesli and I spent a couple of hours with over 200 of Calvary's leaders. Today we spent an hour and a half with around 70 people who attended the first of eight October meet and greet receptions. Both events were a great encouragement to us.

While I enjoyed each aspect of our time together, I was blessed by the Q & A time. We simply opened the floor at both events and allowed people to ask me (and Lesli) questions. You can learn a great deal about individuals and groups by the kind of questions they ask. The quality, heart, and vision of the different questions posed blessed us.

In praying about God's leading in terms of Calvary Community Church, I had researched and investigated what Calvary was all about. The Elders and Staff had worked hard to help me through the process of properly understanding Calvary. They were open, honest, and encouraging. As we arrived, I wasn't sure if my read of the Calvary leadership and family was accurate.

The Q & A sessions of yesterday and today further supported the conclusions I had reached. The way in which people asked questions and the focus of the questions went directly to the heart of what church ministry and philosophy is all about.

I thank God for a church family that wants to keep centered on the right stuff - that wants to keep focussed on: "Together, changing lives through Jesus Christ." I thank God for the opportunity to serve as pastor here.

It's raining! Let's wake the kids!

2008-10-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

In the three weeks we have lived in California, the weather has just been awful - blue skies, sun, and more sun. The days have been around eighty degrees and the nights have been nice and cool - around sixty degrees. These conditions make it so hard to enjoy life.

I hope you know sarcasm when you read it!

My wife has misguided our kids into believing that a good rain shower, or better yet, a good thunderstorm should be appreciated and enjoyed. Not me! I grew up in an area that had severe thunderstorm and even tornadoes on a regular basis. Nothing fun about that to me. Lesli however has this warped idea that the more powerful the storm the more beauty it has.

So, when we walked out of the house early today and saw the rain Lesli enthusiastically said: "It's raining! Let's wake the kids!" Wiser thinking prevailed (mine). We let the kids sleep.

They did, however, enjoy the rain and talked about it all day long. Although, we all agree we are willing to suffer through the sunny days of Southern California!

Do I know my way around?

2008-10-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

On my way into the building today, a woman stopped me and asked me a simple question: "Do you know your way around this building?" Based on the fact that my introduction to last Sunday's sermon was about my getting a little lost making my way to the office area a few weeks ago, I thought she was joking. This week a number of people have passed me in the hallways and had some fun about whether or not I was lost. So, I assumed this lady was another person laughing with me about losing my way from my car to my office. But, she was not.

She was a guest in the building legitimately looking for the office area to meet with one of our staff members. Thinking she was "in on the joke," I smiled and simply said, "I hope so - I think I should." By the confused look on this dear lady's face, I realized she did not know me, she had not heard my sermon, and she just might think my comment was a bit rude. Yes, I knew my way around, but I had made no offer to help her.

I quickly explained to her why her question had thrown me off. She and I laughed together while I walked her to the staff office area. We really enjoyed talking and laughing.

By the way, I do know how to get to my office and I haven't been lost in days. I can now tell anyone who asks that I do know my way around the building.

Or, at least I hope I do!

Happy Easter! Happy Easter?

2008-10-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

Like many who are a part of the Calvary Community Church family, I receive the weekly email update from the church office. Generally one of the pastors writes something that helps us see what God has been doing in and through the ministries of the church or they cast vision for what is about to happen.

This week I had written a letter to go out via the email. When I got mine today, it was from our Executive Pastor, Curtis Johnson. I thought it odd that he had replaced the one I had submitted for one of his own. Then, I read it. It reviewed recent events I had not heard about. And at the very end, Curtis introduced one of the final paragraphs by saying "as we enter into this Easter season." Now I know I am new to how California does things, but putting Easter in October seemed a bit strange to me. When I realized this had been some sort of error in terms of which document file got posted to the email, I laughed out loud to myself in my office.

Obviously, this was not suppose to be the email that the Calvary family received (the right one did get sent later). The first (and incorrect) email sent was one from early March of this year. But, as the followers of Christ, if we are going to err, it isn't all that bad to point to Easter - to point to the life-giving, life-changing truth of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. After all, that is what it is all about. We need to keep pointing others to the person and work of Jesus Christ and how they can have new life through faith in Him!

Pointing our attention to the Savior is never bad timing. Maybe sending out the wrong email can be, but celebrating the heart of what Easter is all about should be a 24/7, 365 days a year reality for those who know Jesus!

So, Happy Easter!

If the Boxes Could Talk

2008-10-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

While we have worked hard to settle into our new home here in California, it seems like the one thing I really need is still in a moving box somewhere. Lesli and her parents worked daily for almost two weeks to empty boxes and establish a place for almost everything. Relatively, we don't have many boxes left. My in-laws have returned east and we are beginning to settle into some daily patterns.

Somehow, the boxes and the stuff in them didn't get the message. We have moved in. We are following a sense of routine. Yet, the boxes keep the secrets of just where the item needed is. I think they move around at night.

The box I thought contained the contact solution was on top the stack against the wall when I went to bed. This morning, however, I looked through the top box. The solution wasn't there. After several minutes of opening, searching, and shuffling boxes, I found it in a moving box at the bottom of the stack. But, I know it was in the top box yesterday. Or, at least I think I did.

If I didn't know better, I would think the boxes are plotting against me. My life would be so much easier if the boxes could talk (and they were willing to spill the beans).

This morning during the search for the contact solution, I thought of the Apostle Paul's teaching that we are citizens of heaven just traveling on planet earth until we get to our home with Christ (Philippians 1:27 & 3:20). Even though they can't speak audibly, the boxes have reminded me that I am on a pilgrim journey. Living like a nomad isn't completely bad. It's given me a fresh perspective on my eternal home and my temporary journey.